Seaweek has become a regular annual fixture on the Akaroa events calendar and 2019 is no exception.

Join us to celebrate Seaweek and find out more about the maritime history of Banks Peninsula and be fascinated by an in depth look at the remote Auckland Islands in the Sub-Antarctic Region through the eyes of three experts.

The wild seas around Banks Peninsula have claimed lives and inspired poets. The History students at Akaroa Area School will stage a multi- media presentation that brings to life 175 years of shipwrecks around this rocky coast, and season it with a sprinkling of Denis Glover's nautical poetry. Hear first-hand the story from a local shipwreck survivor- John Wright.
This will take place on Saturday 2 March 5pm at the Courthouse, Akaroa Museum and is titled ‘Poetry and Peril on Banks Peninsula’s wild coastline’.

Akaroa District Promotions are delighted to host three personal stories and perspectives about the fascinating and remote Auckland Islands in the Sub-Antarctic region.

John Rogers (historian, and tour guide) from Auckland talk is titled: ‘The human history of a Remote Wilderness’. For the most part the Auckland Islands are the domain of the whales, see lions and sea birds that call them home. Still, people have had an impact on this place. There have been attempts to settle there, and many shipwreck survivors have been forced to survive the harsh conditions. This is their story.

David Johnston (PD candidate at the University of Otago Marine Science Department) talk is titled ‘Sentinels of the Southern Ocean- Southern Right Whales’.
Port Ross, located in the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands, is one of the primary breeding grounds for the once widespread southern right whale. This population is now beginning to bounce back post-19th century whaling, which brought these animals to the brink of extinction. Over the last three years researchers have been using advances in drone technology in order to quantify not only how many whales are there but also the apparent fitness of these animals.
David is now finishing the first of a three-year PhD project on the recovery of a population of southern right whale.

Shona Riddell (Wellington Author) talk title is: ‘Islands of Despair – The Dramatic History of the Auckland Islands’.
In 1849, 60 men, women and children sailed from Britain to live on the wild, isolated Auckland Islands as part of an ultimately doomed whaling settlement called Hardwicke. Wellington author Shona Riddell’s great-great grandmother was born at Hardwicke, and in 2016 Shona sailed south over stormy seas to visit her ancestor’s remote birthplace.

In her talk Shona will share her family’s story and talk about her own journey to the islands, as well as some of the islands’ other incredible history, including sealing, coast watching and farming.

Copies of her new book, ‘Trial of Strength: Adventures and Misadventures on the Wild and Remote Subantarctic Islands’ (Exisle Publishing $40), will be available for sale on the night.

This wonderful informative evening will take place on Saturday 9 March at 5pm at The Boatshed, Waterfront near Akaroa’s Main Wharf.

Seaweek exclusive:
To celebrate Seaweek, Akaroa Dolphins are offering and exclusive tour every day during Seaweek on the 3.15pm cruise for 25% off. Book by phone or in store quoting Seaweek 19.
Contact Akaroa Dolphins email cruise@akaroadolphins.co.nz or tel 03 3047866.

All the details of events can be found on: www.seaweek.org.nz and www.akaroa.com/seaweek-akaroa

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