Students chosen for trip to sub-Antarctic islands

28 October 2010

Students chosen for trip to sub-Antarctic islands on board Navy ship

Three secondary school students have been chosen for a week-long adventure on board the Navy ship HMNZS WELLINGTON to the sub-Antarctic islands, setting sail on 6 December.

They were among more than 170 students who applied to take the ocean trip and were chosen because of their interest in science and conservation.

The students selected are Jaime-Leigh Dredge (16) from Reefton Area School, Callum Bolitho (17) from Nayland College in Nelson, and Matthew Skelton-Price (16) from Selwyn College in Auckland.

Primary school teacher Maria Galbraith from Summerland Primary School in Auckland will accompany them on the voyage.

HMNZS WELLINGTON will begin its journey in Bluff on 6 December and end its voyage in Dunedin on 12 December. Along the way the ship will visit some of the sub-Antarctic islands including Campbell, Auckland and Enderby Islands. During the week students will be involved in activities working alongside Department of Conservation staff who will also be travelling on the ship.

The trip for the students is a joint initiative between the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Dr Di McCarthy, chief executive of the Royal Society of New Zealand said “We were very impressed by the high calibre of the candidates and their keenness to undertake the voyage. It is wonderful that the Royal New Zealand Navy has provided this opportunity.”

Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Bruce Pepperel said “We are delighted to continue our long association with the Royal Society of New Zealand and encourage school students who have a particular interest in science and conservation. I’m sure they will have a wonderful time on the trip.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media