South Auckland students set sail with Spirit of Antarctica
A new partnership between Antarctic Heritage Trust and Spirit of Adventure Trust will see South Auckland students embark on a journey of discovery, combining virtual Antarctic exploration with real-world adventure aboard a three-masted tall ship.
The Spirit of Antarctica programme will give 150 students from 10 schools a chance to explore the icy continent through cutting-edge VR technology, before 15 students join a ten-day voyage with Spirit of Adventure Trust.
The education sessions run from 4-12 September 2025 and will see students learn about Antarctica’s rich history of exploration and develop their leadership and teamwork skills, before the sailing voyage departs on 14 September 2025.
Antarctic Heritage Trust Communications and Engagement Manager Anna Clare says the programme is free for students thanks to donors and the new partnership, which will create more opportunities for young people to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
“We’re passionate about supporting young people from all backgrounds to get out there and explore the world. Working with Spirit of Adventure Trust, we’re excited to help these students build confidence and begin to develop their ‘Explorer Mindset’,” says Clare.
“We hope this partnership gets students interested in Antarctica and its history. Maybe some of them will even apply to come on our Antarctic expeditions in the future, where they can challenge themselves and grow important skills like leadership, teamwork and resilience.”
Chantelle Harper, Acting CEO Spirit of Adventure Trust, says joining forces with Antarctic Heritage Trust is a natural fit.
“For more than 50 years, Spirit of Adventure Trust has been taking young people on life-changing voyages of discovery. Our partnership with Antarctic Heritage Trust is creating even more opportunities for youth to broaden their horizons, push boundaries and develop as future leaders,” says Harper. “Adventure is in the DNA of New Zealanders, and by encouraging young people to embrace challenge, growth and leadership, we open a world of possibility, not only for their own futures, but for the strength and resilience of their communities.”
Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate student Rita Kirisome-Mahe will be taking part. Rita sees this as a valuable chance to challenge herself, grow leadership skills, and connect with people from different walks of life.
“This voyage will motivate me to strive towards far horizons. Despite it being my first time away from home for a number of days, my parents are both proud and supportive of me taking part in this programme. This will also be my first experience sailing on a tall ship, I am eager to embrace the adventure and make the most of everything the voyage has to offer,” says Rita.
Schools participating in the programme are part of the AIMHI network (Achievement in Multi-Cultural High Schools). Antarctic Heritage Trust has developed a broad long-term partnership with the network over the last seven years, collaborating to deliver New Zealand-based education and expedition programmes for a range of age groups.
The Trust has also supported eight students to join their Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™ to Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions, including Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate’s 2025 Head Boy Kitiona Pelasio who travelled to Antarctica in January.
“We are thrilled to strengthen and grow our connection with the AIMHI school network through this exciting new programme. By connecting the next generation with the legacy we care for in Antarctica, we hope young people will identify with it, value it, and in the future be motivated to protect it as the next kaitiaki of Antarctica’s important cultural heritage sites.” says Clare.
Schools involved in the programme include: Alfriston College, Aorere College, Auckland Seventh-Day Adventist High School, Edgewater College, Manurewa High School, McAuley High School, Papakura High School, Rosehill College, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate, Tamaki College, and Tangaroa College.
