Explorer Conference Inspires

Antarctic Heritage Trust was excited to deliver our inaugural Explorer Conference in South Auckland, New Zealand, which was attended by 100 Year 12 students from local high schools.

The Conference was officially opened by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, who told the students the story of her childhood hero, Sir Ernest Shackleton and urged them not to let a lack of confidence hold them back.

Focused on the explorer qualities of curiosity, resilience, leadership, innovation and teamwork, the Conference encouraged students to adopt an explorer mindset and have the confidence to step outside their comfort zones. They heard from inspirational speakers and workshopped topics led by alumni from the Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™. Eleven of the Trust’s alumni took part, representing four of the Trust’s polar expeditions.

Trust alumni and former Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate students Jaylee Savage and A’aifou Kaufusi-Potenami encouraged their peers to challenge themselves before they headed to Vector Wero Whitewater Park to take part in action-based learning activities.

Former Trust Governance Intern William Pike, who lost his leg in an eruption on Mount Ruapehu, delivered a keynote speech. William climbed Mount Scott in Antarctica with the Trust in 2017.

“My message is to step outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid, have the confidence to know that new experiences will make your stronger – don’t let anything hold you back,” he told the students.

For Edgewater College students, Hannah King and Yalda Ahmadi the conference was a day to remember.

“I’ll always remember the Prime Minister saying that you never know what you’re capable of until you try,” said Hannah.

Yalda says the stories the Inspiring Explorers shared were amazing.

“You don’t often hear stories like that. It made me realise that we can dream big and achieve hard things if we set our minds to it,” said Yalda.

Hannah and Yalda’s teacher, Sean McGregor said, “My students and I felt very welcome. The day felt extremely well organised and professionally structured. The presenters were world class and did an exceptional job at captivating the audience. It was a highly successful and enjoyable day.”

Teacher Amara Naus from Southern Cross Campus said, “My students were definitely inspired to step outside their comfort zones. At first, a few were sceptical, but by the end they were more open and excited to try new things. They are already speaking to younger students about the potential to attend next year’s Conference.”

Among Inspiring Explorer alumni was Brando Yelavich who was the first New Zealander to circumnavigate the country on foot, walking the 8,700km coastline. Brando joined the Trust’s expedition to ski across the Greenland ice cap in 2018.

“Through the many different and challenging experiences I’ve had, I’ve learned that achieving your dreams can be as simple as changing your mindset and how you perceive things. I shared some of the times I learned the hard way and urged the students to learn from my mistakes!”

Trust General Manager Operations and Communications Francesca Eathorne says that it was exciting to see the Inspiring Explorers alumni sharing their stories, leading the Conference with passion and confidence and seeing how they engaged with students, encouraging them throughout the day to embrace an explorer mindset.

Thank You

The Trust would like to acknowledge primary supporters Sir Noel and Sue, Lady Robinson, and contributors to the Inspiring Explorers™ Fund for making the Explorer Conference possible.

If you want to help fund more programmes like the Conference, visit nzaht.org/sustain