Explorer Journeys: Destiny Martin

Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia 2023

Destiny grew up in a large family in a town where there were limited prospects. They had big dreams, so they moved with their young brother down to Christchurch at just 16 years old to start a new life. They were juggling work and school while living on their own – but Destiny was bound for great things.

With hard work and determination Destiny became Head Girl at their school. When they were accepted into the Trust’s 2023 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to South Georgia, it was a dream come true. “I grew up in a family of 12 we really struggled financially, so something like this, I didn’t think would happen at all,” shared Destiny.

Destiny has dreams of becoming a teacher, and was excited to use those skills in their outreach project. “I’m super stoked to be able to incorporate my Māori teachings,” said Destiny as they prepared for the expedition.

The expedition allowed Destiny to connect with so many aspects of the world that they had yet to discover. “Whether that was connecting to the Atua, the moana, and the incredible wildlife around me, it also allowed me to deeply connect with myself, and others,” shared Destiny.

“When I stood in Grytviken, I imagined myself in the cold of their times. How the harsh weather spared no man, and how they overcame these challenges. This was a big moment for me, because in school, they tell you these stories of incredible people from all walks of life. And being a kid you just can’t believe that someone could do something so bold and so extraordinary. It seems almost too good to be true. But now, I know that these stories hold true, and I know the significant amount of influence these incredible people like Shackleton can have on our generation,” she shared.
Destiny recently graduated high school and has been accepted into University of Canterbury on full scholarship. “Being Māori a lot of our people tend to settle in Aotearoa without thinking that there is anything outside of it,” said Destiny. They want to continue to inspire young Māori to get out of their comfort zone and travel out of Aotearoa.

“I love how the Antarctic Heritage Trust allows young people like me to not only discover the world, but to discover that little Kiwis like us can make the biggest difference,” said Destiny.

“I grew up in a family of 12 we really struggled financially, so something like this, I didn’t think would happen at all.”