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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.”

Give to the Inspiring Explorers™ Fund and support more kids like Destiny

Four people standing beside the tombstone of Ernest Shackleton.
(L-R) Inspiring Explorers Porohu Hagai Noa, Destiny Martin, Lawrence Rothwell and Kaitlyn Martin visit Shackleton’s grave. © AHT/Anna Clare

Read more about the expedition here:

Antarctica21/Rodrigo Moraga

Connections Create Life-changing Experience in South Georgia

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Twenty-two young New Zealanders travelled with the Trust to South Georgia in October 2023 for our ninth Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ as part of the Shackleton Centenary Year Expedition.
Antarctic Heritage Trust climbing team on Mount Hodges Inspiring Explorers South GeorgiaInspiring Explorers Expedition™ climbing team members during their ascent of Mount Hodges. © AHT/Sam West

First Kiwi climb of South Georgia mountain cancelled – ‘unique’ expedition undertaken instead

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A combination of wind, rain, and limited visibility has prevented a group of young New Zealand explorers from attempting to climb one of the most remote mountain peaks in the world.
Antarctic Heritage Trust

South Georgia Team Announced

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The Trust is delighted to introduce the 22 Inspiring Explorers™ who will embark on an unforgettable journey – heading to South Georgia Island in September 2023. This expedition, presented by respected operator Antarctica21, will honour the centenary year of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final expedition (Quest 1921–1922), which marked the end of the heroic-era of Antarctic exploration.