Explorer Journeys: Porohu Hagai Noa

Inspiring Explorers Expedition™: South Georgia 2023

Inspiring Explorer Porohu Hagai Noa had no idea what to expect when she applied for the South Georgia expedition. It was her final year at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in South Auckland. She was excited to discover she was one of two South Auckland students selected to take part.

Naturally positive, yet shy, Porohu found it a little overwhelming the first time she met the entire expedition team at the team building weekend. By the time they flew out to Chile on their long journey to South Georgia, she had already made strong connections and forged new friendships.

Sailing from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia was a unique experience for the first-time sailor. She was shocked to discover she had found her sea-legs quicker than most. While many of her shipmates battled seasickness amid the rough ocean crossings, Porohu remained unaffected.

Sharing the first glimpse of South Georgia with her fellow Inspiring Explorers™, was an unforgettable moment. “Everyone was so excited when we saw South Georgia for the first time. I got such a surprise to see my first iceberg. I remember thinking, oh my gosh is this real or is it fake? Can I go touch it?” she recalled.

The expedition pushed Porohu outside her comfort zone in many ways. She connected with people from diverse backgrounds she wouldn’t normally encounter in her everyday life. She seized every opportunity to challenge herself, leading group meetings and talking to everyone on the ship. The friendships she made, and her new-found confidence were some of the biggest highlights of the experience, lasting well beyond the expedition.

“Being around a big group of people is a positive thing and it’s really helped my confidence. I had a little break after we got back from South Georgia, then started my building apprenticeship. I was a bit shy when I first started, but because I’m more confident after the expedition, I talk to everyone now,” she shared.

In 2024 Porohu supported the Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Conference in South Auckland. She lead a workshop with a fellow South Georgia alumni and shared about her experience to the 90+ students attending the conference.

Porohu’s journey to South Georgia was life-changing. With your support, more young people can have the same opportunity to explore, learn, and grow.

“Being around a big group of people is a positive thing and it’s really helped my confidence.”