Inspiring Young Explorers
In the first half of 2024, the Trust hosted two significant Inspiring Explorers™ programme events: our sixth Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit, held in April, and our third Explorer Conference, held in June. These gatherings brought together young minds from across Aotearoa New Zealand, inspiring them to step outside their comfort zones, develop an ‘Explorer Mindset’, and connect with the legacy of Antarctic exploration.
The Trust’s Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit welcomed 25 students, aged 11-14, from across New Zealand to Ōtautahi Christchurch, the country’s Antarctic Gateway City. The Summit, delivered in partnership with William Pike Challenge, was made possible thanks to major sponsor US Embassy and Consulate in New Zealand and Inspiring Explorers™ programme partner Royal Society Te Apārangi.
An exciting programme saw students ride Hägglunds, meet penguins and huskies, and weather an Antarctic storm at the International Antarctic Centre. They were also treated to a fascinating tour of the US Antarctic Program facilities with Operations Manager Marie Heist, gaining first-hand insights into Antarctic research and transportation and trying on Antarctic clothing. Margaret Walrod from the US Embassy shared the importance of scientific cooperation in Antarctica. Thanks also to Antarctica New Zealand for arranging a live video call to Scott Base, to learn about life on the Ice.
Through talks and activities led by Inspiring Explorers™ alumni William Pike and Kaitlyn Martin, students were encouraged to push themselves and develop resilience, echoing the historic explorers who faced Antarctic challenges with fortitude. The students also enjoyed hearing first-hand accounts of what it’s like to live and work on the Ice from the Trust’s Building Conservation Programme Manager, Zack Bennett, and members of the Trust’s Education team.
Though stepping outside her comfort zone to meet new people was challenging, Jade Bergman found the experience rewarding. “The Summit taught me a lot about exploring and made me realise I’m capable of big things in the future!” said Jade.
June’s Explorer Conference continued this spirit of exploration in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, bringing together Year 12 students from eight South Auckland schools who are part of the AIMHI network (Achievement In Multi-cultural High Schools).
Keynote speakers Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’I, Inspiring Explorer William Pike, and MC Laura Andrews (Inspiring Explorer and Trust Governance Intern) encouraged and inspired attendees with stories of personal exploration and resilience.
The Conference also offered workshops led by Inspiring Explorers™ alumni, with sessions focused on creativity, teamwork, and building resilience, challenging students to adopt an ‘explorer mindset’ in their daily lives.
“The power of the Explorer Conference is seeing these young people step into their own. Working alongside Inspiring Explorers™ alumni allows them to develop their innate curiosity, courage, and innovation through the ‘Explorer Mindset’, hopefully expanding their vision of what’s achievable and broadening their horizons,” said Laura Andrews.
Workshops led by Kaitlyn Martin and Gemma Wylie, and Georgie Archibald and Charlie Thomas, encouraged students to explore their own potential and celebrate diversity in exploration. Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’i guided students through the concept of resilience, while Lawrence Rothwell and Porohu Hagai Noa inspired leadership and teamwork with a bridge building challenge in their workshop. The students were also challenged to step outside their comfort zones with whitewater rafting sessions at Wero Whitewater Park, encouraging them to apply their newfound skills in a real-world setting.
“I learnt that I have so much potential in me,” one Tamaki College student reflected. “I just need to step out of my comfort zone and push myself into becoming someone a person would look up to.”
Both events highlight the Trust’s commitment to growing a new generation of explorers. Through immersive experiences, educational workshops, and inspirational talks, students not only learned about Antarctica’s legacy of exploration but also discovered their own capacity for resilience and leadership.
