On the 12th of February 2023, 11 university and high school students from across New Zealand along with 5 teachers were selected by Blake NZ Foundation to go on an expedition of a lifetime with Jacob Anderson (Expedition Director) and Alice Ward-Allen (Head of Discovery) to the Sub-Antarctic Campbell Island.

The expedition was run by a voyage on HMNZS Canterbury and contained Scientific Researchers, the Department of Conservation and the Defence Force.

https://www.blakenz.org/programmes/blake-expeditions/

Nora Paicu in year 13 was selected to take part in the highly selective expedition.  It ran for about a week before being cut short to allow the HMNZS Canterbury Vessel to head North to provide supplies and support to cyclone-damaged areas.

https://www.blakenz.org/person/nora-paicu/

During the expedition, research and investigations were done in regard to plankton sampling with Ulla von Ammon (Marine Molecular Biologist) for E-DNA to discover potential invasive species, kelp was also analysed with Pluto Liu (Marine Biologist) in regards to how it arrives at and changes the ecology of Antarctica. Peat sampling was done with Greer Gilmer (Climate Researcher) to see the geological changes of land due to climate change. The Department of Conservation is rightly putting working to help investigate and conserve the natural native habitat of Campbell Island.  

During the stay at Campbell Island, Nora was able to see a large population of Royal Albatross, a very rare Rockhopper Penguin at Shells Point and multiple dolphins and sea lions. Multiple presentations were done in regard to the Oceanography of the island, how to best conserve the Kākāpō population, and how Hoiho Yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions are being monitored.

The Defence Force was very welcoming and kind, providing safe travel and access to the Island by Zodiac Nautic and helicopter. Nora Paicu was able to listen to a speech by the Commanding Officer of HMNZS Canterbury Bronwy Heslop who encouraged girls to join the Defence Force and Navy.   The percentage of women in the Navy is currently around 23% but continuously growing.

Blake NZ (Foundation in the name of Sir Peter Blake) provides an opportunity to encourage environmental leadership and growth in youth in order to conserve native flora and fauna and reduce the rate of Climate Change.

Nora's trip was fully sponsored by Blake New Zealand, the Dunedin Harbour Rotary Club and LJ Hooker.  Nora had an amazing time and is so grateful for the opportunity and all it has provided.