BLAKE Expeditions
Kermadec Islands 2012

2012 was the year of the inaugural BLAKE Expedtions voyage. With the aim of inspiring New Zealanders to understand the global significance of the Kermadec Islands, and to encourage stewardship the planet’s oceans, BLAKE, together with the Ministry for the Environment, the Royal NZ Navy, DOC, Pew Environment Group, Experiencing Marine Reserves and LEARNZ, sent 30 young New Zealanders to the Kermadec Islands.

The secondary school students travelled on board HMNZS Canterbury, with a crew of subject experts, scientists, artists, educators, and leaders.

The Kermadec region – between New Zealand’s North Island and Tonga – is one of the last relatively untouched wilderness areas on the planet. The product of violent collision between two continental plates, it is globally significant for its geology. It is a cradle of life: a place isolated by deep water, with an arc of undersea volcanoes stretching its length. It teems with birds, whales, dolphins, fish, turtles and other unique sea creatures, many of which exist only there.

Due to the Kermadecs isolation, it is a mecca for scientists who are fortunate to come and study this pristine and untouched environment. The discoveries scientists make in the Kermadecs help us to gain an understanding of our planet’s systems and gives insight on how we can look after it for the future.

“I’ve never been on a ship like the Canterbury, I’ve never been somewhere as fragile and beautiful as the islands, and I’ve never been swimming with sharks. It’s exhilarating to know that in no time at all, we’ll be surrounded by creatures we will probably never be able to experience again.”

– Lucy Tothill 2012 BLAKE Expeditions Voyager