Zoe Parker enjoys transformative expedition to subantarctic islands

Zoe Parker, a 16-year-old student from Rotorua Girls' High, has returned from an exciting voyage to the subantarctic islands. She described the two weeks as the best of her life. Zoe participated in a Blake expedition, which focused on climate change and environmental research. During the trip, she studied kelp diseases and how they are affected by environmental changes. The voyage included a mix of students and scientists. Zoe was one of only ten students from across New Zealand selected for the journey. She was the only representative from the Bay of Plenty region. The expedition took place aboard the HMNZS Canterbury, departing from Bluff on March 1 and returning on March 12. Zoe enjoyed seeing sealions and albatross for the first time and felt amazed to be "at the end of the world." This experience has strengthened her desire to pursue a career in science.