Intrepid women share Antarctic experiences at NZ IceFest

Four intrepid women will share their Antarctic experiences as part of the NZ IceFest’s Antarctic Yarns series this Saturday (6 October).

Guest speakers include Dr Margaret Bradshaw, University of Canterbury, whose work offers new perspectives on environmental and citizenship education;  Dr Victoria Metcalf, Lincoln University, a lecturer in genetics researching Antarctic invertebrates and fish; Chelsea Vickers, University of Waikato, who has researched the microbial community living in the geothermal soils of Mount Erebus and Jan Heine, Antarctic technician from the 1960s. Christchurch Art Gallery director Jenny Harper is the MC for the event.

NZ IceFest Director Jo Blair says women have been an integral part of work being done in Antarctica in what has arguably been considered a man's world until recently.

“It is fascinating to hear the stories of those who were among the first women in Antarctica and discover how life on the ice has changed considerably to encourage more women to take part in Antarctic research.”

Heading the discussion will be University of Canterbury’s Dr Margaret Bradshaw, who has been involved in Antarctic research since 1975. In 1979-1980 she was the first women to lead a deep field party, 1200km from Scott Base.

Her past role of President of the Antarctic Society for 10 years and as such serving as a Trustee on the Antarctic Heritage Trust has established her as an Antarctic leader and role model, says Ms Blair.

The free event begins at 2pm on Saturday 26 October in the UC Geo Dome at NZ IceFest. For more information visit www.nzicefest.co.nz