Kate Green/Stuff
Principal scientists Dr Matt Pinkerton, left, Dr Richard O Driscoll, right, and ice pilot Evan Solly, centre, in front of NIWA flagship Tangaroa ahead of its departure to Antarctica. “This year we are focused on understanding the key processes that drive the environment and oceanography of the region and assessing the potential impacts of climate change.” On board is a team of 40, including 20 science staff, 18 crew, one doctor, and one ice pilot, to return on February 17. The whole crew felt “incredibly lucky”, O’Driscoll said, to be setting off considering Covid-19 was stalling expeditions around the world. All onboard were tested for coronavirus ahead of departure, and an on-board quick testing machine would be used if anyone displayed symptoms.
Kiwi scientists to sail to Antarctica with COVID-19 testing machine Newshub 8/01/2021
Despite COVID-19, Kiwi scientists are preparing to sail to Antarctica.
It s one of a few expeditions to the continent since the outbreak of the pandemic - and they are taking a COVID-testing machine with them.
NIWA staff loaded equipment and boarded their ship bound for Antarctica for the first time in two years. We are incredibly fortunate that we are being allowed to go, says chief scientist Richard O Driscoll.
Fortunate because COVID-19 forced many land-based research projects on the southernmost continent to be cancelled. Because we are on a ship and we are not going to be landing everywhere we will be in our own little bubble.