ANTARCTICA!! Its past, its present and its future are all subjects in Nerd Nite Wellington #27.
We warned you this edition was going to supercool. And yes, we apologized for the pun, but it was _so_ worth it.
This very special edition will be taking place at:
- Hotel Bristol
- 6pm (speakers to start at 6:30pm)
- Monday 23 March 2015
As always, seating may run out, so don’t rock up at 6:30pm expecting to get a decent seat – or one at all.
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Poster! Click to enlarge and print out for your school/workplace/laboratory/lair.
THE LINEUP
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Antarctica: the past
Veronika Meduna, @VeronikaMeduna
Veronika Meduna is the producer and presenter of Our Changing World on Radio NZ
Veronika trained and worked as a microbiologist before becoming a science journalist and writer. As part of her work, she has travelled to Antarctica twice and spent a term at Green College at Oxford University as a Chevening David Low Fellow, studying the media’s role in communicating scientific risk and uncertainty.
Her latest book, Science on Ice: Discovering the Secrets of Antarctica, explores what the frozen continent tells us about past and future climates, survival in extreme conditions and the evolution of life. It was a finalist in the 2013 Royal Society of New Zealand Science Book Prize.
Veronika will talk about the history of Antarctica.
Antarctica: the present
Rob Suisted, @RobSuisted
Rob Suisted is one of New Zealand’s most respected nature photographers.
His love of the outdoors and our wildlife has led him to a background in zoology, previously a career in conservation management (as NZ’s national marine mammal advisor) & quality management systems, along with extensive experience in New Zealand’s remote back-country areas.
He is also a frequent visitor to the spectacular sub-Antarctic, and Antarctic regions to the south of New Zealand.
He has just finished his 15th book project, has over 30 postage stamps with his work, hundreds of calendars, and been involved with many of New Zealand’s biggest visual projects. He often speaks publicly on the subjects of photography, conservation, and his travels.
Rob will talk about Antarctica in the present.
Antarctica: the future
Jillian Dempster
Jillian Dempster is the head of Antarctic and Southern Ocean policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a position she has held since 2011. Previously, Jillian has worked in international environmental diplomacy focusing on biodiversity and sustainability, following various roles in UN and multilateral affairs for MFAT. Jillian’s early specialisation was in China trade and development.
She has been posted to Beijing and Geneva during her more than twenty year career.
Jillian will talk about the future of Antarctica and international partnerships.
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As always, NNW is free and open to everyone*. Bring your friends and family – someone to share a meal with, definitely, as there are some great 2 for 1 specials on the menu.
* Who behaves themselves, of course. Naughtiness will be stamped on. Hard.