Diversity and Inclusion
Antarctic Heritage Trust’s vision is Inspiring Explorers. In our mission to conserve, share and encourage the spirit of exploration we aim to recognise individuals’ unique stories and ancestry. Balancing their thoughts, ideas and perspectives to guide our journey. We aim to represent the diverse range of identities across the world in the work we do to preserve the legacy of Antarctic exploration, and to inspire the next generation of explorers.
Eligibility Criteria & Expedition Member Obligations
Antarctic Heritage Trust is offering a team of young people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail to Antarctic Peninsula aboard the historic tall ship Bark EUROPA.
The Inspiring Explorers™ will join us between 10 January and 10 February 2026 on a tall ship expedition to grow their ‘Explorer Mindset’, learning how curiosity, resilience, leadership, teamwork and innovation help to build confidence and enable you to step out of your comfort zone.
The team will meet in Auckland, New Zealand, before travelling to Ushuaia, Argentina. There they will board the Bark EUROPA, setting sail for the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing through the Beagle Channel before heading into the open waters of the Drake Passage.
Eligibility Criteria
A key component in selection will be the applicant’s desire to inspire others to explore through their participation in this expedition and to complete an agreed outreach programme.
Successful applicants will:
- Be aged between 18-30.
- Be a recognised NZ citizen or permanent NZ resident according to Immigration New Zealand.
- Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiry.
- Be in good health with an excellent level of fitness and physical strength. Click here to see Bark EUROPA’s sailor requirements.
- Be a confident swimmer, and be comfortable in the water.
- Be willing to be part of a small team led by the Expedition Leader.
- Be willing to be part of any filming, photography, or audio recording taken during the expedition.
- Be willing to engage with other crew and passengers on board the vessel.
- Possess an adventurous spirit.
- Have the desire and ability to inspire others.
- Be excited to share their experience with the public and media (full training given).
Obligations on Successful Applicants
- To participate in a team building weekend prior to the expedition to be held 20-24 November 2025, in Christchurch, and a post-expedition programme in New Zealand, to be held in April 2026.
- To comply with all Health & Safety regulations and requirements; both from Antarctic Heritage Trust and/or any third parties, such as Bark EUROPA or airlines.
- To not make public your involvement in the expedition (outside your immediate whānau/family and place of work/education provider) until advised by Antarctic Heritage Trust;
- To participate in media and profiling activities arranged by Antarctic Heritage Trust;
- To contribute content (for example photographs) before, during and after the expedition;
- To consent for Antarctic Heritage Trust to use content for promotions (including media, web and social media channels);
- To act in a responsible manner as a representative of Antarctic Heritage Trust while on the expedition;
- To travel to Auckland on, or before, 10 January 2026 and return to New Zealand on 10 February 2026 as part of the expedition team on flights booked by Antarctic Heritage Trust;
- To Travel to Christchurch, New Zealand on, or before Thursday 20 November and depart Christchurch on Monday 24 November 2025 for the team building weekend, on flights booked by Antarctic Heritage Trust;
- To Travel to the post-expedition programme at a location in New Zealand on, or before 17 April and depart on 19 April on flights booked by Antarctic Heritage Trust;
- To act as an ambassador for Antarctic Heritage Trust, including engaging with future Inspiring Explorers™ programmes, if requested.
Expedition Costs
Antarctic Heritage Trust will meet the costs for the expedition, and return economy class air-travel from your place of residence within New Zealand to the team building weekend (Christchurch, NZ), expedition departure point (Ushuaia, Argentina), and post-expedition programme on an airline of the Trust’s choosing, plus accommodation and meals (within agreed limits) while in transit. Individual changes to itinerary are not permitted.
Selected Inspiring Explorers™ will:
- Make a financial contribution of NZD$2000 towards the significant cost to deliver this expedition, with NZD$1000 to be paid upon acceptance, with balance to be paid by 19 December 2025. The financial contribution should not be a barrier to applying, if you are unsure if you can meet this cost, please contact Mike Barber on inspiring@nzaht.org to discuss and continue with your application.
- Agree not to have any personal sponsors/gear sponsors for participation in the expedition;
- Be prepared to wear/use sponsored gear supplied by Antarctic Heritage Trust, if asked;
- Supply appropriate personal outdoor equipment and clothing for the trip. We will provide sailing specific outer layer wear, and muck boots. A list of required gear will be provided in due course. If you are concerned about the cost of this, it should not be a barrier to your application. Please contact Mike Barber on inspiring@nzaht.org in this instance and continue your application;
- Cover the costs for securing any visas and taxes required for travel under your travelling passport;
- Cover costs (if any) for your excess baggage;
- Cover costs for any other incidentals;
- Undertake a medical, if required.
The Trust reserves the right to cancel the expedition or not take a participant(s) for any reason and without recourse, including circumstances beyond the Trust’s control. In that unlikely event, the Trust will only be responsible for refunding the expedition contribution (if paid), incurred by a participant(s) at the time of written notification provided by the Trust. If a selected Inspiring Explorer™ is unable or unwilling for any reason to partake in the expedition the Trust will endeavour to find a replacement but will not guarantee refund of the participant’s contribution.
