Neelam on board Tara
The famous schooner that once belonged to Sir Peter Blake welcomed a University of Auckland student on board for its Tara expedition.
Neelam Hari, 23, is a science student at the University of Auckland who was born and raised in Pukekohe.
Hari began her expedition on June 7 when she boarded the Tara as an observer on its leg between Suva and Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.
Hari was selected for the once in a lifetime trip by the French based ePOP project which aims to create an international network of young observers to raise aware- ness on climate and environmental change issues.
While on board the Tara, Hari will film a short film about climate change on a smartphone. Hari described the experience as an honour.
‘‘It’s so special to be able to see first-hand how our environment and our oceans are changing. I’m sure I will come home with many stories to share.’’
The Tara once belonged to Sir Peter Blake and is the boat he was killed on by pirates in 2001. Then known as the Seamaster, it is the first time it has returned to New Zealand shores since.
The Tara Oceanic Expedition is part way through a two-year environmental survey across the Pacific Ocean.
While Hari’s research area is in the mechanics of the human eye, her supervisor Dr Frederique Vanholsbeeck nominated her because of her strength as a science communicator.
Hari is currently completing her final year of a Master of Science degree.
The Tara expedition is due to arrive in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on July 1.
Tara expeditions voyages study the impact of climate change and the ecological crisis facing the world’s oceans