Meet the Team
Kylie Wakelin
Kylie will be the first woman from New Zealand to ski to the South Pole
How would you describe yourself?
I am practical, easy-going and a social girl who loves to be in the outdoors. I always have a challenge at hand and begin each day with a positive attitude. I am a pilot, skipper and climber who enjoys anything that requires hands-on skills.
Why are you doing this?
It has always been a dream to be part of an 'all womens' expedition and I have jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the Commonwealth Expedition because I think it is an excellent way to show how people from different backgrounds when working together can achieve a common goal. I hope to inspire women in the 30's+ age bracket that 'anything is possible with a dream, a plan and alot of determination!'
What previous experience did you have before joining the expedition team?
Previous experience is a lifetime of kicking about in the outdoors, having taken part in ski-touring and mountaineering expeditions in recent years to Norway, Greenland, Alaska, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
You have been in Antarctica before, working for the British Antarctic Survey. In what way will your experience working there be helpful to the expedition?
I have a huge respect for weather and remote environments. Having worked in Antarctica one season previously I think I have a realistic idea of how the weather conditions could be and the importance to regulate our layers appropriately. I am under no illusions as to how the white monotony of the landscape will challenge us all mentally therefore encouragement and support within the Team will be the key.
What is New Zealand like?
New Zealand is a beautiful land of contrasts. I have been priviledged to grow up in a country of approximately 4 million other people and 40 million sheep! Famous for our 'Clean Green' nation it is no wonder tourism ranks No.1 for our economy and we are known for the quality of our Agricultural and Horticulture exports.
I would like to thank...
I would personally like to give thanks to the following people/organisations who have helped me in some way for the expedition:
- Denis Callesen, Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Village
- Peter Nally at Wrights Satellite
- Bex at SMITH
- Bivouac
- Barbara and Mike Sim
- Adams Flags
- Seventh Wave
- Colin McArthur Builders
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Book this team member to speak at your next event ...
The team are available as speakers at events worldwide. All enquiries to Sarah Isherwood at The London Speaker Bureau on + 44 (0)1635 237785 or by emailing sarah@londonspeakerbureau.co.uk
The Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is an association of 53 independent nations that support each other and work together towards international goals of development, democracy and peace. The Commonwealth nations represent a diverse range of cultures, faiths, geographies and social histories from every continent across the globe. Together, the membership represents the interests of over 2 billion citizens - that is 30% of the World's entire population.
You can read more about the work of the Commonwealth at www.thecommonwealth.org