The Team

Paul Hulford

Sometimes I wonder how I ended up taking on such a project. It seemed so simple at the beginning. All I had to do was get seven people together for a Sub-Antarctic cruise. I knew the project would take a while to organise but I could never have anticipated all the complications, all the effort and all the experiences that it has actually become. There are trying moments for every team member, but in the end I hope everyone can say that, without question, it was worthwhile. If we get the chance it would also be great to contribute that one fact or finding about the Islands, that was not known before. For me I just feel good when I can do something useful. I often get asked what gave me the idea. Well it’s simple really. I like working hard and I like a challenge and I think I got both of those!

Julie Hulford

I have always liked working in a team environment. I am trained as a physiotherapist which will help me in my role as a team medic. I just completed my Ocean Medic course as build up to the trip. Being an Ocean medic is just a little different from having first aid certificate because there are no ambulances and hospitals around the corner. When people ask me why I want to go to the Auckland Islands I tell them that I just love the outdoors. Though I have dived in Thailand, Mexico and America I have another job on the trip. I have to manage the food and menus. Though we all take turns cooking and doing the dishes I ultimately organise what we eat and when we eat it (that is if seasickness hasn’t gotten to us all first). I can tell you preparing the menu was far harder than I had ever expected. With all the last minute changes in boats and plans I soon learned how much of an impact changing the freezer capacity has on the menu. I am delighted to hear that we will definitely have a fridge and freezer because at one stage we did not. Four weeks of rice and beans could have led to a mutiny!

Robin Hulford

The Auckland Islands have always held a magical fascination for me, particularly with the shipwrecks and the survival stories. Coming from a family of sea goers, and having a love of sailing, this expedition seems the best way of experiencing all my interests. I bring a lifetime of sea-going experience to the group and I’m sure that I’ll be able to get them to the islands and home safely. As the DoC representative, I will also assist by monitoring all the land-based objectives to ensure that their completion complies with regulations. I’m hoping this trip will provide me with first hand experience of what I’ve hitherto found only in books.

Julie Ooi

When Paul first told me about the Auckland Islands project 2 years ago, I thought he was nuts. My interest grew, and I began doing some reading on the subject. Reading soon turned to researching, and the place became more and more fascinating. I couldn’t stop reading about the wreck of the General Grant. The survival story really brought the character of the islands home to me. I must admit, I was hesitant about the trip, due to the possibility of extreme conditions. But with my love of sailing and wildlife, this chance of a lifetime experience could not be passed up.

Mike Fraser

At least I knew what I was getting myself into. I had already spent 2.5 years in Campbell Island as a MET officer. When I got the opportunity to go on this expedition, I jumped at the chance. I had been in the area, but I had never spent any great length of time at Auckland Islands. The team needed someone with underwater videography skills, and I wanted an opportunity to continue research on the Great White shark. I could offer the camera skills, and the expedition would provide me with the perfect opportunity to study sharks. This trip will also help me add credentials to my video reproduction business.

Suave Lobodzinski

While in Auckland, Paul and I often talked about a diving/sailing trip to the White Island. We never managed to do it - Paul went to Canada and I returned back to the US. It was in Toronto on a cold November night last year that we run into each other again. This time Paul was telling me about the Auckland Island trip - my eyes blinked. I got very excited about the prospect of exploring such a remote part of the world. Underwater exploration and marine biology have been of great interest to me and Auckland Islands sounded like a place to go. So here I am looking forward to an adventure of the Century (there is only 1 year to go anyway...)

Steve Schultz

They call me fish because I just can’t stay out of the water no matter how hard I try. I don’t care whether it is saltwater, fresh water, high visibility or a mud puddle I just like to dive. I have never been to New Zealand or off North America for that matter so this is a real adventure for me. Six months ago I was sitting in class studying second year computer science. Less than a week ago, I took a two month period of absence to dive on the other side of the globe. Maybe it’s the jet lag, but I still can’t believe that I’m here and preparing to dive one of the world’s most remote places. I’ve done a lot of diving on shipwrecks, and the Trimble GPS course has really added a new skill set to help document the shipwrecks and artifacts. New Zealand is quite the place. I’m amazed at how small New Zealand cars are. They remind me of my toy "hot wheels" cars that I used to play with as a toddler. I still get freaked out when I see a car coming from the "wrong" side of the road. One thing’s for sure, New Zealand hospitality cannot be beat!