You have most likely got the impression that Rangatira island is a remote little place. It is 800 kilometres east of Christchurch, and 45 minutes ahead. When we are getting up at 5:30 in the morning to film robin nests, it is 4:45 am in New Zealand. The island lies 45ยบ south of the equator, in the strip of ocean known as the Roaring Forties that is famous for its violent swells and rough weather. There is nothing between us and Antarctica.
As for technology, we have solar panels on the hut roof that provide enough energy to power the emergency radios and one light bulb. We cook with gas. So how, you might ask, am I writing a blog? Well, thanks to the University of Canterbury Science Outreach programme, the School of Biological Sciences and the Brian Mason scientific and technical trust, we have a satellite phone that hooks us into the world of email – although finding a spot to get a clear satellite signal has been a bit tricky! In fact the best place we have found so far is out on the rocky platform to the north which is really quite pleasant on a sunny day. What more could you want? I have great ocean views - and not many people can say they share their office with shore plovers and skuas (friendly ones luckily!) But I’m not looking forward to the storms…
This blog follows the day to day life of University Canterbury scientists and research assistants as they carry out their research on Rangatira Island.
Rangatira Island is part of the Chatham Islands about 800 km off the East Coast of New Zealand. It is a special place as it is the home to many endangered species including the Black Robin.
The photos and videos on this site have been taken by Matthew Walters, James Muir, Alexandra Sides, Sophie Fern, Dr Melanie Massaro, Brigitta Kurenbach and Annika Wagenhoff.
No comments:
Post a Comment