Alison Ballance from Radio New Zealand here. In just a few days we set off for the Kermadecs and we’re looking forward to telling you all about what happens on the expedition, as it happens. Because Tom will often be

mandy-reid Packing hasn’t been nearly so simple for the science crew as it has been for me – they have to remember to take absolutely everything they might need while we’re away, from the tiniest vial to the biggest chilly bin.

I was asked today whether we already have any specimens in Auckland Museum from the Kermadecs. The answer is yes. We have nearly 6,000. This may sound like a high number, but compared with the diversity of the Kermadecs we

Dive tanks in the Museum dockway Dive tanks, nets, hooks, a glass photo table, sinkers, ethanol concoctions and a stack of large containers were all squeezed into Auckland Museum’s van today in preparation for the expedition. With the van at

In just over a week I will be on the RV Braveheart bound for the Kermadec Islands to spend three weeks diving, observing and collecting specimens from one of the most pristine ocean environments in the world. Auckland Museum is