Dave Dobbyn talks about the Ross Sea

For those that don’t know, I’m making a feature documentary on the Ross Sea Antarctica called ‘The Last Ocean.’  To date I have spoken to a lot of scientists and politicians about the Ross Sea but I want to open it up to others who have also been moved and inspired by this special part of the world.

Iconic New Zealand singer/song-writer Dave Dobbyn was invited to visit the Ross Sea region in November 2010 as one of New Zealand’s Antarctic Arts Fellows. He  was able to visit the historic huts of Ross Island, the McMurdo Dry Valleys and Adélie penguin rookery at Cape Royds. He even played a gig for staff at the Scott Base bar, ‘The Tatty Flag’.

Dave is now working on some music inspired by his time on the ice. Keeping these last wild places protected is vital for the well being of planet Earth. Here’s a small excerpt from the interview. I will be editing the documentary later this year and intend to release it early 2012. If you’re interested there’s more info here.

World Oceans Day: Peter Young discusses toothfish for Breakfast

On World Oceans Day (June 8 2011) Television New Zealand’s Breakfast Show invited Peter Young to talk about the Ross Sea and the work of the Last Ocean Trust.

This year’s theme for World Oceans Day was “Youth: the next wave for change” which is part of the thinking behind the schools category for our film competition – we want young people to learn about and care for the Ross Sea.

Watch Pete’s interview.

Short film competition launch @ Kelly Tarltons

Our New Zealand-wide short film competition was launched at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World in Auckland on June 7, the eve of World Oceans Day. Around 70 guests explored the attraction before writer, actor and television presenter Peter Elliott introduced the evening and invited Pete Young to speak. Pete talked about the competition, his connection with the Ross Sea and why the Last Ocean Trust wants to help protect this special part of the world.

The competition offers participants the opportunity to download footage and photos and craft them into a short film exploring “Why the Ross Sea is special”. The material for downloading has been provided by award winning documentary cameraman Peter Young with underwater shots provided by NHNZ Moving Images and photographs by US conservation photographer and PEW Fellow, John Weller.

The aim of the competition is to share the Trust’s passion for this unique area, raise awareness of it and encourage people to visit our website and learn more about the issues the Ross Sea faces. It appears to be working, the competition has brought nearly 1500 unique visitors to our site in the past few weeks and we are confident there will be many more.

Check out the competition homepage for information on how to get involved. Tell your creative friends about it too – there are some fabulous prizes up for grabs. These include a single berth on a sub-Antarctic voyage, kindly sponsored by Heritage Expeditions; a weekend in Wellington (which includes dinner for two at ‘NZ Restaurant of the Year’ Logan Brown and staying at the The Museum Hotel) and cameras and cash prizes for the other finalists. If you want to take part your film must be submitted by August 12, and winners will be announced during New Zealand Conservation Week (Sept 11-18).

Thanks to Kelly Tarlton’s for their help running the evening and also to our supporters; Heritage Expeditions, Fisheye Films, Logan Brown Restaurant, Museum Hotel Wellington and the FOLO members who have assisted with cash for prizes.