Join us for the next instalment in the IT Works Technology & Innovation Series — this month featuring an extraordinary double‑header focused on Antarctica’s past, present, and future, and the innovations shaping climate science and youth education.

This session brings together leading researchers from the SWAIS2C drilling project, which has recently completed a landmark scientific achievement recovering 228 metres of sediment core from beneath the Crary Ice Rise — a record‑setting window into climate history stretching back millions of years.

Following the break, members of the broader research team will introduce Girls* on Ice Aotearoa, a unique expedition programme blending science, art, exploration, and mātauranga Māori to empower young women and gender‑diverse youth to pursue science and outdoor leadership.

This event offers rare insight into cutting‑edge Antarctic research happening right here in Wellington — and the next generation being inspired to continue it.

WHEN | Wednesday, 27 May 2026

TIME | 5:00pm – 7:30pm

WHERE | Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt

COST | Complimentary to Chamber Members $25 + GST for non‑members - This event is sponsored by IT Works 

Speakers

Professor Rob McKay | Professor of Geology & Director, Antarctic Research Centre (ARC) | Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington

Rob will share insights from decades of sedimentary research, including the SWAIS2C drilling programe. His work uses drill cores from the Ross Sea region to reconstruct 34 million years of climate history and illuminate how the West Antarctic Ice Sheet behaves during past warming events.

Darcy Mandeno | Science Drilling Office Engineering Manager, SWAIS2C / Antarctic Research Centre

Darcy leads the science drilling office at ARC and is responsible for planning, design, risk analysis, logistics, and leading the drilling team both on‑ice and off‑ice. He brings a rare operational perspective on what it takes to deliver deep‑field Antarctic science safely and successfully.

**Networking Break**

Girls* on Ice Aotearoa – Inspiring Future Scientists and Explorers

Speakers:

Dr Lauren Vargo | Programme Director Girls* on Ice Aotearoa NZ

This section will showcase the Girls* on Ice Aotearoa NZ programme — a 10‑day, tuition‑free expedition where 15–16‑year‑old participants explore glaciers, conduct field science, create art, and learn through both Western science and mātauranga Māori.

Brought to you by IT Works