Llewellyn Kriedemann  -  Comms engineer  and deputy team leader

 I was born and raised in Vredenburg on the West coast. I studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch. Soon after University I found and seized the opportunity to spend an incredible year in Antarctica as part of the SANAP program. When the opportunity came along to experience the majestic beauty of Gough island, I didn't hesitate for a second.

Daphne Hollenbach—senior meteorologist

 I’m a divorced mother of two! Born and bred in Namaqualand in the Northern Cape Region. Joined the South African Weather Service in 2005 after which they sent me for a year’s training in Pretoria. Ever since then I’ve been part of the excellent team at the Weather Office in Springbok.

 I would describe myself as a dreamer, a loner most of the time. A person misunderstood by society. This island experience is a journey I’m embarking on paving the way to be part of a Spiritual realm that would take me to exhilarating heights, Lord willing.

Leon Keyser - Diesel Mechanic

 I’m from Riversdale in the Western Cape. I am a  qualified diesel mechanic. I’m married with three children. I enjoy challenges and adventures and that has brought me to Gough Island.

Tshepo Tawane aka TauTona  - Junior meteorologist

 Who would have ever known that a Transvaalian guy could catch fish in the deep waters of Gough Island….Oh! Let me rephrase that in the Atlantic Ocean!, If you are wondering what I mean by a “Transvaalian guy” I’m from Rustenburg by the way; The Platinum City, from one of the Royal Bafokeng villages called ROBEGA. I am a born again child of God, who loves the Lord with all of his heart, I’m nothing without him.

 I am a quiet, inquisitive guy.….on second thoughts make that “loud inquisitive”. That’s how I got to know about the Island expedition, which to me came as a grand opportunity, for the first time in my life to get out of the country, travel by Ship “for seven days nogal” and by the way we did First aid, Fire fighting and cooking lessons which came in as a bonus…..how do you like that….!!J

  I believe this experience will help me get in touch with my inner self, learn to live with different kinds of people with different kinds of characters and lifestyle, to learn from them and accept them the way they are. I believe again that being away from home will make me appreciate the people I love “friends and family” more than ever before. Most of all I will get enough time to spend with and seek the Lord while he may be found ....Isaiah 55:6.

Martin Nysschens  - Junior meteorologist

 I am from Bellville. I spent 5 years working in various countries in Europe. My love for travel and strong sense of adventure brought me to Gough island. I grabbed the opportunity that presented itself to be the junior meteorologist on Gough.

Kalinka Rexer-Huber   -  Field Assistant

 I come from the cool mountainous end of New Zealand, the land of the kea and the kiwi. After a brief sojourn in tropical mountainous Venezuela, I went back to New Zealand to study neuroscience and zoology in Dunedin. Gough’s mountains called, so I came running.. and found them swarming with stunning birdlife. Here’s to the Gough Year!

Graham Parker  -    Field Assistant

 I'm from New Zealand, my home is in the Southern end of the country. I studied Ecology at Otago University, and then proceeded on to a Post-Graduate Diploma in Wildlife Management and a Masters in Zoology.

I have worked on many conservation projects, mostly involving bird species facing threats from exotic mammals. The Sub-Antarctic regions of our planet have always greatly intrigued me. The opportunity to work on an island as bountiful in biota as Gough is a real priviledge.

I am on Gough with my partner Kalinka, and we hope to be able to contribute as much as possible to the current knowledge of Gough's biodiversity, and to help develop ways it can be preserved for perpetuity.