Journey across the Tasman was to be a world for asthma   11 Jul 2014


Solo kayaker’s journey across the Tasman was to be a world first for asthma

On the 19th of April, Scott Donaldson left Coffs Harbour, on a mission to be the first person to kayak across the Tasman Sea alone. 83 days into his mission, today Scott contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre for a rescue, while positioned halfway between Port Taranaki and the South Island.

Weather conditions over the last week have been particularly challenging and, last night, winds of up to 100kn/hr churned the sea to such an extent that Scott’s kayak rolled, causing injuries to his face and neck.

Asthma New Zealand was the organisation Scott had chosen to align with for this challenge. Executive Director, Linda Thompson today said, “We are gutted to receive the heartbreaking news about Scott Donaldson’s rescue so close to the end of his trans-tasman crossing. We can’t imagine the emotional turmoil he’s been going through in the recent weather conditions, but are pleased to hear he’s OK and recuperating now with his family.”

Both Linda Thompson and asthma Nurse Educator, Karen Little, were poised to make the trip down to Taranaki from Auckland to join Scott’s friends and family in the welcome party. “We were going to head down in the asthma bus, our mobile clinic, to offer advice and information to the local community as they celebrate Scott’s safe return,” adds Linda.

Despite today’s outcome, Asthma New Zealand is proud to be aligned with Scott’s attempt. “We are delighted to have strong New Zealanders supporting and advocating on behalf of people with asthma,” says Linda. “Scott’s journey has been spectacular and we think he has still helped to raise huge awareness of the importance of aerobic activity, which was his aim.”

Both Scott and his four year-old son Zac have asthma, a cause he and his family are passionate about supporting. Scott’s mother Charmaine has been heavily involved with Asthma Waikato, and is now a life member who volunteers teaching asthma education in schools.

While fit and healthy himself, Scott’s asthma added another dimension to the trip. Kayaking is hard work, and he’s had to keep an eye on his health throughout. It’s unfortunate that recent events outside of Scott (or anyone’s) control have called short what was already a spectacular journey and would have been an incredible world-first. (Australian Andrew McAuley disappeared at sea in 2007, while attempting the same feat.)

Life on the purpose-built 6.4 meter kayak has been meagre. Scott used solar panels and battery to power the chart plotter and desalinator (which converts salt water into fresh), and slept in a cabin which was only slightly larger than himself.

Scott credits his success to that point to his decision-making abilities and the support of those who have helped him. “It’s really about ensuring you make the right decisions,” he says. “It’s about making sure you know what you’re doing and are able to keep things straight out there.”

The Asthma New Zealand team send their well wishes for a speedy recovery to Scott, and remain proud to be aligned to what was nothing short of a heroic feat.

- Ends -

Add a comment

News

Hilary Timmins' Award-Winning UK Documentary Series To Inspire NZ Students

29 Jun 2020 Education
Dream Catchers, produced and directed by Hilary Timmins, celebrates the success stories of more than thirty inspirational New... more

New Zealand reaffirms support for Flight MH17 judicial process

7 Mar 2020 News By Rt HON WINSTON PETERS
Ahead of the start of the criminal trial in the Netherlands on 9 March, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has reaffirmed the need to... more

Business

NZ Government's Economic package to fight COVID-19

17 Mar 2020 Business News By RT HON JACINDA ARDERN
The Coalition Government has launched the most significant peace-time economic plan in modern New Zealand history to cushion the... more

NZ Government announces aviation relief package

19 Mar 2020 Business News By Hon Phil Twyford
Transport Minister Phil Twyford today outlined the first tranche of the $600 million aviation sector relief package announced earlier... more

Living

Diversity was Key at New Zealand Trade Tasting in London

6 Jun 2022 Food & Wine
New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Trade Tasting was recently held in London, on Wednesday 4 May, in Lindley Hall. It was the first... more

Kiwi author stuns Behind the Butterfly Gate

12 Jan 2022 Arts By Charlotte Everett
Hidden behind the Butterfly Gate is where the secret has been kept for 76 years...  New Zealand writer Merryn Corcoran’s... more

Property

Fairer rules for tenants and landlords

17 Nov 2019 Property By Minister Kris Faafoi
17 NOVEMBER 2019 The Government has delivered on its promise to the over one million New Zealanders who now rent to make it fairer... more

New Zealand Government will not implement a Capital Gains Tax

17 Apr 2019 Property By RT HON JACINDA ARDERN
The Coalition Government will not proceed with the Tax Working Group’s recommendation for a capital gains tax, Jacinda Ardern... more

Migration

Boosting border security with electronic travel authority – now over 500,000 issued

19 Nov 2019 Migration By Hon Iain Lees-Galloway
19 NOVEMBER 2019 We’ve improved border security with the NZeTA, New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, which helps us to... more

Christchurch reinstated as refugee settlement location

18 Aug 2018 Migration
18 AUGUST 2018 HON IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY The announcement that Christchurch can once again be a settlement location for refugees... more

Travel

Gallipoli Anzac Day services cancelled

19 Mar 2020 Travel & Tourism By RT HON JACINDA ARDERN
The New Zealand and Australian Governments have announced this year’s joint Anzac Day services at Gallipoli will be cancelled... more

New Zealanders advised not to travel overseas

19 Mar 2020 Travel & Tourism
New Zealanders advised not to travel overseas more

Sport

The Skipper's Diary: Sir Richard Hadlee honouring his father and NZ's Forty-Niners

27 Oct 2019 Cricket By Charlotte Everett
NZNewsUK London Editor Charlotte Everett spoke to Sir Richard Hadlee about why he’s chosen to publish his father’s... more

PREVIEW: All Blacks v England semi-final

26 Oct 2019 Rugby
The two most convincing quarterfinals winners are set to square off in a semifinal showdown for the ages when the All Blacks meet old... more

Columns

Gordon Campbell on the Gareth Morgan crusade

11 Nov 2016 Opinion
Gordon Campbell on the Gareth Morgan crusade First published on Werewolf The ghastly likes of Marine Le Pen in France and Geert ... more

Gordon Campbell on the US election outcome

10 Nov 2016 Opinion
Column - Gordon Campbell   Gordon Campbell on the US election outcome Well um.. on the bright side, there (probably)... more

Kiwi Success

Congratulations to Loder Cup winner

26 Sep 2018 People By Hon Eugenie Sage
25 SEPTEMBER 2018 The Loder Cup, one of New Zealand’s oldest conservation awards, has been awarded to Robert McGowan for 2018... more

Appointments to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO

16 Aug 2018 Appointments
16 AUGUST 2018Appointments to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO HON JENNY SALESA Associate Education Minister Jenny Salesa is... more

Recruitment

Historic pay equity settlement for education support workers

14 Aug 2018 Recruitment By RT HON JACINDA ARDERN
14 AUGUST 2018Historic pay equity settlement for education support workers RT HON JACINDA ARDERN HON CHRIS HIPKINS Prime Minister The... more

Historic pay equity settlement for education support workers

22 Aug 2018 Recruitment By RT HON JACINDA ARDERN
14 AUGUST 2018Historic pay equity settlement for education support workers RT HON JACINDA ARDERN HON CHRIS HIPKINS Prime Minister The... more