In the Sounds Interesting series, the Turner Centre invites locals on stage to share their story

In 2018 Bridget Thackwray (a Kerikeri local) and Topher Richwhite (a fellow Kiwi) set off from the arctic in Alaska on a 3 year, 90 country-long expedition. Unfortunately, they didn't get more than 100 meters before their first break down. The first 5 hours of Expedition Earth were spent sitting in -30C temperatures, with frozen food, frozen water and a flat battery in their Jeep.

This is only one of the couple's many stories they'll be sharing with us from their journey through the America’s, Antarctica, Africa, Europe and Asia all in their one Jeep, Gunther. Other stories include dangerous situations whilst crossing Eastern Africa, remote National Geographic Society projects, driving the unexplored Yamal Peninsula in Siberia Russia, discovering incredible landscapes to unique wildlife encounters.

Bridget grew up at Mahinepua Beach, just north of Kerikeri. She attended Riverview Primary School, Springbank school and Kerikeri High School before moving to London for five years at 18 years old.

Topher left New Zealand at 8 years old for Switzerland, later moving to London at 18 years of age as well. Topher was a member of a three piece rock band, Lonsdale Boys Club, during his time in London.

Both Topher and Bridget moved back to New Zealand without having met previously in London. Just a few months after meeting one another, they set off on their global expedition.

Expedition Earth has been seen in CNN, SkyNews, Telegraph UK, DailyMail, The Sunday Times and TopGear. However, now waiting out Covid here in New Zealand, Bridget and Topher will be in Kerikeri sharing their journey first hand, and taking you through their albums of video and photography content.

The evening will include a 1 hour presentation on stage with Bridget and Topher, followed by a Q&A with the crowd and then a meet & greet in the foyer after the event.

$2 per ticket will be donated to WWF - a charity chosen by Bridget and Topher.