Antarctica New Zealand logistics manager, Paul Woodgate, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than 40 years of public service.
The accolade recognises individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on their community or the country through a life of service.
Antarctica New Zealand says Mr Woodgate – known as ‘Woody’ to Antarcticans – is one of the most respected and beloved figures in the Antarctic community.
“For over 40 years, no-one and nothing has travelled between New Zealand and Antarctica without passing by Paul ‘Woody’ Woodgate,” Antarctica NZ said in a statement.
“Lorde, Sir Edmund Hillary, Princess Anne, Prime Ministers, bulldozers, helicopters, ice cores, avocados and buildings – no matter how big, awkward, fragile or famous, Paul can get it safely to and from the remotest place on earth.
“However, it’s not the big names, or the time on ice that keeps him going. It’s the generations of Antarcticians – it’s always been about the people.”
Paul started as a State Service Cadet in the early 1980s at what was then DSIR in crop research. He moved to a procurement role in the Antarctic Division in 1981.
As Logistics Manager at Antarctica New Zealand, Paul is responsible for getting everything needed to run Scott Base and support science in Antarctica.
Described by his colleagues as humble man with a heart of gold, he greets dignitaries and everyday Kiwis alike with the same genuine warmth and care. While it’s not in his job description, Woody personally sees off every visitor and texts loved ones to let them know they arrived safely.
“Paul has been recognised by the New Zealand and international scientific community and he received an MNZM in the 2012 New Years Honours. At 81°29S and 155°59E, on the way to the South Pole, there’s even a feature named Woodgate Crest after him.”
“This couldn’t have happened to a n-icer guy. Congrats, Woody!”
He accepted the award at the Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre on 26 September.
