Get to know Jamie Fitzgerald
Who is Jamie Fitzgerald?
One of the two adventurers in new TV ONE series, First Crossings, Jamie Fitzgerald is a modern-day pioneer.
Early in 2007, Jamie became the first ever Kiwi to reach the
South Pole unsupported on foot with fellow adventurer Kevin Biggar,
creating media attention worldwide as they implemented a
'business-like' approach to their 52-day expedition.
Whilst dragging a 160kg sled over rough ice, Jamie battled torn
hamstrings for half the 1200km journey to the Pole, and enormous
weight loss en-route to helping celebrate the 50th Anniversary of
Scott Base, founded by his expedition's patron Sir Edmund
Hillary.
Jamie also holds the world record for rowing across the Atlantic
Ocean in a tiny row-boat, has captained winning rowing crews
against both Cambridge and Oxford during his management and
marketing degrees, and is a double New Zealand representative in
rowing and surf lifesaving.
Jamie's most rewarding campaign, dubbed 'The Big Walk', saw
hundreds of young Kiwis have adventurous, learning-based
experiences throughout New Zealand. The campaign ended with
participants, Ministers and CEOs discussing a strategy to combat
the country's negative youth statistics.
Jamie owns his own consultancy, has been a bank manager, and last
year managed the training for 7000 Rugby World Cup 2011
volunteers.
Jamie is the kind of guy that loves pushing his own boundaries, and
improving the performance of those around him. Jamie is one of New
Zealand's most sought after speakers on leadership, communication
and goal setting.
A personal note from Jamie
"There is something special about the concept of adventure. There
are no side-lines, goal posts, or carefully measured weights in an
air-conditioned building. Instead, I imagine the mind-sets,
determination and dirt under the fingernails of those that helped
build New Zealand's brand as the pioneering spirit on the edge of
the South Pacific.
I've learnt a lot from the stories I grew up with - of century old
adventures, and the unknown elements of my own campaigns. Through
this story telling, we can learn a lot about pushing our known
boundaries of endurance, navigation, innovation and
perseverance.
Those that we hope to celebrate in this series demonstrated their
desire to create new benchmarks of performance and problem solving
in unchartered territories.
The opportunity to promote those who have shaped our society by
re-creating their adventures is an incredibly exciting opportunity
for me, and one that could add some much-needed energy into the
minds of our young people.
During one of my campaigns ('The Big Walk') I created adventurous,
learning-based experiences for thousands of young kiwis throughout
New Zealand. Our young people have plenty of energy and
enthusiasm, but lack the stories and encouragement to imagine what
adventure could look like for them.
Through this series, I believe we can pay homage to those who have
formed our identity, but to also shape the conversations in New
Zealand homes about adventure in this modern age."
But which Kiwi icon Jamie's co-trekker Kevin Biggar did spend time with? You can find out in our biography of Kevin Biggar.
