Sean Heaphy

Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

HWD Driller and Mechanic

Sean Heaphy first came to Antarctica as a 23-year-old, back in 1988, to spend a year working as a mechanic at Scott Base. He followed up with two summer seasons, but then had a 20-year gap before returning to participate in scientific drilling projects, including SWAIS2C.

Off the ice, Sean is a police officer based in Palmerston North, most recently working on crime scene investigations.

He has a soft spot for Antarctica, inspired by his first seasons as a young man, and feels drawn back to the frozen continent by its landscapes and people. He hopes to return for more seasons, juggling summers on ice with his police work.