Graeme is a Wellingtonian, growing up and educated in Petone, and now living in Whitby with Christine.
After leaving school Graeme joined the then New Zealand Geological Survey (now GNS Science) where he started work as a science technician. He was fortunate to obtain a government scholarship to attend Otago University, completing a surveying degree with distinction. Returning to GNS he worked in their Earth Deformation Group and studied crustal deformation due to plate tectonics and volcanic activity, including Mt Erebus in Antarctica.
In 1992 he received an opportunity to take his family to the USA for 2 years to study and work in Boulder Colorado at the University NAVSTAR Consortium. Here he worked on a number of projects using GPS to measure crustal deformation around the world. This has included studying the effects of a devastating earthquake in Turkey. Returning to New Zealand he moved to Land Information New Zealand and is currently the National Geodesist heading up the National Geodetic Office. Graeme continues to be involved in one of his passions, working in Antarctica, having visited on a number of occasions, surveying and mapping. In recognition of his work he had a mountain named after him by the US National Science Foundation.
After leaving school Graeme joined the then New Zealand Geological Survey (now GNS Science) where he started work as a science technician. He was fortunate to obtain a government scholarship to attend Otago University, completing a surveying degree with distinction. Returning to GNS he worked in their Earth Deformation Group and studied crustal deformation due to plate tectonics and volcanic activity, including Mt Erebus in Antarctica.In 1992 he received an opportunity to take his family to the USA for 2 years to study and work in Boulder Colorado at the University NAVSTAR Consortium. Here he worked on a number of projects using GPS to measure crustal deformation around the world. This has included studying the effects of a devastating earthquake in Turkey. Returning to New Zealand he moved to Land Information New Zealand and is currently the National Geodesist heading up the National Geodetic Office. Graeme continues to be involved in one of his passions, working in Antarctica, having visited on a number of occasions, surveying and mapping. In recognition of his work he had a mountain named after him by the US National Science Foundation.
Graeme has been a member of the Rotary Club of Plimmerton for 16 years. He was President in 2001/02 and has held many offices in the club. He is particularly passionate about the youth and vocational programmes such as RYLA and GSE, being a GSE team leader to New York in 2007. Graeme has held a number of District roles and is currently a joint coordinator for RYLA. Outside of Rotary Graeme is a keen Toastmaster, enjoys motorsport, and tramping.
Christine was borne in Wanganui and has spent most of her working career in the banking industry. She is an avid cook and together they enjoy good food, wine, and entertaining. Graeme and Christine’s children have successfully completed their university studies. Cameron is now married to Sophie and living in Taupo, and he has recently joined Rotary. Stephanie is working as a town planner in Wellington.
Dear Graeme and Chris,
ReplyDeleteWonderful to follow your blog and will 'borrow' your idea next year as DG of District 5370, the District of our GSE group with you right now.
Keep enjoying your DG year and our team.
George and I plan a visit to New Zealand after the Convention in Sydney. Hope to meet you and Chris.
Betty L Screpnek
DG D5370 2013-14
Bettyscrepnek@gmail.com