Kuranui College's evening with renowned adventurer Jamie Fitzgerald saw an audience from all generations entertained with tales of incredible feats, mixed with valuable lessons in living a successful life.
Mr Fitzgerald, who co-presents TV One's action documentary series First Crossings, recounted during the Friday evening event rowing 5000km across the Atlantic Ocean in world record time, walking to the South Pole unsupported on foot, and trekking the length of New Zealand on the Big Walk. His messages were simple, but extremely powerful, as he highlighted that tenacity and mental fortitude rather than physical strength were the real secrets of his success. The single-mindedness that he and his co-adventurer Kevin Biggar needed for their record-breaking row had even extended to rowing in their sleep.
Mr Fitzgerald also shared an astonishing video of himself that had been filmed in pitch darkness - eyes firmly closed - pulling hard on the oars in a trance-like state.
He said the training he endured for the South Pole adventure was equally as gruelling.
However, having successfully reached the bottom of the world, he was unable to make the return journey, as he had shredded both his hamstrings in the process. He also lost 32kg in body weight.
