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Kia ora koutou,
As the Southern Hemisphere winter arrives, we have been keeping ourselves busy with various exciting activities within the Antarctic community. In June, I had the privilege of flying the Christchurch Antarctic Gateway flag at the COMNAP AGM in Hobart. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with all the National Antarctic Programs, gain a comprehensive understanding of their plans, and discuss the Christchurch Antarctic Network of businesses that will be supporting them in the upcoming 2023/2024 season.
Exciting times lie ahead in Christchurch as we prepare to host the New Zealand and Australian Science Conference and the XII SCAR Biology Symposium at the end of July, start of August. These events present excellent opportunities for us to engage with National Antarctic Programs and the global science community, fostering connections between the innovation and science communities. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce two public-facing events, 'After Dark' and 'Awesome Antarctica', which will further enhance the visibility and public interest in Antarctica.
The Antarctic Office would like to extend its warmest congratulations to Francesca Eathorne, who has assumed the leadership role at the NZ Antarctic Heritage Trust (NZAHT). The office has always valued its close working relationship with NZAHT and eagerly looks forward to continuing the partnership under Francesca's guidance.
It is always exciting to see new projects coming to life or reaching completion that showcase life in Antarctica and highlight its incredible history and the importance of Antarctic Science. Projects such as "The Climate Canary" film by Vanessa Wells, Colin Monteath's book "Erebus The Ice Dragon," Matt Jordan's coverage of life at Scott Base, and Tim Jarvis's expeditions faithfully recreate the experiences of explorers like Shackleton and Mawson. These talented individuals skillfully blend storytelling, visuals, and history to convey the profound significance of climate change, the beauty and fragility of Antarctica and our planet, and the challenges of working in extreme environments.
Finally, it is with mixed emotions that the office announces the departure of Sue McFarlane. Sue has been an integral part of the Christchurch Antarctic Office for many years. Her expertise, knowledge, and exceptional networking skills have left an indelible mark on the office and the Antarctic community as a whole. She has played a vital role in fostering collaborations, bridging gaps, and strengthening relationships between the scientific and business sectors. Sue's contributions have been instrumental in the success of the office's programs and events, and her dedication and professionalism have earned her the respect and admiration of all those she has worked with.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in the work of the Christchurch Antarctic Office. We look forward to sharing more updates and exciting developments with you in the future.
David
Christchurch Antarctic Office
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Ōtautahi Christchurch Gateway City News
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New Zealand Defence Force Long Time Link To Antarctica
The New Zealand Defence Force’s tri-Service Operation Antarctica is one of our oldest missions, with the NZDF having contributed personnel to Antarctica since 1957.
At the helm is Senior National Officer Major Lucy Wright, who works as the liaison between the military and the important scientific and environment programmes on the ice.
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NZ Antarctic Heritage Trust NZ Executive CEO Appointed
Following an extensive global search for a new Executive Director, the NZ Antarctic Heritage Trust NZ proudly announced the appointment of Francesca Eathorne, who officially assumed the role on May 1, 2023. With over six years of experience at the Antarctic Heritage Trust, including her most recent position as Chief Operations Officer, Francesca brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new leadership position.
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National Antarctic Programmes Research Vessels Visits
Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger, along with key Antarctic scientists and city stakeholders, had the privilege of being invited aboard the Italian research vessel Laura Bassi and the South Korean research vessel Araon as they concluded their productive Antarctic season. This exclusive opportunity provided a first-hand experience of the challenges and achievements faced by the researchers, while emphasising Christchurch's commitment to global Antarctic collaborations and environmental preservation.
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Antarctica Studies at the University of Canterbury
Gateway Antarctica's unique Postgraduate Certificate of Antarctic Studies (PCAS) program is now accepting applications. The 14-week full-time program explores scientific, environmental, and contemporary Antarctic themes, ideal for graduates seeking expertise in this field. Additionally, applications are open for the one-year full-time Master of Antarctic Studies program starting in November.
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Lyttelton to get new contemporary museum
Te Ūaka The Lyttelton Museum has been granted consent for a new three-storey contemporary building. $12.5m needs to be raised.
The former museum’s collection that celebrates Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour’s rich history, including Antarctic memorabilia and photos, was saved with more than 8500 items catalogued and in storage.
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Antarctic Science and Innovation
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Disappearing sea ice
The Antarctic Science Platform’s sixth Cold Call newsletter is a bumper issue, focussed on Antarctic sea ice. Sea-ice extent has fallen rapidly in the last several years, reversing a previous trend of gradual increase. The abrupt decrease, dominated by sharp reductions in the Ross Sea, has meant that in three years, Antarctica has lost more sea ice than has been lost over the last 30 years in the Arctic. This has set alarm bells ringing, reflecting the seriousness of the cascade of global consequences that are expected to accompany any substantial reduction in the formation of sea ice. Subscribe to ‘Cold Call’ here.
Listen to Radio NZ’s ‘The Detail’ podcast with NIWA Oceanographer Dr Natalie Robinson Why is Antarctic sea ice vanishing? | RNZ
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Tahu-nui-ā-Rangi (Southern Lights) Lights up the Night Sky with Southern Brilliance
In April, the poles and New Zealand were treated to a breathtaking display of Tahu-nui-ā-Rangi, the southern lights. This captivating phenomenon occurs when material ejected from the sun's atmosphere collides with Earth's magnetic field. The recent Coronal Mass Ejection on April 21st resulted in the largest geomagnetic storm since 2017, as noted by Dr. James Brundell from Otago University. Auroras, formed by charged particles colliding with gases in our upper atmosphere, create these stunning lights visible in high-latitude polar regions. The vivid green and radiant red colors signify the altitude of the activity. Witness the incredible images capturing this celestial spectacle.
Photo credit: Thomas Robinson, Antarctica New Zealand
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Introducing GeoMAP Antarctica: Unveiling the Continent's Geological Secrets
A groundbreaking moment in Antarctic research with realized with the release of GeoMAP Antarctica. This world-first geological mapping database compiles comprehensive and open-access data, offering a detailed account of the continent's geological history. Covering over 52,000 km2 of exposed rock and sediment, GeoMAP provides unprecedented insights into Antarctica's geological, geomorphological, and glaciological past. This transformative resource promises to revolutionize our understanding of the frozen continent and fuel future scientific discoveries.
New map unlocks deep digital data of Antarctica’s history
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New turbines for the windiest continent
Ross Island, Antarctica is set to receive three new state-of-the-art wind turbines that will power the future Scott Base with more than 90% renewable energy. Three EWT turbines (type DW54X-1MW) have been selected to replace the three existing turbines that supply renewable energy to Scott Base and the neighbouring American base, McMurdo Station. The new turbines are scheduled to sail south to Antarctica in the summer of 2023/24.S
New turbines for the windiest continent | Antarctica New Zealand (antarcticanz.govt.nz)
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Starlink for Scott Base
New Zealand’s remotest outpost is now just a video call away with Antarctica New Zealand installing Starlink at Scott Base to improve connectivity. The trial is a significant step up in communications capability for scientists, opening up access to data, large files, organisational communication and collaboration tools, as well as WiFi and mobile phones. Starlink will supplement those existing systems, providing resilience for off-continent communications; it has the potential to improve connection speed by about a factor of ten.
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University of Canterbury Scientist Jenni Adams Elected as Royal Society Fellow for Ground-breaking Antarctic Research
We extend our warmest congratulations to US scientist Jenni Adams, who has been elected as a Royal Society fellow, among the five distinguished UC researchers receiving this prestigious honour. Jenni Adams serves as Aotearoa New Zealand's lead scientist in the IceCube collaboration, overseeing a remarkable observatory situated beneath the Antarctic ice at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. With 5000 sensors spread over a cubic kilometre, this ground-breaking research facility detects Cerenkov radiation from high-energy neutrino interactions with ice nuclei.
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Christchurch Antarctic Network
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Advancing Sustainability and Innovation in Antarctica: Christchurch Antarctic Office Hosts Influential Scientists and Innovators
As an Antarctic Gateway City, Ōtautahi Christchurch is committed to being a leader in sustainability and innovation, with a primary focus on advancing Antarctic scientific knowledge while minimizing environmental impact. Recently, the Christchurch Antarctic Office had the privilege of hosting a group of influential Antarctic scientists and business innovators who share our vision and support our efforts.
The event featured Tim Jarvis, environmentalist scientist, author, and adventurer renowned for his dedication to finding practical solutions to pressing environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from Tim's expertise and engage in insightful discussions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The event also provided valuable networking opportunities for participants to connect with one another.
We are excited about the collaboration with this esteemed group, as we remain resolute in our commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative solutions for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
To listen to Tim Jarvis's insightful talk on Plains FM, you can access the podcast via this link.
You can purchase Tim's books and DVD, supporting the Alexandra Shackleton Fund, through the Christchurch Foundation link here.
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Ice Runway Compaction Carts
The ice runways at the largest airfield in Antarctica continue to be safely compacted, thanks to a Christchurch-based engineering company.
MHM Automation has developed and delivered three bespoke SCE Runway Compaction Carts for use at the United States Antarctic Program’s McMurdo Station.
Read details here
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Antarctic and Gateway City Events
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New Zealand - Australia Antarctic Science Conference
25-28 July 2023
Antarctica New Zealand is teaming up with the Australian Antarctic Division for the New Zealand – Australia Antarctic Science Conference 2023 at The Majestic, Christchurch from 25-28 July 2023.
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After Dark Friday
28 July 2023
The Majestic
Antarctica After Dark is coming back! Hear the coolest tales from an amazing line up of Antarctic speakers in July. Keep an eye on the link above for details.
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XIII SCAR Biology Symposium
31 July - 1 August 2023
Many of the world’s leading scientists and early career researchers in Antarctic biology and ecology will meet for the first face-to-face Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) meeting in 3 years. In Ōtautahi Christchurch at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre from 31 July - 4 August 2023.
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Awesome Antarctica - Four Continents x Four Stories
1 August 2023, 6pm
Tūranga Tautoru/TSB Space
Tūranga is thrilled to announce the Awesome Antarctica Speaker Series, an engaging arc of educational events leading up to Days of Ice. The series begins in dazzling style, with Jasmine Lee, Jane Younger, Mia Wege, and Cassandra Brooks weaving together extraordinary experience and storytelling, in an event curated and facilitated by Michelle LaRue. These four women from four continents will tell their Antarctic stories – teaching audiences about animals, conservation, and why we should protect the Southern Ocean. Register for early bird tickets at the link above.
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Days of Ice
2 - 8 October 2023
Tūranga
Days of Ice celebrates the start of the Antarctic science season 2023/2024, and Tūranga, the landmark central city library, is delighted to once again be the hub for this year’s public programme which will run over seven days during the school holidays (2- 8 October). Captivating talks, displays, immersive experience, storytelling and craft for tamariki, and an expo-style multi-cultural family day are on the plan, with further involvement from the 20 network libraries.
Christchurch City Libraries is passionate about connecting our community to awe-inspiring Antarctica, its dedicated researchers, and this remarkable science, leadership and artistry that is shaping our future.
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Win a trip to Antarctica!
Visit the International Antarctic Centre before September 30th this year to go into the draw to win a trip for two to Antarctica with Viva Expeditions, valued at over $35,000!
More detail here
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'The Climate Canary'
Work on the feature documentary The Climate Canary is progressing along. The story is about three extraordinary women from three different generations and their remarkable work in Antarctica. The film features Prof. Pat Langhorne, Dr Natalie Robinson, and PHD student Jacqui Stuart, and is being produced by Elanti Media, directed by Vanessa Wells. Anticipated worldwide release is Q1 2024, but to make that deadline they are working hard to find further financial support for the film to keep the edit suite ticking over. If you would like to know more, or be involved, please contact Vanessa.
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'The Worst Journey in the World'
Antarctic Heritage Trust is proud to be the New Zealand distributer of animator Sarah Airriess’ graphic novel adaptation of ‘The Worst Journey in the World’ by Apsley Cherry-Garrard. Volume one of this four volume series is now available for purchase on the Trust’s website.
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'Erebus The Ice Dragon'
‘Erebus The Ice Dragon - A Portrait of Antarctic Volcano’ by Colin Monteath is published by Massey University Press (Auckland) to be launched in Christchurch mid August at Turanga library. There will also be a strictly limited boxed edition of 100 with signed numbered bookplate available only via Barking Mad Books, online bookshop at www.colinmonteath.nz
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Life at Scott Base with Matty Jordan
Keep up-to-date with life on the ice with Matty Jordan of Antarctica NZ, who is wintering over at Scott Base. One of Matty’s latest posts of pouring a can of Coke in -70°F Antarctica has gone viral.
View Matty’s Facebook posts here.
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Kaiser Brew Garden wins Supreme Award!
Huge congratulations to Kaiser Brew Garden, who welcomes so many visiting Antarcticans, has won the Supreme Award at the NZ Hospitality Awards 2023.
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