Kia ora koutou,
As the 2022-2023 Antarctic season draws to a close, we at the Christchurch Antarctic Office are pleased to report that despite some obstacles faced by the programmes, there was plenty to celebrate with some successful scientific research carried out. The season was marked by a wealth of activities and accomplishments that showcase the depth of commitment to advancing Antarctic research and forging meaningful relationships.
Over the course of the season, we had the privilege of connecting with the various Antarctic Research programmes, enabling us to gain valuable insight into the challenges faced and opportunities for improvement. This face-to-face interaction is a critical component of our mission and ensures that our efforts remain aligned with the goals and objectives of our key partners.
Our strong relationships with the international programmes continue to be the cornerstone of our success, allowing us to offer truly unique engagements with stakeholders across the business and scientific community. This season, we had the opportunity to visit the US Airforce-C17 crew and see the Globemaster aircraft up close, and we were hosted by the Italian crew onboard the research ship, the Laura Bassi. This provided a unique opportunity for connections to be made with our local Antarctic scientists.
As an organisation, we are dedicated to advancing the cause of Antarctic research and promoting the unique opportunities that this region offers. We were fortunate to attend the Antarctic Heritage Trust launch of their next Inspiring Explorers’ program. This program offers a unique opportunity for young people to embark on a journey of personal discovery and growth, exposing them to the wonders of Antarctica and the important research being conducted there. We were inspired by the previous recipients who shared their life-changing experiences at the event, and we look forward to supporting this program in the future.
While this season may be over, we are already planning for the next and look forward to continuing to support everyone involved in the Antarctic community. Your support and involvement is critical to the success of our Antarctic Research programmes and we remain committed to driving innovation and exploring new ways to support the research programmes. We believe that through collaboration and a dedication to innovation, we can continue to make a positive impact in the world of Antarctic research.
Thank you for your continued support.
David, Sue and Greg
Ōtautahi Christchurch Gateway City News
Support world-leading science by day, and enjoy what Antarctica has to offer after hours! Antarctica New Zealand is recruiting the Scott Base team for the 2023/2024 season.
Journey to the Doomsday Glacier
Thwaites could reshape the world's coastlines, but how do you study one of the world's most inaccessible places?
Read of the KOPRI led expedition where 40 international researchers who sailed from Christchurch to the edge of Antarctica onboard Korea’s icebreaking research vessel Araon, and spent a month at Thwaites conducting their respective research projects.
After 50 days of pushing their bodies and minds to the absolute limits, Inspiring Explorers (photographed from left to right) Mike Dawson, Marthe Brendefur, guide Bengt Rotmo, expedition leader Nigel Watson and Laura Andrew reached the South Pole on 6 January.
NZDF - Our History: Decades of flying to the ice
Since 1956, six types of Air Force aircraft have been used in Antarctica to fly scientists, Defence Force personnel and equipment to the southern-most point of the earth.
Read the full article here.
Six international businesses including Christchurch-based Fabrum and the Christchurch International Airport have launched a new consortium to bring zero-emission aviation to life in New Zealand.
The Press Summer Series: Antarctic Bases
The series, by local reporter Lee Kenny, looked at "the countries that operate on the frozen continent, their weird and wonderful bases and exactly what they do there."
The Antarctic organisations based in New Zealand you’ve probably never heard of
Living in 'Mac-Town', the United States' vast base in Antarctica
Where you'll find the best food in Antarctica, shipped in from Italy
Jang Bogo, South Korea's high-tech Antarctic station and one of Scott Base's neighbours
The ultimate renovation project - restoring an Antarctic base abandoned for more than 40 years
Antarctic Science and Innovation
New-generation drill arrives in Antarctica
The international drilling collaboration SWAIS2C’s rig has arrived at Scott Base, ready for next season’s big dig. Backed by New Zealand, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Italy and the Republic of Korea, as well as the International Continental Scientific Drilling Programme (ICDP). The aim is to recover sediment cores from beneath the Ross Ice Shelf from unprecedented depths. GNS Science profiled the drill system's journey and the SWAIS2C website is now live.
Lorde! That's good for climate change
Lorde has put her money where her mouth is and donated $120,000 to climate change science in Antarctica.
Beyond EPICA reached a depth of 808 metres through the Antarctic ice sheet
In Antarctica, the second drilling campaign of the Beyond EPICA - oldest ice project, at the remote field site Little Dome C, has been successfully completed. This project is an unprecendented challenge for paleoclimatology studies and its goal is to go back in time 1.5 million years to reconstruct past temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations through the analysis of an ice core extracted from the depths of the ice sheet.
Geoscience educator Julian Thomson from Out There Learning, recently returned from Antarctica where he was assisting a team researching microbes that live within the sea ice. These are his Top 10 highlights, and new resources from his trip can be found on Antarctica New Zealand’s Education Hub.
Christchurch Antarctic Network
Anthony’s Amazing Antarctic Experience
As New Zealand’s Caterpillar dealer, Terra has supported equipment on the ice since 1957.
For their expert technicians, like Whangārei's Anthony Barge, time in Antarctica is always a career highlight.
Antarctic Heritage Trust Farewells Nigel Watson
Last month Antarctic Heritage Trust farewelled Executive Director Nigel Watson after an incredible 23 years. In recognition of his services to Antarctic heritage preservation, Nigel was awarded the prestigious New Zealand Antarctic Medal in the New Year Honours List.
Heritage Expeditions Returns to Antarctica's Ross Sea
Pioneering Kiwi expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions made a triumphant return to Antarctica's Ross Sea for two voyages in January & February 2023 aboard their luxurious new 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer.
Antarctic and Gateway City Events
30 March 2023 | 7:30am to 9am
Renowned Shackleton expert, explorer and environmental scientist Tim Jarvis joins guests over breakfast to celebrate our city and regions connections to Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Two Antarctic walks will be led by local Antarctican Peter McCarthy
Shackleton: The Greatest Story of Survivial
At Deluxe, The Tannery from 20 April
28 lost adventurers must fight for their lives after their only lifeline is destroyed in the most uninhabitable place on Earth – Antarctica. Watch at Deluxe Cinemas, The Tannery from 20 April.
23-29 June 2023
COMNAP’s Antarctic Search & Rescue Workshop, the 20th COMNAP Symposium and the 35th COMNAP Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be hosted by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), at the Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, from 23−29 June 2023.
The AGM is a Member Only event but the Australian Antarctic Division is supporting opportunities for commercial exhibitors on the margins.
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.
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.
Inspiring Explorers Expedition - South Georgia Expedition™
28 September - 17 October 2023
Antarctic Heritage Trust is seeking 22 Kiwis aged 18-30 to join their next Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to South Georgia from 28 September to 17 October 2023.
Antarctic @ Social
The Emperor Penguins Wearing 'Fitbits'
GPS-based technology is helping researchers to learn more about majestic emperor penguins as part of efforts to protect the species from environmental threats. You can see the NZ-US research in action at Cape Crozier, thanks to pictures from videographer Anthony Powell.
Find out more here!
New Christchurch public artwork reflects on Antarctic exploration
A new legacy artwork Brett Graham’s ‘Erratic’ is being installed along the Ōtakaro Avon River, opposite the statue of Robert Falcon Scott. The nine-tonne piece of Arctic White granite, imported from Roald Amundsen’s homeland of Norway, references the journey of the Antarctic explorer.
Photography by Samuel Hartnett for Here magazine
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