Media release
17 October 2013

Antarctica: No Ordinary Place, No Ordinary Assignment

Air New Zealand has launched a global search for an environmental enthusiast keen to share the wonders of the Antarctic frozen continent with the world.

Antarctica: No Ordinary Place, No Ordinary Assignment will take the recipient of this money-can’t-buy once in a lifetime experience to Antarctica New Zealand’s Christchurch headquarters to team up with National Geographic photographer Jason Edwards before flying south to the frozen continent for two weeks.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the successful candidate will not only live at New Zealand’s Scott Base research support station in one of the most fragile and special places on earth, they will also help draw worldwide attention to global environmental issues and the scientific research underway in Antarctica to address these.

“The best suited candidate will have a passion for the environment and want to play a role in building awareness of the efforts we all need to make to better protect the world we live in.  Strong communication skills are a must along with a healthy respect for the difficult operating conditions in Antarctica,” Mr Luxon says.

Air New Zealand has deep links to Antarctica and has been a strong supporter of scientific research on the continent, including:

• ·         $100,000 grants to two Antarctic researchers to support their post doctoral studies.
• ·         Travel for scientists and research equipment from Canada and the United Kingdom to New Zealand to join Antarctic research efforts.
• ·         Flights for New Zealand based researchers to travel to Canada and the United States to advance international research collaboration.
• ·         Partnering with the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute on polar amplification research and its potential consequences.

Mr Luxon says launching Antarctica: No Ordinary Place, No Ordinary Assignment would not have been possible without the support of Antarctica New Zealand, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute and National Geographic Channel.

“We have formed a terrific partnership with these three organisations to draw global attention and interest onto the fragile environment that is Antarctica and the role we all have to play in helping protect not just it but the world we live in.”

Mr Simeon Dawes, Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales and Partnerships (Asia Pacific & Middle East) at FOX One Stop Media said “It’s our privilege to be the global media partner for this initiative. The theme of this contest echoes with the values of the National Geographic Channel, which is to showcase, protect and preserve all that nature has to offer.”

Antarctica New Zealand Chairman Rob Fenwick is challenging more corporates to step up and show the commitment Air New Zealand has to supporting scientific research that creates a better understanding of the continent and the impact of climate change.

“Air New Zealand is a role model for other companies when it comes to playing a leadership position in supporting research around climate change in Antarctica.  Our team hugely appreciates the long standing support of New Zealand’s national airline.  It acknowledges that aviation is a significant contributor of carbon emissions and alongside the airline’s daily operational efforts to reduce its environment impact, it is also making substantive contributions to science.  And these efforts are not just confined to Antarctica.  It is doing a tremendous amount to partner with the New Zealand Department of Conservation as well.”

Mr Luxon says Air New Zealand expects this once in a lifetime experience in Antarctica to resonate with environmental, scientific, adventure and creative communities across the globe. “We’re looking forward to seeing some amazing international interest.”

Budding Antarctic explorers can apply for this amazing opportunity at www.airnewzealand.com/voiceforantarctica before Thursday 7 November 2013 at 5.00pm NZT.

ENDS

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