Three year Partnership signed with National Geographic

29 June 2015

Three year Partnership signed with National Geographic to showcase New Zealand-led Antarctic science

National Geographic, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute (NZARI) and Antarctica New Zealand announced today a cross-platform partnership to support Antarctic science.

The partnership includes significant funding to support important scientific research and an agreement to showcase the challenging work undertaken by our researchers and support staff through a global series for National Geographic Channel which will be broadcast in 171 countries and 45 languages, articles in National Geographic Magazine and multimedia content on the National Geographic web platforms.

“NZARI is very excited to partner with National Geographic. Their support recognises the global significance of the exciting new challenges NZARI is embarking on – we are very much focused on the challenge facing future generations as the Antarctic responds to a warming climate. These challenges include melting ice, changing ocean circulation, and impacts on wildlife,” says Professor Gary Wilson, Director of NZARI.

“While National Geographic support will help a range of scientific research, it will also help us launch a major set of expeditions out across the Ross Ice Shelf over the next three years. This work should help us understand just how vulnerable Antarctica and its floating ice fringe is to changes in the worlds ocean and climate.”

Another unique aspect of the partnership is the resource National Geographic will bring to producing television, print and digital content that will take the public along on the expeditions and connect them with the range of people who help make the New Zealand Antarctic Programme a success.

Every single member of the programme is either engaged in pivotal scientific projects to learn more about the planet, or engaged in supporting this research – or sometimes both.

“There is no one but National Geographic who can truly offer a 360 degree look inside this important scientific community,” said John Francis, Vice President for Research, Conservation, and Exploration at the National Geographic Society. “The work being done here not just by the scientists but the army of support staff is heroic, and the world should know about it.”

“We’re all about bringing our viewers a real look inside places most will never go,” added Tim Pastore, President, Original Programming and Production for National Geographic Channel. “Our series will document the incredible feats that take place on a daily basis on the least explored continent in the world.”

“NatGeo Studios is thrilled to be able to document the great work that all of these men and women are doing every day,” added Brooke Runnette, President, National Geographic Studios. “Their stories are not just heroic, but inspirational, and through all of our platforms we can provide a comprehensive portrayal of the people and their projects unlike any other media company in the world.”
This partnership was announced by Prof Gary Wilson during his opening speech at the New Zealand Antarctic Science Conference which begins in Christchurch today.

ENDS

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