Antarctic research is a top priority for New Zealand

14 April 2016

Antarctic research is a top priority for New Zealand

Antarctic research is revealing critical knowledge gaps that require a high level of priority as the planet undergoes climate changes that have not been recorded in more than one million years.

“The performance of the New Zealand economy, particularly the pastoral sector, is dependent on understanding climate and weather patterns. New Zealand’s weather systems are influenced by changes in Antarctica,” says Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Beggs.

“New Zealand’s Antarctic scientists need to be at the top of their game. In Antarctica they require fit-for-purpose facilities and experienced logistics staff and equipment to deliver the answers to some of the most pressing climate change questions of our time.”

Antarctica New Zealand has just completed the second year of its multimillion dollar construction programme to upgrade research facilities at the Hillary Field Centre at Scott Base. This fully-connected, two-storey section of Scott Base includes two large cargo bays, three science laboratories, offices, training rooms, supply areas and computer suite, all of which add value to science operations while in Antarctica.

This was a key point of discussion during Prime Minister John Key’s visit to Antarctica New Zealand today which included a brief on New Zealand’s ambitious long term research needs and the challenge of delivering logistically complex science programmes in one of the most remote locations on Earth.

“The support of the Government is strong, but there is much more work to do. We need to keep up momentum to ensure New Zealand continues to demonstrate strong leadership within the Antarctic Treaty system and through policy meetings such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,” says Mr Beggs.

The Prime Minister visited Scott Base as Leader of the Opposition in 2007 and as Prime Minister in 2013.

ENDS

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