Timaru’s role in supporting Antarctic science

Antarctica. Cold, windy, dry, remote, and invaluable.

You can’t put a price on the importance of researching and protecting the icy continent.

New Zealand’s commitment and interest in Antarctica began with the development of Scott Base in 1957 as a supporting base for the Trans Antarctic Expedition.

Now over six decades later, Antarctica New Zealand is rebuilding it, so it can continue its long legacy of supporting science and environmental protection for the next 50+ years.

This year, construction of the base will begin right here in Timaru.

The importance of Antarctic science

Scientists have been researching Antarctica since the days of the first explorers, drawn by the extreme environment, unique species and pristine nature of the continent.

These days, a major focus of Antarctic research is how the continent and its ecosystems will be impacted by climate change, and how those changes will influence the rest of the planet.

Changes in Antarctica drive global sea level rise, ocean circulation and weather patterns around the world. The better we understand them, the better we can plan and adapt.

The science conducted at Scott Base continues to have national and global reach – whether it’s contributing to Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change work, or telling the story of how sea level rise will impact different parts of New Zealand.

Some datasets have been running since the mid-1900s, like the Scott Base Geomagnetic Observatory, which is significant due to its proximity to the South Pole.

Operated by GNS Science, it has been running uninterrupted since 1957 when Scott Base was established by Sir Edmund Hillary and his team. It now has a new home as part of the redevelopment.

This demonstrates why New Zealand is in Antarctica, and the need to maintain our presence there. The Scott Base Redevelopment is critical to achieving this.

Protecting the pristine environment

“Antarctica has intrinsic value as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.

New Zealand, guided by manaakitanga, is committed to preserving and protecting Antarctica and the Southern Ocean for present and future generations.”

These are the words in the New Zealand’s 2019 Statement of Commitment to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

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