Antarctica New Zealand is a Crown Entity. It has a six member board, 30 permanent staff  in Christchurch and a team of temporary staff, including secondments from the New Zealand Defence Force, at Scott Base.

The temporary staff, of between ten and fifty depending on the time of year and the level of activity, fall into two categories - those who are at Scott Base for the summer season (October to February) and those who winter-over (October to October).

Some Christchurch staff also spend the summer season at Scott Base supporting the research, and groups at the Base and in the field.

Antarctica New Zealand's head office is at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, which also houses the United States and Italian Antarctic programmes. The Chief Executive and staff responsible for the objectives of Antarctica New Zealand are accommodated at the centre.

Each year Antarctica New Zealand recruits staff for Scott Base. Some appointments are for summer only, (October - February), while others winter-over (October to October). The New Zealand Defence Force seconds specialist personnel to Antarctica who are an essential part of the staff of the Base. 

Scott Base staff belong to one of three specialist teams. These are:

• Base Services: responsible for all administrative and domestic activities at Scott Base;
• Engineering: responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of buildings, services, plant, and vehicles at Scott Base;
• Programme Support: responsible for supporting all New Zealand science projects and field activities.