News

International Day for Biological Diversity - Antarctic Dry Valleys: the antithesis of a barren desert

22/5/2013

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Recent ground-breaking research on the Antarctic Continent which combines traditional taxonomy with DNA technology has discovered that Antarctic communities are more biologically diverse than previously thought. Last season, supported by Antarctica New Zealand, a team of Waikato University scientists and students from the International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research (ICTAR), led by Professor Craig Cary, returned to the Dry Valleys and spent several weeks collecting samples as part of the New Zealand Terrestrial Antarctic Biocomplexity Survey (NZTABS).

"Historically, the Dry Valleys were thought to be a low-diversity system, mainly as on the surface it looks like a barren desert. However it’s actually the absolute antithesis of that. It has a rich biodiversity" explains Professor Cary. Full release.

Hannibal Hayes: NZ's foremost chopper rescue pilot

8/5/2013

Reporter Samantha Hayes talks with helicopter pilot Richard 'Hannibal' Hayes, who has made around 3000 rescues. Richard Hayes was recently awarded a contract by Antarctica New Zealand to work in Antarctica supporting the operations and logistics of the New Zealand Antarctic Science Programme and support scientists in the field. Link to video.

'What I do': Scott Base Winter Leader live chat

6/5/2013

Ever wondered what it's like to work in Antarctica? Now's your chance to find out. NZ Herald online is running a live chat "What I do" series every Tuesday from 12pm-1pm and first up is Antarctica New Zealand's Becky Goodsell. Becky, who is running New Zealand's Scott Base over the winter, will be chatting live from Antarctica from 12pm on Tuesday 6th May to answer your questions about what it's like to live and work on the ice continent after its plunge into 24/7 darkness. Link to story and review the chat.

Antarctic proposal confirmed as one of the 10 National Science Challenges

1/5/2013

Prime Minister John Key and Hon Steven Joyce, Minister of Science and Innovation, today announced the final 10 National Science Challenges. The ten research areas identified as New Zealand's first National Science Challenges include the Antarctic proposal "The Deep South – understanding the role of the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean in determining our climate and our future environment". Full release. Government release.

ANZAC Day dawnless service in Antarctica

25/4/2013

The Anzac spirit was felt as far away as the icy continent yesterday, as Antarctica New Zealand's team at Scott Base turned out for a dawn service, despite not having a dawn. Antarctica New Zealand's Mechanic at Scott Base, Lex McKenzie, spoke to Firstline about the commemorations in low-light, -43degC temperatures. More.

The sun bids adieu to Ross Island

24/4/2013

Antarctica New Zealand's Scott Base staff watched the sunset at lunchtime today as Antarctica heads towards the winter months and the permanent darkness it brings with it. While most of us take sunsets for granted, the overwinter team didn't want to miss the last rays of sunlight as they won't see the sun above the horizon again until August 19, due to Antarctica's position at the tip of the globe. Link to NewstalkZB audio. Link to print.

Earth Day premier of Thin Ice movie

22/4/2013

Earth Day, 22 April, was a logical day to premier the movie Thin Ice – the Inside Story of Climate Science around the globe. To support the launch at Te Papa in Wellington, Antarctica New Zealand linked with Christchurch City Council to screen the film to mark the start of the City's IceFest 2014 festival. Forty of the key participants in the first IceFest gathered at the International Antarctic Centre to meet the team and watch the film. The film screened in over 200 locations across the globe including New Zealand, American, Australian and British bases in Antarctica. Link to interview. Link to Film.

Coolest jobs and a priceless view

13/4/2013

For some, the thought of working in the Antarctic Circle can be a bit like marmite; you either love the idea or hate it! Those who have worked on the ice though are adamant that it was the best experience of their lives and a real honour to have worked in such a pristine, unique environment. Following in the footsteps of pioneers like Sir Ed Hillary, applications open today for fixed term jobs at Antarctica New Zealand’s Scott Base for summer only and winter-overing positions. Link to video. Link to press release.

New ice cores may show how long the Ross Ice Shelf will last

8/4/2013

New Zealand researchers analysing hundreds of ice cores from Antarctica's Roosevelt Island hope they will help pin down how long the Ross Ice Shelf may hold together at the current rate of climate change. Professor Gary Wilson - Director of NZARI, talks to Radio New Zealand's morning report. Link to audio.

Tourism threatens pristine Antarctic environment

8/4/2013

Environmentalists are calling for tougher regulations in Antarctica as tourism numbers continue to rise and visitors want to do more than just look at wildlife from ships. Increasingly they want to go ashore for adventure tourism and hiking which significantly increases the risk to the fragile Antarctic continent. TV3 reporter Jessica Rowe interviews Dr Neil Gilbert - Antarctica New Zealand's Manager Environment and Dr Daniela Liggett - Gateway Antarctica Lecture. Link to video.

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