Please note that some of the links in this news archive will no longer be active

19 December 2008

ANTARCTICA NEW ZEALAND SCIENCE UPDATE NO. 38

The December Science Update has the latest information on the previously mooted possibility of New Zealand involvement in a marine science cruise using the Oden in 2010, and there are also reminders for various forthcoming events. It comes with best wishes for the Festive season and 2009 from all at Antarctica New Zealand. Download updates here.

21 November 2008

ANTARCTICA NEW ZEALAND SCIENCE UPDATE NO. 37

The latest Science Update has information on the Science strategy consultation and science performance review, along with potential opportunities for marine research and IPY outreach information. Download tupdates here.

3 November 2008

ANTARCTIC ARTS FELLOW GARETH FARR

The score for Heat, opening at Bats Theatre in Wellington on Friday (7 November) and running until 22 November was composed by Gareth Farr. Aiming to simulate some of the restrictions of life in the Antarctic, Heat will be totally self-sustainable, with lights, sound and electronics all powered as far as possible from low drain and/or renewable energy.

30 October 2008

ANTARCTIC YOUTH AMBASSADOR ANNOUNCED

Libby Liggins of Auckland has been selected as this year's Antarctic Youth Ambassador. The award, developed by Antarctica New Zealand in partnership with the Sir Peter Blake Trust, aims to provide an opportunity for a young New Zealander to contribute to environmental work in Antarctica. Libby Liggins is the second recipient of this award which attracted a large number of high quality applicants.  For more information go to the Press Releases.

14 October 2008

ANTARCTICA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT

The annual report for 2007-2008 has now been published. A low resolution copy can be downloaded here.

13 October 2008

ANTARCTICA NEW ZEALAND SCIENCE UPDATE NO. 36

The latest Science Update has information on the Science strategy, several links to SCAR news and also notes the recent successes of several Antarctic scientists. Download updates here.

3 October 2008

INTERNATIONAL POLAR YEAR MEDIA SCHOLAR ANNOUNCED

University of Canterbury journalism student, Naomi Arnold, has been selected as Antarctica New Zealand's inaugural International Polar Year Media Scholar. Naomi will spend six weeks over the coming Antarctic summer season at Scott Base covering a range of stories from the Ice, including the science events of the last season of the International Polar Year. For more information go to the Press releases.

1 October 2008

NEW ZEALAND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MEDAL

Alex Pyne of the Antarctic Research Centre at Victoria University of Wellington has been awarded a New Zealand Science and Technology medal by the Royal Society's New Zealand Science & Technology Medals committee.  The medal recognises his leadership in the field of polar drilling technology which has enabled the recovery of continuous records of past environments in the most challenging of places - Antarctica.  Most recently Alex was Drilling / Science Manager on the ANDRILL project which drilled to a record depth of 1285 metres. More information on the ANDRILL project can be found here.

25 September 2008

PROF CRAIG CARY WINS MARSDEN FUND GRANT

Professor Craig Cary of the University of Waikato has received a Marsden Fund grant of $798 000 over 3 years.  His research project is called: Life at the extreme: resolving the genetic basis of microbial endemism in the super-heated soils of Mt Erebus, Antarctica.

The study of high temperature extreme environments continues to challenge our understanding of the upper tolerances of microbial life and how life may have originated on earth and possibly other planets. The Tramway Ridge geothermal site on Mt Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica, is the most geographically isolated geothermal site on earth providing an excellent system for studies of microbial speciation, biogeography, and evolution of thermal adaptation.

A preliminary genetic survey of the Tramway Ridge microflora revealed an unprecedented diversity of extremely novel microbes only distantly related to any known bacteria. Most of these loose affiliations are with organisms identified from deep-subsurface systems suggesting the Tramway Ridge community may be archaic and of sub-surface origin. A group dominates the community that to date has no known cultured or environmental representative. Recent advances in high throughput DNA sequencing and bioinformatics allow the acquisition and deciphering of the genetic capabilities and structure of entire microbial communities without the necessity of cultivation. Employing a combination of these advanced genetic methods, coupled with culture-dependant approaches, a genecentric analysis of the Tramway Ridge microflora and other Antarctic geothermal sites will be undertaken to address questions of endemism, biogeography, evolution, and adaptation. 

23 September 2008

NEW BOARD CHAIRMAN FOR ANTARCTICA NZ

Rob Fenwick has been appointed Chairman of Antarctica New Zealand replacing retiring Chairman, Paul Hargreaves. Rob is an experienced businessman and company director with interests closely aligned to promoting sustainable development. He has had a long association with Antarctica, which includes nine years as director and later chairman of Landcare Research, as well as being a former Chairman of the Antarctic Heritage Trust. The Board and Staff of Antarctica New Zealand look forward to working with Rob and the extensive experience he brings to the position.

18 September 2008

JOHN WALSH'S ANTARCTIC ART

John Walsh, who travelled to Antarctica as an invited artist last season, is currently exhibiting at the Janne Land Gallery in Wellington. This exhibtion of his Antarctic-inspired art can be viewed online here. The exhibition closes on 11 October.

15 September 2009

ANTARCTICA NEW ZEALAND SCIENCE UPDATE NO. 35

The latest Update announces the appointment of the new Manager Science and Information.  Dr Ed Butler is currently Senior Strategy Advisor at Crop and Food Research and was one of the first Antarctica NZ science scholars, receiving the NZ Post Antarctic Scholarship in 1997.  It also contains information about the importance of creating an IPY legacy through an improved NZ focus on science, education and outreach. Download updates here.

3 September 2008

SPRING SIGNALS THE START OF FLIGHTS TO THE ICE

The first flight of this year's annual programme departs from Christchurch tomorrow.  This flight and several others will supply both New Zealand and US Antarctic stations with scientific equipment, general supplies, fresh fruit and vegetables, and mail. Key personnel will also be deployed early for the upcoming summer research season, which begins in October.  To read press releases go here.