Community Engagement Programme

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Community Engagement Programme (CEP)

Formerly the Media Programme and Artists and Writers Programme, the CEP plays a crucial part in informing and influencing the public's understanding towards the science and operations in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Our aim is to support innovative Community Engagement proposals which align to Antarctica New Zealand's purpose; Inspiring people to connect with Antarctica, through knowledge and collaboration and vision: Valued. Protected. Understood.

This programme encourages media, artists, teachers and writers proposals of the highest quality. The number of opportunities for travel to Antarctica are limited and varies each year with strong competition. We are interested in applications with new and fresh ideas which aim to capture our target audiences. We want applicants to demonstrate their outreach ability and we will reward those who can demonstrate a genuine interest in Antarctica and the environment.
We welcome applications from people/ organisations who share our values, who understand the importance of the science New Zealand supports in Antarctica and are passionate about communicating this message to New Zealand stakeholders and communities

What Our Community Engagement Programme Provides

  • Return flights from Christchurch to Scott Base.
  • Loan of Antarctica Extreme Cold Weather clothing (including carry bags)
  • Antarctic Field Skills, including pre-departure training and support.
  • Logistical and operational support while at Scott Base, including technical support for pre-approved objectives.
  • Accommodation and meals for the duration of stay at Scott Base.
  • Opportunity to connect with the Science Community and the Antarctic Heritage Trust.

NOTE: All successful applicants will be required to attend a two-day Winter School workshop to educate applicants on the importance of Antarctic research. The workshops primary objective is to support communicators in playing an active role in demystifying Antarctic science to the public.

What Our Community Engagement Programme Does Not Provide

  • Financial assistance towards any proposal
  • Funding for completion and distribution of the proposal
  • Assistance in organising travel between applicants departure address and Christchurch
  • Reimbursement for the cost of travel to Christchurch or accommodation in Christchurch
  • Reimbursement for the cost of medical examinations or blood tests
  • Insurance cover for the loss/ damage of equipment or personal effects
  • Incidental expenses while in Antarctica (toiletries etc.)

Applicants are free to seek funding elsewhere; however Antarctica New Zealand will not publicly endorse any product or service used by any applicant to gain support funding.

Good things to know

Every effort will be made to provide all necessary support to successful applicants, such as opportunities to spend time with staff at Scott Base, helicopter hours, skidoo licences and other support facilities.
Changes are to be expected and whilst we will make every endeavour to carry out as many of these activities as possible, situations may arise which result in a particular activity being cancelled. In the event of weather cancellation or operational delay Antarctica New Zealand staff will inform you of the situation and advise on an alternative plan.

There are weight and size restriction for cargo heading to Antarctica. As such heavy/ bulky items cannot be transported. Please contact Antarctica New Zealand to discuss this should you have a concern about the equipment required to deliver your proposal.

Applications

018A9143 2

Applications for the 2020/21 are now closed

Applications must be submitted electronically via email to: engagement@antarcticanz.govt.nz

All applications should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the general guidelines as outlined above.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Communications team in advance of submitting an application should they wish to discuss the unique requirements, restrictions, logistics and general needs. This discussion assists prospective applicants in compiling the best application possible for what is a very competitive programme.

Applications for the 2021/2022 season will open on August 31, 2020.

For further information about the application process, please contact the Communications team on 03 358 0213 or comms.team@antarcticanz.govt.nz

018A9939

What we need to know


Antarctica New Zealand will assess applications on the following criteria.

  • Ability to raise awareness and understanding around Antarctica New Zealand’s activities, including the science we support in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
  • Demonstrates a clear link to New Zealand’s science objectives and Antarctica New Zealand’s Statement of Intent
  • Provides statistics to support objectives and outreach capability. This should include a social media presence
  • Presents a novel and innovative approach to engaging the community
  • Demonstrates examples of previous work focussing on Antarctic or environmental topics
  • Details how work will provide new understanding of the Antarctic continent, science and /or operations