Community Engagement Programme
Community Engagement Programme
Are you passionate about the wonders of Antarctica? This programme offers a rare opportunity to gain firsthand experience of one of the most remote and pristine places on Earth. Artists, educators, writers and media visit Antarctica as our guests, fostering the long-standing relationship New Zealanders have with the continent.
Expressions of Interest for the 2026/27 closed on 22 January. We’re impressed by the sheer cleverness, passion and creativity of submissions. The ideas reflect a community that is curious, generous and deeply engaged with Antarctica and its stories. You've given us some very tough decisions because, as expected, opportunities to travel are going to be very limited this year. We're aiming to let everyone the outcome by the end of March.
Shortlisted candidates will develop detailed proposals in collaboration with Antarctic New Zealand between March and June, and places on the programme will be confirmed mid-year. Successful candidates will travel between October 2026 and February 2027.
Want a heads up for the 2027/28 summer research season? Email engagement@antarcticanz.govt.nz with 'heads up' in the subject line.
Once again, we’ll be looking for innovative proposals that align with Antarctica New Zealand's vision,
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean: Valued, protected, understood.
Formerly the Media Programme and the Artists and Writers Programme, the Community Engagement Programme plays a crucial part in informing the public about our country’s scientific, environmental and conservation efforts in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and an understanding of Antarctica New Zealand’s role in supporting these activities.
Antarctica New Zealand strives for a supportive application and selection process, designed to produce quality, value-for-money and effective outcomes that nurture curiosity and understanding of the continent's profound influence on Earth's climate systems, as well as the culture and expertise that has evolved to allow us to operate there.
We welcome applications from people and organisations who share our values, who understand the importance of the science New Zealand supports in Antarctica, and who are passionate about communicating this message to New Zealanders.
What our Community Engagement Programme provides:
- Return flights from Christchurch to Scott Base
- Loan of Antarctica Extreme Cold Weather clothing (plus standard-issue duffle and carry-on bags)
- Antarctic field skills, including pre-departure and on-ice training
- Logistical and operational support while at Scott Base, including technical support for pre-approved objectives
- Accommodation and meals for the duration of your stay at Scott Base
- Opportunity to connect with the science community.
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 applicant's 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, shop purchases, etc).
Applicants are free to seek funding for proposals elsewhere, providing the funder aligns with Antarctica New Zealand’s brand. However, Antarctica New Zealand will not endorse or promote any product, service or sponsor through the Community Engagement Programme or from Scott Base.
Good things to know:
Individual itineraries are developed for each participant. Every effort will be made to provide the necessary support needed for a proposal to succeed, including site visits, permits and internal travel by helicopter, Hägglunds or snow mobile.
Change is to be expected! While we will make every endeavour to support all of a proposal’s objectives, 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 any alternative plan.
There are weight and size restrictions for cargo heading to Antarctica. Heavy or bulky items cannot be transported. Please contact Antarctica New Zealand to discuss any questions or concerns about transporting the equipment required for your proposal.
Please be aware that a successful application cannot guarantee that you will travel. Antarctic conditions are extreme and changeable and sometimes flights cannot be rescheduled. Cancellation of Community Engagement Programme trips are rare, but it has happened, and this a risk all applicants face.
Proposals from overseas applicants will be considered, but reaching New Zealand audiences is critical for selection.
Proposals for deep-field access will be considered, but there may be additional medical, skill or training requirements; these may be location specific and will be worked through as part of the selection process.
Antarctica New Zealand is unable to support proposals involving access to Mt Erebus' upper slopes or crater in 2026/27. We remain committed to supporting Imagination Television's documentary series about the Scott Base redevelopment and won't select proposals that double-up or compete with that tremendous effort.
Antarctica New Zealand may wish to advance promising but unsuccessful Expressions of Interest from the 2026/27 intake, allowing planning to proceed for future years without applicants needing to repeat the application process.
See Travelling to Antarctica for more information.