Community Engagement Programme
After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Antarctica New Zealand has re-opened the Community Engagement Programme (CEP). This unique programme allows media, artists, educators and writers to visit Antarctica as our guests, to further foster the long-standing relationship New Zealanders have with the continent.
Applications for the 2024/25 summer season opened on 1 September 2023, and closed at 5pm on 1 November 2023. The standard and quality of proposals were exceptional, and we are grateful for the time and effort taken for preparing submissions. Successful candidates will travel to Scott Base during the summer field season, between October 2024 and February 2025.
Applications for the 2025/26 summer season will open in July; the criteria and information on this page will be updated beforehand.
We’re 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 CEP 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.
The programme encourages applicants to submit proposals of the highest quality. The number of opportunities for travel to Antarctica are limited and vary each year. We are interested in applications with fresh ideas for bringing Antarctic stories home. We want applicants to demonstrate their outreach ability and to demonstrate a genuine interest in Antarctica, science and the environment.
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 (including carry 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 fights 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. Citizens of other Antarctic Treaty nations may apply, but they must have a letter of support from the relevant Antarctic Programme.
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.
See Travelling to Antarctica for more information.
Applications
Applications must be submitted via email to: engagement@antarcticanz.govt.nz
Applications should be prepared and submitted according to the guidelines provided. The application form and helpful information can be downloaded below.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the communications team in advance of submitting a proposal, should they wish to discuss the requirements, restrictions, logistics or general needs. This can be very helpful to compiling the best-possible application for what is a very competitive programme.
For further information about the application process, please contact the communications team on engagement@antarcticanz.govt.nz
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, especially the science we support in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
- Demonstrates a clear link to New Zealand’s science priorities and Antarctica New Zealand’s Statement of Intent
- Demonstrates a track-record of working in your chosen medium
- Provides data to prove outreach capability
- Presents an innovative approach to engaging the community
- Demonstrates examples of previous work focusing on Antarctic science or environmental topics
- Details how outcomes from your work will provide new understanding of the Antarctic continent, science and/or operations.