Community Engagement Programme
Community Engagement Programme
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.
Formerly the Media Programme and the Artists and Writers Programme, it plays a crucial part in informing the public about our country’s scientific, environmental and conservation efforts in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Over the next few seasons, Antarctica New Zealand is prioritising resources to support Antarctic science and deliver the Scott Base redevelopment. As a result, Community Engagement Programme applications for 2026/27 and beyond are temporarily paused. This major infrastructure project will ensure Scott Base remains capable of supporting world-class Antarctic science and operations for decades to come, and we look forward to reopening the programme when capacity allows.
If the opportunity arises, we may advance some of the many excellent proposals received in previous years. We will not be able to support overseas applicants or large-scale proposals during construction.
We remain committed to supporting Imagination Television's documentary series about the Scott Base redevelopment.
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.
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 is a risk all applicants face.
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.
See Travelling to Antarctica for more information.