Let’s not forget about the far South this festive season

Let’s not forget about the far South this festive season

At this time of year the spotlight is firmly on the North Pole and it’s most famous resident Santa Claus, but spare a thought for approximately 85 people braving the freezing temperatures at Scott Base, New Zealand's permanent research support station in Antarctica.

With Christmas just around the corner, the New Zealand Post teams in Wellington and Christchurch along with Antarctica New Zealand are working hard to make sure that all the parcels which need to be delivered for the festive season get there on time.

Behind the scenes, the logistics of delivering to one of the most remote places on earth are complex.

Post is directed to a private bag in Christchurch and needs to be no larger than shoe box sized, with minimum packaging to help minimise the environmental impact in Antarctica. Items then make their way to the ice from Christchurch with the help of Antarctica New Zealand on US Air Force flights.

These flights are very much dependent on the weather in Antarctica and their regularity can be affected by this.

“We understand how important it is to get post from home to people in Antarctica especially at this time of year,” says Michael Lewis from New Zealand Post. “People stationed at Scott Base are away for many months at a time in harsh and challenging conditions so parcels from loved ones are a lifeline.”

Jeanine Begg, General Manager Marketing and Communications, Antarctica New Zealand agrees.

“The New Zealand Antarctic Programme is proud to have had a constant presence in Antarctica since 1957 - so after 56 Christmases we're pretty good at ensuring our team and scientists have a special Christmas day with our Scott Base family."

Each year Antarctica New Zealand support staff for Scott base; a summer-only crew (October to February) and a smaller winter-over crew (March to September). The summer crew is augmented by New Zealand Defence Force personnel who help provide the essential services to keep Scott Base running.

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