22 October 2004
Maximising Canterbury's role as the gateway to the Antarctic
"Christchurch businesses involved in Antarctic activities are to benefit from the production of a strategy and action
plan, designed to make the most of the city’s position as an international gateway to Antarctica," Jim Anderton,
Minister for Economic Development, and local MP, announced today.
A grant of $80,190 from the Ministry of Economic Development's Regional Initiatives Fund has been provided for this work
to contribute towards the cost of the project, which is jointly funded with the Canterbury Development Corporation.
“The Antarctic connection has been a great asset to Christchurch and special relationships have been built up between
people working together over many years. In developing the action plan consideration will be given to new opportunities
which will enhance New Zealand's reputation as an Antarctic Gateway and new international science projects will be
explored.”
“Canterbury has a strong link to Antarctica through science, logistics and education. This provides us with
opportunities that have significant spin-offs for the people of Christchurch with the development of new business and
research projects.
The scheme, called 'Project Antarctica' will be managed by the Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC), with support
from the Ministry of Economic Development. It is the pilot project of Prosperous Christchurch, an umbrella organisation
of key institutions in Christchurch and Canterbury.
Project Antarctica aims to enhance Christchurch’s presence in Antarctic support and logistics work, by assessing the
future growth of Antarctic-related scientific and commercial activities, and identifying what needs to be done to bring
more of those activities to Christchurch. It will also help regional stakeholders coordinate their work and consider
projects that benefit the wider region.
The strategy will ensure that Christchurch is in a strong position to consolidate existing relationships, and to
develop new ones. This will enhance the potential to attract overseas funding for Antarctic science activities, grow
logistics services, and increase investment in, and revenue from, spin-off commercial activities.
Note:
The Regional Initiatives Fund (RIF) is a discretionary fund administered by the Ministry of Economic Development. Each
application is sent to the Minister for Economic, Industry and Regional Development for approval.
On average 20 projects through RIF are funded in each year. RIF grants range in value between $28,000 to $200,000 with
most between $50,000 and $70,000. The majority of RIF grants are paid to territorial local authorities. In some cases,
the council holds the money on behalf of groups that are not a legal entity.
Each application is based on partial funding on a case-by-case basis. A ‘local contribution’ is an essential part of any
RIF application.
The Regional Initiatives Fund provides catalyst funding for regional projects that fall outside the criteria of existing
government assistance programmes, but have the potential to leverage economic growth as well as meet government
objectives for economic, social and environmental development. A region is defined as a geographical concentration of
communities with similar economic, social and environmental characteristics and objectives.
Funding is only paid out on the completion of agreed milestones, and is monitored by the Ministry of Economic
Development.
ENDS