MEDIA RELEASE
14 April 2008
Seminars wrap Antarctica art, science and policy
The unique qualities of Antarctica as well as the issues currently facing the continent and the Southern Ocean will be
explored from several angles in a series of three panel discussions from 14 April.
The Victoria University series is part of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's "Exploring Antarctica Festival" that runs
until 20 April.
Fantastic Antarctica, the first discussion at the Wellington Town Hall on 14 April will be facilitated by broadcaster
Kim Hill and feature Professor Bill Manhire (writer and director of the University's International Institute of Modern
Letters), Dick Frizzell (painter), Professor Lloyd Spencer David (Director of the Centre for Science Communication at
the University of Otago) and Vonda Cummings (marine ecologist at NIWA).
Protecting Antarctica, the second in the series, starts at 5.30pm on 15 April at the Paramount Theatre. The panel will
focus on threats posed to Antarctica’s relatively pristine and isolated environment is, and panellists will discuss
efforts to ensure that the unique qualities of Antarctica are not undermined by human activities. Facilitated by David
McDowell, former New Zealand ambassador to the United Nations, the panel features Joanna Mossop (Victoria University
marine and Antarctic law expert), Neil Gilbert (Environmental Manager, Antarctica NZ), Cath Wallace (School of
Government, Victoria University), Michael Donoghue (Department of Conservation) and Peter Cozens (Director of the Centre
for Strategic Studies, Victoria University).
The third discussion, on 16 April from 5.30pm at the Paramount Theatre, takes as its focus climate change and Antarctica
as the driver of global oceans and atmospheric systems. Facilitated by Judy Lawrence, former director of the
Government's Climate Change Office, the Cool Antarctica discussion will feature five Victoria University academics:
Professor Martin Manning (Director of the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute), Nancy Bertler (Antarctic
Research Centre scientist), Professor Jonathon Boston (School of Government), Professor Peter Barrett (Antarctic
Research Centre), and Associate Professor Ralph Chapman (Director, School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences).
Victoria has a history of involvement with Antarctica which crosses disciplines and many decades. Law alumnus, diplomat
and international jurist, the late Chris Beeby made lasting contributions to international environmental law and was a
key negotiator for The Antarctic Treaty. The annual Beeby Colloquium at the Law School honours his contribution to
international law.
ENDS