Media release
The University of Auckland and Antarctica New Zealand
29 June 2009
Three-day event celebrates New Zealand Antarctic research
The University of Auckland is proud to host the annual Antarctica New Zealand conference from 1-3 July 2009.
"With sessions on a range of topics including climate change, marine biodiversity, and the relationships between
ecosystems and the environment, the conference is an opportunity for the wide range of programmes supported by
Antarctica New Zealand to share their work with the community," says Lou Sanson, Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive.
"New Zealand scientists are helping us understand this unique continent, including its role in global change and the
impact of human activities upon it," says Professor Alan Lee, Acting Dean of Science at the University. "We welcome the
160 delegates from around the country and look forward to sharing their discoveries."
The conference theme - Sustaining the Gains of the International Polar Year (IPY) - refers to the largest
internationally co-ordinated polar research programme in the last 50 years. The IPY, which ran from March 2007 to March
2009, saw 50,000 scientists and more than 60 countries participating in diverse research projects.
New Zealand contributed more than $10 million to the IPY to support research on climate change and protecting the
fragile Antarctic environment. The conference features presentations on many of these projects.
The climate change session on the afternoon of Wednesday 1 July is one of the most highly anticipated of the conference.
Among other topics, researchers will talk about past and future climate variability in the Antarctic, the retreat of
Antarctic Ice Sheets, and understanding the impact of climate change in the Southern Ocean.
The Icebreaker Function later that evening is an opportunity for New Zealanders associated with Antarctica, including
Lady Pippa Blake and Lady June Hillary, to meet the researchers and students.
Several awards will be announced at the function. Among them is the Antarctic Youth Ambassador award to be presented by
Lady Blake. The award, developed by Antarctica New Zealand and the Sir Peter Blake Trust, gives a young New Zealander
the opportunity to contribute to environmental work in the Antarctic.
"Peter would be thrilled that a young New Zealander has the chance to explore and contribute to Antarctica and become an
ambassador for such a unique environment - an environment he truly valued and was committed to protecting," says Lady
Blake.
Antarctic Postgraduate Research Scholarships will also be awarded to five deserving students at the Icebreaker Function.
These are made possible through support from Helicopter's New Zealand, New Zealand Post, Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic
Encounter and Underwater World, the Christchurch City Council and Antarctica New Zealand. The students are studying a
range of topics from contaminants in the marine environment to aspects of climate change.
For more information about the conference, including the full programme, visit
www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/article/6973.html#10429
Notes
Antarctica New Zealand
The New Zealand Antarctic Institute, known as Antarctica New Zealand, was established in recognition of the strategic
importance of Antarctica to New Zealand as a Southern Hemisphere nation.
It is responsible for developing, managing and administering New Zealand's activities in Antarctica and the Southern
Ocean, particularly the Ross Sea region. It manages Scott Base, New Zealand's permanent base in Antarctica since 1959.
It is also responsible for facilitating New Zealand scientific research, and providing sound environmental stewardship.
In addition to support for scientific research, Antarctica New Zealand runs arts, media and youth programmes that
increase public awareness and appreciation of Antarctica and its conservation values.
For more information visit www.antarcticanz.govt.nz
Conference host The University of Auckland
The Antarctica New Zealand conference is held at a different location each year, and in 2009 the host is The University
of Auckland. The event is being held at the Business School's Owen G Glenn Building. The University has also assisted
with student registration fees, and the Faculty of Science sponsored travel and accommodation of student presenters from
outside the Auckland region.
ENDS