Global IssuesAntarcticaNew Zealand Relationship with AntarcticaEnvironmental Protection in AntarcticaAntarctic Marine Living Resources and the Ross SeaVisiting Antarctica (Science and Tourism)Ross Sea StrategyDisarmamentEnvironmentHuman RightsSecurityInternational OrganisationsAfricaAsia NorthAsia South and SoutheastAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastNorth AmericaPacific
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The Antarctic continent dominates New Zealand’s geographical position. New Zealand has a direct interest in peace and stability in the Antarctic region including the seas that surround it. New Zealand also has an active scientific research programme in Antarctica, with New Zealand scientists carrying out globally significant research there. The continent also features in New Zealand’s history with early explorers such as Scott and Shackleton being the first users of New Zealand as a gateway to Antarctica.
The Ross Dependency defined as all islands and territories south of 60 degrees south latitude and between the 160th degree of east longitude and the 150th degree of west longitude, has been claimed by New Zealand since 1923. The Ross Dependency is constitutionally part of New Zealand – anyone born there is a New Zealand citizen.
New Zealand is one of the twelve original signatories to the Antarctic Treaty. This Treaty, along with a series of additional agreements, forms the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty System provides the framework for coordinating relations among states in respect of Antarctica and includes theAntarctic Treaty;(1959), the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980) (CCAMLR) and the Protocol on Environmental Protection (1991). There is a fundamental international disagreement over territorial sovereignty in Antarctica. Avoiding international discord in the region depends on the continuing functioning of the Antarctic Treaty System through which disputes about sovereignty have been set aside.
Antarctic cooperation is also a significant element of New Zealand’s bilateral relationships with other countries, in particular the United States. New Zealand, the United States and Italy share resources by operating a joint logistics pool out of Christchurch in support of their respective Antarctic programmes. New Zealand scientists cooperate on Antarctic research with scientists from a number of countries including the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Canada, South Africa, France, Spain and Malaysia.
New Zealand’s involvement in Antarctica offers it the opportunity to play a constructive and influential role in a region of the world of direct interest to it and which is governed according to the principles of international cooperation, environmental stewardship and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
The Antarctic Policy Unit (APU), which is part of the Environment Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has as its main responsibility supporting and pursuing the Government’s objectives in respect of Antarctica. These include strengthening the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) and New Zealand’s influence within it, as well as protecting New Zealand’s interests in the Ross Dependency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade works closely with Antarctica New Zealand and other Government agencies to develop New Zealand policy in respect of Antarctica and the Ross Dependency and to represent New Zealand’s interests in Antarctic Treaty System meetings. This role includes providing advice to the Government on how best to progress the principles and objectives of the Antarctic Treaty System.
In addition the Ministry is responsible for the administration of the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act 1994, which requires that Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) be prepared for any proposed Antarctic activity. On the basis of the EIA the Minister of Foreign Affairs decides whether to allow the activity to proceed. Permits must also be obtained under this Act for certain types of Antarctic activities. The Ministry also, together with the Ministry of Fisheries, provides advice to the Minister of Fisheries on the implementation of the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Act 1981, under which permits must be obtained for the taking or harvesting of Antarctic marine living resources.
Antarctica New Zealand (also known as the New Zealand Antarctic Institute) is the Crown entity responsible for developing, managing and executing New Zealand Government activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, principally in scientific research, environmental stewardship and public awareness. Antarctica New Zealand manages Scott Base, New Zealand’s Antarctic research station, and represents New Zealand’s national presence on the ice. It was established in 1996 by the New Zealand Antarctic Institute Act.
The Officials' Antarctic Committee (OAC) is the interdepartmental committee established to coordinate policy advice of departments and agencies in respect of the Ross Dependency and Antarctica. Members of the OAC include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (chair); Antarctica New Zealand; Ministry for the Environment; Department of Conservation, Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Fisheries; Ministry of Research, Science and Technology; the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet; Land Information New Zealand; the Treasury; the New Zealand Defence Force; the Ministry of Economic Development; the Ministry of Tourism; the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology and Maritime New Zealand. The Committee liaises with domestic stakeholders, including industry, the science community and environmental groups when appropriate. It is the primary means for coordinating policy advice to the Government on Antarctic matters.
