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
Start writing the country or territory name in the box. Typing more letters narrows the search. Click "go" or hit "Enter" to go to the information paper on the country or territory.
(We don't have information papers on all countries and territories.)
Although we have tried to use plain English content on the site, you may come across specialist terms and acronyms. Find out what they mean in our glossary of terms.
If you come across a term that isn't included in the Glossary please send us an email.
In May 2002 the Government adopted a new Statement of Strategic Interest in Antarctica. This replaces the earlier “Strategic Objective” for Antarctica, agreed in 1995. The umbrella Statement guides the development of specific further New Zealand policy for Antarctica.
In 1995, Cabinet adopted a Strategic Objective for Antarctica which focussed on national security, commitment to the Ross Dependency, economic well-being, international stability and values and ideology. These issues remain relevant and are reflected in the new statement of interest.
The updated statement reflects new issues which have arisen since 1995, including the adoption of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, international sustainable management objectives, the expansion of tourism and public access to the continent and the entry into force of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The new Statement emphasises New Zealand’s interest in conservation and management of the marine living resources of the Southern Ocean and in particular the Ross Sea, in accordance with CCAMLR .
New Zealand is committed to conservation of the intrinsic and wilderness values of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans, for the benefit of the world community and for present and future generations of New Zealanders. This will be reflected in active and responsible stewardship, under the Antarctic Treaty System, the promotes New Zealand’s interests in:
