New Zealand's strategic interests in Antarctica

2002 Revised New Zealand Statement of Strategic Interest

In 2002 the New Zealand Government released the Revised New Zealand Statement of Strategic Interest. The Statement declares that New Zealand is committed to conservation of the intrinsic and wilderness values of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, for the benefit of every country and for present and future generations of New Zealanders. The Statement says this will be reflected in New Zealand’s active and responsible engagement, through the Antarctic Treaty System, promoting New Zealand’s interests in:

• National and international peace and security through a commitment to keeping Antarctica peaceful, nuclear free, and its environment protected
• Continued influence in Antarctica governance through maintaining an effective role in the Antarctic Treaty System, and maintaining its long term interest, commitment to and credible presence in the Ross Dependency
• Conserving, protecting and understanding the biodiversity of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, in particular the biodiversity of the Ross Sea region, including the promotion, protection, and management of representative special areas, and enhancing biosecurity
• Conservation and sustainable management of the marine living resources of the Southern Ocean, and in particular the Ross Sea, in accordance with CCAMLR and the Antarctica Environmental Protocol, and within this context supporting strong environmental standards and sustainable economic benefits
• Supporting and where appropriate leading, high quality Antarctic and Southern Ocean science that benefits from the unique research opportunities provided by Antarctica
• Demonstrating and advocating for best practice in environmental stewardship and all other activities throughout Antarctica, and in particular the Ross Sea region
• Ensuring all activity is undertaken in a manner consistent with Antarctica’s status as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science