Antarctica

New Zealand Procedures for Non-Governmental Visitors to Antarctica

Appendix 6 The National Representative scheme

Since an arrangement between New Zealand authorities and tour operators in the 1970s, it has become established practice for commercial tours intending to land in the Ross Dependency to be accompanied by a National Representative of the New Zealand Government. Being accompanied by a Representative may be a condition of an expedition's approval or specific permits.  

National Representatives are generally drawn from the staff of Antarctica New Zealand or the Department of Conservation (DoC).  As expeditions that visit New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands are usually accompanied by a DoC representative, this same individual may also act as the National Representative for the Antarctic leg of the journey.   National Representatives are formally appointed as general inspectors under the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act.  This provides them with the necessary statutory authority to carry out their role of observation and reporting to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Act. 

Role of National Representatives

The role and responsibilities of National Representatives are to observe and report to the Minister on compliance with the requirements of the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act and any other approvals including:

• permits relating to conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, protected areas and marine mammals;
• any management plans and/or permits applying to any Antarctic Specially Protected Area or any Antarctic Specially Managed Area, or to any other restricted area or site (see 4.3);
• any plant or animal quarantine regulations or procedures;
• any Ministerial direction in respect of EIA;
• compliance with Recommendation XVIII-1, and Resolution 3 of the Antarctic Treaty
• report on the general conduct of tour operators and visitors, including noting any significant departures from activities specified in the environmental impact assessment and the relevant legislation
• any other activities relating to the implementation of the Act or other New Zealand Antarctic law or policy.

In cooperation with tour operators, the National Representative may provide briefings, lectures or site interpretation in their areas of expertise.

Appointment of National Representatives 

National representatives are usually drawn from Antarctica New Zealand or DoC staff.  National representatives are appointed as general inspectors under the provisions of s 39-41, 44, 49 and 50 of the Act. This provides them with the necessary statutory backing and protection for their existing role, which is focused on observation and reporting to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act.   

To ensure the safety of National Representatives, the New Zealand Government requires standards of operation to be consistent with the Health and Safety in Employment Act. 

National representatives are New Zealand residents who have sufficient: 

• knowledge of Antarctic/Sub-Antarctic legislation, management, science and conservation;
• experience in the Antarctic and/or Sub-Antarctic regions;
• experience in outdoor safety requirements (ie survival/field training); and
• are physically fit and proficient in communication and public relations skills. 

National Representatives are observers and not safety officers. Accordingly they are not required to undertake any activity that might put their personal safety at risk.  They cannot be expected to take any responsibility whatsoever for the safety of the passengers and crew on the vessel.

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Terms and conditions of appointment 

Salaries and absence from normal duties for staff of Antarctica New Zealand or DoC would normally be covered by those organisations or by other arrangement. 

Tour operators would normally provide for:

• the full cost of board and lodging and any appropriate allowances for national representatives while they are on board tour vessels;
• reimbursement of the full costs of any airfares, accommodation, meals and incidental expenses incurred in getting national representatives to and from the point of embarkation and disembarkation of the tour vessel to their place of work or residence;  and
• use of radiotelephone, fax, email, INMARSAT or telex services required by the representative in carrying out their duties.

Briefing, Training and Resources 

MFAT, Antarctica New Zealand, DoC and/or other departments and agencies brief National Representatives on their roles and responsibilities.  Relevant documentation might also include:

• official permits/approval issued for the tour and any advance notification documents and approved environmental impact assessments;
• relevant legislation, policies and management plans, including in particular a copy of the Protocol on Environmental Protection, Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act and this procedural document.
• tourist guidelines, handbooks and codes of conduct including the Antarctic Treaty tourism guidelines;
• names and contacts (phone and/or radio call sign) for Scott Base and key government agencies; and
• maps and relevant information packages from Antarctica New Zealand, DoC and  the Antarctic Heritage Trust (AHT).
• radio units, marine channels and other working frequencies enabling communication with stations, ships and yachts, tour operators and guides.

Reporting 

National Representatives are required to submit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs a report on the expedition and general compliance with the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act and management plans.

 

 

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