New Zealand marks its Antarctica anniversary

20th January 2017 marked the 60th anniversary of the opening of Scott Base in Antarctica - an occasion that celebrated with lamingtons, cheese rolls and a push to boost the global conversation on climate change.

Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Beggs says it’s an important milestone, stating "New Zealand was one of the first countries to establish a base in Antarctica, for the six decades since we have been at the forefront of scientific research and exploration on the ice.

“We have also helped lead the international effort to protect Antarctica, helping establish The Antarctic Treaty in 1961."

On 20th January 1957, a flag-raising ceremony was held outside the original Scott Base that had just been built by a team, led by Sir Edmund Hillary.

Peter Beggs says Antarctica New Zealand wanted to do more than just cut a cake to celebrate the anniversary.

He adds “we wanted to celebrate our history and success at Scott Base, but we wanted to use the anniversary to draw attention to the significance of Antarctica, how the continent is changing, and the impact this has on the rest of the world."

"Global warming means our scientific work in Antarctica is more important than ever before; what happens to the Ice over coming decades will effect the entire global population.”

To highlight the issue, Antarctica New Zealand hosted TEDxScottBase - a series of talks from ten internationally-recognised speakers - recorded at Scott Base and will be broadcast online on Sunday 22nd January 2017.

Beggs says the team at Scott Base also enjoyed a more low-key but fitting celebration, concluding “they’re having a 1957-style morning tea, complete with lamingtons, cheese rolls and pigs in blankets. Back in 1957 such morning teas were usually enjoyed with a flask of beer but we’re subbing that out for a pot of Milo."

For more information visit tedxscottbase.com

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