Thursday, 20 May 2021, 2:18 pm
Antarctica New Zealand is thrilled the Government has
committed $344 million to rebuild New Zealand’s home in
Antarctica, Scott Base.
The announcement has just been
made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Nanaia Mahuta as
part of Budget 2021.
The funding covers capital
investment of $306 million, including the replacement of the
windfarm and project operating costs of $38
million.
The money will be used to replace the
existing base and redevelop the Ross Island Wind
Farm.
Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive Sarah
Williamson says it’s a significant
milestone.
“This funding is vital to secure New
Zealand’s future in Antarctica and our ability to continue
Thursday, 20 May 2021, 2:15 pm
A major redevelopment of Scott Base will create hundreds
of jobs while ensuring Aotearoa New Zealand’s presence in
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is safeguarded.
The
redevelopment will bring economic benefits to Aotearoa New
Zealand, with 170 jobs involved at the peak of the
construction and more than 700 jobs over six years. These
jobs will be located predominantly in the Canterbury region,
New Zealand’s gateway to Antarctica, and will include
design, construction, logistic and project management
roles.
Aotearoa New Zealand has had a presence in the
Ross Dependency since 1957 and has direct connections to the
expeditions of Scott and Shackleton over 100 years