Antarctica New Zealand s business case for the redevelopment, obtained by Newshub under the Official Information Act, says if it doesn t get a new base, we could lose our presence on the ice completely. This would happen at a time when other nations are upping their investment. We believe it s really important to maintain those diplomatic ties, Shelton says.
The business case says there is continued deterioration of the Scott Base assets and the need to replace them has become more urgent and critical .
It also raises concern over the safety of staff stationed there during the harsh winter months. You re here living and working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while you re here, says Scott Base winter leader Kitty Niven.