'Important milestone' as Scott Base celebrates 60th anniversary

Friday, 20 January 2017

Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Peter Beggs says the 60th anniversary of the opening of Scott Base in Antarctica is an an important milestone.

Friday marks 60 years since Scott Base opened in Antarctica, with celebrations taking place in Christchurch and on the Ice.

Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Peter Beggs is hailing the anniversary as an 'important milestone'.

'New Zealand was one of the first countries to establish a base in Antarctica [and] 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.'

The original base, built by a team led by Sir Edmund Hillary, opened in 1957.

The team at Scott Base was preparing a low-key celebration, Beggs said.

'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,' he said.

'We wanted to celebrate our history and success at Scott Base, but we [also] 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.'

The issues will be highlighted in a special TEDxScottBase screening. The talks were filmed at Scott Base and will be broadcast online on Sunday.

Antarctica New Zealand also hosted people who were on the early expeditions to Scott Base at a dinner in Christchurch on Friday.

'These are our Antarctic pioneers if you like … their stories are amazing and inspiring.'