U.S. Antarctic Program

Christchurch

U.S. - New Zealand cooperation in support of science in the Antarctic is among the most positive aspects of relations between our two countries. This cooperation, spanning years of joint work both on the ice and in Christchurch, covers four main areas:

• Support of the Antarctic Treaty system.
  
• Day-to-day logistical support for Antarctic bases provided in the face of extremes of climate and distance.
  
• Emergency support, such as airdrops of medical supplies and evacuations.
  
• Joint scientific research on global problems like climate change.

New Zealand and the United States are among the original 12 signatories of the Antarctic Treaty, which entered into force in 1961. There are now 26 consultative and 17 non-consultative parties, but the U.S. and New Zealand still play significant leadership roles. Additionally, both countries are signatories to the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

Logistical support is based on a bilateral 1958 memorandum of understanding permitting American personnel to work in Christchurch, on New Zealand's South Island, and pledging U.S. support for activities at New Zealand's Scott Base, located near the large U.S. McMurdo Station. The U.S. and New Zealand each provide aircraft that fly scientists and supplies between Christchurch and Antarctica, and share a joint helicopter pool at McMurdo Station for use by researchers from both countries. There are numerous other examples of the sharing or interchange of capabilities.

Christchurch is the gateway to Antarctica and home to the National Science Foundation's U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). Several kinds of U.S. Air Force cargo aircraft use Christchurch as a staging point to ferry supplies and scientists to Antarctica, and the New York Air National Guard deploys ski-equipped C-130 aircraft at McMurdo Station during the November-March period when flights are possible to the South Pole and other destinations within Antarctica. The National Science Foundation is responsible for providing all other support. The NSF has been in Christchurch since 1976, and anchors the International Antarctic Center that also houses offices backstopping New Zealand and Italy's Antarctic programs. Raytheon provides much of the logistical support to the USAP under a contract with the NSF.

In addition to providing support to the National Science Foundation, the embassy has a seat on the Antarctic Heritage Trust, based in Christchurch.