We value peace, security, and effective governance in Antarctica, and we have significant and enduring environmental, scientific, conservation, reputational and economic interests.
The statement of New Zealand’s Commitment to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean [PDF, 85 KB] tells the story of why and how we are involved in the Antarctic, reflecting New Zealand values and principles.
This Statement of Commitment was refreshed in December 2025 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment in the context of a shifting geopolitical landscape.
New Zealand’s Statement of Commitment to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
Antarctica has intrinsic value as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.
New Zealand is committed to preserving and protecting Antarctica and the Southern Ocean for present and future generations. In a shifting world, a peaceful and stable region to our south is fundamental for our security and prosperity.
Keeping the Antarctic peaceful and free from conflict
New Zealand values a peaceful, secure and safe region. We support the Antarctic Treaty System and strive to maintain a peaceful, nuclear free and protected Antarctica. We will:
- Actively engage with our partners, to maximise support for a strong, effective and transparent Antarctic governance framework under the Antarctic Treaty System.
- Develop and implement international rules to ensure the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic, ensuring its value as a place for peace and scientific research is prioritised, the impacts of human activity are limited, and safety is promoted.
- Monitor for threats to the Antarctic’s demilitarised, protected status.
Leading and collaborating on high quality Antarctic science
Antarctica is an essential part of understanding global environmental systems, and is uniquely valuable for scientific research. We are committed to promoting and collaborating on scientific research of the highest standards. We will:
- Support, lead and share scientific research that increases understanding of the interaction between global systems and Antarctica, and advances New Zealand’s climate change policies and capability to respond to change.
- Be a leader in research in the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area.
- Enable the safe conduct of excellent scientific research by maintaining and redeveloping Scott Base as an effective and sustainable research facility.
Protecting the Antarctic environment, ecosystems, and biodiversity
New Zealand’s environment is connected to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. We prioritise the environmental protection of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean; we value healthy and productive ecosystems; and we are committed to protecting biodiversity. We will:
- Follow environmental best practice in our activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
- Advocate for the establishment, protection and management of representative special areas in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
- Take precautionary and ecosystem approaches to the conservation and sustainable management of living marine resources in the Southern Ocean, particularly in the Ross Sea, supporting strong environmental standards and sustainable economic benefits, and contributing to scientific understanding.
- Be an international leader in efforts to keep the Southern Ocean free of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Safeguarding our heritage and future in the Ross Dependency
Antarctica is part of New Zealand’s past, present and future. As one of five gateways to Antarctica, we uphold New Zealand’s role in Antarctic exploration, scientific discovery and collaboration. We will:
- Celebrate New Zealand’s connection with Antarctica and the Southern Ocean; honouring our linkages through scientific research, environmental protection, conservation, heritage and logistical support.
- Reinforce Christchurch’s position as the international gateway to the Ross Sea region, ensuring we provide high-quality services to, and collaboration with, other nations, bringing economic benefit to Canterbury and the wider economy.
- Strengthen New Zealand’s Antarctic presence and operational capability through air, maritime and terrestrial assets, including Scott Base.