Ice, ice, baby: Alison Adams
Our $328 million link to the ice of Antarctica.
The weather might be warming up, but I’d like to talk about ice. The start of a new Antarctic season is a great time to reflect on our role as a Gateway City to Antarctica.
Each year, Ōtautahi Christchurch hosts a number of international partners in addition to New Zealand’s own Antarctic government agency, Antarctica New Zealand. We connect more than 5500 personnel and thousands of tonnes of cargo to the frozen continent – made possible by a network of local businesses working in tandem to support global science and exploration.
This activity creates more than $328 million in annual economic value and over 3000 jobs. It’s a powerful example of how Christchurch’s infrastructure, talent, and global partnerships come together for meaningful impact. It’s an opportunity to participate in research and science that benefits the city, the nation and the world.
As we move toward a regenerative, future-focused economy, our Antarctic connection is a standout – uniting business, science, and sustainability in ways that few cities can match.
