Celebrate Days of Ice: ChristchurchNZ CEO Alison Adams

I think we tend to take for granted what a brilliant thing Antarctic Gateway status is for Ōtautahi Christchurch. Maybe it’s Kiwi modesty that makes us downplay these things. But it’s huge.

As one of only five Gateway Cities worldwide, Christchurch is New Zealand’s Antarctic hub. With over a century of service as a launch point to the icy continent, it connects deeply to our history – but also our economy.

The NZ Economy Report estimates Antarctic-related activities generated $279 million for Canterbury in 2019 and supported 3675 jobs. Our nearest neighbour to the south, Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest continent on earth – and arguably the most important. Containing over 60% of earth’s freshwater, its future is intrinsically tied to climate change. Our connection, therefore, helps foster innovation, research, and climate awareness.

That’s why I’m excited about Days of Ice – the official celebration of the Antarctic season opening. It’s a week of events (8 to 13 October) that offer family fun and opportunities for insights and education into this remarkable continent. I’m particularly looking forward to Antarctic Immersion – a 360 Degree VR experience exploring Antarctica’s diverse environments.

It’s created by UC’s HIT Lab NZ in collaboration with multimedia company Antzworks – two of the fantastic businesses that form part of the Christchurch Antarctic Network (CAN) – a network of 100 businesses that strengthen the work in Antarctica. Days of Ice is a week to celebrate – see you there.