On Thursday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met with scientists at New Zealand's Scott Base in Antarctica as part of a journey intended to raise awareness of the problems caused by climate change, her nation's commitment to the continent, and the necessity of regional collaboration.
Ardern said in a tape that was sent overnight that New Zealand's presence in Antarctica was at a "critical juncture" as the station is nearing the end of its existence after arriving on Wednesday at the beginning of her 72-hour expedition.
To support its presence there for the next 50 years, New Zealand stated last year that it would be providing NZ$344 million ($200.72 million) for a refurbishment of the base.
"(Antarctica's) becoming an increasingly contested region where we must maintain and protect the integrity of this fragile part of the world," Ardern said in a statement announcing her trip.
New Zealand maintains a claim to the Ross Dependency or roughly 15% of the continent.
"Cooperation in Antarctica and in the Antarctic Treaty System is more important than ever as we tackle the crises of climate change and biodiversity loss," Ardern added.
In recent years, both Russia and China have invested in their capability and presence in Antarctica, and Western governments have responded in a similar fashion.
Ardern said in a tape that was sent overnight that New Zealand's presence in Antarctica was at a "critical juncture" as the station is nearing the end of its existence after arriving on Wednesday at the beginning of her 72-hour expedition.
To support its presence there for the next 50 years, New Zealand stated last year that it would be providing NZ$344 million ($200.72 million) for a refurbishment of the base.
"(Antarctica's) becoming an increasingly contested region where we must maintain and protect the integrity of this fragile part of the world," Ardern said in a statement announcing her trip.
New Zealand maintains a claim to the Ross Dependency or roughly 15% of the continent.
"Cooperation in Antarctica and in the Antarctic Treaty System is more important than ever as we tackle the crises of climate change and biodiversity loss," Ardern added.
In recent years, both Russia and China have invested in their capability and presence in Antarctica, and Western governments have responded in a similar fashion.
