Learning about New Zealand in Antarctica
Antarctica provides an interesting context to connect with aspects of the essential learning about New Zealand, as identified in the social studies national curriculum. (Ministry of Education, 1999, p23) New Zealand has a long history of contact and political interest in Antarctica. In this remote setting, New Zealand plays an important custodial role and participates on the international stage as one of the signatories to the Antarctica treaty system. Every year a number of New Zealanders go to Antarctica as part of science teams, in administrative and support roles at Antarctic bases, as participants in education, media and artists programmes, as eco-tourists, and in search of adventure. Scott Base is a small, and by no means typical, extension of New Zealand. However, here you will find representations of New Zealand’s national identity and heritage on the Ice. This paper draws on literature, interviews conducted with people at Scott Base in October 2002, and the author’s personal experience in Antarctica.
