In brief: New research base

A research base proposed on Auckland Island would be perfectly situated to observe the effects of a warming climate.

The consortium proposing the base includes NIWA, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute, and Victoria and Otago universities.

The remote landmass is New Zealand’s most southern island, sitting roughly one-third of the distance between New Zealand and Antarctica. At this latitude, the station would fill in a gap in the recording of global weather patterns.

Closer to home, the benefit of having a better understanding of Antarctic processes could help improve understanding of New Zealand’s own weather patterns.