26 Oct 2022

Jacinda Ardern lands in Antarctica for Scott Base visit

7:10 pm on 26 October 2022
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (second right) almost made it to Scott Base on Tuesday after boarding an RNZAF C130 bound for Antarctica. Unfortunately two hour into the journey the plane returned to Christchurch due to bad weather at Scott Base. 
Photograph by Mike Scott

Jacinda Ardern's flight yesterday was called off due to bad weather. Photo: NZ Herald / Mike Scott / Pool photo

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has safely landed in Antarctica for a visit, after being turned back yesterday due to poor weather.

Ardern is visiting the South Pole to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Scott Base.

Ardern landed in McMurdo Sound and is to travel to Scott Base via Hägglund snow vehicles.

The visit marks the first full season of Antarctic research after two years of Covid-19 disruption.

Ardern will see first-hand the research, environmental protection, conservation and operations undertaken by kiwis in Antarctica and experience the challenges of working on the ice.

The prime minister will also see the preliminary work for the estimated $344 million redevelopment of Scott Base, which will secure the future of the research hub for at least the next 50 years.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs