Community Engagement Programme applications are open

We’re back! After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Antarctica New Zealand is re-opening the Community Engagement Programme (CEP). This unique programme allows media, artists, educators and writers to visit Antarctica as our guests, to further foster the long-standing relationship New Zealanders have with the continent.

Applications for the 2024/25 summer season open 1 September 2023, with proposals accepted until 5pm on 1 November 2023. Successful applicants will travel to Scott Base during the summer field season, between October 2024 and February 2025.

We’re looking for innovative proposals that align with Antarctica New Zealand's vision,

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean: Valued, protected, understood.

Formerly the Media Programme and the Artists and Writers Programme, the CEP plays a crucial part in informing the public about our country’s scientific, environmental and conservation efforts in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and an understanding of Antarctica New Zealand’s role in supporting these activities.

The programme encourages applicants to submit proposals of the highest quality. The number of opportunities for travel to Antarctica are limited and vary each year. We are interested in applications with fresh ideas for bringing Antarctic stories home. We want applicants to demonstrate their outreach ability and to demonstrate a genuine interest in Antarctica, science and the environment.

We welcome applications from people and organisations who share our values, who understand the importance of the science New Zealand supports in Antarctica, and who are passionate about communicating this message to New Zealanders. You'll find more information here