New GM appointed to lead Antarctic Operations

From South Sudan to the United States and now Scott Base.

Antarctica New Zealand is thrilled to announce Michael Shapland DSD has been appointed as the organisation’s new General Manager of Antarctic Operations.

His role oversees the planning and execution of Antarctic operations, along with managing Antarctica New Zealand’s assets and engineering portfolio at Scott Base. This is all to support New Zealand’s world-leading research in Antarctica.

Michael is no stranger to operating in complex environments, having served in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for 40 years.

“I first deployed to Antarctica in 1991 when I led a team of NZDF personnel on the ice, and more recently I’ve been involved in international Antarctic discussions within Defence. I’ve always been impressed with the work Antarctica New Zealand does to support science from Scott Base, so I can’t wait to join the team,” he says.

Michael will relocate to his hometown of Christchurch from Washington DC, where he has been posted as the Defence Attaché based at the New Zealand Embassy.

His time with NZDF included a variety of appointments, notably, in South Sudan from 2018-2019.

As the Force Chief of Staff to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), he was responsible for the planning, conduct and oversight of peacekeeping operations for more than 17,000 military staff from more than 50 countries.

In 2020, Michael was awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his service.

Antarctica New Zealand Acting Chief Executive Jordy Hendrikx says Michael brings a wealth of experience to the senior leadership team.

“To have someone of his calibre who knows what it takes to operate in complex environments and engage in bilateral discussions will be extremely valuable. His knowledge of our long-standing relationships with NZDF and the United States Antarctic Program, and New Zealand’s presence in Antarctica, will mean he can hit the ground running,” he says.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Drew Coleman, who has been leading the Operations team on an interim basis to ensure the 2024-25 season is delivered successfully.”

Michael will start in the role in late November.