Antarctica New Zealand

From 1965 to 1988 the person responsible for much of Scott Base development as head of the Antarctic Division of the DSIR was Bob Thomson[1] A 1994 review recognised Antarctica as strategically important to New Zealand as a Southern Hemisphere nation.

The institute reports to the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Antarctic Policy Unit.

Members are collectively accountable to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the performance of Antarctica New Zealand.

Specific functions within this overall role include setting the strategic direction of Antarctica New Zealand and developing policy in a manner consistent with the organisation's statutory framework, for example through the Annual Business Plan, ensuring compliance with the law, accountability documents and relevant Crown expectations.

This includes financial responsibility for all money received by the Crown and reinforcing expectations of behaviour that are appropriate to a public body, appointing the Chief Executive, monitoring the performance of Antarctica New Zealand and the chief executive, and maintaining appropriate relationships with the Minister, Parliament and the public.