The Antarctic Sea-Ice Switch (ASIS) research programme held its second hui in Wellington in June 2026, bringing together over 30 NZ-based researchers and policy impact partners, alongside many international partners who joined online. The Hui offered a valuable opportunity for discussion, learning, collaboration, reflection, and strategic planning, with a programme designed to foster engagement across disciplines and communities.
Presentations showcased the breadth and progress of the programme, highlighting advances in numerical modelling, improved future projections, evolving Indigenous perspectives, emerging policy priorities, updated observational records and extended reconstructions, and the development of cutting edge technology. Participants also shared insights from national and international policy forums, creating space for rich dialogue on the scientific, societal, and policy dimensions of Antarctic sea ice and its future.
The day began with a focus on Antarctic and Southern Ocean policy frameworks, and how ASIS can contribute and support policy needs. Input from our impact partners is essential to help frame ASIS’s work within broader national and international policy contexts.
An important takeaway was that there is increasing demand for information on the Antarctic environment (including sea ice) and climate change, and a range of opportunities for science and policy to come together for information sharing. This includes collaborations such as the Ross Sea Research Coordination Network, which has a focus on research synthesis for policy use.
One highlight from the Hui was our scientists and social scientists sharing their experiences from attending international policy meetings. This includes joining New Zealand delegations, most recently for 2025 CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) and 2026 ATCM/CEP (Antarctic Treaty Committee Meeting and Committee for Environmental Protection annual meeting). This topic sparked discussion about how to better share these learnings for others aspiring to attend international policy meetings and/or contribute to information/working papers.
The afternoon was focussed on sharing research updates and advances, including:
· the proposed 2027 Tangaroa Ross Sea voyage plan
· modelling advances
· marine sediment updates
· icecore drill testing and analysis
· a new method for automating diatom identification and counting
· development of a novel floating sea ice monitoring buoy
· exploring Mātauranga Māori perspectives and Antarctica
Watch this website for more progress updates and science summaries, including on some of these topics.
The day encouraged discussion on a diverse range of topics, and we thank everyone who attended and gave generously their time and expertise.
