From 27–28 August, ASIS held its first Hui in Wellington, bringing together New Zealand-based researchers and a network of international partners who joined online. The event marked a significant milestone for the programme, offering a space for collaboration, reflection, and strategic planning across all research teams—Future Projections, Ice Core, Marine Sediment Core, Climate-Ocean, Ecosystems, Policy Implementations, and Mātauranga Māori.
Over the course of two days, each team presented updates on their progress and outlined priorities for the next 12 to 24 months. The presentations revealed exciting developments, including major upgrades to national research capabilities. Earth Sciences New Zealand announced substantial investment into new geochemical analytical tools at the National Ice Core Facility, while Victoria University of Wellington introduced a lightweight, intermediate-depth ice core drilling system that has already arrived in Antarctica.
Planning for upcoming field seasons was another key focus. Teams are coordinating interdisciplinary activities for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 Antarctic seasons, with new technology being designed to monitor sea-ice growth in collaboration with both national and international partners. The teams shared insights on relevant international voyages that are being scheduled or proposed, and appointments of new staff with relevant expertise to the ASIS whānau.
A particularly exciting moment was the welcome and introduction of the first two ASIS-funded PhD students. One will focus on Ross Sea ecosystem health, while the other will explore indigenous perspectives on Antarctic governance—both reflecting ASIS’s commitment to inclusive and impactful research.
We were honoured to be joined on the first day by several of our New Zealand-based Impact Partners: Jana Newman (MFAT), Aimee Tang (MFAT), Ceisha Poirot (Antarctica New Zealand), Nathan Walker (MPI), Enrique Pardo (DOC), Tim Naish (WCRP), and Richard Levy (OCC). Their insights helped frame ASIS’s work within broader national and international policy contexts, including priorities set by SCAR, the Antarctic Treaty System, CCAMLR, CEP, IPCC, WCRP, and OCC. These discussions reinforced the importance of aligning scientific research with policy needs and global climate goals.
The second day provided space for deeper conversations within and across research teams. Participants explored opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and discussed how ASIS could align with national partners such as the Antarctic Science Platform and emerging international initiatives such as Antarctica InSync and POLARIN. The Hui concluded with a strong sense of momentum, renewed enthusiasm, and a deepened sense of community among all involved.
