2007 Scott Base 1957 - 2007
As a key part of New Zealand’s international involvement and a significant contributor to Antarctic scientific research, Scott Base is something of which New Zealanders are very proud. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Scott Base and the 2007 celebrations of International Polar Year, which marked man’s endeavours on the earth's poles, we released a silver proof coin and a gold proof coin for you to treasure.
Issue information
Scott Base is located on Pram Point on Ross Island in Antarctica and was named after Captain Robert Falcon Scott of the Royal Navy, who was the leader of two expeditions to the Ross Sea area of Antarctica in the early 1900's.
The idea of building a New Zealand base in Antarctica was first suggested in 1953, following the announcement of the International Geophysical Year Programme and the British plan to cross the Antarctic continent.
New Zealand became officially involved in 1955 when Prime Minister Sidney Holland announced that the government would support New Zealand’s involvement in the Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Officially opened on 20 January 1957, Scott Base is New Zealand’s permanent research support station in Antarctica. The first building completed when Scott Base was constructed was known as the central ‘A’ hut. It was considered the most important building on the Base and included the mess hut and radio room. Although the construction of the base was originally designed to last just a year or two, it's enormous value as a centre for scientific research quickly became obvious. Rebuilding and upgrading began in 1976 and today only three of the original huts still stand at Scott Base. These include the Trans-Antarctic Expedition/International Geophysical Year Hut, which houses records of New Zealand’s connection with Antarctica since the construction of the Base, as well as two scientific huts which are still used.
Today, the Base can accommodate up to 85 people, and during each Antarctic season (from October to February) nearly 400 representatives of New Zealand and international research institutes and other agencies pass through.
It may be many thousands of kilometres from our shores, but for the past 50 years Antarctica has been ‘home’ to hundreds of New Zealanders. Living and working at Scott Base, these hardy souls have made a magnificent contribution to our understanding of the continent, as have the many visitors who’ve become ambassadors for Antarctica’s environmental protection and preservation.
