Antarctic Honours

Al Fastier considers his 18 years conserving Antarctica’s historic explorer bases for future generations his greatest reward, but another one came his way in January.

Al’s work to save the historic huts was acknowledged in the New Year Honours list, when he and polar photographer Colin Monteath were each awarded the New Zealand Antarctic Medal. The medal recognises those who’ve made an outstanding contribution to, or in support of, New Zealand’s objectives or operations in the Antarctic region.

Widely considered a world-class leader in cold-climate heritage conservation, Al was the Trust’s Programme Manager for the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project since 2006.

He retired last September and says he has passed the baton to a very capable conservation team.

“The success of the project has always been a team effort,” he says. “I believe I received the medal for everyone who’s been involved. The work was often all consuming and challenging, but also exciting and rewarding.”

Making the bases structurally sound and weathertight and conserving more than 20,000 artefacts often took years of preparation, ahead of painstaking work in difficult conditions. Colleagues say Al strove for excellence and led from the front, with a hands-on approach, huge work ethic and sense of humour.

He did much more along the way, including mentoring more than 80 global heritage experts, hosting VIPs and dignitaries, raising awareness and funds to conserve Hillary’s hut, and even led exciting projects like excavating whisky from under Shackleton’s hut.

He continues to share his stories and expertise with conservators following his footsteps in Antarctica, the continent he says he fell in love with.