Antarctica Helps Us Understand The World
Antarctic Heritage Trust Chair Sir Jerry Mateparae views the icy continent the same way he views the world.
“It’s a place where there is so much to learn about our history and science, for today and tomorrow,” he says.
Sir Jerry was scheduled to visit Antarctica in December with Trustee Mike Dawson and Executive Director Francesca Eathorne, but unusually prolonged poor weather conditions meant the travel was cancelled.
Sir Jerry says Trustees and staff accept travel to Antarctica is never guaranteed.
“The nature of the work we do and where we do it means we have to be prepared for the possibility of change. It’s disappointing of course, but we understand why we couldn’t get there this time.”
Our new Chair says becoming a Trustee a year ago expanded his view of an organisation whose work he was always aware of.
“I grew up aware of the ‘heroic era’ of exploration, the stories of Scott and Shackleton, and how they came through New Zealand to get to Antarctica,” he says. “Observing the Trust conserving the huts and artefacts left behind highlights to me how much we are finding out about our modern world. It’s where the past meets the future, and Antarctica has a lot to tell us.”
Sir Jerry believes the Trust’s Inspiring Explorers™ programme is an example of this. “The young people see how the early explorers lived, survived and reported what they had seen. They can then consider what they can do themselves. The expeditions help them make decisions that will influence their lives, through interest and engagement in what is much more than a continent. It’s their place in the world seen through the lens of Antarctica.”
The first thing that comes to mind when Sir Jerry is asked about Antarctica is the buildings at Cape Adare.
“Those buildings are the only example left of humanity’s first buildings on any continent in the world,” he says. “How special is that!
“When I say that to people, they understand the buildings’ historic and cultural significance and the value of the work the Trust does. Antarctica truly is where the past meets the future.”
Sir Jerry says the work the Antarctic Heritage Trust does aligns with his values and things that are important to him.
“I think back to my first visit to Antarctica and the state of the huts I visited then, compared to how they are now thanks to the Trust’s conservation work.
“Our work protects not only New Zealand’s heritage, but the world’s. It also gives us the chance to provide young people opportunity in a way that stirs their soul.”
