Diversity and Inclusion
Antarctic Heritage Trust’s vision is Inspiring Explorers. In our mission to conserve, share and encourage the spirit of exploration we aim to recognise individuals’ unique stories and ancestry. Balancing their thoughts, ideas and perspectives to guide our journey. We aim to represent the diverse range of identities across the world in the work we do to preserve the legacy of Antarctic exploration, and to inspire the next generation of explorers.
Eligibility Criteria & Expedition Member Obligations
To celebrate the Trust’s 40th Anniversary, we are offering a team of young people a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica’s Ross Sea region in January 2027 to step inside the iconic expedition bases of Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton, cared for by the Trust on behalf of the world.
Together, the team will reflect the national and international collaboration that has underpinned the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project for more than two decades.
Alongside young people from across Aotearoa New Zealand, to recognise these countries’ governance contribution over the last four decades, we are also looking for:
- A young person from the United Kingdom currently living in New Zealand
- A young person from Ireland currently living in New Zealand
- A young person from the United States currently living in New Zealand.
There are three types of roles to apply for in the team:
- A general role – you have a passion for Antarctica and Antarctic history, and a desire to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new challenges
- A heritage professional role – you are studying or working in the fields of conservation, heritage, science, engineering, surveying, or architecture
- A videographer role – you have the skills to capture high quality video footage and audio recordings while working in a remote and challenging environment.
The team will also include a student from the AIMHI network of schools in South Auckland.
Eligibility Criteria
Successful applicants will:
- Be aged between 18-30.
- Be a New Zealand permanent resident or citizen, or
- Be a citizen of the United States, the United Kingdom or Ireland. You must be able to demonstrate that you currently reside in New Zealand and intend to remain in New Zealand for at least 12 months.
- Be able to attend all expedition events including team building in Christchurch NZ between 20-24 November 2026, the expedition to Antarctica between 5 January – 3 February 2027, and the de-brief event in Christchurch NZ between 9-11 April 2027.
- Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months before it expires.
- Be in good health with a reasonable level of fitness.
- Be willing to be part of a small team led by the Expedition Leader.
- Be willing to be part of any filming, photography, or audio recording taken during the expedition.
- Be willing to engage with Trust supporters and other passengers on board the vessel.
- Possess an adventurous spirit.
- Have the desire and ability to inspire others.
- Be excited to share their experience with the public and media.
Please note that we are unable to accept applications from previous Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ participants or current Trust staff members.
If you currently work for one of our partner organisations and would like to apply, please contact us at inspiring@nzaht.org
Successful Applicant Obligations
If successful, you will be required to:
- Attend a team building weekend in Christchurch, New Zealand from 20 to 24 November 2026.
- Attend a post-expedition de-brief in Christchurch, New Zealand from 9 to 11 April 2027.
- Travel to Queenstown, New Zealand on or before 5 January 2027, and depart Queenstown on 3 February 2027 as part of the expedition team, on flights booked by Antarctic Heritage Trust.
- Comply with all Health & Safety regulations and requirements; both from Antarctic Heritage Trust and/or any third parties, such as Heritage Expeditions or airlines.
- Keep your involvement in the expedition confidential, outside your immediate whānau/family, until advised by Antarctic Heritage Trust.
- Participate in media and profiling activities arranged by Antarctic Heritage Trust.
- Contribute content, such as photographs, before, during and after the expedition.
- Consent to Antarctic Heritage Trust using your content, and content featuring you, for promotional purposes, including on web and social media channels.
- Act responsibly as a representative of Antarctic Heritage Trust while on the expedition.
- Act as an ambassador for Antarctic Heritage Trust, including engaging with future Inspiring Explorers™ programmes, if requested.
Expedition Costs
Antarctic Heritage Trust will cover the costs of the expedition cruise, guides, return economy flights from your place of residence in New Zealand to the team building weekend (Christchurch), expedition departure point (Queenstown), and post-expedition programme (Christchurch), accommodation, and meals (within agreed limits) while in transit. Flights will be booked by Antarctic Heritage Trust and individual itinerary changes are not permitted.
If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident living outside New Zealand during any of the required travel dates, you will be responsible for the cost of returning to New Zealand to attend the team building weekend in November 2026, the expedition in January 2027, and the post-expedition programme in April 2027.
Selected Inspiring Explorers™ will also be required to:
- Make a financial contribution of NZD$2000 towards the significant cost to deliver this expedition, with NZD$1000 to be paid upon acceptance, with balance to be paid by 18 December 2026. The financial contribution should not be a barrier to applying, if you are unsure if you can meet this cost, please contact us at inspiring@nzaht.org to discuss and continue with your application.
- Agree not to have any personal sponsors/gear sponsors for participation in the expedition;
- Wear and use sponsored gear supplied by Antarctic Heritage Trust, if requested.
- Supply appropriate personal outdoor equipment and clothing. A list of required gear will be provided. If the cost of purchasing equipment is a concern, it should not be a barrier to your application. Please contact us at inspiring@nzaht.org to discuss your circumstances before continuing with your application.
- Cover the cost of any visas, travel taxes or other entry requirements associated with the passport you are travelling on. Please note that if you are travelling on a non-New Zealand passport, you will require valid New Zealand and Australian visas where applicable.
- Cover the cost of any excess baggage and personal incidental expenses.
- Undertake a medical assessment, if required.
The Trust reserves the right to cancel the expedition or not take a participant(s) for any reason and without recourse, including circumstances beyond the Trust’s control. In that unlikely event, the Trust will only be responsible for refunding the expedition contribution (if paid), incurred by a participant(s) at the time of written notification provided by the Trust. If a selected Inspiring Explorer™ is unable or unwilling for any reason to partake in the expedition the Trust will endeavour to find a replacement but will not guarantee refund of the participant’s contribution.
