On Thursday evening, Their Excellencies hosted the launch of the Antarctic Heritage Trust's new conservation management plan. The Trust care for five major expedition bases on behalf of the global community, including Shackleton’s 1908 hut, Hillary’s hut, and Scott’s Discovery hut – all of which Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited on their trip to Antarctica last year.
Reflecting in her speech on the feeling of stepping into the historic huts, Dame Cindy remarked: ‘I found it a deeply moving experience – to stand almost literally in the footsteps of those great explorers. One cannot help wondering what was going through their minds as they anticipated the immensity of what lay before them – apprehension of course, but surely also excitement, that thrill of setting out into a truly unknowable beyond.’ You can ready Dame Cindy's full speech here: Launch of the Antarctic Heritage Trust Conservation Management Plan.
The new plan is a culmination of many years of practical research, including an informed understanding of the current challenges posed by cold climate conservation, and seeks to ensure the huts are preserved for the benefit of future generations.
As Patron-in-Chief of the Antarctic Heritage Trust, Dame Cindy was delighted to be joined by AHT Board Chair and former Governor-General Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, and AHT Patron Rt Hon Helen Clark.
View more photos from the event here: Launch of the Antarctic Heritage Trust Conservation Management Plan.