Peter Barrett
Professor Peter Barrett, of Wellington, received the New Zealand Antarctic Medal for services to Antarctic science. Professor Barrett, one of the world’s leading Antarctic geologists and has been at the forefront of Antarctic Earth science for more than 45 years. While a PhD student he made a ‘missing link’ discovery of the first tetrapod fossil in Antarctica, thereby making the land connection between Antarctica and the other Gondwana continents in support of the continental drift theory. Soon after his return to New Zealand to join the Geology Department at Victoria University of Wellington, he was invited to join the first deep-sea drilling ship into the Ross Sea. He was awarded the Polar Medal in 1985. Professor Barrett is convenor of the ANDRILL Science Advisory Panel. This project drilled through the McMurdo Ice Shelf producing a recording of Antarctic ice, ocean and climate history over many millions of years. He has worked enthusiastically to bring Antarctic science to the wider public, emphasising the role the continent plays in global environmental systems.