Norwegians’ activities in the polar areas in the Arctic and Antarctica are important parts of Norwegian history. Important Norwegian cultural heritage sites from the 1900s can be found in Antarctica, but none in the Norwegian claimed areas.
Roald Amundsen left few traces after his expedition, but two huts remain after the 1898 expedition of the explorer Carsten Borchgrevink on Cape Adare in the Ross Dependency.
Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of preserving the few remains of tangible Norwegian history in Antarctica during his visit. He expressed joy that Norway will contribute to the preservation of the two huts, and bring out information about Borchgrevink’s expedition – the first expedition that ever spent the winter in Antarctica.
The huts erected by the expedition were prefabricated by Strømmen Trevare. The two huts were the first buildings constructed on the continent and contain more than 1000 artefacts. The Norwegian government has decided to give NOK 4 million (NZD $900 000) to support the preservation of the huts and informational work about Borchgrevink’s expedition.
The four-year project will be run in close cooperation with the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust and British authorities. The project will also cover future maintenance of the site.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key also welcomed the Norwegian Government’s decision to work with the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust, and announced that the project is a chance to preserve an important piece of heritage, and that Norway’s support is greatly appreciated.
Read more about Carsten Borchgrevink and his expedition (Wikipedia).
Read more about New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust.
Read the New Zealand government's related press release.