Southern comfort on ice : issues of ownership, use and management of heritage in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica

Abstract

This thesis provides an overview of the management of the heroic era huts in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. In order to understand the values associated with the huts, research was conducted using qualitative methods. Discussion with a sample of hut stakeholders allowed for hut use to be described as cultural, political and economic. Yet it was shown that an overlap in use has resulted in conflicting views on ownership, use and management. The most obvious conflict arose from the use of the huts as tourist attractions. The paradox of heritage management is evident in the Ross Sea region, as by providing the huts for visitors to experience in order to raise awareness, the Antarctic Heritage Trust must deal with the impacts resulting from visitation. Strategies to remedy visitor impacts are discussed, along with the future wishes of stakeholders. It is asserted that New Zealand policy makers and place promoters have actively encouraged a sense of national and regional identity with the heroic era huts. Yet there is clearly a need to attract international support, as this would not only ensure the future protection of the huts, but would also serve as recognition of their value for multiple stakeholders, not least of which include other national Antarctic programmes.