Christchurch enjoys a very special milestone this weekend – as the 2011/12 Antarctic Season commences, the city commemorates not only the 100th anniversary of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s legendary expedition to the South Pole, but a renewed international commitment to Christchurch as a gateway to Antarctica, despite the recent earthquakes.

Each year, Christchurch plays host to the United States and Italian Antarctic programmes, who use the city as their logistics hub. Combined, these programmes directly contribute $88 million to the Canterbury economy.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says it is an honour that these programmes remain committed to Christchurch despite the damage the city has sustained.