Antarctic Society volunteers head to Scott Base

Two members of the New Zealand Antarctic Society are bound for Antarctica today. Photo of Scott Base, New Zealand research base, Ross Island, Antarctica / Getty Images

Two passionate members of the New Zealand Antarctic Society are bound for Antarctica today.

Don Taylor and Grant Hunter will be boarding a United States Airforce LC-130 to be working as volunteer support at Scott Base, home of New Zealand's Antarctic operations.

Over the next month, they will help maintain the base and gain a first-hand experience of its operation.

"Our relationship with the New Zealand Antarctic Society has always been strong and this collaboration further benefits both organisations," said Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Peter Beggs.

"This opportunity is one way we can support the Antarctic Society and the important outreach work they undertake."

Don Taylor is a Wellington architect with a focus on sustainable design concepts. As an earth sciences student at Waikato University and member of the Antarctic Society, he has a keen interest in Antarctic science research projects.

Grant Hunter is a Christchurch scientist who has supported Landcare Research for many years.

His family has a strong connection with the continent. His wife's grandfather sailed south from Lyttelton aboard Terra Nova on two of the three voyages of Captain Scott's expedition in 1911-1913. His father-in-law kept in touch with many of the Operation Deep Freeze flights as an air traffic communications officer at Harewood Terminal, and his son is a field training instructor at Scott Base itself.

Mr Taylor and Mr Hunter will return to New Zealand on January 15. Their journey can be followed on Antarctica New Zealand's Facebook and Twitter page.