Kiwi musician Gin Wigmore is among a line-up of speakers at a TedX Talk to be held at Scott Base, Antarctica, in January. Photo / File
Kiwi musician Gin Wigmore is among a line-up of speakers at a TedX Talk to be held at Scott Base, Antarctica, in January. Photo / File
A Kiwi pop star, a Nasa astronaut and the granddaughter-in-law of famed adventurer Jacques Cousteau have joined a colourful line-up of speakers set to take part in an Antarctic TedX talk at Scott Base next year.
The event, being staged at the Kiwi outpost in January and to be broadcastworldwide, will highlight climate change, celebrate science and help mark the 60th anniversary of New Zealand's official presence on the frozen continent.
The 10 TedXScottBase speakers - revealed at the event's official launch at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch this evening - include award-winning Kiwi musician Gin Wigmore, US astronaut Dr Dan Barry, who has logged more than 734 hours in space, and Ashlan Cousteau, a veteran US journalist, environmental advocate and granddaughter-in-law of French documentary maker Jacques Cousteau.
Nasa astronaut Dr Dan Barry has logged more than 734 hours in space. Photo / File
Also featuring is Anthony Powell, the multi-award winning filmmaker behind the documentary Antarctica: A Year on Ice, who has spent a total 114 months on the ice, including 10 winters; renowned portrait photographer Jane Ussher; prominent business leaders Jeremy Moon and Claudia Batten; and scientists and Antarctic veterans Professor Gary Wilson, Professor Craig Cary and Dr Christina Hulbe.
"We're exceptionally happy with the range of presenters at this event," curator Kaila Colbin said.
Anthony Powell has spent a total 114 months on the ice and made an award-winning documentary, Antarctica: A Year on Ice. Photo / File
"The scientists have committed most of their adult lives to understanding the dynamic nature of the icy continent and how Antarctica's clues to past climates can inform our understanding of the way the world is changing now.
"Dan Barry's time in space has given him a perspective that very few can match, and Ashlan Cousteau has an unparalleled ability to combine science, environmentalism and entertainment.
"It's going to be an outstanding and extremely diverse event."
Business leader Claudia Batten is on the line-up of speakers at the Antarctic event. Photo / Nick Reed
TEDxScottBase is supported by Antarctica New Zealand, which manages New Zealand's interests on the icy continent.
While the event itself is open only to the people who are there at the time for research purposes, TEDxScottBase will be livestreamed worldwide.
Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Peter Beggs said it would play a "crucial role" in raising awareness about climate change and other profound issues across the world.
Business leader Jeremy Moon will speak at the TedX event. Photo / Richard Robinson
"What happens in Antarctica will significantly impact the entire planet, and we are delighted this line-up has so much expertise and appeal," Beggs said.
"Whether you're interested in space, music, oceans, film, sustainability, photography, history, exploration or business, TEDxScottBase has something to offer.
Gary Wilson is one of the scientists familiar with Antarctica who will be speaking. Photo / File
"We have no doubt the speakers' messages will make waves around the world."
The event is backed by Leighs Construction, NZ Post, Christchurch International Airport, Lyttelton Port Company and Toyota.
