Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Beggs said the significant contribution of the NZDF demonstrated the collaborative nature of Antarctic research and logistics.
"NZDF support is an integral part of New Zealand's strategic leadership both on the Antarctic continent and in the Southern Ocean and we are grateful for the level of professionalism under which these personnel operate," Beggs said.
The NZDF also provides search and rescue support, air transport, operations at Harewood Terminal in Christchurch and McMurdo, and support for the unloading of the annual container ship.
Up to 220 NZDF staff - including air crew and ground support, passenger and cargo facilitation, logistics, fuel specialists, Army engineers and heavy plant operators, cargo handlers and communications specialists - are deployed during the summer to support the Scott Base and McMurdo stations.
The 2016-17 research season marks the 60th anniversary of New Zealand's operational presence in Antarctica and the construction of the Trans-Antarctic Expedition Hut.