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Search and Rescue (SAR) Workshop IV
SAR Coordination and Response in the Antarctic

 

Convened by the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP)

Co-hosted by Antarctica New Zealand &

Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), Maritime New Zealand

 

14 May (Wellington) and 16–17 May (Christchurch) 2019

New Zealand​

​First Announcement: First Announcement COMNAP SAR Workshop IV May 2019 New Zealand.pdf
On-line registration for delegates will open on 1 February 2019.​

Agenda, Programme, Schedule: COMNAP_SAR_workshopIV_draft_agenda_schedule_10December2018.pdf

Information for Participants

LOCATION

The SAR Workshop will take place in two cities in New Zealand​. 

Day 1, is 14 May, and the workshop will be in the city of Wellington, New Zealand. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is located in what is called the "North Island". There are regular flights to Wellington.  Day 1 is of particular interest to the Rescue Co-ordintation Centres (RCCs) and people who work at those RCCs.  Wellington is the location of RCCNZ Maritime New Zealand. Therefore, if you wish to participate in Day 1 of the workshop, make your travel arrangements to arrive in Wellington, New Zealand on 13 May 2019.

Day 2, is 15 May, and this is considered a travel day. You can travel to New Zealand internationally on this day or transfer from Wellington to Christchurch on this day.

Days 3 and 4, are 16 and 17 May, and the workshop will be in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Christchurch is the largest city in what is known as the "South Island" of New Zealand.  There are regular international flights to Christchurch and also regular flights from Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand (Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and is the usual international entry point into New Zealand). Days 3 and 4 will be of interest to all involved in Antarctic SAR. Christchurch is the location of Antarctica New Zealand and the COMNAP Secretariat. Therefore, if you wish to participate in Days 3 and 4 of the workshop, make your travel arrangements to arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand on 15 May 2019.

ACCOMMODATION / RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Wellington accommodation options: ​

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QT Wellington
90 Cable Street, Wellington 6011
https://www.qthotelsandresorts.com/wellington
 $NZ259.00 per night inlcuding breakfast (reduced rate available for non-refundable booking)

InterContinental Wellington
2 Grey Street, Wellington 6011
https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/wellington/wlggs/hoteldetail?
Approx. $NZ289.00 per night

Novotel Wellington Hotel
133 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3276-novotel-wellington/index.shtml
Approx. $NZ180.00 per night​

You can find more information about Wellington at: https://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/​

Christchurch accommodation options: 

Focus Motel & Executive Suites
344 Durham Street North, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013
Approx. 5min walk (300m from venue)
Approx. $NZ160 per night

Fino Hotel and Suites
87 Kilmore St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013
Approx. 4min walk (270m from venue)
Approx. $NZ160 per night

Crowne Plaza Christchurch
764 Colombo St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011
Approx.; 7min walk (600m from venue)
Approx; $NZ220 per night

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011
Approx. 16min walk (1.2km from venue)
Approx. $NZ240 per night

The George 
50 Park Terrace, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013
Approx. 5min walks (350m from venue
Approx. $NZ375 per night

You can find more information about Christchurch at: https://www.christchurchnz.com/new-zealand/​

Time Zone
New Zealand time is 13 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +13).

Climate
New Zealand's climate is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. May is fall and it can be cold in Christchurch and rainy in Wellington. 

 

Currency
The unit of New Zealand currency is the New Zealand Dollar. Foreign banknotes can be exchanged at foreign exchange banks and other authorized moneychangers including at the airports. ATMs/Bank machines are very common on New Zealand streets and in shopping areas and electronic transactions are very common. Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted at major hotels, taxis, shops and restaurants in the larger cities. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Normal banking hours are Monday to Friday 09:30a.m. - 4:30p.m. 

Electricity
Outlets for 220 volts (plug type I ). The Type I Electrical Plug has two flat, oblique blades that form an inverted V, and a grounding blade. ​

Contacts

Rescue Coordination Centre NZ/RCC NZ / Local point of contact for Wellington
Greg Johnston
Senior Search and Rescue Officer
Joint Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (JRCC NZ)
+64 457 78030
Greg.Johnston@maritimenz.govt.nz

Antarctica New Zealand / Local point of contact for Christchurch
Simon Trotter
General Manager, Antarctic Operations
Antarctica New Zealand
+64 3 3580246 (office)
s.trotter@antarcticanz.govt.nz

COMNAP
Michelle Rogan-Finnemore
Executive Secretary
www.comnap.aq
+64 3 3642169 (office)
michelle.finnemore@comnap.aq