Antarctic Heritage Trust

The Antarctic Heritage Trust is a New Zealand–based organisation dedicated to protecting and sharing the legacy of human exploration in Antarctica. It preserves some of the continent’s most significant historic sites and artefacts while bringing polar history to life through education, technology, and international outreach.

In 2022, Helen Clark joined June, Lady Hillary as a Patron, following the passing of long-time Patron Bob Norman QSO. Her association with the Trust dates back to the early 2000s when, as Prime Minister of New Zealand and Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, she supported the planning and fundraising of an international campaign to safeguard historic explorer bases. Clark championed the Trust’s mission at the highest international levels and launched the first Conservation Plan for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Hut, laying the foundation for the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project. Marking the 50th anniversary of Scott Base, she visited Antarctica with Sir Edmund Hillary, then a Trust Patron, where they introduced the Conservation Ambassador Programme alongside inaugural Ambassador James Blake.