Antarctic journey all of our own

Organisers of the Oamaru Scott 100 commemorations are promising an outstanding line-up of events to celebrate the 1913 return of the Terra Nova from Scott's Antarctic expedition.

Commemoration co-convenor Councillor Helen Stead said the programme was varied and informative.

"It will celebrate and commemorate the endeavours of Scott's party and Antarctica.

"Events will primarily centre around the Oamaru Harbour and are set to begin on Waitangi Day, February 6, with a parade of water craft at 10 o'clock.

"The parade around the harbour will include sculls, paddle boats, fishing vessels, steamboats and a double waka."

After the parade of the water craft, a multicultural food boulevard with live dance and music will begin at the Oamaru Harbourside.

"This event will celebrate performances and food from the many countries which are party to the Antarctic Treaty," she said.

Honouring the event, the Forrester Gallery and the North Otago Museum will showcase exhibits connected to the Terra Nova and the golden age of Antarctic exploration.

The display at the North Otago Museum will highlight aspects of the Terra Nova story and the legacy of Scott's expedition.

The Forrester Gallery will feature three exhibitions: The photographs of Herbert Ponting, covering Captain Robert Falcon Scott's Antarctic exhibition from 1910 to 1913 from February 2; Postcard from Antarctica, a mixed media exhibit by Ramonda Te Maiharoa from February 2; and, 90 Degrees South Again, a multipanel hybrid work by Juilee Pryor, which opens on January 26.

Oamaru Antarctic historian and author David Harrowfield will launch his book What Ship - Lieutenant Harry Pennell's Antarctic Legacy, on Saturday, February 9, at 6.30pm.

Dr Harrowfield's book is well-illustrated and includes a foreword by Princess Anne and a special contribution by Falcon Scott, grandson of the legendary explorer.

The launch of Dr Harrowfield's book will be a forerunner to the Scott 100 dinner, also to be held on February 9.

Oamaru is also set to host the world premiere of The Night Visitors, a specially commissioned play by Paul Baker, former rector of Waitaki Boys' High School.

The play is set within the historical context of the arrival of the Terra Nova at Oamaru Harbour in February 1913 and is a fictional account of the Oamaru Harbour master and his family with the two Scott expedition messengers who were charged with conveying the news of the South Pole tragedy to the world.

The premiere will be at the Oamaru Opera House Ink Box on February 6 and the play will run until Sunday, February 10.

The Scott 100 commemorative celebrations will also include a series of Polar Panels, with presentations and discussions on historic and polar issues for people who are passionate about such regions.

Councillor Stead said the presentations, which will run from February 7-8 inclusive, will cover a variety of subjects including historical Scott research, Living on the Ice a century ago and living on the ice today, conserving the past and oceanology and present and past expeditions.

"The panellists have a broad variety of stories to tell and information to give and the presentations and discussions should be absolutely fascinating," she said.

The programme for February 9 will focus on the Oamaru Harbour with a series of water-related events, including the LJ Hooker Oamaru Rowing Club Pursuit Course which starts at 6am; the North Otago Yacht and Power Boat Club races for the Terra Nova Trophy, with racing on Saturday and Sunday; the Friendly Bay Boat Society Regatta from 11am; the Scott 100 Seaside Bicycle Race from 1pm; the Port FM Birdman competition at 3pm; and, the unveiling of the Scott 100 Commemorative Plaque.

The Scott 100 Commemorative celebrations will wrap up on Sunday, February 10, with the re-enactment of the arrival of the Terra Nova; a church service to be held Harbourside at Friendly Bay; a promenade to the former post and telegraph office; a community barbecue at the Harbourside; and the launch of the Sumpter Wharf restoration project plus the Oamaru Farmers' Market and the Victorian Market.