Newly appointed Antarctica New Zealand operations GM commences

Former New Zealand Defence Force officer Mike Shapland DSD finishes up in Washington DC to start new polar role in Christchurch.

---

Michael Shapland DSD has commenced his role as Antarctica New Zealand’s new General Manager of Antarctic Operations. He has relocated to his hometown of Christchurch from Washington DC, where he had been posted as the New Zealand Embassy’s Defence Attaché, to take up the role.

As GM Operations, Shapland will oversee the planning and execution of Antarctic operations, along with managing Antarctica New Zealand’s assets and engineering portfolio at Scott Base in support of the world-leading research conducted by New Zealand in Antarctica.

According to the Antarctica New Zealand announcement, Shapland is no stranger to operating in complex environments, having served in the New Zealand Defence Force for 40 years. He previously worked in Antarctica when he was deployed there in 1991.

During his military career, Shapland was deployed internationally to Bosnia, East Timor, Afghanistan and South Sudan. As the Force Chief of Staff to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), he was responsible for the planning, conduct and oversight of peacekeeping operations for more than 17,000 military staff from over 50 countries.

In 2020, Shapland was awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his service.

“I first deployed to Antarctica in 1991 when I led a team of NZDF personnel on the ice, and more recently I’ve been involved in international Antarctic discussions within Defence,” said Shapland. “I’ve always been impressed with the work Antarctica New Zealand does to support science from Scott Base”.

“To have someone of his calibre who knows what it takes to operate in complex environments and engage in bilateral discussions will be extremely valuable,” Antarctica New Zealand Acting Chief Executive Jordy Hendrikx.

“His knowledge of our long-standing relationships with NZDF and the United States Antarctic Program, and New Zealand’s presence in Antarctica, will mean he can hit the ground running,” he said.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Drew Coleman, who has been leading the Operations team on an interim basis to ensure the 2024-25 season is delivered successfully.”