Soldier sent home from Antarctic for 'graphic images'

Scott Base, Antarctica. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A New Zealand army soldier lost a prestigious secondment to the Antarctic after showing images of his nether regions to female colleagues.

Antarctica New Zealand has confirmed a junior, non-commissioned officer, was sent home from Scott Base in December, The Sunday Star-Times reported.

The officer, who remains a serving member of the defence force, was three months into a five-month secondment with the crown entity. He did not contest his removal.

"A complaint was laid, we investigated and found the behaviour was not appropriate, it contravened our code of conduct, so we terminated the secondment and sent him home from Scott Base," Antarctica NZ chief executive Lou Sanson said.

Mr Sanson refused to disclose details of the incident, but the newspaper said it was believed to involve images of the officer's genitals, and possibly a cellphone or computer was used.

"Clearly, we expect high standards of all staff down there," Mr Sanson said.

A defence force spokesman said the officer would not be punished further, on top of being sent home, as he had not been convicted of an offence.

A friend and colleague of the soldier quit in disgust at the decision to remove him, the newspaper said.

However, Mr Sanson said Antarctica NZ's relationship with the defence force remained strong.

"A third of our staff are NZ defence, it's just sad this situation has arisen because 99 per cent of the people are absolutely wonderful.

"Without question this guy was a tremendous worker, he was a very valued person. He was popular on the base, but there are times we have to draw the line."

Antarctica New Zealand manages Scott Base, New Zealand's Antarctic research station.

- NZPA