New Zealands activities in the Ross Dependancy, though belated, have been intensive since the beginning of the IGY.
The geological and survey activities| at the reconnaissance level are almost complete| and programmes in the biological and physical sciences are well established in the continental area. It was the logical connection os this work with similar studies on the Sub-Antarctic islands which led to the proposal for an expedition of about two months duration to the Balleny Islands in the austral summer of 1964-65.
The aim of hte 1963-64 reconnaissance mission is to:
Assess the operational feasability and scientific desirablility of mounting in a subsequent season an extended expedition to these islands for a priod of up to two months for geophysical| biological and oceanographic studies and topographical surveys.
to obtain as much scientific data as possible during the course of the reconnaissance so that should a subsequent expedition be impracticable, the maximum scientific value is derived from thte operation.
