New Zealander Dr Richard Levy says he hopes that a key climate change research project in Antarctica says he hopes it won't be shelved permanently, despite a funding knockback.
The Andrill project involves scientists from seven countries drilling beneath the ice for rock and sediment samples that are 45 million years old.
The second stage was expected to get underway in two years but now the United States is refusing to put up half the $20 million cost.
Prime Minister John Key last week signalled New Zealand could pay more than its previously agreed 12.5% share.
The head of the New Zealand's delegation, Dr Levy, says that has encouraged scientists to try again for American funding within the next 12 months.
Dr Levy says if that is successful, drilling could re-start in three years.
