The advice to the government came as the budget for the redevelopment blew up from $250m to $498m after Antarctica NZ downgraded plans to curb escalating costs.
A Treasury report to Cabinet in September, which was made public this week, said both its department and the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission (Infracom) believed it was a risk to leave Antarctica New Zealand in charge of the project.
"The Treasury and Infracom see risks with Antarctica NZ remaining the delivery agent of the project, especially without a greater level of external expertise.
"While its specialised capability is vital to delivery of the project, [it] is one of New Zealand’s most complex infrastructure projects.
"Antarctica NZ has struggled in its management of the project," the report said.
The report also highlighted ongoing risks of disruptions and cost pressures.
A spokeswoman for Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Winston Peters said the ministry was aware of the advice, but had kept the project in the hands of Antarctica NZ.
Steps had been taken to improve the management of the project at Antarctica NZ, the spokeswoman said.
A new chair was appointed to its board in February and the organisation was in the process of appointing a new chief executive.
"Since then there have been further appointments to the board, which has included expertise in delivery of infrastructure projects.
"An interim project director is in place and the project team has been restructured to reflect the new planning phase of the project," she said.
Antarctica NZ was contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.
