Port Hills Fire experiences might help answer some burning questions 20/03/2018 By Lisa Langer We live in a risky environment. New Zealand experiences wildfires, floods, landslides and earthquakes far too frequently.But are we aware of the risks, and how prepared are we to reduce their impact and cope with a disaster? Natural disasters can’t be […]
Caitlin Carew
Rural Disaster Risk Reduction
Rethinking Rural Disaster Risk Reduction 16/03/2018 By Tyler Barton The resilience of New Zealand’s rural areas is of national economic significance, with its diverse primary industries and businesses underpinning our regional economies. Equally important is its vital contribution to the social and cultural fabric of the nation. Rural New Zealand has specific needs and challenges […]
Electricity infrastructure
How can we keep the lights on during and after a natural disaster? 15/03/2018 By Nirmal Nair and Andrew Austin Switching on lights, charging phones, connecting to the internet and communicating with friends have become basic necessities of modern living. We assume that electricity required for these activities will be available when we want to […]
How do different infrastructure networks influence one another?
How do different infrastructure networks influence one another following a natural hazard event? We rely on infrastructure networks every day. They provide us with essential services like electricity and water as well as transportation and waste collection. We are reliant on infrastructure networks to function as a society, and these networks are reliant on each […]
Can we evacuate Auckland?
Can we evacuate Auckland before a volcano erupts? 12/03/2018 By Seosamh Costello It is only a matter of time before another volcano erupts in Auckland’s Volcanic Field. The question that Resilience Challenge researchers are tasked with is whether we can evacuate everyonefrom the affected areain time when it happens. The lack of data As no […]
A Systematic Review of Rural Resilience
A systematic review of rural resilience in New Zealand 07/03/2018 By Nick Cradock-Henry Rural communities throughout New Zealand face significant challenges. The recent earthquakes in Kaikoura, Marlborough and Hurunui districts, Port Hills and Hanmer fires, and flooding in the Bay of Plenty – highlight some of the hazards affecting rural NZ, their characteristics, and the […]
Coastal management workshops
Coastal management workshops at Napier Girls’ High School 02/03/2018 By Emma Ryan Hawke’s Bay is known for its beautiful, sunny beaches and easily accessible coastline. This draws many people to the area, however it comes with some downsides. The many homes and buildings sitting right next to the sea are highly vulnerable to natural hazards […]
Student Profile: Alistair Davies
Student Profile: Alistair Davies 27/02/2018 Meet Alistair Alistair is from the UK, where he studied Geography at the University of Cambridge and worked as a flood consultant before moving to New Zealand to pursue his PhD. Alistair is studying Disaster Risk and Resilience at the University of Canterbury. Outside of university, you can catch Alistair […]
Port Hills Fires
Port Hills Fires 28/02/2017 By Lisa Langer Extreme fire research is here Catastrophic wildfires don’t just happen in Australia or other countries, or in rural areas near small towns. If you had asked the population of Christchurch which major disaster they feared most on 12 February 2017 the majority would have answered earthquakes or flooding. […]
Resilience Challenge gets the green light
Photo Above: From left – GNS Science Director James Johnston, Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey, Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Research at Massey University and Interim Governance Chair Brigid Heywood, and GNS Science Acting Chief Executive Kevin Faure at the launch of the Resilience Challenge in Wellington this week. Photo – Margaret […]
Improving volcanic ballistic projectile hazard assessments using UAVs and a pneumatic cannon
Improving volcanic ballistic projectile hazard assessments using UAVs and a pneumatic cannon By Dr Rebecca Fitzgerald April 2021 Volcanic ballistic projectiles (VBPs) are fragments of solid rock or molten lava ejected out of a volcano in explosive eruptions. They are one of the most common causes of deaths and injuries on volcanoes, as they can […]
Improving volcanic ballistic projectile hazard assessments using UAVs and a pneumatic cannon
Improving volcanic ballistic projectile hazard assessments using UAVs and a pneumatic cannon By Dr Rebecca Fitzgerald April 2021 Volcanic ballistic projectiles (VBPs) are fragments of solid rock or molten lava ejected out of a volcano in explosive eruptions. They are one of the most common causes of deaths and injuries on volcanoes, as they can […]