Experts will be presenting new research findings, tools and recommendations at Te Tai Whanake, the final symposium of the Resilience to Nature’s Challenges National Science Challenge, to help our diverse communities better plan for and respond to natural hazard events. The sold-out event is being held on May 13-14 at Te Papa, Wellington, and marks the end […]
Category: Media release
Modelling tool provides new insights into New Zealand tsunami hazards
A research team has developed an innovative new method to carry out tsunami hazard assessments, using Aotearoa New Zealand as a case study. Preliminary results indicate that some earthquakes produce overall maximum tsunami wave heights at the coast of up to 28 metres, and the northern and eastern coasts of the North Island are most […]
Coastal risks can be reduced now ahead of new legislation
A timely new report demonstrates how planners and local government decisionmakers can reduce risk from coastal hazards now, ahead of new legislation, thereby speeding up adaptation to the impacts of climate change. The report Enabling Coastal Adaptation: Using current legislative settings for managing the transition to a dynamic adaptive planning regime in New Zealand examines […]
Research provides guidance on coastal infrastructure and rising seas
New research from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington addresses the adaptation of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure in coastal areas as sea levels rise and heavy rainfall events increase in frequency – significant risks identified in New Zealand’s National Climate Change Risk Assessment. The research, funded by the Resilience to Nature’s Challenges National Science Challenge […]
New ‘synthetic’ earthquakes are deepening scientists’ understanding of earthquake risk
Ground-breaking new research has created a million-year catalogue of ‘synthetic’ earthquakes that could shape future earthquake and tsunami hazard models for Aotearoa New Zealand. “The full cycle of New Zealand’s earthquake activity spans thousands of years,” explains Dr Bill Fry of GNS Science, co-leader of the research programme. “Modern observations and data only cover the […]
Resilience Challenge welcomes new partners
Resilience to Nature’s Challenges National Science Challenge is thrilled to welcome two new Challenge Parties on board. Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research and the University of Waikato have recently joined the Challenge for their Phase 2 research programme. The mission of the Challenge is to accelerate Aotearoa New Zealand’s resilience to natural hazards through innovative, […]
Report on reducing natural hazard risk receives prestigious award
A ground-breaking report focused on reducing natural hazard and climate change risk under the Resource Management Act has been awarded the New Zealand Planning Institute’s John Mawson Award of Merit for 2020. The GNS Science report Reducing risk through the management of existing uses: tensions under the RMA by Emily Grace, Ben France-Hudson and Margaret Kilvington was […]
Resilience Challenge: Phase 2 invests in innovative natural hazard research
The Resilience to Nature’s Challenges Phase 2 research programme involves nearly $40 million of investment into innovative natural hazards research. Resilience to Nature’s Challenges Kia manawaroa – Ngā Ākina o Te Ao Tūroa is one of 11 National Science Challenges funded by government to tackle the big science issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand. The mission […]
Towards a stronger Kaikōura
Research on the impacts of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake will be discussed in a public event held in the town on Wednesday 10 April. The 7.8 magnitude quake damaged land, property and infrastructure across the top of the South and lower North Island. Innovation and resilience have been essential for the rebuilding and recovery of […]
New study helps shift sea-level rise decision-making towards long-term solutions
A significant proportion of New Zealand’s population is under increasing threat from sea-level rise – 300,000 residents live below 3m land elevation. Currently the impacts are felt as coastal erosion and occasional flooding during king tides and storms. “They are happening more often, and we’re seeing a shift over time to coastal flooding becoming the […]
Disaster preparedness event in the Hutt Valley
The New Zealand Red Cross and Resilience to Nature’s Challenges are holding a joint disaster preparedness event in Lower Hutt next month where residents can learn about the risks in their area. Senior Social Scientist Dr Julia Becker will speak about the natural disasters that the Hutt Valley is vulnerable to, what to expect if […]
Phase two science leads appointed
Congratulations to the researchers selected to lead science programmes in the second phase of Resilience to Nature’s Challenges research. The Resilience Challenge’s science structure will be adjusted for the second phase of research, with two new overarching models accompanied by eight science themes. The Multihazard Risk Model and Resilience in Practice Model will work alongside […]
Research guides disaster communication with Auckland’s Pacific Island peoples
Disaster messaging is only effective if the population it is intended for embraces it. It can be particularly hard to engage societies with rich cultural and linguistic diversity, such as Pacific Island peoples. In a recent study 20 Auckland-based Pacific Island leaders or connectors were interviewed by a team of researchers from The University of […]
Media release: RNC welcomes a new Governance Group Chair and a Deputy Director
Jenn Bestwick joins us as Chairperson of the Resilience Challenge Governance Group, and Richard Smith fills a newly established Deputy Director role. With a background in business and management consulting, Ms Bestwick is a Lead Reviewer with the States Services Commission Performance Improvement Framework. She has worked with a number of organisations in the science […]
Resilience Challenge to receive $40M
Crucial research to help New Zealanders bounce back from natural disasters will continue, as Resilience to Nature’s Challenges celebrates a grant of $40M for a further five years of operation. Resilience to Nature’s Challenges was launched in 2015 with a mandate to enhance New Zealand’s ability to anticipate, adapt and thrive in the face of […]
Less than half of Wellingtonians have done basic earthquake preparations
A recent survey of Wellington residents has revealed that of 18 earthquake preparedness actions, nearly 85% hadn’t done half of them. The project, carried out by Victoria University of Wellington PhD students Lauren Vinnell and Amanda Wallis, found that the action undertaken by the largest proportion of Wellingtonians was storing water, which 55% of respondents […]