How is New Zealand strengthening its defences against natural hazards?

Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) has released its latest “Research and Resilience Highlights Report,” outlining more than $10 million in funding aimed at strengthening New Zealand’s ability to manage natural hazard risks.

The report detailed research, advocacy, and education initiatives designed to improve resilience against earthquakes, floods, and other environmental threats.

Research projects to address natural hazard risks

One of the primary focuses of the report is the cost and benefits of base isolation technology, a seismic protection method commonly used overseas but less frequently adopted in New Zealand due to cost concerns. The commission is investigating whether the long-term benefits of this technology outweigh its financial barriers.

Other key projects featured in the report include:

• Design.Resilience.NZ, an online platform that provides guidance on building beyond the minimum code requirements for improved structural resilience
• a mobile earthquake exhibition, expanding on an existing Te Papa display to bring seismic education to communities nationwide
• slope hazard research, which involves repeated wetting of soil samples to identify landslide-prone areas across the country
• a new teacher’s portal, offering educational resources for primary and secondary school students on the science of natural hazards

Dr Jo Horrocks, chief research and resilience officer at NHC, stated that these initiatives are part of the commission’s broader strategy to address New Zealand’s unique exposure to natural hazards.

“Every year, we invest in research that answers important questions about New Zealand’s natural hazard risks and how best to reduce or manage them. We also aim to support the next generation of scientists through scholarships, conference support, and other education programmes,” she said.

NHC’s efforts to manage natural hazard risks

In addition to research and public education, the commission works with professional organisations, including the New Zealand Planning Institute and Structural Engineering Society NZ, to integrate resilience measures into planning and building practices. In 2024, NHC allocated nearly $2 million toward partnerships with schools, museums, and community preparedness programmes.

Horrocks also noted that while New Zealand has a globally recognised natural hazards insurance model, proactive risk reduction remains essential.

“We were the first in the world to develop a natural hazards insurance risk pool scheme, which means risk is spread and insurance is more affordable, leading to extremely high levels of coverage,” she said. “But we can’t insure our way out of every disaster. Our scheme is remarkable in that we invest heavily in preventing and preparing for natural hazards, which is the work highlighted in this report.”