The Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) Toka Tū Ake has confirmed funding for 13 research projects intended to “boost natural hazards resilience” across New Zealand.
The programme distributes NZ$1.2 million to work ranging from seismic research in Auckland to culturally tailored insurance modelling and home-safety retrofits.
One of the projects will examine Auckland’s hidden faults, aiming to build a clearer picture of the risks beneath the country’s most populated city. Another project will explore new disaster insurance models designed for marae-centred communities.
A further project looks at practical home retrofits to make properties safer from both floods and earthquakes. According to the NHC, the funded topics include “a closer look at Auckland’s hidden faults, new disaster insurance models for marae-centred communities, and practical retrofits to make homes safer from both floods and earthquakes.”
The NZ$1.2m spend has prompted discussion about whether the funding is sufficient and how outcomes will be measured. The Commission states it intends the projects to “boost natural hazards resilience,” but delivery, reporting and practical usefulness will be closely watched.
Improved fault mapping in Auckland may influence future planning and insurance assessments, while marae-centred insurance models could offer relief to communities navigating increasing risk costs. Research on home retrofits may eventually guide homeowners towards practical, affordable adjustments.