The secrets of the Hikurangi Subduction Zone will be unlocked at a presentation in town next month.

The free public talk will be presented by leading New Zealand scientists from GNS science and NIWA, who will explain the work they have been carrying out on the subduction zone.

The Hikurangi Subduction Zone, off the North Island’s East Coast, is New Zealand’s largest fault.

It runs offshore from the east of Gisborne down to the top of the South Island and poses a significant earthquake and tsunami risk to the entire east coast of New Zealand.

Scientists and emergency managers are developing an emergency response plan to prepare for the rupture of New Zealand's largest fault, which they say is not a matter of if it will go but when.

The presentation will include latest scientific research and information around slow slip events, earthquakes and tsunami.

As well as presenting information about the Wairoa district’s earthquake and tsunami risk, there will also be information about the diverse scientific research projects underway to help gain a better understanding of the subduction zone.

The four scientists who will be presenting are, Nicola Litchfield, Laura Wallace and Stuart Henrys from GNS Science and Joshu Mountjoy from NIWA.

Hawkes Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management staff will also be in attendance.

The presentation will be held at the War Memorial Hall on Thursday August 8 from 6pm.

Wairoa District Council chief executive Steven May encourages as many people as possible to attend the presentation to make the most of learning more about the Hikurangi Subduction Zone from the experts.

24 July 2019

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