Research
GeoNet
In February 2001 EQC announced it would provide 60 percent of the required long-term funding to get a new hazard monitoring network for New Zealand up and running. This meant an investment of $5 million a year for at least 10 years. The network is known as GeoNet and is being installed and operated by GNS Science.
At the time of the Commission's announcement New Zealand had a fragmented network of ageing instruments to monitor geological hazards. Scientists, engineers and emergency managers, supported by international reviews, concluded that these hazard monitoring networks were inadequate and needed upgrading.
An international strategic review of GeoNet completed in October 2004 concluded that the project met the best international standards and was poised to make a valuable contribution to public good. However, the review recommended additional investment to realise this opportunity and in June 2005 the Commission announced it would increase its funding to about $75 million over 10 years.
This will ensure GeoNet is built and operated to the recommended specification and improve further New Zealand's readiness and ability to respond to an emergency.
Link to GeoNet website (http://www.geonet.org.nz/)