It Starts Before the Shake: Wellington

Cost | Te utu

Free with museum entry

When | Āhea

Sun 25 May 2025, 11.00am–12.30pm

Where | Ki hea

Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4

Aotearoa New Zealand sits on one of the most active plate boundaries in the world, which means we live with the risk of earthquakes and tsunamis every day. The good news is, there’s a lot we can do to plan and prepare. 

This event is designed to help you feel more confident, connected, and informed, before the shake. The session will include a short talk, providing easy tips for preparing your home, family and workplace, followed by time for an open discussion. 

This event is proudly hosted by the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office & supported by GNS Science with funding from the Natural Hazards Commission.

Speakers:

Kate Clark | Earthquake geologist | GNS Science
Kate is an earthquake geologist who’s spent more than 15 years studying past earthquakes and tsunami, and how the land around us changes over time. Her work has taken her to locations all along the East Coast, helping uncover the timing of past large earthquakes written in the landscape.

Kate Boersen | Science specialist | Illuminate Science
Kate has spent the past decade helping communities, researchers, and emergency managers connect the dots between science and real life. With a background in emergency management and natural hazards, she’s passionate about making sure people have the knowledge they need to make good decisions.

Graham Leonard | Principal Scientist | GNS Science
Graham has over 20 years of experience helping New Zealanders understand and prepare for natural hazards. His work brings together cutting-edge science, emergency planning, and real-world advice to help keep communities safe. He knows how important it is to turn scientific knowledge into clear, practical steps people can take.