Award-winning AF8 Roadshow coming to Otago

Published on 24 April 2023

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Media release from Otago CDEM - 22 March 2023

AF8 [Alpine Fault magnitude 8], in collaboration with leading earthquake scientists and Emergency Management Otago, is bringing the award-winning AF8 Roadshow to three communities in Otago this year.

The "AF8 Roadshow: The Science Beneath Our Feet", sponsored by Toka Tū Ake EQC, will tour the South Island for its third time from March to June 2023, sharing world-leading science with local communities.

The AF8 Roadshow aims to share the Alpine Fault hazard science with communities to improve understanding of the hazard risk and enable conversations on how to be better prepared.

The roadshow will visit Otago with three events open to the public and two school visits:

  • Tuesday 28 March 6.30pm – Public event – Cromwell Presbyterian Church
  • Tuesday 16 May 6.30pm – Public event- Ōamaru Opera House
  • Tuesday 17 May - East Otago High School
  • Thursday 18 May – South Otago High School
  • Thursday 18 May 6.30pm – Public talk, South Otago Town & Country Club

Toka Tū Ake EQC Chief Resilience & Research Officer Dr. Jo Horrocks says that recent weather events have shown how important it is we be prepared for different natural hazards.

“Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent storms have shown how much our lives can be turned upside down by natural hazards. A significant event on the Alpine Fault has the potential to impact the entire South Island and beyond, so it’s so important that we’re well-informed and doing all we can to build our resilience now." 

Associate Prof. Caroline Orchiston, the AF8 Science-lead, stated, "We can't predict when earthquakes will occur, but scientific research has shown that the Alpine Fault has a history of generating regular, large earthquakes. The next major Alpine Fault event is likely to occur within our lifetime, and we must take steps now to prepare." 

Stakeholder Engagement Advisor at Emergency Management Otago, Erica Andrews said, “The more our Otago communities can learn about the hazards around them and the potential impacts, the more they can plan and prepare for disruption.  We look forward to welcoming members of the public to these talks and working with the AF8 team”.

ENDS

For further information contact:
Erica Andrews
Stakeholder Engagement Advisor
Erica.andrews@otagocdem.govt.nz

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