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Call for NZ earthquake centre

Some of the world’s top scientists are pushing for an earthquake and volcano forecasting centre to be established in New Zealand, according to research consultancy GNS Science.

The move follows a three-day workshop facilitated by the Earthquake Commission that involved some of the world’s leading earthquake researchers and risk analysis specialists.

Southern California Earthquake Centre Director Tom Jordan says most of the components already exist in NZ to make progress in earthquake forecasting.

But a centre combining a talented pool of researchers would provide a mechanism for more international collaboration, which would lead to even greater progress.

The establishment of a centre for studying “time varying” earthquake and volcanic hazards would allow NZ scientists to work with the international earthquake research community more effectively, and it would mirror similar centres in other countries.