New Zealand has taken another significant step towards strengthening its preparedness for natural disasters, with the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) Toka Tū Ake announcing funding for 13 new research projects. Valued at a combined NZ$1.2 million, these projects aim to deepen national understanding of natural risks and support the development of safer, more resilient communities.
The selected projects—each receiving up to NZ$100,000 over two years—span a wide range of disciplines and hazard types. They include investigations into Auckland’s lesser-known geological faults, innovative disaster-insurance models tailored for marae-centred communities, and practical retrofitting methods designed to protect homes from floods and earthquakes.
Funding Overview
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total grants | NZ$1.2 million |
| Maximum funding per project | Up to NZ$100,000 |
| Next university-led funding round | Up to NZ$450,000 per project |
Dr Natalie Balfour, Head of Research at the NHC, emphasised that investment in research is essential for building long-term national security against natural hazards. According to her, the goal is not merely to respond to disasters after they occur but to help mitigate risks before they become crises.
“We are not just the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff,” Dr Balfour said. “We want to strengthen the cliff or, better yet, ensure people don’t build there in the first place.”
This year’s competition was among the toughest since the biennial grants were launched in 1989, reflecting the country’s increasing commitment to hazard resilience. Dr Balfour noted that the diversity of research fields—spanning engineering, mātauranga Māori, social sciences and physical sciences—shows a growing recognition that resilience must be addressed holistically.
“There’s genuine momentum right now,” she added. “By bringing together varied expertise, we have a better chance of reducing the long-term impacts of natural hazards on people, property, and whole communities.”
The biennial grants form part of the NHC’s wider NZ$10 million annual investment into research and risk-reduction initiatives. The next major funding round for university-led projects, offering up to NZ$450,000 per project, is scheduled to open in early 2026. The newly announced research programmes will begin at the same time and will run over a two-year period, contributing to New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national resilience framework.