Speaker: Professor John Townend, Victoria University of Wellington
Date: Thursday 4 September 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, EIT Taradale, Napier
Admission: Gold Coin Donation

The Hawke’s Bay Branch is going to host this year’s Geoscience NZ 2025 Hochstetter Lecture, featuring renowned geophysicist Professor John Townend.

The Alpine Fault is one of the world’s most studied earthquake-generating faults, with decades of paleoseismological research revealing a remarkably regular earthquake cycle — typically less than 300 years between major events. Yet, the last major rupture occurred in 1717 CE, meaning the next is statistically overdue.

Professor of Geophysics John Townend will explore the evolving understanding of the Alpine Fault — from its geological past to its seismic potential today. Drawing on landmark research projects like the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP) and the Southern Alps Long Skinny Array (SALSA), as well as cutting-edge techniques including fibre-optic sensing and AI, he will explain what lies beneath the surface and what might lie ahead.

With an estimated 75% chance of a magnitude 7+ earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, this is a timely and vital conversation for all New Zealanders.