Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026
Time: 6pm (doors open at 5.30 pm)
Speaker: Pilar Villamor, Earth Sciences NZ
Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, EIT Taradale, Napier
Admission: Gold coin donation

This year’s Geoscience Tour lecture will review 25 years of trenching active faults in volcanic environments and how a scientist’s perspective on tectonics close to volcanoes changed through that time, from the simple utilisation of volcanic stratigraphy as timelines for paleo- earthquake history to a realisation that volcanic and tectonic processes are so intimately connected that one cannot be understood without the other. Pilar will show paleoseismic evidence based on criteria that she developed to distinguish types of earthquakes–eruption associations. Paleoseismic data, combined with geomorphology, borehole data, and geophysics, revealed strong temporal links between fault ruptures and volcanic eruptions. She will also draw on worldwide historical examples and stress modelling to infer possible crustal processes that can explain these time associations. Collectively, these studies improve our understanding of how volcanic eruptions and unrest are linked to active faults and earthquakes in the TVZ.

Pilar is an internationally respected earthquake geologist and principal scientist whose research on active faults and volcano–tectonic interactions in Aotearoa New Zealand has had a transformative impact on our understanding of natural hazards. Pilar’s recent studies show that the recurrence of fault ruptures in the Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ) can be strongly modulated by volcanic activity, and vice versa. The novelty of her work lies in combining paleoseismic trenching with multidisciplinary approaches to demonstrate causal links between earthquakes and eruptions. This
represents a paradigm shift for New Zealand hazard science.

Date: Monday 4 May 2026
Time: 6pm (doors open at 5.30 pm)
Speaker: Andrew Penniket, Underwater Cameraman and Documentary Maker
Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, EIT Taradale, Napier
Admission: Gold coin donation

We warmly invite you to join us for an evening with Andrew Penniket, sharing stories from his recently released book Whales, Snails, and Lobster Tales.

Andrew will take us into the world beneath the waves, from the movements of whales to the hidden lives of smaller coastal creatures. Drawing on decades of experience, he brings together science, observation, and storytelling in a way that encourages us to slow down and notice the richness of life along our shores.

This is a relaxed and enjoyable talk for anyone with an interest in nature, the ocean, or simply a good story.

Andrew Penniket is an award-winning underwater cameraman and documentary maker whose career spans more than 40 years. Beginning with TVNZ’s Natural History Unit in Dunedin, he has worked on major international productions for broadcasters including BBC, National Geographic, NHNZ, and the Discovery Channel.

Trained as a biologist, Andrew combines a deep understanding of marine life with a strong visual storytelling style. He is known for capturing close-up behavioural moments — from the night-time activity of lobsters to the coordinated hunting of orca tribes. His work has also supported marine conservation efforts, and he continues to advocate for greater protection of ocean environments.