More than $1.2 million has been awarded through NHC’s 2026 Biennial Grants round, with each project receiving up to $100,000 over two years.

NHC Head of Research, Dr Natalie Balfour, says investing in research provides insights needed for building New Zealand’s long-term resilience against natural hazards.  

“We’re not just the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. We want to strengthen the cliff or, better yet, ensure people don’t build there in the first place.”    

Dr Balfour says this year’s round was one of the most competitive since the biennial programme began in 1989 – a sign that of the growing national focus on resilience and recognition that no single discipline can tackle these challenges.  

All 13 Principal Investigators who recieved funding for the 2026 Biennial Grant round.

“There’s a real sense of momentum, with researchers across engineering, mātauranga Māori, social science and physical science coming together to take a genuinely holistic approach to resilience. That’s exactly what’s needed if we’re to reduce the impact of natural hazards on people, property and communities.”  

Past biennial-funded research has gone on to inform national guidance on land-use planning, resilient building design, and hazard modelling across New Zealand.  
Research into virtual-reality flood modelling and mapping the Hikurangi subduction zone, both funded in NHC’s previous biennial round, have since secured larger Smart Ideas and Marsden grants. 

“It’s exciting to see biennial projects acting as a springboard for new ideas and careers,” says Dr Balfour. 

“Many of this year’s projects are led by early-career researchers, helping to grow New Zealand’s pipeline of experts dedicated to natural hazard resilience. 

“I’d also like to acknowledge the expert assessors on our review panel for their thoughtful evaluation and commitment to supporting high-quality, impactful research.” 

The Biennial Grants are part of NHC’s $10 million annual investment in research and initiatives that help reduce natural hazard impacts. The next funding round, for university-led research projects of up to $450,000, will open in early 2026. 

The new Biennial projects will begin in early 2026 and run for two years.

About NHC’s Biennial grants 

Every two years NHC invites experienced and emerging researchers to submit proposals that align with its research strategy(external link) and Research Investment Priorities(external link).   

NHC has provided over $13.5 million in funding for more than 300 projects through the biennial grants round since they began in 1989.  

Full list of successful biennial projects

Determining the volcanic hazard of Ōkataina with seismic imaging 

This project will use new, high-density seismic data to map the location and state of the magma system beneath Ōkataina —New Zealand’s highest-threat volcano. The findings will inform updated eruption models and emergency planning, giving Iwi, scientists, and emergency managers clearer insight into where future volcanic activity is most likely to occur and how best to prepare for it.  

Led by Dr El Mestel, Victoria University of Wellington

Repairs and Retrofits for Resilient Wall Building Structures 

This project will develop and test practical methods to repair and retrofit multi-storey reinforced concrete walls in New Zealand that have vulnerable reinforcement lap splices, which can fail during earthquakes. By evaluating large-scale retrofits, repairs, and new reinforcement configurations, the research will provide evidence-based guidance to make existing and future buildings safer and more resilient. 

Led by Professor Santiago Pujol, University of Canterbury  

A high-resolution NZ Vs30 Map Update with Increased Data Integration  

This project will create a new, high-resolution national map showing how different ground types across New Zealand affect earthquake shaking. By combining tens of thousands of new subsurface measurements with advanced modelling, the updated map will greatly improve the accuracy of seismic hazard assessments.  

Led by Dr Robin Lee, University of Canterbury  

Te Tāwharau o Rūaumoko 

This project supports Ngāruahine to plan for future eruptions of Taranaki in ways that uphold hapū priorities, continue building marae resilience as community support hubs and protect intergenerational connections to, and protection of, the taiao (environment). Through hapū-led wānanga with scientists, emergency managers, and other partners, the research will combine mātauranga Māori and volcanic science to co-develop practical resilience strategies.  

Led by Dr Acushla Sciascia, Māpuna Consultants 

Dynamic probabilistic forecasting from synthetic seismicity catalogues 

This project will develop new statistical methods to connect real earthquake records with long-term computer simulations of earthquakes, helping scientists better test and trust these models. The results will enable the first trial forecasts of where and when future earthquakes might occur in New Zealand, supporting more accurate seismic hazard assessments in the future. 

Led by Dr Camilla Penney, University of Canterbury  

Lateral loading retrofit of suspended timber floors 

This project will test how houses with suspended timber floors – a common feature in New Zealand homes – perform during earthquakes and floods, helping identify weaknesses and develop practical retrofit solutions. The findings will fill a major knowledge gap about how typical homes respond to natural hazards, supporting stronger building guidance and more resilient housing across the country. 

Led by Dr Catalina Miranda, Joint Centre for Disaster Research at Massey University  

How active are Auckland’s faults? 

This project will investigate how active Auckland’s fault lines really are by using advanced mapping, ground-penetrating radar, and trenching to uncover evidence of past earthquakes. The results will fill a major knowledge gap about Auckland’s true seismic risk, strengthening national hazard models and helping planners better prepare New Zealand’s largest city for future earthquakes. 

Led by Dr James Muirhead, University of Auckland 

Exploring Narrative and Acceptance of Nature-Based Solutions to Natural Hazards 

This project will study how communities understand and respond to nature-based solutions — such as wetlands and green infrastructure — for managing flooding and sea-level rise. By analysing public narratives and community perspectives, the research will provide practical guidance to help councils and planners build trust and support for sustainable, community-aligned climate resilience measures. 

Led by A/Prof Caroline Orchiston, University of Otago  

Disaster insurance models for communal-living: Resilience for marae-centred communities 

This project will explore how disaster insurance in Aotearoa can better support marae-centred and communal Māori living arrangements, which are often underserved by current insurance models. Through interviews, hui, and international comparisons, the research will identify practical, culturally grounded strategies to make insurance more equitable and resilient for Māori communities in the face of increasing climate risks. 

Led by Prof Rebecca Bednarek, Victoria University of Wellington  

A Novel Low-Damage Demountable Floor-Frame Connection for Seismic Regions 

This project will develop a new, low-damage connection system for precast concrete floors to make multi-storey buildings in New Zealand safer and easier to repair after earthquakes. By allowing damaged parts to be quickly replaced, the system will reduce building demolitions, cut repair costs and downtime, and support more sustainable, resilient communities. 

Led by Prof Rajesh Prasad Dhakal, University of Canterbury  

Addressing intention-to-action gap in household disaster preparedness and mitigation 

This project will investigate why many New Zealanders intend to prepare for disasters but don’t follow through, uncovering the barriers that prevent action. By identifying and testing practical ways to close this “intention-to-action” gap, the research will help design more effective strategies to improve household disaster preparedness nationwide. 

Led by Manomita Das, Joint Centre for Disaster Research (Massey University) 

Improving Seismic Resilience and Repairability of Light Timber-Framed Residential Buildings 

This project will develop and test new wall and connection systems to make New Zealand’s timber-framed houses more resilient and easier to repair after earthquakes. By improving the seismic performance of light timber-framed buildings and creating practical design guidance, the research will help reduce repair costs, minimise disruption for homeowners, and support safer, more sustainable housing nationwide. 

Led by Dr Ashkan Hashemi, University of Auckland  

Informing Nature-Positive Insurance: Valuing Homeowner Preferences for Landslide Risk Reduction 

This project will explore how homeowners in landslide-prone areas of Aotearoa value different risk-reduction strategies, including nature-based solutions, and how insurance incentives could encourage their uptake. By combining homeowner preferences with policy and industry input, the research will provide evidence to design effective, socially acceptable, and financially viable ways to reduce landslide risk while supporting biodiversity and community resilience. 

Led by Dr Stefania Mattea, Market Economics