Matt is a seismologist who focuses on earthquake forecasting and seismic hazard modeling.
His role at GNS is twofold: he leads the National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) - a scientific model that uses geodetic modeling and historical earthquake data to estimate the likelihood and strength of earthquake shaking in different parts of New Zealand. The NSHM is widely used by government and industry to estimate the likely impact of earthquakes on the country’s land, buildings, and infrastructure.
Matt is also leading the NSHM Revision, a three-year project that will improve our understanding of risks to safety, security, and the economy from seismic events. Working in partnership with central and local government, engineers, universities, and other Crown Research Institutes, and with input from international scientists and expert end users, the revision will lead to better management of, and responses to, natural hazard events, as well as influencing and improving infrastructure and building code legislation and requirements. This work will have ultimate benefits to the people of New Zealand.