Matt Gerstenberger

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.

Transforming Risk-Averse Banks into Microfinance Champions in a Post-Disaster and Post-Conflict Environment

More than 25 years of conflict and a major disaster have led banks in Aceh and Nias Island in Indonesia to be averse to risks, especially when it comes to micro and small enterprises. Many of these banks were not adequately informed of the benefits they stand to gain from microfinance development.

Rebuilding Low-Heritage Villages After Disasters

The rehabilitation of low-heritage villages destroyed by the 2004 and 2005 earthquakes in Nias Island, Indonesia was challenged by obstacles that initially seemed insurmountable. The prices of building materials were too steep for the residents. Tensions between traditional leaders (adat) and modern village heads (kepala desa) have also delayed agreements on land ownership and water supply connection.

Rising from the Rubble: Reconstruction and Rehabilitation after the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake

On 26 January 2001, an earthquake registering 6.9 on the Richter scale struck the Indian state of Gujarat. The 2-minute temblor was the worst to hit the state in the last half century. Punctuated by month-long aftershocks registering 3–6 on the Richter scale, it destroyed four Gujarat districts and affected another 21. The death toll rose to 20,000 and more than 200,000 persons were injured. Almost 2 million were left homeless, and no less than 20 million were affected.