While we can’t predict earthquakes, scientific research indicates there is a 75% probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, and there is a 4 out of 5 chance that it will be a magnitude 8+ event.

Kauraka e Mataku, Kia Takatū! Don't be scared, be prepared!


This short film weaves cultural narratives with western science to remind us what the many large earthquakes on the Alpine Fault over the past millions of years have given us – the foundations for the beautiful landscapes of Te Waipounamu (South Island), and also build understanding of what the next large earthquake could take away and challenge us with – so that we can all take action to be better prepared.

Co-produced by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu & AF8 with co-sponsorship from Toka Tū Ake EQC.

Watch the film and find out more

AF8 Scenario StoryMap


This StoryMap shares a credible science-based hazard scenario for a major Alpine Fault earthquake. Scenarios bring together all our available knowledge to paint a picture of what we might experience so we can be better prepared for it.

*StoryMap is best viewed on a desktop, laptop or tablet, it is not suitable for viewing on mobile phones or small screens.

Explore the StoryMap

AF8 NCEA Geography Level 1 Resource


The Alpine Fault and our Active Faults is an NCEA Level 1 Geography resource aligned to the new New Zealand curriculum and is designed to teach ākonga all about the Alpine Fault and our active faults, while also learning geospatial information system skills in ArcGIS Online.

Find out more

Movement along the Alpine Fault, with its powerful uplift along the Southern Alps over millions of years, forms the geological foundations for Te Waipounamu our beautiful South Island and the stunning landscape we call home. The more we understand our natural environment and the forces that shape it, the better prepared we can be.

Our Shaky Isles


Emergency Management Southland Emergency Management CanterburyEmergency Management OtagoWest Coast Emergency ManagementNelson Tasman Emergency ManagementMarlborough Emergency Management

QuakeCoRE: NZ Centre for Earthquake ResilienceNational Emergency Management AgencyResilience to Nature's Challenges

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