National geohazards monitoring centre closes twice in four days
Tuesday 13 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story GeoNet, Public Service Association, Earth Sciences New Zealand, Fleur Fitzsimons, National Geohazards Monitoring Centre
The National Geohazards Monitoring Centre in Lower Hutt has shut down twice within four days. The Public Service Association attributes these temporary suspensions of 24/7 monitoring to public service cuts. One closure occurred between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Key facts
4 facts
- The NGMC monitors earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and tsunamis.
- The centre was established in 2018.
- The centre is located in Lower Hutt.
- Fifty-nine jobs were cut from Earth Sciences following 2024 plans.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The National Geohazards Monitoring Centre (NGMC) at Earth Sciences in Lower Hutt has closed its eyes-on monitoring twice in four days. The first closure occurred on Friday for eight hours, followed by a second period from 10pm on Monday to 6am on Tuesday.
The Public Service Association (PSA) has blamed the closures on Government cuts, describing them as evidence of systemic failure. PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons stated, “Responsibility for the closure lies squarely with the Government who imposed these cuts. It’s a national tragedy waiting to happen.”.
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds said all automated monitoring systems remained operational and duty scientists were available 24-7. Simmonds noted that staffing levels were adjusted last financial year to prioritise critical infrastructure maintenance, but additional staff have been recruited and are expected to reach full levels within a fortnight.
Earth Sciences operations manager Bruce Girdwood confirmed the closures were necessary due to staffing availability but noted that contingency plans were in place. During the Monday closure, the GeoNet website advised that some products and services might be limited or delayed.
Where reports differ
- The PSA claims the live earthquake monitoring team was reduced from 20 to 15 staff and annual funding was cut by a third to $24 million, whereas the Minister attributed staffing adjustments to prioritising critical infrastructure maintenance.
Compiled from reports by The Post and Stuff.
