Source: Earthquake Commission – EQC
Applications are now open for the Earthquake Commission (EQC) Aotearoa New Zealand Science Journalism Fund award giving journalists a chance to do indepth investigation on New Zealand’s natural hazards, and ways of building resilience in the face of those hazards.
EQC’s Dr Jo Horrocks, Chief Resilience Officer, says that living in New Zealand, natural hazards come with the territory but that doesn’t mean disasters have to.
“Disasters are linked to decisions about where people live and work, the buildings they are in and the infrastructure that connects them. This means there is a lot that communities can do to minimise the impact of natural hazards before they become a disaster. Journalists play vital role in translating the science and bringing it closer to communities making these decisions,” she says.
“Natural hazards resilience is an important topic for wide discussion in New Zealand, but we know that journalists are usually so pressed for time, they don’t have much opportunity for indepth reporting, particularly in the natural hazards area. This award gives journalists the opportunity to take a good look at natural hazards issues, whether that’s from a science, economic, business or property point of view.”
Dr Horrocks says that since the EQC award was established, journalists have made contributions to increased understanding of natural hazards issues through features on subjects like apartment living, tsunami preparedness and the risks of unreinforced masonry.
EQC’s award offers $5000 for journalism projects focused on any aspect of natural hazard risk and resilience, including from consumer, economic and science and property viewpoints. Applications close on 25 January.
Find out more and how to apply
The Aotearoa Science Journalism Fund was established in 2017 to support coverage of science-related issues that impact New Zealanders.
EQC media phone: 027 406 3476
