In 2019 the MetService introduced a new colour-coded warning system, and in this massive episode you'll hear from those behind that change and what the future of warnings might be, including the use of AI in the future of flood predictions and warnings.

How does AI and machine learning work in this context? What is the Waikato's dominant weather pattern? Why does the west coast and the Coromandel Peninsula cope with more rain than other parts of the region? How does our region's extensive flood protection systems work?

In this episode, hear from the following experts, in order of appearance:

Waikato-Tainui's Rahui Papa

MetService Head of Communication, Lisa Murray

Director and Senior Social Scientist for Canary Innovation, and co-Chair of the World Meteorological Organisational High Impact Weather Project, Sally Potter

Waikato Regional Council Regional Resilience Leader, Rick Liefting

Waikato Regional Council Regional Resilience Specialist, Natural Hazards, Whitney Mills

Thames-Coromandel District Council Emergency Management Controller, Garry Towler

University of Waikato Senior Research Fellow at the AI Institute, and Waikato Regional Council Senior Hazard and Disaster Risk Advisor, Phil Mourot

Produced and Directed by Drew Mehrtens

Production Partner, L'Bleu

Copyright 2024 Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

Check out the links on our show notes page at https://waikatocivildefence.govt.nz/podcast/

What are the best tsunami warnings? What have we learned from the big tsunami disasters in countries like Japan? How much do we know about the effect of landslides beneath the waves?

In this supersized episode hear from the following experts, in order of appearance:

1. GNS Science Natural Hazard and Risk Team Leader and member of the national Tsunami Advisory Group and Tsunami Working Group, Graham Leonard
2. Waikato Regional Council Regional Resilience Lead, Rick Liefting
3. Thames-Coromandel District Council Emergency Management Controller, Garry Towler
4. Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Public Information Manager and Hazards Lead, Alicia Roberts
5. Director and Senior Social Scientist for Canary Innovation, and co-Chair of the World Meteorological Organisational High Impact Weather Project, Sally Potter
6. GNS Science Senior Marine Geohazard Researcher Suzanne Bull
7. Waikato Tainui's Rahui Papa.

A Waikato Thing is Produced and Directed by Drew Mehrtens.

Copyright 2024 Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

Join GNS Science's Brad Scott and Kate Clark, Waikato Regional Council's Rick Liefting and Whitney Mills, and Waikato-Tainui's Rahui Papa to discuss Waikato's seismic phenomenon. We discuss the effects of living on a tectonic plate boundary, liquifaction, landslides and Te Punenga fault zone near Morrinsville.

In part two we go inside a volcano to explore the world under our feet. Find out about our supervolcano, the six things to know, and get a deeper insight into the origins of Ruapehu and Tongariro - and indeed - life on this planet. If you've every had a fascination with volcanoes, you'll really enjoy concluding our two-parter with this love letter to volcanos.

The world renowned Taupo Volcanic Zone, big brother to Yellowstone, stretches from the central plateau to Whakaari White Island. The effects of this volcanic area are seen throughout the region. Today we listen to lived experiences, science and hundred’s of years of inter-generational observation (matauranga Maori).

Subjects covered include 1995 and 1975’s eruptions of Ruapehu and Tongariro, volcanic ash, behind the scenes of GNS Science’s Monday morning volcano meetings and much more.

Start with an overview of the forces that shape Aotearoa New Zealand and the Waikato Region. Discover the benefit of understanding the forces at play, go behind the scenes with NZ's expert on warnings, find out about earthquake weather and get a masterclass on what to look for in the stories of Maori and their place in understanding the mighty Waikato.