New Zealand’s location astride a belt of volcanic and earthquake activity in the Pacific Ocean has resulted in a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, hot springs, geysers and volcanic lakes. These features - and their boiling water, steam, gas, and mineral deposits - attract interest from sectors including science, energy, civil engineering and tourism.
New Zealanders take pride in understanding the land, harnessing its energy, and caring for its natural resources. Specialist research ranges from renewable energy sources to natural hazard mitigation, environmental management and conservation. New Zealand is also a centre for Antarctic research as the icy continent’s close neighbour.