Seismic and geological field studies at Ōkataina volcano

Application process

A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm 22 September 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.

Project number

138

Project Description

Applicants must be Māori, or of Māori descent.

Aotearoa’s central Taupō Volcanic Zone (Ahi Tupua) is home to two large active rhyolitic caldera volcanoes, Taupō and Ōkataina, which pose significant hazards to large areas of the North Island. This Ahunuku project, jointly hosted between VUW and Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ: Avalon, Lower Hutt), will focus on Ōkataina, using field methods to understand the volcano’s past and present behaviour.
The project will provide the scholarship recipient with the opportunity to gain skills and understanding in both seismic and geological fieldwork. We expect that the student will assist with fieldwork campaigns throughout the summer. The student will be expected to write a detailed report as a record of their work.

The Ahunuku student will assist with preparing for and conducting two field campaigns at Ōkataina in partnership with local Iwi: 1) a seismic instrument deployment, supervised by Drs. El Mestel and Finn Illsley-Kemp (VUW), which aims to image the sub-surface of the volcano to understand its present state and magmatic architecture, and 2) field studies of past Ōkataina eruption deposits, supervised by Dr. Shane Rooyakkers (ESNZ), which aims to understand the dynamics of Okataina’s activity and its transitions between explosive and effusive eruptive styles. Both campaigns will involve outdoor work in remote areas and a reasonable level of physical fitness is required. The scholar must be prepared to spend a large portion of the summer in the Rotorua area (accommodation provided).

This project is for a single student.

Skills and characteristics

Geological understanding and good level of physical fitness.

Role of the student within the research project

The project will provide the scholarship recipient with the opportunity to gain skills and understanding in both seismic and geological fieldwork. We expect that the student will assist with fieldwork campaigns throughout the summer. The student will be expected to write a detailed report as a record of their work.
They will assist with preparing for and conducting two field campaigns at Ōkataina in partnership with local Iwi.

Benefits for the student assigned to this project

The project will provide the scholarship recipient with the opportunity to gain skills and understanding in both seismic and geological fieldwork. They will gain experience with fieldwork campaigns throughout the summer. The student will get to work with local iwi and understand their priorities around the mitigation of natural hazards. They will gain experience around report writing.

Location

Mainly at the provider's premises or remotely.