Life at the (plate) boundary
29 July 2026 - 29 July 2026
5:45–7 pm
Region(s): Wellington
Type(s): presentations
Join a physical and social scientist as they unpack the natural and psychological forces behind living in Aotearoa, and how we can thrive in a place that’s equal parts beautiful and unpredictable.
After brief 10–15 minute opening talks, there will be a pause for drinks before moving into an extended Q&A and kōrero. This is a conversation-led session, with lots of time for questions and discussion.
About the speakers
El Mestel
El Mestel is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Geophysics at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. They focus on using seismological methods to understand the interplay of magmatic and tectonic processes (particularly beneath Aotearoa’s caldera volcanoes). El also has a strong interest in science outreach and co-production of research, including working in partnership with Tangata Whenua.
Lauren Vinnell
Lauren is a Senior Lecturer in Emergency Management at the Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University, New Zealand. Her background is in applied social psychology and behavior change. She primarily uses quantitative and experimental survey methods to find ways we can get people better prepared for natural hazard events
Location: The Guest Room at Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington.
For more information: www.wgtn.ac.nz/scis/about/events/cafe-scientifique.
Related content
These two useful planning pathways articles have collated various resources on earthquakes and volcanoes to make it easier for teachers to find relevant content. They each comprise an article and interactive that provide pedagogical advice and organise Hub resources into key science concepts and topics.
For more check out the wide range of resources under the Hub’s Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Disasters topics, and remember you can use the filters to select content types and/or levels.
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