In New Zealand’s earthquake-prone wine regions, risk mitigation focuses on infrastructural integrity.

During the 2013 Seddon earthquake in New Zealand, large storage tanks, many of which had been standing on legs, collapsed to the ground and spilled millions of litres of market-ready wine.

Catwalks that were connected to the tanks were torn loose and also punctured the tanks, leading to spillages. In a few instances, winery staff were on those catwalks when the quake hit. 

Other pieces of equipment, including oak barrels filled with high-value, ageing stock, were thrown across storage buildings and smashed.

Three years later, when the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake hit, similar damage occurred but on a larger scale, leading to wholesale changes on how these risks could be re-engineered. However, storage tanks that had been placed on plinths or solid pedestals instead of legs fared considerably better.

Premium

You need to login to access this

Login

What are CIP Points? About ANZIIF Membership