GNS Science

GNS Science
Te Pū Ao
Agency overview
Formed1865
Preceding agencies
  • New Zealand Geological Survey (1865–1990)
  • DSIR Geophysics Division (1951–1990)
  • Institute of Nuclear Sciences (1959–1992)
  • DSIR Geology and Geophysics (1990–1992)
  • Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (IGNS; 1992–2005)
Headquarters1 Fairway Drive, Avalon, New Zealand
Employees390
Websitehttps://www.gns.cri.nz/

GNS Science (Māori: Te Pū Ao), officially registered as the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited,[1] is a New Zealand Crown Research Institute. It focuses on geology, geophysics (including seismology and volcanology), and nuclear science (particularly ion-beam technologies, isotope science and carbon dating).

Functions and responsibilities

As well as undertaking basic research, and operating the national geological hazards monitoring network (GeoNet)[2] and the National Isotope Centre (NIC),[3]

GNS Science contracts its services to various private groups (notably energy companies) both in New Zealand and overseas, as well as to central and local government agencies, to provide scientific advice and information.[4]

GNS Science has its head office in Avalon, Lower Hutt, with other facilities in Gracefield, Dunedin, Wairakei, Auckland and Tokyo.[citation needed]

History

GNS Science was known as the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (IGNS) from 1992 to 2005.[5] Originally part of the New Zealand Government's Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), it was established as an independent organisation when the Crown Research Institutes were set up in 1992.[6]

In late September 2024, GNS Science confirmed that 59 roles would be cut, amounting to ten percent of its workforce. In addition, 37 new roles would be created. This was part of the Sixth National Government's public sector job cuts.[7]

References

  1. ^ "View All Details". app.companiesoffice.govt.nz. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  2. ^ [1], GeoNet Hazards Monitoring Network.
  3. ^ "National Isotope Centre". GNS Science. Retrieved 1 November 2016. The National Isotope Centre at GNS Science is New Zealand's premier provider of isotope science expertise and associated commercial applications.
  4. ^ "2012 Annual Report". GNS Science. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Our History". GNS Science | Te Pῡ Ao. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  6. ^ [2], Crown Research Institutes Act 1992.
  7. ^ Gibbens, Krystal (25 September 2024). "59 jobs to go at GNS Science". RNZ. Archived from the original on 24 September 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2024.

41°11′44″S 174°55′59″E / 41.195565°S 174.933175°E / -41.195565; 174.933175