science and communication

With changes recently in funding for arts, with governments appearing to reduce funding for science and journalism and the rise, indeed, of mock news stories, it’s been heartening to be in New Zealand after the big earthquake in the Kaikoura/Huranui regions.

Wonderful explanations are coming at us from GNS Science Te Pu Ao

This earthquake simulation is only one of the many pieces of information we’ve seen. This fantastic one about the tsunami comes courtesy of the MacDiarmid Institute.

The Spinoff, an interesting website that carries a variety of  items about ‘pop culture’ carried this great story that kind of sums up our week.

 

But the hero of the hour, in my opinion, was Radio New Zealand, whose funding is alas, under some threat. They were there in the night, and all through the Monday and Tuesday following the quake, when news was scarce and  information rare. There were interviews with a seismologist, fine caring interviews with people  whose houses had fallen off bases and farmers who were out helping neighbours. There were regular news items and in-depth discussions. National radio shows itself, in these occasions to be a national taonga.

So. My not very subtle message? We need scientists AND communicators.