Earthquakes are a reality of life in some places and their impact can be devastating. That’s why we designed Beacon – an award-winning, real-time notification service that helps assess and manage the impact of earthquakes on buildings and structures.

Born out of the lessons learnt following New Zealand’s 2013 Seddon and Cook Straight earthquakes and the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, Beacon uses big data to help our clients in the wake of an earthquake.

How does Beacon work?

Beacon’s innovative software indicates the potential for damage to your assets by combining live earthquake information with insights gathered from your assets’ own seismic assessments. It sends out automated alerts (via app, text or email) within minutes of an earthquake to warn you about buildings in the earthquake’s vicinity that may be affected. Enhanced information can also be obtained by fitting physical sensors to your assets.

What are the benefits of Beacon?

  • Fast information – within minutes of an earthquake you are given intelligent information, enabling you to make informed decisions. Previously, obtaining this information may have taken days of scarce engineer resources.
  • Portfolio view – this allows you to understand where in your portfolio you need to prioritise your resources, and helps co-ordinate communications with your stakeholders.
  • Staff reassurance – by reassuring your team you have an objective process for triaging property risk.
  • Leverages existing building information – Beacon provides additional value from the seismic assessments you have already completed.


The Beacon System has received high accolades, winning the 2018 Most Innovative Hi-Tech Service award at the NZ High-Tech Awards.

1,200

Assets monitored

250

Earthquakes processed

18

Major NZ businesses supported

Screenshot showing user interface of The Beacon System app - focusing on Bay of Plenty region in NZ's North Island.
Screenshot showing user interface of The Beacon System software - displaying asset information for Bay of Plenty region in NZ's North Island.
Screenshot showing user interface of The Beacon System app - focusing on Bay of Plenty region in NZ's North Island.

Our Team Says

We thought, there must be something of value we can do with all the data we’d gathered conducting structural assessments for our clients’ buildings. The Beacon System is the result and another incredible example of how we make things happen for our clients and the communities in which we work.

Neil Horsfield

General Manager, Structures

Our Client Says

The Beacon System has enabled us to significantly increase the efficiency of post-earthquake inspections and improve communication. The rapid impact assessment reports and maps have allowed us to make informed business decisions within a short time.

Sharon McDonald

Head of Property, ANZ

Our People

Juliane Spaak

Technical Director - Principal Structural Engineer

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Email Juliane Spaak
Neil Horsfield

General Manager - Structures

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Email Neil Horsfield