Welcome to the National Radiation Laboratory

Important Notice, 18 January 2012 

National Radiation Laboratory Operations Update 

Following the recent temporary interruption to business due to the December 23^rd earthquakes, we are pleased to advise that all National Radiation Laboratory (NRL) services are now operational again.   However, the lack of access to our building in Victoria Street has created some disruption, and there may be delays in the reporting of results as a consequence.   Rest assured that we are working to restore processing and reporting times to normal as soon as possible.

A number of our services are now being delivered from our other Christchurch site, while others remain at the old NRL site in Victoria Street.  It is our intention to move away from that site in the medium term, given the damage that building has sustained.

Delivery and postal redirections are in effect so items sent to the old NRL address are being safely received at the new site.  Please note that in future, all goods and correspondence should be addressed to:

National Radiation Laboratory                                     National Radiation Laboratory

ESR Christchurch Science Centre                                ESR Christchurch Science Centre

27 Creyke Road                                                       P O Box 29-181

Ilam                                                                       Christchurch 8540

Christchurch 8041

The current NRL telephone numbers (phone 03 366 5059 and fax 03 366 1156) are also redirected to the new address.  This may result in a delay in connecting your call to the person you would like to speak to and we do apologise for this.

If you have a general enquiry, please find specific contact details below.

Full radiological emergency response and incident investigation are operational (contact: 021 393 632).

The National Radiation Laboratory (NRL) is a specialist unit of The Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd (ESR) and is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The scientific and advisory services of NRL were transferred to ESR from the Ministry of Health on 1 December 2011. The regulatory functions regarding the use of ionising radiation sources continue to be provided by the Ministry of Health.

NRL provides a resource of expert advice, service provision and research capability on matters concerning public, occupational and medical exposure to radiation, the performance of radiation equipment and the measurement of radiation and radioactivity.

The NRL also maintains links to international bodies concerned with radiation protection and associated health issues.

Information relating to the Japanese earthquake:

Advice in relation to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan