The procedures for operating the New Zealand strong-motion accelerograph network are described. In order to maintain and operate such a network, a careful and systematic programme needs
to be adhered to. Details are given of site selection, preparation for field visits, instrument servicing procedures, types of film and processing and the documentation of information obtained. The latest modifications to the MO2 accelerograph, to encode a radio-transmitted time signal on the film to indicate the relative triggering time, are discussed and the new installations to monitor the response of the base-isolated William Clayton building and South Rangitikei bridge are described.