Current scientific and engineering knowledge about natural hazard risk analysis has been combined in New Zealand to develop a multi-hazard risk/loss modeling system, RiskScape, for use within New Zealand. A summary of the main features and of the framework characterizing the RiskScape model is shortly provided as an introductory part of the paper. The results of an international review targeting the analysis of potential methods and tools to be included in the RiskScape platform for the assessment of lifelines systems performance when subjected to earthquake ground shaking are, secondly, discussed. The feasibility of implementing the models under consideration for the seismic performance assessment of lifelines in New Zealand is then discussed with reference to a study-case and three lifelines systems, namely: transportation networks, electric power systems and potable water systems. The study presented in the paper is part of a broaden research promoted to provide the Regional RiskScape program in New Zealand with an engineering basis upon which the losses incurred by selected geographically distributed lifeline systems can be assessed under the action of the different natural hazards and where alternative strategies for enhancing the lifelines resilience to natural hazards can be assedded and compared.