Abstract
New Zealand is considered one of the most hazard-prone countries in the world, and natural hazards are a recurring threat to human society. The effects of climate change are increasing the intensity and frequency of hazardous events, leaving individuals and communities at risk from physical, social, financial, and environmental impacts. As the adverse effects of natural hazards become increasingly impactful, scholars and policy makers around the world are developing methods and strategies for reducing risk and building resilience. Centred within this risk reduction context is the notion of building resilience through empowering communities to become better prepared for natural hazards. The resilience of rural communities is of particular relevance in New Zealand, due to the importance of nature-based tourism and agribusiness for the national economy.
This study aims to investigate how effective grassroots community resilience is supported by emergency management and broader local government planning in coastal Otago. The research uses a case study approach, in the rural community of Waikouaiti, north of Dunedin. Semi- structured interviews with community representatives, local government planners, and emergency management officials were conducted, with the goal of determining varying perspectives on building community resilience. Additionally, a survey was distributed to the Waikouaiti public to gain further insights into how residents perceive their risk to natural hazards and what factors hinder or enable their ability to become more prepared.
Using Twigg (2009) and Kwok et al.’s (2016) conceptual framing of community resilience, findings reveal several social, economic, institutional, environmental and physical indicators which shape the Waikouaiti communities’ level of resilience and preparedness. Findings from this research will contribute to the wider academic discourse on resilience, and particularly the relationship between hazard management professionals and communities, as they work together to build resilience to natural hazards.