18 April 2011 Lincoln University hosts conference for disaster recovery

Lincoln University is to host a Resilient Futures Conference today, Monday 18th April with a number of local, national and international speakers brought together for the occasion. Presentations will be live and via webcast from the United States.

The focus is in sharing information from specialists who have extensive experience in disaster recovery overseas as well as New Zealanders who are currently supporting the local recovery effort.

Lincoln University’s Dr Suzanne Vallance says in regard to the earthquake recovery effort in wider Christchurch, there are a significant number of questions to be answered around social well-being, housing, relocation, future planning, governance, and community participation.

“We need to look at how best to facilitate genuine community participation and harness everyone’s good ideas as well as considering how we can best connect the whole recovery process to future proofing our city.

“This means reducing risks not only from other unexpected natural disasters but also from other factors that we could plan for now, such as demographic changes, limited energy and oil supply, urban sprawl and climate change,” explains Dr Vallance.

“We welcome participation from anyone interested, because ultimately it is the people who make a city resilient. Time will be short given the programme, but here will be some opportunities for the audience to comment on the issues they consider most pressing and to offer solutions that will help facilitate the wider recovery process”

Included in the conference line up is:

• Gavin Smith, Executive Director of the Centre for the Study of Natural Hazards and Disasters (UNC Hazards Centre) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Centre of Excellence - Disasters, Coastal Infrastructure and Emergency Management (DIEM).
• Laurie Johnson, a consultant with over 20 years of experience in urban planning and disaster-related management and research following earthquakes in Chile, China, Northridge and Kobe.
• Charles Kelly, who has over 30 years experience in humanitarian assistance for earthquakes, drought, floods, epidemics, conflict and other emergencies.
• Bruce Glavovic, an Earthquake Commission Fellow in Natural Hazards Planning, focuses on the role of planning in building sustainable, hazard-resilient communities.
• Ljubica Mamula-Seadon, whose career spans over thirty years in earthquake engineering and recovery, risk management and environmental planning
• Sandra James - a Community Development Officer, and now manager of Waimakariri District Council’s earthquake Recovery Assistance Centre.