The Influencers Column: Dr Megan Woods

One of the priorities for me as the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration is ensuring that we are well placed to learn from the Canterbury Earthquakes sequence going ahead. We know that there are valuable lessons to be learned from such an unprecedented event that will enable us to make sure our communities are more resilient and prepared in the future.

It was a great pleasure to announce recently that there will be a two-day symposium held in November this year in conjunction with the Christchurch City Council. This symposium will also provide a platform to lead into a bigger international event that will mark the quake’s tenth anniversary in 2021.
We anticipate the involvement of up to 250 participants from across the public and private sectors, representing those who have been involved in the local recovery, as well as those that may be impacted by future events. Crucially, the symposium and workshops will also give communities the chance to share their wisdom and experiences as those at the coalface of the recovery.
Given New Zealand’s complex geography, we know that it’s merely a question of when and not if another community faces the same challenges. Our communities need to know that the disaster and recovery systems are effective and robust.
The symposium will provide a unique opportunity for community leaders, recovery practitioners and academics to learn from what’s happened in the past and to make sure we get it right in the future.