Our next kōrero in the series will focus on the challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand's emergency preparedness systems, which struggle to ensure equitable access and resilience for all, especially vulnerable communities. The absence of inclusive planning, accessible communication during crises, and appropriate evacuation resources leaves many, including people with disabilities, inadequately supported in emergencies.
Preparedness measures vary significantly across regions. While urban areas may have more resources, rural communities often lack even basic infrastructure, leaving some populations at heightened risk. Additionally, limited resources and support for lower-income communities intensify the impacts of disasters, exacerbating inequities and making recovery even more challenging. While policies are in place to improve preparedness, the pace of change remains slow, and enforcement is often insufficient, resulting in minimal tangible improvements.
Ensuring accessible and inclusive emergency preparedness is crucial for building a resilient society in Aotearoa New Zealand. When everyone is prepared and supported, communities can recover more quickly, reducing long-term impacts and empowering all people to safely navigate and recover from crises.
Join us in this crucial kōrero as we explore ways to strengthen our emergency preparedness and response, especially for natural disasters. Let’s discuss how we can build a more inclusive, resilient Aotearoa New Zealand—one where every community has the tools, resources, and support to navigate crises safely and recover effectively.
Download the Webinar Transcript
Date: Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Where: via Zoom
Speakers: Dr Michelle Villeneuve, Centre for Disability Research and Policy at the University of Sydney; Mojo Mathers, Chief Executive of Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA); Renee Corlett, Senior Advisor, Community Resilience and Recovery for Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO); Prudence Walker, Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga Disability Rights Commissioner for Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission; Anthony Frith, Communications Manager, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); Chris McLellan, General Manager for Emergency Management, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand; Dr Suzanne Rachel Phibbs, Professor and Senior Lecturer, Joint Centre for Disaster Research at Massey University; Dr Graham Leonard, Principal Scientist at GNS (GEONet); Dr Steve Ronoh, Manager, Education Standards and Performance, New Zealand Red Cross; Dr Tracy Hatton, Joint Managing Director, Resilient Organisations Ltd; Bruce Bromley, Managing Director for Equal Access Group, Australia; Arash Tayebi, Co-founder and CEO for Kara Technologies Ltd; Keygan Huckleberry, Planning Coordinator, Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM); Rebecca Keoghan MNZM, Chair of Fire and Emergency New Zealand; Dr Greg Morgan, Principal Business and Partnerships, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM); Jamie Ruwhiu, Programme Manager, Whānau and Emergency Response, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.
Registration: via Zoom
Attending: Anyone who wants to improve access and inclusion for all of Aotearoa New Zealand's population.
Programme: Word Doc, PDF, Large Print, Easy Read, NZSL Intro, NZSL Programme, Audio, Braille
Contact: Kimberly Graham via [email protected]