Author Archive

Disaster rebuild lessons from Fiji

Cyclone Winston impacted Fiji in 2016 and housing and infrastructure studies give strong pointers for Tongan rebuild following January 2023 eruption and tsunami.

Bridging the gap

A cyclone and river flood destroyed a simple suspension bridge, with significant implications for recovery by the impacted Maori community. The destruction and rebuild illustrate the impact of shocks and stresses in adding unexpectedly to the project pipeline, and the complexity that can be present from community and sector engagement, equally vital to success.

New Zealand needs a more resilient construction sector

Shocks and stresses are with us all the time, yet they continue to have a marked impact on the New Zealand construction sector. Why? Professor Wilkinson and her fellow authors remind us that shocks and stresses are a fact of life, and occur regularly. They advise that resilience in the face of these events comes from recognising their likelihood and developing a culture that acknowledges change and addresses it positively.

Flood warning – some things must not fail

CanConstructNZ is a comprehensive project aimed at achieving a delicate balance between supply and demand within New Zealand's construction sector. This initiative addresses a multitude of factors that influence this equilibrium, including responses to unforeseen disruptions. Notably, the project demonstrates a commitment to respecting the Treaty of Waitangi, which holds paramount importance in recognising the position and heritage of the NZ Māori.

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Considering Māori

It will be very tricky to understand the pipeline of projects and the capacity and capability of the sector, and to make predictions of specific demand and supply inquiries. It will be even more difficult to allow for shocks and stresses that may affect either side of the equation, yet all of these are what CanConstructNZ will do. Professor Potangaroa reminds us that it is even more difficult again. There will be many aspects of Maoridom that also need to be considered in any element of the above and especially of the interrelationship of construction and the lives of Maori.

Build back better

It is a noble aim to build back better following disasters, but the process is fraught, and this article reminds us why and what needs to be done to make it happen..