Community event to showcase learnings from Kaikōura earthquake

A public event is set to reflect on the impacts of the 7.8 magnitude Kaikōura earthquake in 2016.

Researchers, who have been working with the local community and businesses, will present their study and discuss what they’ve been learning. This will include the recovery of the coastal environment, tourism and the marine economy, as well as the strengthening of community resilience and response planning. They will talk about how these can support a stronger future for the region.

Read more: Kaikoura earthquake: council reflects on progress made, two years on

The event, Innovation, resilience and recovery: Towards a stronger Kaikōura, will feature seven speakers from two government-funded National Science Challenges - Sustainable Seas and Resilience to Nature’s Challenges:

• Dr Leigh Tait, NIWA – Managing quake impacts on marine ecosystems
• Dr Joanna Fountain, Lincoln University – Post-disaster tourism
• Assoc Prof Nick Lewis, University of Auckland – Blue economy
• Dr Dan Hikuroa, University of Auckland – Māori marine economy
• Ashley Rudkevitch, Lincoln University – Social recovery and community initiatives
• Prof David Simmons, Lincoln University – Preparedness for future events among visitors
• Laura Tilley, University of Canterbury – Tsunami evacuation planning.

The public event is organised by Resilience to Nature’s Challenges and is funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). It will be held in Kaikoura on April 10. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.