Free Autumn Seminars, Responding to Hazards

Earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, pandemics, all these pose risks and can
have catastrophic consequences. What can we do to anticipate such events, how can we
respond when they occur? Our speakers give four perspectives on these challenges.
May 24th: Ready for anything

PNCC, Emergency Management Team – Sharon Douglas & Jason McDowell
What is Council’s responsibilities before, during and after an emergency? Are you prepared personally
for 3-5 days without help? What has Palmerston North City Council learnt from some of the more
recent emergencies that can help prepare us for when it’s our time?
May 31st: The ‘thin blue line’: Building resilient coastal communities in turbulent seas
Prof. Bruce C. Glavovic, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University
Sea level rise is real. People and development are concentrated at the coast. Choices we make now
shape the prospects of current and future generations. Our coast is a ‘thin blue line’ protecting society
against the ravages of relentless sea-level rise. How might we realize the potential of our coast as
humanity’s safety cordon in the face of turbulent seas?

June 7th: Living with rivers in the 21st century
Professor Ian Fuller, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University
Our rivers are managed using a 20th century approach for a 20th century climate. Changing climate
means more and bigger floods, putting socie ty at risk. Flood histories from sediment records reveal
how big floods may become. Past river channel extents can indicate future possibilities for river
management. Making room for the river and bigger floods must be a key priority.
June 14th: What can we learn from the Titanic? Disasters and the social patterning of
adverse outcomes

Dr Suzanne Phibbs, School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Te Toi Whakaruruhau o
Aotearoa EQC Mātauranga Māori Disaster Risk Reduction Research Centre,
Vulnerable and marginalised groups are more likely to encounter disparities in service provision during
disaster response and recovery phase. This presentation uses the Titanic to illustrate the social patterning
of disaster outcomes and considers the impact of the Canterbury earthquake sequence on disabled
community members, as well as how the Māori recovery network worked to support those affected by
the earthquakes.
Admission Free: Gold coin for tea/coffee and biscuits.
Crossroads Church is situated opposite the Railway Land close to the Church Street-Cook Street corner