New Zealand scientists have worked with a Maori community vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunami, landslides and other natural hazards to reduce risk.  

GNS Science, funded through Wellington quake research program It’s Our Fault, joined forces with the Takapuwahia community, which is home to 1500 people.  

“As climate disasters increase in frequency and intensity, Maori face growing threats to their lands, homes, taonga, people and culture,” Takapuwahia Marae board chair Callum Katene said.

The work helped determine where to place emergency supplies and how to protect homes and key resources such as medical centres.  After the success of this pilot project, scientists aim to provide similar support to two other Wellington-region communities.

Mr Katene says emergency management frameworks often fail to incorporate Maori perspectives, limiting their effectiveness.

The program empowers communities “to lead themselves in times of crisis with evidence-based approaches to ensure they are able to better respond and recover from disasters.    

“Indigenous knowledge complements and contributes to disaster management. By blending with advanced disaster management practices, we will identify when, where and how tikanga can provide for the unique needs of Maori and wider communities.”

GNS landslide hazard scientist Andrea Wolter says meetings were followed by data collection, hazard mapping, impact assessment, a street survey and assessment of sites to host emergency supplies.   

A report and maps produced from the research show where natural hazards are likely to affect the community.   

“We worked with community members to understand their needs, such as finding buried river channels, planning sites for community gardens, and locating their most vulnerable individuals,” she said.