The as-yet-unannounced head of an inquiry into New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission will be a keynote speaker at a two-day Canterbury quake recovery symposium.

The Government earlier this year flagged a public inquiry into the commission’s performance during the earthquakes, but it has yet to announce who will lead the process.

Other speakers include Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods, Auditor-General John Ryan, disaster consultant Laurie Johnson and Maori Ngai Tahu CEO Arihia Bennett.

Topics during breakout sessions will include construction and housing, business recovery, mental health, infrastructure recovery, and arts, culture and heritage issues.

“More than 300 participants have been invited to the symposium,” Dr Woods said.

“These people are primarily leaders of organisations that could be impacted by future disasters, or involved in recovery efforts.”

The event, at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch on November 29-30, will be co-hosted by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Christchurch City Council.

Dr Woods says there has been a “huge amount” of interest in the symposium, which is an opportunity to share recovery lessons and ensure mistakes are not repeated.

Talks will be live-streamed and slides and videos will be available on the EQ Recovery Learning website.