Assessing research priorities and practices following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake
Tracy Hatton, Robert Kipp, Charlotte Brown, Erica Seville, 2017
The Australasian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies 21 (2)
Abstract
A disaster event is an opportunity for researchers to inform recovery efforts and to learn more about disaster impacts, response and recovery. It is also an important time to reflect on how well the research community is working together to inform policy and practice to reduce the impacts of future disaster events. Following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, social science researchers and disaster management practitioners gathered from across New Zealand to discuss these issues. Participants identified immediate needs in collecting perishable data related to understanding earthquake impacts, recovery best practice, and collaboration and engagement practices. They also identified the need for the social science community to improve their effectiveness in a post-disaster environment, to maximise impact and minimise community disruption. A set of principles for best practice post-disaster research have been proposed.