Resourcing the Canterbury rebuild: Issues and outlook
Alice Chang-Richards, Suzanne Wilkinson, Erica Seville. April 2012
Resilient Organisations Research Report 2012/01
Introduction
This report is the output of a longitudinal study that was established between the University of Auckland and Resilient Organisations, in conjunction with the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), to evaluate the ongoing resource availability and capacity for post-earthquake reconstruction in Christchurch. The purpose of the research project, entitled ‘Disaster Reconstruction Resourcing’ (RecRes), is to gain an understanding of resource issues relevant to the built environment during disaster response and recovery, and of solutions to problems. The project includes three components: the online survey; in-depth interviews, and case studies. The Resource Availability for Christchurch Earthquake Reconstruction (RACER) online survey (www.recres.org.nz/survey) is the first step in the project, surveying construction industry practitioners and recovery participants across Canterbury to understand real-time resource challenges during post-earthquake repair and reconstruction. The preliminary data captured by the online survey between November 2011 and January 2012 is presented in the main RecRes report 1 Preliminary Results from the Resource Availability for Christchurch Earthquake Reconstruction (RACER) Survey, January 2012. As a supplement, this report features a detailed analysis of how the different reconstruction sectors mobilise and manage material, human and process resources in a changing operational environment. Based on interview data, feedback and experiences reported by industry practitioners, this report incorporates evidence-based and ‘best practice’ in supplying the Canterbury reconstruction. By drawing together key supply issues arising in the following sectors: housing repair, horizontal infrastructure restoration, and demolition and repair of commercial buildings, the research can assist relevant stakeholders to understand and manage resources better.