In marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, New Zealand's government and private sector organisations are calling for more coordinated resilience-building to help protect people, property and communities across the country.
“On a personal level, it is crucial to build your own resilience first, and that of your whanau and community,” National Emergency Management Agency director of civil defence emergency management John Price said.
“If we invest in our resilience now, we will be more prepared when we are tested later.”
Said Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tu Akechief executive Tina Mitchell, “In a country at high risk of natural hazards, it is important that we all make evidence-based decisions for safer buildings and land use planning.”
Insurance Council of New Zealand chief executive Kris Faafoi noted the best time to actis before disaster strikes as well, saying, “The likelihood of more intense and severe weather events is rising, and New Zealand must prioritise risk reduction to protect communities and maintain insurance accessibility for all Kiwis.”
Mr Faafoi is also calling for accelerated progress on New Zealand’s Climate Adaptation Framework and continued cooperation across all sectors to ensure the nation is better prepared for future challenges.