Lay summary
This application seeks a project grant that supports Te Whāriki to illuminate the civil defence response and recovery needs for Hauraki Māori, who have been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. With increased numbers of natural hazards and climate-change disasters occurring in Aotearoa, the role of tangata whenua in local disaster response, recovery and resilience is essential to capture and learn from. Tangata whenua responses that are protective in times of adversity have previously been noted in Māori communities, but rarely documented. Exploring the lived experiences of Hauraki Māori who mobilised to help others during Cyclone Gabrielle will capture insights and evidence, understandings and practices associated with risk reduction and mitigation, disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This will strengthen Te Whariki’s capability in establishing whānau centred solutions that better inform local, regional civil defence planning and disaster response and recovery needs of Hauraki Māori.