Post-disaster reconstruction and recovery : a look at the implications for Wellington

Abstract

The reconstruction of a damaged city following a natural disaster is a task that directly effects every citizen of that city. It provides new challenges and fresh opportunities for the building industry, but at the same time creates many difficulties for the planning authorities. This report looks at the issues and problems associated with post- disaster reconstruction and recovery of a city with particular reference to Wellington and it's risk of suffering extensive damage as a result of a major earthquake. Comparing Wellington to other cities with similar risk reveals that there are many issues that need to be addressed in Wellington before the next major earthquake strikes. If this were to happen tomorrow many of the mistakes made in the past would be likely to occur again.