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This deployment aligned with a new recovery approach that brings agencies directly into affected communities, meeting people where they are rather than expecting them to navigate complex systems.

On 7 November, I was invited to the Wiri Base, the national Red Cross warehouse, to contribute to a training session led by the philanthropy team for door-to-door fundraisers…

On 20 November, Auckland Emergency Management delivered Exercise Te Tai Āniwhaniwha, a large-scale emergency management exercise designed to test Auckland’s response to a credible tsunami scenario…

On 15 October, the North and South Auckland Disaster Welfare Support Teams (DWST) came together for their first joint training session. The aim…

On 9 July, the newly established Auckland North Disaster Welfare Support Team (DWST) held its first ever team meeting. This followed a strategic decision by…

This Pride Month, I joined an important conversation on inclusive design in disaster risk reduction, focused on how gender and sexual minorities are recognised, represented and supported before, during and after disasters…

This week I took part in the Red Cross Psychological First Aid training for Disaster Welfare and Support. It was not dramatic or technical, but it was one of the most grounding courses I have done…

Jumped online tonight for an IFRC session focused on how Emergency Response Units (ERUs) are evolving. Around 140 people from National...

When disasters strike, the goal is not just to rebuild quickly, but to rebuild smarter, stronger, and more sustainably. That’s the essence of Build Back Better (BBB), a concept that has evolved into a comprehensive framework used around the world to guide recovery efforts

While in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, conducting research for my Masters, I became involved reviewing beneficiary housing rebuilt by NGOs after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. My findings highlighted how, over the following 10 years, occupants modified these standardised houses to suit their evolving needs—converting stairs to ramps to accommodate mopeds and expanding structures to include second floors.

This review analysed 40 reports—30 from major UN entities like UNHCR, UNICEF, and IOM, and 10 from national and government bodies—spanning 18 countries across four global regions. It revealed recurring roadblocks that hinder key decision-makers from effectively implementing Build Back Better initiatives across diverse sectors and deployment contexts. This research formed part of my PhD research.

Facing the threat of significant change or loss due to new legislation requiring earthquake strengthening , alongside risks from various natural hazards. The digitally preservation of marae as they currently exist ensures these important sites are documented and can remembered for generations to come using VR.

Testing of new technology for the advancement of water finding within soil for the benefit of locating and developing wells and identifying grave location in emergency recovery situations. This work tested new technology, advanced new methodologies, and expanded acceptable solutions.

I recently participated in a Civil Defence Centre training day with Fire Rescue and First Response. It was a hands-on experience that went beyond theory, focusing on practical skills essential for emergency response…

Over the weekend, I completed a two-day comprehensive first aid course. It was hands-on, practical, and honestly more intense than I expected. Sure, we covered CPR, choking, burns, and fractures, but what really stayed with me…

Aided a project scoping mission to Myanmar, assisting the National Red Cross Society in developing a client-briefing document for the improvement or replacement of five Red Cross warehouses. Running focus groups, site analysis, and stakeholder engagement and consultation.

From New Zealand, I collaborated with Regan Potangaroa on a conceptual temporary housing solution for Cox’s Bazar refugee camp, using prefabricated steel frames that bolted together easily. The design incorporated sandbag walls and locally sourced bamboo cladding, aiming to reduce fire risk while complying with Bangladesh’s temporary shelter regulations.