MacAskill, K and Guthrie, P (2016) Disaster risk reduction and empowering local government: a case comparison between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 7(4), pp. 318-329. ISSN 1759-5916
Abstract
Purpose: This paper examines the role of government in New Zealand in facilitating the development of resilience in the built environment, with reference to the post-earthquake recovery of Christchurch. A cross-case comparison of the institutional structures and arrangements for disaster risk management (DRM) between Sri Lanka and New Zealand provides a useful basis to consider the broader implications of the findings from both countries. Particular consideration is given to the role of community participation in DRM decisions. Design/methodology/approach: Malalgoda and Amaratunga (2015) recently published an article on empowering local governments to develop resilience in the built environment in Sri Lanka. This paper provides a response to their discussion in conjunction with a New Zealand case study. Findings: Despite being one of the most advanced countries in the world with regards to DRM, New Zealand faces significant challenges in implementation, chief amongst which is that local governments have yet to truly prioritize DRM in urban development. While community consultation is embedded in the legislative framework, requirements for consultation were somewhat misjudged by the local government in Christchurch’s recovery. A lesson to be learnt from Christchurch’s experience is that even if the Sri Lankan authorities follow Malalgoda and Amaratunga’s recommendations for greater devolution of powers to local government, there will be tensions if community expectations over consultation are not met. Originality/value: The cross-case analysis offers a helpful lens through which it is possible to examine DRM. It is useful for informing governments and other stakeholders, helping them to understand the challenges their institutions may face in facilitating DRM and building resilience.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | christchurch; community consultation; disaster risk reduction; local government; New Zealand; post-disaster reconstruction |
| Index terms: | community consultation, implementation, Sri Lanka, cross-case analysis, disaster risk, Christchurch, earthquake, case study, disaster risk reduction, urban development, community participation, post-disaster reconstruction, methodology, face, recovery, local government, cross-case comparison, built environment, New Zealand |
| Subjects: | psychology, environmental hazards, operations management, data collection methods, infrastructure and transport systems, financial risk, contractual arrangements, post-disaster and reconstruction, administrative law, data analysis and analytics, participation process, urban design, Geography, research methods |
| Topics: | Project Management, Legal Issues, Research Practice, Sustainability, Stakeholder Management, Urban Studies, Procurement, Cost Management, Geographical Context, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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