Services
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Resilience, Response, Recovery, Renewal
Emergency Management
Commitment to Community
With a steadfast presence in Emergency Management since 2007, I bring to the table a wealth of experience in emergency response, resilience strategy, welfare, and recovery. My ability to remain calm and considered, even under intense pressure, has been a cornerstone of my experience in navigating the chaos of crises. This sector has offered me invaluable experiences, preparing me for a wide range of eventualities and instilling a readiness to tackle future challenges. Through continuous training and practical engagement, I’ve honed my skills across various roles within the sector. My tenure includes contributions to the Canterbury Regional Group, Selwyn District Council, C10, National Emergency Management Agency (deployments) and various emergency operations centres (EOC) and emergency coordination centres (ECC) across diverse adverse weather and crisis events. Each role underscores my dedication to fostering community resilience and ensuring a seamless transition from immediate relief to long-term recovery.
My services and commitment to safeguarding communities through preparation, response, and recovery initiatives:
- Strategic Planning and Activation: Expertise in developing and executing strategic plans for emergency response and recovery.
- Skills Assessment: Comprehensive assessment of skills and resources needed for effective emergency management.
- Legislation and Policy Advisory: Providing advice on emergency management legislation and policy to ensure compliance and enhance response strategies.
- Community Resilience Strategy: Designing and implementing strategies to strengthen community resilience against future emergencies.
- Welfare Management: Leading welfare committees and managing welfare operations to support affected communities during and after emergencies.
- Recovery Intelligence: Utilising data and intelligence for informed decision-making in recovery efforts.
- Recovery Leadership and Advisory: Offering leadership and expert advice on recovery processes, from immediate relief to long-term rehabilitation.
- Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Management: Experienced in managing EOC activities, coordinating response efforts, and ensuring operational efficiency.
- Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) Roles: Taking on pivotal roles within ECCs for various adverse events, focusing on welfare management, recovery engagement, and transition management.
- Training: Conducting and participating in training sessions to enhance capabilities in response and recovery management.
Navigating Mastering Calm in the Storm
In the dynamic and demanding world of Emergency Management, I’ve found my strength in service: thriving under pressure and excelling in high-stress situations. My approach is characterised by a calm and considered mindset, even amidst chaos. This unique ability has not only been a cornerstone of my career but also a source of personal fulfillment and growth.
My experiences in this sector are treasured, each one contributing to my readiness for whatever challenges lie ahead. Continuous learning is a key part of my journey; I’ve engaged in various trainings, each adding a layer of depth to my expertise and understanding. Yet, I believe there’s always more to learn, more skills to acquire, and more knowledge to gain.
Strategic Development
Currently, I am an integral part of the Regional Recovery team, here in Waitaha, Canterbury. Here, my focus is on developing and implementing effective strategies, planning for regional recovery, and creating robust skills frameworks. These responsibilities not only leverage my existing skills but also offer opportunities to grow and contribute significantly to our collective resilience and preparedness.
Each day in this role brings new challenges and learning opportunities, reinforcing my commitment to this vital field. My goal remains steadfast: to be as prepared as possible for any situation, contributing to a safer, more resilient world through thoughtful and effective emergency management.
I continue to serve to requirement.
Developing Fast Trust
in Emergency Management
Trust is a multifaceted and evolving concept, fundamental to a wide array of human interactions – from personal relationships to the intricate workings of societies and economies. It hinges on beliefs or expectations about the reliability, integrity, and competence of others, coupled with a willingness to be vulnerable to their actions.
In the realm of emergency management, the development of fast trust is not just important but essential for effective response, collaboration, and recovery efforts. This form of trust, swiftly established and rooted in deep understanding, is crucial for navigating the often chaotic and unpredictable landscape of crises. It draws upon established trust frameworks, blending them with social factors and cultural considerations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response operations.
This paper seeks to provide emergency management professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role trust plays in their field. It delves into strategies for developing fast trust, enriched by practitioner experiences and scholarly insights from diverse global contexts.
The document also examines the dynamics of acceptance versus trust, emphasising the importance of mutual trust and respect between emergency management professionals and the communities they serve. Furthermore, it integrates perspectives from Māori, Global Indigenous, Pacific, and Ethnic communities, underscoring the significance of cultural competence and inclusivity in trust-building efforts.
Through this exploration, the paper aims to offer a nuanced understanding of trust in emergency management, highlighting its role as a critical component in fostering resilient and responsive communities. By weaving together theoretical frameworks with practical experiences, futures design thinking, and cultural insights, this document aspires to be an invaluable resource for professionals navigating the complex and ever-evolving landscape of emergency management.
Lifelong Learning
From Curiosity to Education to Societal Input
In an ever-evolving world, the journey of lifelong learning stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. It begins with a spark of curiosity – that innate, often untapped urge to understand more about the world around us and our place within it. This curiosity acts as the catalyst, driving us towards a relentless pursuit of knowledge, both formal and informal. By nurturing this innate curiosity within our communities, we lay the foundation for a journey that transcends traditional learning.
The pursuit of knowledge, fueled by curiosity, leads us to educational pathways where learning becomes not just an activity, but a way of life. It is in these realms of education that we begin to shape our understanding, form our perspectives, and build our skill sets. This process is not linear or confined to the early years of life; it is continuous, diverse, and adaptable, resonating with the needs and rhythms of an ever-changing society.
As individuals journey through this landscape of learning, they acquire more than just information; they gain insights and develop a deeper understanding of their potential roles in society. This newfound knowledge empowers them, providing a plethora of pathways to explore. It is at this juncture that education transcends its traditional boundaries and becomes a tool for societal contribution.
Each individual, armed with knowledge and driven by curiosity, holds a unique value proposition. When these propositions come together, they form a collective force capable of driving positive change. It is through this collective effort that we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute meaningfully to the broader societal fabric. This page, dedicated to lifelong learning, celebrates this transformative journey from curiosity, through education, to societal input, underscoring the power of continuous learning in shaping a better world for all.
Ako Ōtautahi
Fostering Lifelong Learning
As a proud member of the Trust Board of Ako Ōtautahi Learning City Christchurch, I am deeply involved in an initiative that stands at the forefront of transforming lives through the power of learning. Learning Cities like Christchurch are becoming vital hubs worldwide, turning the concept of lifelong learning into a tangible reality for communities. These cities are not just about imparting knowledge; they are about fostering connections, enabling opportunities, and nurturing a culture where learning is interwoven into the fabric of everyday life.
Championing Diverse Learning Opportunities
Ako Ōtautahi Learning City Christchurch is part of a global network committed to championing diverse learning opportunities. Our approach harnesses the unique strengths within our community to foster a more equitable and sustainable society. By supporting a broad spectrum of learning activities — from formal education to informal learning experiences — we are crafting a vibrant educational ecosystem that is both locally grounded and globally relevant.
Empowering Lifelong Learners
The ethos of Learning City Christchurch revolves around the concept of lifelong learning — a continuous, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge. This approach is crucial for fostering social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development. It allows learners to carve out infinite, personalised learning pathways, empowering them to take ownership of their education and, by extension, their role in community sustainability and improvement.
Personalised and Inclusive Learning Journeys
Our vision is to support learning as a ‘pick ‘n’ mix’ experience, where educational journeys are as unique as the individuals undertaking them. This philosophy acknowledges the diverse needs, interests, and backgrounds of our learners, allowing them to chart their own courses through a variety of interests and modalities. The focus is on equity, innovation, and place-based learning, acknowledging that education is not a linear path but a rich tapestry of experiences and opportunities.
Educational Evolution: From Access to Impact
In Christchurch, we are not just focused on providing access to education; we are committed to evolving towards comprehensive, intergenerational learning outcomes. Our collective effort is geared towards fostering curiosity, emphasising personalised learning, and promoting diverse educational pathways. This shift from mere access to impactful outcomes is pivotal in our educational evolution, ensuring that learning transcends traditional boundaries and becomes a lifelong journey of discovery and growth for everyone in our community.
Ako Ōtautahi Learning City Christchurch is not just an educational initiative; it’s a movement towards creating a society where learning is celebrated, accessible, and transformative for all. It’s about building an ecosystem where education is interwoven into every aspect of life, empowering individuals to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
Cultivating Digital Connections
DigiTech
Indigenous DigiTech
‘He wāhanga tātou katoa o tēnei oranga, me hīkoi ngātahi tātou, kia whai wāhi ai tātou.
We are all a part of this life, let us walk together, so we may belong.’
In an era where technology shapes much of our world, there’s an essential story often left untold — the integration of indigenous perspectives into the digital realm. As the Chair of Te Ao Matihiko, the Māori DigiTech group in Aotearoa New Zealand, my role is to aid in bridging the gap between ancestral wisdom and modern digital advancements. This section explores the significance of nurturing our indigenous hapori (community) within Te Ao Matihiko (the digital world), and its far-reaching benefits not only for whānau, hapū, and iwi, but for communities, sectors, and the global stage.
The cultivation of Indigenous Technology is more than just integrating traditional knowledge into modern applications; it’s a profound process of redefining technology itself. It encourages us to view digital tools not as mere conveniences but as platforms to preserve, share, and grow indigenous knowledge and values. By embedding these timeless principles into the digital world, we create a unique space where technology harmonises with ancient wisdom, ensuring that our digital footprint resonates with the deep-seated values of our ancestors.
This endeavor is crucial not only for preserving the rich heritage of Māori but also for offering the world an alternative perspective on technology — one that prioritises community, respect for the environment, and sustainable practices. In doing so, Te Ao Matihiko becomes a beacon of hope, showcasing how technology can be harnessed to foster connections, not just between individuals, but between generations, cultures, and even different worldviews.
The benefits of such an approach are manifold. For our Māori community, it provides a platform to keep our language, stories, and traditions vibrant and accessible in the digital age. For wider communities and sectors, it offers invaluable insights into how technology can be used responsibly and ethically, respecting both people and the planet. Globally, it contributes to the diversity of thought in the tech world, proving that there are multifaceted ways to approach technological advancement, each rich with its own set of values and perspectives.
Fostering indigenous hapori within the realm of digital technology is not just a duty to our ancestors; it’s a gift to future generations. It’s a commitment to ensuring that as we march forward into the digital future, we carry with us the wisdom, values, and perspectives that have guided humanity for millennia. This is the essence of our work at Te Ao Matihiko, and it’s a vision that has the power to transform technology into a tool for cultural preservation, social unity, global understanding, and shared belonging.
Digital Technologies
From Digital Equity to Digital Excellence
My professional path has been a transformative journey from advocating for digital equity to advocating to achieving digital excellence. It began with a commitment to ensuring equitable access to digital resources and technology for all, recognising that true progress in the digital realm requires inclusivity and fairness. My work in digital equity involves bridging the gap in motivation, access, skills, trust, and safety – empowering underrepresented communities, and advocating for policies that promote equal opportunities in the digital world.
This foundation in digital equity laid the groundwork for the pursuit of digital excellence. Building on the principles of inclusivity and access, my focus shifted to not just providing digital resources, but optimising their use to achieve superior outcomes. Our collective is striving for digital excellence, we are working on enhancing digital literacy, fostering innovation, and implementing cutting-edge technologies that drive efficiency and growth.
Throughout this journey, my aim has been to not only make digital tools available to everyone but to ensure that these tools are used to their fullest potential. This has involved continuous learning, staying abreast of the latest technological advancements, and applying these innovations in practical, impactful ways.
Today, my work embodies the synergy of equity and excellence in the digital domain. It’s about leveraging technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for empowerment, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that everyone benefits from the digital revolution.
Economies of Scale – Bridging the Gap
Leveraging the Digital Trade Economy for Inclusive Growth
In an era where digital trade is reshaping the global economy, our initiative focuses on bringing the immense potential of this burgeoning economy to our communities, particularly those in lower socio-economic brackets. The digital trade economy presents unparalleled opportunities for individuals, communities, and small businesses, but it also poses the risk of widening the financial equity gap if not engaged inclusively.
Our efforts are centered around demystifying the digital trade economy and making it accessible to everyone. We believe that, with the right knowledge and tools, even the smallest community businesses and entrepreneurs can connect their services and products to a vast global market. This connection is not just about economic transactions; it’s about cultural exchange, shared learning, and opening doors to new possibilities.
However, the challenge is significant. For many in lower socio-economic areas, the digital trade economy can seem distant and complex. Our strategy is to break down these barriers through education and support, providing the necessary skills and resources to tap into digital markets. This approach involves community workshops, online resources, and mentorship programs to equip individuals with digital literacy and e-commerce skills.
The potential benefits are immense. By engaging in the digital trade economy, small businesses and individuals can achieve economies of scale previously unattainable. They can reach broader markets, diversify their customer base, and increase their revenue streams. This expansion is not just a financial boost; it’s a step towards closing the financial equity gap and fostering sustainable community development.
Our vision is to create a future where the digital trade economy is a level playing field, where opportunities for growth and innovation are available to all, regardless of socio-economic status. By empowering our communities to participate actively in this digital revolution, we are opening up a world of opportunities – connecting local innovation to global markets and transforming the way our communities interact with the world economy.
The digital trade economy offers a gateway to not just financial success but also to broader socio-economic advancement. Our commitment is to ensure that this gateway is wide open to everyone, particularly those who have been traditionally marginalised. By doing so, we’re not only fostering financial equity but also nurturing a more inclusive and dynamic economic landscape, where the unique products and services of our communities find their deserving place in the global market.
Smart Development – An Evolution in Thinking and Action
From Smart Cities to Smart Societies
My journey through the realm of ‘smart’ initiatives has been a vivid narrative of evolution and growth. From the early days of Smart Cities to the emergent concept of Smart Societies, and now, looking towards Smart Futures, this journey reflects a profound shift in how we integrate technology into our lives and communities. This section explores this evolutionary path and highlights why my continued contribution to Smart Development initiatives remains a key focus at local, national, and global levels.
The concept of Smart Cities marked the initial phase of this journey. Here, the spotlight was primarily on technology – its potential to revolutionise urban environments through enhanced connectivity, efficiency, and innovation. However, this approach, while groundbreaking, soon revealed its limitations, primarily its urban-centric focus and technology-driven ethos.
The narrative then progressed to Smart Spaces. This expansion went beyond the confines of urban settings to include rural areas, acknowledging that technology’s benefits should permeate all geographic landscapes. It was a significant step towards inclusivity, ensuring that advancements reached every corner of our societies.
Further evolution brought us to Smart Communities. This phase marked a crucial pivot: the integration of technology with people at its core. It was no longer just about technological infrastructure; it was about creating communities where technology served people, enhancing their quality of life, fostering engagement, and building connectivity within and across communities.
Today, we stand at the threshold of Smart Societies. This concept encompasses a holistic view, focusing on People, Place, and Planet. It’s a recognition that our future lies in creating societies where technology is a tool for sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and social cohesion. It’s about leveraging technology to create legacies that benefit not just the current generation but future ones as well.
As we look towards Smart Futures, our focus is on long-term legacy initiatives. These are projects and policies that go beyond immediate benefits to ensure enduring, positive impacts on society. My commitment to this field is driven by the belief that through smart development, we can craft a future that is not only technologically advanced but also socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and culturally rich.
This evolutionary journey from Smart Cities to Smart Societies encapsulates a shift from viewing technology as an end to seeing it as a means to a more harmonious, inclusive, and sustainable world. It’s a shift that inspires my continued work and advocacy in this ever-evolving field, fueling my passion to contribute to initiatives that shape a smarter, more compassionate world for all.
Tangible Futures
Futures
Futuring in Action
In a world brimming with possibilities, our future is shaped by every action we take today. ‘Futuring in Action’ embodies the belief that proactive steps in the present are the building blocks of tomorrow. This section delves into the essence of futures thinking and its critical role in learning from our past, shaping our present actions, and sculpting tomorrow’s impact outcomes.
At the heart of futures thinking lies the power of imagination – envisioning what could be and translating it into tangible actions. It’s about stepping outside our immediate selves and considering the broader implications of our choices. By planning for positive possibilities, we actively participate in creating a desirable future. It’s in this space of potential and action that we discover the endless pathways to a better world. Futuring in Action is not just a concept; it’s a call to arms – to think, plan, and act with the future of humanity in mind.
Governance Futures
Governance is evolving, transitioning from a ‘me’ centered approach to a ‘we’ focused paradigm, emphasising collective well-being and shared interests. This evolution, though gradual and sometimes challenging, is necessary for societal progress. Occasionally, stepping back is a strategic move to leap forward. “Governance Futures” explores this dynamic change, emphasising two pivotal paradigms: “Impact-Led Leadership” and “Omni-Cultural Leadership.”
“Impact-Led Leadership” redefines the traditional metrics of success. It extends beyond profit-centric goals to embrace a broader purpose, considering the impacts on individuals, communities, and the planet. This approach demands visionary leadership, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of all actions and their ripple effects through time and space.
‘Omni-Cultural Leadership’ celebrates and leverages our diverse cultural landscapes. It’s about cultivating cultural fluency, enabling leaders to navigate and respect various cultural norms and values effectively. This leadership style fosters equity, inclusivity, and harnesses diversity as a driver of innovation and growth.
As we stand at the crossroads of these transformative leadership styles, we must consider how to integrate these principles into practical governance. This means staying futures literate, analysing political, corporate, social, and technological trends, and understanding their implications for governance. Tools like scenario planning, the Delphi method, impact assessments, and collaborative policy labs are vital in this endeavor.
“Governance Futures” is an invitation to embrace these new paradigms, integrating them into our governance structures. By doing so, we pave the way for a future where leadership is defined by its positive impact, diversity is our strength, and sustainability is our legacy. Let’s move forward together towards a future that is equitable, inclusive, and prosperous for all.
Critical Infrastructure
Enabling Connection
In our increasingly interconnected world, critical infrastructure serves as the backbone of connectivity, playing a pivotal role in shaping and empowering our societies. As a Director on the boards of Network for Learning (N4L) and Tū Ātea (formerly Interim Māori Broad Spectrum), I have the privilege of contributing to the development and oversight of key communications infrastructure that is fundamental to Aotearoa New Zealand’s growth and connectivity.
N4L: Bridging Digital Divides in Education
At N4L, our mission is to provide faster, safer internet for schools and kura across New Zealand, ensuring that every ākonga (student) has the opportunity to thrive in a digital world. This commitment to digital equity is crucial in today’s landscape where education increasingly intersects with technology. Our focus is on creating smart, user-friendly solutions that alleviate the technological burdens on kaiako (teachers), allowing them to dedicate their energies to teaching, while ākonga can immerse themselves in learning. By providing robust and reliable internet connectivity, N4L plays a critical role in bridging the digital divide, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Tū Ātea: Pioneering 5G Connectivity and Beyond
My role with Tū Ātea, previously known as Interim Māori Broad Spectrum, involves overseeing the strategic use of spectrum rights crucial for next-generation connectivity, particularly 5G mobile services. The spectrum management rights we hold in the 3750 MHz to 3800 MHz frequency band are not just about technological advancement; they are a gateway to new possibilities in telecommunications and broadcasting, extending to vital sectors like healthcare, utilities, media, and enterprise.
The recent acquisition of The Broadtech Group, including its specialist entity JDA, marks a significant milestone. This move not only expands our capabilities across a nationwide network of radio transmission sites but also ensures the retention of a skilled team with diverse expertise. This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to not just leading in telecommunications and broadcast engineering, but also to being at the forefront of innovation in various critical sectors that rely on robust and reliable communication infrastructure.
Enabling Connection and Future Possibilities
In both these roles, my focus is on the pivotal importance of critical infrastructure in enabling connections that go beyond mere communication. It’s about creating avenues for education, business, healthcare, and community engagement to flourish.
We are not just building networks; we are enabling the exchange of ideas, fostering learning opportunities, and paving the way for advancements that will shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, the role of critical infrastructure in connecting communities, empowering individuals, and driving innovation cannot be overstated. My involvement in N4L and Tū Ātea is rooted in a deep commitment to leveraging this infrastructure for the collective benefit and advancement of our society, ensuring that every individual has the tools and opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. To do this, we must be logical, balanced, aware, and most importantly, bold.
Connecting Resource
Central Plains Water Trust
The Central Plains Water Enhancement Scheme, which is owned and operated by Central Plains Water Limited (CPWL), is the largest irrigation scheme in the South Island with an estimated value of $446M.
The Scheme currently supplies irrigation to approximately 45,000 hectares and has the consented potential to deliver sustainable irrigation to 63,000 hectares of land between the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers.
The Central Plains Water Trust was established by the Christchurch City and Selwyn District Councils to facilitate sustainable development of Central Canterbury’s water resource.
It continues the work of the Central Plains Water Enhancement Steering Committee to develop proposals for a large scale community water enhancement scheme providing water for irrigation between the Rakaia and the Waimakariri Rivers.