Strengthening community-led disaster preparedness: Learning from trans-Tasman approaches

This Early Career Researcher Development Fellowship involves two key activities. First, a research visit to the University of Otago’s Centre for Sustainability will provide valuable insights into rural community resilience and social capital development. Through collaboration with A/Prof Caroline Orchiston and her team, the project will examine how institutions can partner with communities to foster effective, locally-driven disaster preparedness. Second, Fellow, Dr Elise Remling will present her research at the Adaptation Futures Conference 2025 in Christchurch, facilitating knowledge exchange between climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction communities.

This Fellowship will strengthen international research networks and lay the groundwork for future collaborations focused on practical, community-led resilience initiatives in Australia and New Zealand.