Under The Microscope

WELLINGTON AFTER THE QUAKE: THE CHALLENGE OF REBUILDING CITIES: Proceedings of an International Conference held in Wellington, 27-29 March 1995; published by EQC and CAE, Wellington, 1995; $45 from EQC (not available in bookshops); pp. 284

Reviewed by Julia Lawrence

This book comprises the proceedings of an international conference held in Wellington in March 1995. It was on planning how organisations such as government agencies and city councils should go about planning for recovery after a natural disaster. There were 24 invited speakers who spoke on many topics. For example, the significance of Wellington being the capital in a disaster, who coordinates recovery, where to rebuild, economic recovery, how to rebuild, social aspects, and insurance aspects.

There are a lot of issues to be considered after an earthquake or other natural disaster and I'm not sure if councils and others would be aware of everything that needs to be planned for. Reading this book, it was made very clear to me that everyone, councils, businesses, individuals, should have a post-natural disaster recovery plan. How are you going to feed and shelter your family? How are you going to get essential services fixed? How are you going to get your business up and running again?

Everyone should read this book. It makes clear just how much havoc to everyday life a major earthquake can wreak. If people were to read it, many more would be inclined to have earthquake kits ready. New Zealanders are too complacent. Everyone needs to plan for the longer term than just what to do straight after the earthquake. Recovery takes a very long time.

I found this a very thought-provoking book.

Julia Lawrence is a graduate of Otago University, interested in earthquakes.