Exploring influences on building earthquake resilience in lower seismic hazard zones

To effectively communicate risk and help people make good decisions about building resilience, it is important to know how people perceive and understand seismic risk. This in turn helps reduce impacts and harm when earthquakes occur.

This project investigated the perception of earthquake risk in Tāmaki-Makaurau / Auckland. An area with lower risk, but higher potential for damage.

The project developed a survey of current earthquake awareness and preparedness and then conducted interviews to gain a deeper understanding of issues identified. The team surveyed people in Auckland on their awareness and preparedness for earthquakes, to understand their level of risk perception.  

The team found mixed views of the risk of earthquakes in Auckland, and conflicting views when compared with other places. They also found interviewees had taken moderate levels of preparation actions, with clear room for improvement. People’s views of official agency preparedness was also mixed.

The report concludes with five recommendations for the sector. 

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