Sara McBride

Citation

Thesis Title
The Canterbury Tales: An insider's lessons and reflections from the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence to inform better public communication models

Read article at Massey Research Online:

New Zealanders, and people living in seismic risk zones globally, need to be better prepared for earthquakes. This research was sponsored by the United States Geological Survey and GNS Science New Zealand, to help generate new knowledge about disaster preparedness from the Christchurch earthquake experiences. Ms McBride analysed key preparedness communication documents issued to the Canterbury community before the quakes, to assess their effectiveness. She did so from a uniquely illuminating perspective - that of an 'insider' who had been a lead developer of those same documents. Ms McBride created an evidence-based analytical matrix, and applied it in a systematic, reflexive re-evaluation of her own previous work. The combination of her practical and academic understandings enabled her to generate insights that offer immediate, real-world guidelines for anyone working in disaster preparedness communication. These include participatory communication strategies, empathetic messaging, the inclusion of Māori perspectives, and reflective work processes for communication practitioners.

Supervisors
Professor Elspeth Tilley
Dr Julia Becker
Dr Caroline Orchiston
Professor David Johnston