Prof Regan Potangaroa staff profile picture

Contact details +6492136514

Prof Regan Potangaroa PhD

Professor of Resilient and Sustainable Built Environment (Maori Engagement)

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Built Environment

My background is as a structural engineer with 25 years’ experience in design and construction in NZ, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and the USA. I am also well known internationally in the humanitarian aid community having completed over 200 humanitarian deployments in 22 countries since 1996: most recently with UNHCR as part of their shelter team in Bangladesh with the Rohingya Emergency Response; and currently with the IFRC working on capacity training for the incorporation of Housing Land and Property (HLP) issues into existing shelter and settlement programs for the Asia-Pacific region This humanitarian focus is the core of my research which extends into other areas. I am currently developing an Active shooter VR with RedR Australia (together with Massey University); a disaster simulator program for training and research (this is available on GITHUB); drone technology for mapping (‘Drone today Map Tomorrow’), multispectral work for measuring the health of the ground vegetation and also thermal for locating underground water; VR for housing research (used recently for Virtual Retail and Maori Marae); CFD for natural ventilation, and more recently the use of lasers for story telling/communication. I have recently co-authored a book on Build Back Better with Sandeeka Mannakkara from Auckland University and Prof Suzanne Wilkinson from Massey University: and a book chapter on transformational Shelter for the Institute of Engineers ICE UK. I am currently working on three other book chapters. In addition to the above tabulation in 1g above, I have published 57 peer-reviewed technical reports; supervised 12 PhD’s to completion; and 51 Master students to completion. I am currently supervising 4 PhD’s.

I am a Professor of Resilience and Sustainable Built Environment responsible for Māori engagement at the School of Built Environment. I am international expert in Humanitarian Engineering with over 200 deployments in 22 countries since 1996.

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Professional

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy - James Cook University (2002)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Supervisor, Massey University

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Humanitarian Aid, Post Disaster reconstruction and recovery, humanitarian training, seismic design and construction, new/innovative applications of current technology and Matauranga Maori

Thematics

Design – for Commerce, Community and Culture

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Architectural Design (120101): Architectural Heritage and Conservation (120102): Architecture (120100): Architecture not elsewhere classified (120199): Building (120200): Building Construction Management and Project Planning (120201): Building not elsewhere classified (120299): Building Science and Techniques (120202): Built Environment And Design (120000): Design Innovation (120302): Design Practice and Management (120300)

Keywords

Humanitarian

Resilience

Sustainability

Maoritanga

Virtual Reality

3D Scanning

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Team Member 1 0

Research Outputs

Journal

Le, ATH., Domingo, N., Macgregor, C., & Potangaroa, R. (2022). Developing a Framework for Construction Sector Capacity. Construction Economics and Building. 22(4), 17-35
[Journal article]Authored by: Domingo, N., Le, T., Potangaroa, R.
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Adafin, J., Wilkinson, S., Rotimi, JOB., MacGregor, C., Tookey, J., & Potangaroa, R. (2022). Creating a case for innovation acceleration in the New Zealand building industry. Construction Innovation. 22(1), 185-204
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Rotimi, J., Wilkinson, S.
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10
Pu, G., Chang-Richards, A., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R. (2021). What makes a successful livelihood recovery? a study of China’s Lushan earthquake. Natural Hazards. 105(3), 2543-2567
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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10
2
Balaei, B., Noy, I., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R. (2021). Economic factors affecting water supply resilience to disasters. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences. 76
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Balaei, B., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & McFarlane, P. (2020). Investigating the technical dimension of water supply resilience to disasters. Sustainable Cities and Society. 56
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Balaei, B., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R. (2019). Social capacities in fostering water supply resilience in Vanuatu. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal. 28(5), 706-720
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Aquino, DH., Wilkinson, S., Raftery, GM., & Potangaroa, R. (2019). Building back towards storm-resilient housing: Lessons from Fiji's Cyclone Winston experience. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 33, 355-364
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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10
3
Sina, D., Chang-Richards, AY., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R. (2019). What does the future hold for relocated communities post-disaster? Factors affecting livelihood resilience. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 34, 173-183
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Sina, D., Chang-Richards, AY., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R. (2019). A conceptual framework for measuring livelihood resilience: Relocation experience from Aceh, Indonesia. World Development. 117, 253-265
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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31
Balaei, B., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., Adamson, C., & Alavi-Shoshtari, M. (2019). Social factors affecting water supply resilience to disasters. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 37
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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26
12
Balaei, B., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., Hassani, N., & Alavi-Shoshtari, M. (2018). Developing a Framework for Measuring Water Supply Resilience. Natural Hazards Review. 19(4)
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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20
Egbelakin, T., Wilkinson, S., Ingham, J., Potangaroa, R., & Sajoudi, M. (2017). Incentives and Motivators for Improving Building Resilience to Earthquake Disaster. Natural Hazards Review. 18(4)
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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6
Egbelakin, T., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Rotimi, J. (2015). Stakeholders’ practices: a challenge to earthquake risk mitigation decisions. International Journal of Strategic Property Management. 19(4), 395-408
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Rotimi, J., Wilkinson, S.
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5
Mannakkara, S., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R. (2014). Build back better: Implementation in Victorian bushfire reconstruction. Disasters. 38(2), 267-290
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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23
Hewitt, J., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R. (2014). Change and continuity in post-katrina new Orleans. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Urban Design and Planning. 167(4), 156-164
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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1
Chang-Richards, Y., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Seville, E. (2013). Resource challenges for housing reconstruction: A longitudinal study of the Australian bushfires. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal. 22(2), 172-181
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Egbelakin, T., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Ingham, J. (2013). Improving regulatory frameworks for earthquake risk mitigation. Building Research and Information. 41(6), 677-689
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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13
Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Seville, E., & Potangaroa, R. (2012). Changes in resource need for post-disaster reconstruction: A longitudinal study in China. Building Research and Information. 40(3), 327-336
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Seville, E. (2012). Resourcing for postdisaster reconstruction: A comparative study of Indonesia and China. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal. 21(1), 7-21
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Seville, E. (2012). Managing resources in disaster recovery projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. 19(5), 557-580
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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45
Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Brunsdon, D., Seville, E., & Potangaroa, R. (2011). An integrated approach: Managing resources for post-disaster reconstruction. Disasters. 35(4), 739-765
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Seville, E. (2011). Donor-driven resource procurement for post-disaster reconstruction: Constraints and actions. Habitat International. 35(2), 199-205
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Seville, E. (2011). Identifying factors affecting resource availability for post-disaster reconstruction: A case study in China. Construction Management and Economics. 29(1), 37-48
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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34
Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S., Zare, M., & Steinfort, P. (2011). The management of portable toilets in the eastern suburbs of christchurch after the february 22, 2011 earthquake. Australasian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies. 2011(2), 35-48
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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12
Egbelakin, T., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Ingham, J. (2011). Enhancing seismic risk mitigation decisions: A motivational approach. Construction Management and Economics. 29(10), 1003-1016
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Egbelakin, TK., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Ingham, J. (2011). Challenges to successful seismic retrofit implementation: A socio-behavioural perspective. Building Research and Information. 39(3), 286-300
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Seville, E. (2010). Resourcing challenges for post-disaster housing reconstruction: A comparative analysis. Building Research and Information. 38(3), 247-264
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Seville, E. (2010). In terpreting resourcing bottleneck s of post-Wenc huan earthquake reconstruction in China. International Journal of Strategic Property Management. 14(4), 314-331
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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10
Zare, MR., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R. (2010). Vulnerability of Wastewater Treatment Plants and Wastewater Pumping stations to earthquakes. International Journal of Strategic Property Management. 14(4), 408-420
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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4
Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Seville, E., & Potangaroa, R. (2010). Resourcing for a resilient post-disaster reconstruction environment. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment. 1(1), 65-83
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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69
Hewitt, J., Potangaroa, R., & Wilkinson, S. (2009). Levels of governance in post-disaster urban planning. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Urban Design and Planning. 162(2), 71-78
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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1
Zuo, K., Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S., & Rotimi, JOB. (2009). A project management prospective in achieving a sustainable supply chain for timber procurement in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. 2(3), 386-400
[Journal article]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Rotimi, J., Wilkinson, S.
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Book

Mannakkara, S., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R.(2019). Resilient Post Disaster Recovery through Building Back Better. London, United Kingdom: Routledge
[Authored Book]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Chang-Richards, Y., Wilkinson, S., Seville, E., & Potangaroa, R. (2016). Decentralizing a "top-down" post-disaster reconstruction: China's response to the 2008 wenchuan earthquake. In Rebuilding Asia Following Natural Disasters: Approaches to Reconstruction in the Asia-Pacific Region. (pp. 284 - 314).
[Chapter]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
3
Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Seville, E. (2011). Resourcing for Post-Disaster Reconstruction: A Longitudinal Case Study Following the 2008 Earthquake in China. In Post-Disaster Reconstruction of the Built Environment: Rebuilding for Resilience. (pp. 51 - 69).
[Chapter]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
2

Conference

Aquino, DH., Wilkinson, SJ., Raftery, G., Potangaroa, R., & Chang-Richards, A.Challenges to building housing resilience: The case of Fiji post-cyclone Winston. Procedia Engineering. (pp. 475 - 480).
[Conference]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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2
Beckett, JV., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R.Post-disaster recovery: Multi-agency leadership and co-ordination. COBRA 2010 - Construction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
[Conference]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Zare, MR., Wilkinson, S., & Potangaroa, R.Earthquake vulnerability of wastewater pumping stations in New Zealand. COBRA 2010 - Construction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
[Conference]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Potangaroa, R., & Seville, E.Resources and capacity: Lessons learned from post-disaster reconstruction resourcing in Indonesia, China and Australia. COBRA 2010 - Construction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
[Conference]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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6
Chang, Y., Wilkinson, S., Seville, E., & Potangaroa, R.Capacity empowerment and building: Integrated recovery management framework in China. WIT Transactions on the Built Environment. (pp. 309 - 319). 1743-3509.
[Conference]Authored by: Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S.
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2

Consultancy and Languages

Languages

  • English
    Last used: 2022
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Excellent

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

• Proven competence in multiple modes and mediums of teaching, including electronic and online. I am a team of three that have just been appointed to do the training modules for housing land and property for the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent IFRC for the Asia/Pacific region. These are both online and face-to-face training modules. 

• Proven record of rapport with students as evidenced by the number of Master and PhD students but also my role with first year students here t the School of Architecture Victoria University.

• Demonstrated collegiality in an academic teaching and service environment appropriate evidenced by the research work and involvement with many of the staff at Massey and the SBE.

• Ability to communicate in English effectively in both verbal and written formats, conducting discussions in a respectful manner, that are sincere and fully expressed as evidenced by my strong humanitarian work in multiple countries and cultures and contexts. This addresses many of the other essential qualities of working independently, collaboration in complex environments, motivation and familiarity with the research funding landscape in New Zealand and internationally. 

• Plus a desire to lead and mentor staff. 

Contact Supervisor

Graduate Supervision Statement

I have been supervising over 20 PhD students to completion and 50 master students


Prof Regan Potangaroa is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 2 0
Co-supervisor 5 0

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Francis Hubbard - Doctor of Philosophy
    Identifying indicators of success in the 'Build Back Better' framework in international aid assisted recovery.
  • Robert Mulligan - Doctor of Philosophy
    Resiliency in the NZ Building Sector: The gap between capability and capacity

Co-supervisor of:

  • Kristel Aquino - Doctor of Philosophy
    RESyst: A Framework for Resilient Energy Systems in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Asad Bajwa - Doctor of Philosophy
    3D printing technology as an innovative solution for sustainable construction in New Zealand's Housing sector
  • Mitansha Mitansha - Doctor of Philosophy
    Increasing Individual Resilience Strategies for Construction Industry Employees
  • Iresha Jayasinghe - Doctor of Philosophy
    Develop a framework to select the best collaborative procurement method for vertical sector projects in New Zealand.
  • Anna-Kay Spaulding Agbenyegah Spaulding - Doctor of Philosophy
    Post-disaster recovery from high weather event in Auckland