Review of Post-Disaster Science Response and Coordination: 2023 North Island Severe Weather Events

Abstract

This is an independent review of the science response to the 2023 North Island Severe Weather Events (NISWE). This review helps inform future arrangements for an effective science response in emergencies, as well as the role of the wider science system and agencies in disaster risk management.

Science and research are critical elements of the response to major emergencies. The NISWE were collectively the most severe and destructive weather events in New Zealand’s recent history, resulting in significant devastation to property and ongoing recovery for communities. A state of national emergency was declared in response to Cyclone Gabrielle on the morning of 14 February – for only the third time since the introduction of the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act 2002.

During the NISWE response, scientists, researchers and the science system mobilised in several ways including rapid provision of advice to central and local government, collection of perishable data, and through the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), identification of critical science needs and associated new research investments through the Extreme Weather Research Platform.

This review began in late February 2024. The primary methodology used is qualitative interviews of key agencies involved in NISWE science response around five themes, being science response and coordination arrangements, science response roles, science advice products, data and information sharing arrangements, and funding arrangements.

27 in-confidence interviews were held with 46 participants from 23 organisations involved in response and recovery. Detailed notes were taken and compiled by theme and question, then summarised. Various reports were reviewed, summarised, then combined with interview summaries to draw conclusions and recommendations.