Applying New Zealand’s risk tools internationally: Case studies from Samoa and Vanuatu

Abstract

Decision makers require disaster risk management (DRM) tools to better prepare for and respond to emergencies, and for making sound land- use planning decisions. Risk tools need to incorporate multiple hazard and asset types, and have the versatility to adapt to local contexts. RiskScape is a natural hazards impact and loss modelling tool developed to support DRM related decision making in New Zealand. The RiskScape software has benefitted from over 10 years of research and development, and has been used for a diverse range of applications both in New Zealand and internationally. Experience and challenges in applying RiskScape beyond New Zealand are highlighted in this study through the tailoring of RiskScape for Pacific Island countries, as part of the Pacific Risk Tool for Resilience (PARTneR) project. PARTneR is a collaborative project between the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), GNS Science, the disaster management offices of Samoa and Vanuatu, and the Geoscience Division of the Pacific Community. RiskScape is applied through three demonstration case studies for each country, focused on prominent natural hazards.