Richard Smith
Richard Smith manages the Hazards, Risks, and Research Programme for the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management. The program focuses on developing strategic partnerships with international, national, and local government agencies, and research science partners to improve national approaches to disaster risk reduction. It also brokers application of research to well-informed policy and practice.
A key recent project has been the development of the Natural Hazards Research Platform; a government-funded initiative that brings researchers from a range of agencies and disciplines in partnership with key research users to improve New Zealand’s disaster resilience. Other recent projects have included establishing national guidance for tsunami evacuation zone mapping, and developing arrangements for coordination of science advice in emergencies.
During emergencies, Smith is the planning and intelligence manager and science liaison for the National Crisis Management Centre—New Zealand’s all-government crisis coordination center in Wellington.
Before he joined the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management in 2007, Richard was a senior lecturer at the University of Waikato, where he undertook research and teaching in the areas of volcanic hazards and disaster management.
Related Resources from Richard Smith
Humanitarian Response and Disaster Risk Reduction in New Zealand and the Pacific
With Michael Hartfield
2003
