“All for one and one for all.” A motto used by The Three Musketeers in the film series. This appears to be a commentary about connection and cohesion by a small group to overcome adversity through thick and thin. However, this motto conveys a deeper statement that sits at the heart of dealing and leading through a series of disasters.
The region of Canterbury sits in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand. Over the past 13 years it has been subjected to a disproportionately high number of high-profile disasters and traumatic events, both natural and human. The recovery has been unprecedent in New Zealand. Recovery from disasters can be incredibly complex, intricate and requires a nuanced response across the whole system. This deep impact is occurring within a community where many are still feeling the consequences of the growing list of disasters and events that have occurred since 2010. With multiple disasters and events surfaces feeling and emotions that run deep into the very fabric of the community. For many in the Canterbury community this will take a lifetime, and the impact will be intergenerational. With New Zealand rated number two in the world for natural hazards there are scientific predictions of a near-future catastrophic event, and the challenge is to ensure the lessons learnt are actioned from the past for the future. The tread of vulnerability sits with our preparedness in an already fragile and emotionally fatigued community and the emergency management system. A disaster however, creates a commonality of purpose in one another, and if you give others hope, no matter the disaster, this is leadership.