Following my deployment to Christchurch for the response to the September 2010 earthquake, I became a founding member of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority in 2011. I was responsible for managing the operation of the Christchurch CBD red zone, which involved the largest and most complex demolition project in New Zealand’s history. Over 1,200 damaged buildings were safely demolished, and the cordon around the red zone was reduced 33 times over 857 days.
Above ground, we addressed severely damaged structures and coordinated the use of airspace for cranes, drones and aerial equipment required for demolition. On the surface, we focused on managing roads, access, and ensuring the safety of demolition crews. This included maintaining safe zones for workers, the public, and media while navigating shifting demolition debris and compromised roadways. Underground, the earthquake had caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including water pipes, sewer lines, and cables. Hidden voids and damaged utilities added significant risk, requiring coordination with engineers and utility providers to prevent further infrastructure failures. Water infiltration and the risk posed by underground voids added further challenges to the project.
Throughout the operation, risk management was paramount. Aftershocks, evolving safety arrangements, and weather challenges created an ever-changing risk landscape. We implemented practical safety protocols and adjusted operations continuously to maintain a tolerable level of risk for workers.
Stakeholder engagement was a critical. This included working closely with the displaced residents, government agencies, contractors, building owners, and the general public. Sensitive issues like managing the homeless population, street workers, addressing gang infiltration, and coordinating visits by international dignitaries and media required careful and sensitive management.
We made lots of mistakes – I want to share these with others so they can avoid them.
Ultimately, the project was completed successfully, setting a global benchmark for urban disaster recovery.