There is growing expectation that local volunteers will play a more integrated role in disaster response, yet emergent groups are often ‘outsiders’ to crisis management, prompting questions of the conditions and processes by which these groups can forge relationships with established response agencies, and the tensions which can arise those interactions. This article analyses how student-led volunteers, as an emergent group, nevertheless gained “authority to operate” in the aftermath of the 2010-2011 earthquakes in Canterbury, New Zealand. Our study demonstrates how established response agencies and emergent groups can form hugely impactful and mutually supportive relationships. However, our analysis also points to two interrelated tensions that can arise, regarding the terms by which emergent groups are recognised, and the ‘distance’ considered necessary between emergent groups and established response agencies. The discussion considers implications for inclusiveness, risk and responsibility if emergent volunteers are to be further integrated into disaster response.
Gold Award, presented to Anthony Rohan, from Invercargill, Student Volunteer Army financial management. With Prime Minister John Key.
Gold Award, presented to Anthony Rohan, from Invercargill, Student Volunteer Army financial management. With Prime Minister John Key.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 3 April 2011 entitled, "Day 41 - Fraction Liquefaction".
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 16 April 2012, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 24 October 2011, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 23 January 2012, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 27 August 2012, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
Gold Award recipient Anthony Rohan, from Invercargill, Student Volunteer Army financial management. Pictured here with Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr, Prime Minister John Key and Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Gerry Brownlee.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 8 August 2011, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre's "Community Earthquake Update" bulletin, published on Friday 24 June 2011.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 29 August 2011, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 12 September 2011, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 31 October 2011, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Harbour Review" newsletter for 21 January 2013, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 11 April 2011 entitled, "Day 49 - last day behind the cordon".
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 30 January 2012, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 19 December 2011, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Harbour Review" newsletter for 6 May 2013, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 5 March 2012, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 20 February 2012, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 12 November 2012, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
Summary of oral history interview with Mary Hobbs about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 5 December 2011, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 6 February 2012, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre's "Community Earthquake Update" bulletin, published on Friday 26 August 2011.
The Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre's "Community Earthquake Update" bulletin, published on Friday 15 July 2011.
The "Lyttelton Review" newsletter for 3 October 2011, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The "Lyttelton Harbour Review" newsletter for 18 March 2013, produced by the Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre.
The Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre's "Community Earthquake Update" bulletin, published on Friday 23 September 2011.