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Articles, UC QuakeStudies

Summary of oral history interview with Hana about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes. Pseudonym used to identify interviewee.

Research papers, Lincoln University

This research investigates creativity in a post-disaster setting. The data explore creativity at the intersection of the affected community of Christchurch, New Zealand and the social processes that followed the earthquakes of 2010 - 2012. Personal and contextual influences on creative ideas implemented for community or commercial benefit are also examined. Viewed as creative, unique approaches to post-disaster problem solving were celebrated locally, nationally and internationally (Bergman, 2014; Wesener, 2015; Cloke & Conradson, 2018). Much has been written about creativity, particularly creativity in organisations and in business. However, little is known with regards to who creates after a disaster, why individuals choose to do so and what impact the post-disaster context has on their creative activity. This exploratory study draws on the literature from the fields of creativity, disasters, psychology, sociology and entrepreneurship to interpret first-hand accounts of people who acted on creative ideas in a physically and socially altered environment. A mixed method - albeit predominantly qualitative - approach to data gathering was adopted that included interviews (n=45) with participants who had been the primary drivers of creative ideas implemented in Christchurch after September 2010 – the first major (7.1 magnitude) earthquake in a prolonged sequence of thousands of aftershocks. Key findings include that a specific type of creativity results from the ‘collision’ between individuals and social processes activated by a disaster situation. This type of creativity could be best categorised as ‘little c’ or socially adaptive and emerges through a prosocial filter. There is wide consensus amongst creativity researchers - principally social psychologists - that for output to be considered creative it must be both novel and useful (Runco & Jaegar, 2012). There is greater tolerance for the novelty component after a disaster as novelty itself has greater utility, either as a distraction or because alternatives are few. Existing creativity models show context as input – an additional component of the creative process – but after a disaster the event itself becomes the catalyst for social processes that result in the creativity seen. Most participants demonstrated characteristics commonly associated with creativity and could be categorised as either a ‘free thinker’ and/or an ‘opportunist’. Some appear preadapted to create and thrive in unstable circumstances. Findings from participants’ completion of a Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) showed an apparent reduced need for extraversion in relation to implementing creative ventures in society. This factor, along with higher levels of agreeableness may indicate a potentially detrimental effect on the success of creative ideas established after a disaster, despite earnest intentions. Three new models are presented to illustrate the key findings of this study. The models imply that disasters enhance both the perceived value of creativity and the desire to act creatively for prosocial ends. The models also indicate that these disaster influenced changes are likely to be temporary.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph looking west down Armagh Street towards the Forsyth Barr and PricewaterhouseCoopers buildings. A shipping container is situated on the left side of the road and two people in high-visibility vests and hard hats can be seen crossing the road.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of High Street near the intersection with Manchester Street. Wire fencing has been placed across the street as a cordon. A sign on a lamppost reads, "Temporary road closure. High Street will be closed between Cashel and Manchester Street from 7 am on 12/7/2010 to 6 pm on 4/10/2010. Enquires 0800 SAFE4U". In the background, the Westpac Trust Building can be seen as well as rubble lining the street.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Three Ngai Tahu elders speaking to workers of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) at the official opening. A camera operator is filming the speech. The ceremony was held in Burwood Park.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Leader of the Student Volunteer Army, Sam Johnston, speaking to students from on top of the ENSOC fire engine in Burwood Park. The students have been enjoying a barbeque lunch break after volunteering to dig up liquefaction as part of the Student Volunteer Army.