Emergency Management Institute

The Emergency Management Institute provides a theoretical and practical introduction to topics relating to emergency management.

Key Facts

• Start date: 2 to 6 March 2026
• Cost: Full week: $1500 +GST. Per day: $400 +GST
• Duration: 5 days
• Delivery mode: In person
• Location: Massey University, Wellington campus, Wallace Street, Mt Cook, Wellington, New Zealand

Overview

This short course explains how organisations can prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster. The course begins with an introduction and review of Aotearoa New Zealand and international research and practice. Topics are explored through relevant case studies, and the final session of each module provides practical tools and guidance for turning theory into practice.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for those involved in all aspects of emergency management, including:

• planners
• educators
• engineers
• local and central government policy makers
• insurance managers
• researchers
• emergency managers
• utility and property owners

The institute is also part of the Massey course Emergency Management in Practice. If you are enrolled in the Massey course, you will automatically be enrolled for the institute at no additional cost. However, you do not need to be enrolled in the course to attend the institute.

Course Content and Structure

Day 1: Emergency Planning and Coordination

This day explores emergency management planning processes and key concepts as applied in Aotearoa New Zealand. It covers planning at CDEM Group, community, and organisational levels, using recent events to examine coordination and strategic approaches.

Day 2: Mana Whenua and Māori Community Roles in Disasters

The day is hosted at a local marae, exploring Māori attributes including knowledge, values, and practices in disaster contexts. It draws on past experiences of iwi, hapū, and marae to support understanding of culturally grounded disaster response.

Day 3: Warning Systems for Hazard Events

This day examines public warning systems for hazards such as weather, flooding, and tsunami. It focuses on co-development and participatory approaches to science communication, international examples of effective systems, and the role of communities in maintaining them.

Day 4: Wellbeing and Resilience in Disasters

Drawing on recent research, this day provides a framework for enhancing wellbeing in disaster contexts. It covers public education, community engagement, and resilience initiatives in New Zealand and overseas, with attention to monitoring and evaluation strategies.

Day 5: Hazard Landscapes and Mitigation Strategies

This day undertakes an excursion exploring emergency management planning, land-use planning, and mitigation options in the Wellington and Hutt Valley regions. It includes visits to tsunami zones, fault lines, and the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre (NGMC), with discussion of community-based preparedness.

Meet Your Facilitators

This course is run by the Joint Centre for Disaster Research.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.