Organisations play key roles within our society. They have the responsibility for managing,
maintaining and operating our infrastructure, creating our economy, and providing employment
and essential goods and services for our communities. An organisation’s ability to respond
effectively to adverse events depends on their structure, the management and operational
systems they have in place, and the collective resilience of these.
New Zealand organisations have been through considerable structural change over the past
two decades. This has occurred at all levels from central through to local government and the
private sector. Some organisations have in fact been through several cycles of restructuring in
the pursuit of different philosophies. This process has seen the evolution into smaller and
more independent organisations and business units. Their focus on short-term economic
efficiency has however had a detrimental effect in terms of planning to be resilient in the face
of major emergency events.
This paper provides a past/ present/ future perspective of New Zealand by presenting reflections
on the impacts of corporatisation during the ‘80s and ‘90s, a view of the current situation
and suggestions on where future emphasis should be placed. The view is expressed that
relatively few organisations (public or private) in New Zealand are currently making appropriate
levels of commitment and investment in the vital element of ‘readiness’ or preparedness to
respond to and recover from major emergency events. In addition to highlighting the challenge
that this situation represents, some practical strategies for increasing organisational resilience
are suggested, along with key areas where greater resource commitment should be made.