Abstract
This report outlines the observations and findings with regard to lifelines and other infrastructural items from each of the various New Zealand post-earthquake visits to Kobe subsequent to the NZNSEE reconnaissance team visit. The preliminary assessments on lifelines aspects made in the NZNSEE reconnaissance team report are developed further. Lessons and recommendations for New Zealand are presented.
 In addition to lifelines aspects, observations are also made on the political decision-making process, subsequent economic trends and temporary housing and emergency management issues.
Highlights
At 5.46 am on 17 January 1995 the Hyogo-Ken Nanbu (Great Hanshin) earthquake struck the Kansai region of Japan
There are essentially four types of road in Japan: (a) Expressways. These are operated by four private corporations in Japan, the two operating in the Kobe-Osaka area being the Hanshin Expressway Public Corporation (HEPC) and the Japan Highways Public Corporation (JHPC)
An over-riding impression from the visits by members of the New Zealand lifelines groups is the many parallels between Kobe and Wellington (e.g. geography, geology and seismicity, port facilities, etc.)
Summary
At 5.46 am on 17 January 1995 the Hyogo-Ken Nanbu (Great Hanshin) earthquake struck the Kansai region of Japan. The Hanshin district is the second most important industrial area in Japan after the Tokyo - Yokohama area This earthquake is clearly of interest to New Zealand and is of particular relevance to Wellington due to geographical and geological similarities. In addition to the severe damage suffered by many buildings, this earthquake caused major damage and disruption to lifelines on a much wider scale than other recent international events. This earthquake presented a unique opportunity for lifelines managers, engineers and researchers from New Zealand to learn key lessons experienced by their Japanese counterparts. Information has been keenly sought in relation to the likely extent of damage that the various lifelines in New Zealand could anticipate, the effectiveness of recent mitigation measures and issues associated with the response and recovery phases
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