Residents' preparedness, experiences and actions during an extreme wildfire in the Far North, Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

This paper presents results of a qualitative study in the Far North, Aotearoa New Zealand that examined wildfire experiences and actions by residents during an extreme wildfire in 2011, and preparedness before and after the wildfire. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were completed with 35 predominantly Indigenous Māori residents. We found that the wildfire, including the death of a helicopter pilot and government worker was devastating for participants. Participants whose homes were in the area affected by the fire responded in various ways, with some trying to protect their homes while the fire was burning nearby and then fleeing to the nearby beach, others staying in their house and waiting to be evacuated, and one evacuating as soon as they became aware of the fire. Participants did not have formal evacuation plans but had water sources and had identified the beach as a safe place where they and their children would go in the event of a wildfire. There is evidence that experiencing this fire encouraged some, but not all participants, to become better prepared. Whānau (extended families) and marae (physical, communal meeting places of significance for Māori) helped to inform and support residents during and after the fire event. Recommendations are provided to enhance the preparedness of residents in Northland communities and elsewhere.