Exploring communication practices that promote community participation and collective action for reducing disaster risks in New Zealand

This study examines how emergency management agencies in New Zealand use communication to promote civic participation and collective action for disaster risk reduction. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyses communication practices across emergency management agencies, government organisations, community-based groups, and local residents. Qualitative findings identify key communicative actions supporting participation, including relationship-building and scoping activities, awareness-raising events, promotional campaigns, and community conversations. Guided by communication infrastructure theory, the study presents a conceptual map of the communication networks, resources, and processes used to foster participation. Survey results show that emergency management agencies act as the primary communicators, while interpersonal influence and community conversations are the most effective mechanisms for engaging new participants. The study discusses both theoretical and practical implications for strengthening community engagement in disaster risk reduction.