Hon Kiri Allan on crisis communication, localised knowledge, and bridging worlds

Elizabeth speaks with former Cabinet Minister and lawyer, Kiri Allan. Kiri was a member of Parliament in the New Zealand House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023, as a List MP and then representing the Labour Party in the East Coast electorate. She held the positions of Minister for Emergency Management and Minister of Conservation (Nov 2020-June 2022), and Minister of Justice (June 2022-July 2023), among others.In this episode, Kiri and Elizabeth discuss what it’s like managing public communications during a crisis. Kiri shares personal stories of hardship and hope from responding to events like the Whakaari/White Island eruption, Christchurch mosque attack, COVID, and Cyclone Gabrielle. The conversation explores the importance of incorporating local and indigenous knowledge in disaster response, the integration of Mātauranga Māori into emergency management, and the investment and systemic changes needed for a more climate-resilient Aotearoa. Kiri also touches on the personal impact of her roles, the importance of vulnerability in leadership and sharing your story, and about her new book.Join our newsletter at www.disastrous.co for more resources from this episode.

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