Crisis and green urban development: Urban agriculture and post-earthquake urban resilience in Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract

The paper examines urban agriculture and local food initiatives in post-earthquake Christchurch, New Zealand and discusses their role for urban resilience. Like many other coastal cities in the world, Christchurch is prone to a range of natural and anthropogenic disasters including earthquakes, floods, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise. In 2010 and 2011, the Canterbury region was struck by two major earthquakes and a series of aftershocks. It was one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of New Zealand killing 185 and injuring 7000 people. 90 per cent of residential properties were damaged, resulting in the demolition of around 8000 households and 80% of central Christchurch. In addition, recurrent flood events have been devastating large areas of the city on a regular basis. Shortly after the experiences of the 2010/11 Canterbury earthquakes, various bottom-up urban agriculture initiatives sprung up and have led to the development of a network of organisations and spaces across the city. With the help of exemplary case studies, the paper discusses post-earthquake urban agriculture initiatives in Christchurch against notions of urban resilience. It critically reflects on knowledge gaps, potential areas for future research and related barriers and enablers for green urban development.