NZ firms 'not crisis-ready'

Researchers say New Zealand organisations are ill-prepared for the effects of devastating events stemming from natural disasters and human mismanagement.

Many companies could be blindsided by disaster, said Canterbury University researcher Dr John Vargo, a management consultant who is exploring the best ways to build resilience in companies and other organisations at risk from natural hazards.

"One of the greatest assets an organisation can have is the ability to survive unexpected crisis and to find opportunity to thrive in the face of potentially terminal events," he said yesterday.

"We want organisations to stop and think about the way they plan and conduct business, how they would recover after an adverse event, and ways to improve their resilience in the face of extreme effects."

A survey of Auckland organisations has led to the development of a benchmarking system - due to be completed this year - to help companies to assess and build their preparedness.

- NZPA