Recovery: still the least understood, least well-served CIMS function?

Of all the CIMS functions, disaster recovery is arguably still the least understood - and the least well served by training.

We often hear "recovery starts on day zero," but what does that really mean?

When an emergency happens, the response phase often gets the spotlight. But the decisions made in those first hours and days can shape a community's recovery for months or even years.

That's why we are offering a new Performing the CIMS Recovery Function course.

22–23 October 2026, Massey University, Wellington

This two-day, practical course is designed for people who operate within the Recovery Function and take on responsibility for achieving effective recovery outcomes for communities. Through facilitated discussions, activities and applied learning, participants will build their understanding of:

The role of recovery within CIMS
Managing the transition from response to recovery
Early recovery interventions across the four recovery environments
Multi-agency recovery coordination
Community engagement and strengths-based approaches
Personal and team wellbeing in recovery settings

The course is facilitated by Sally McKay and Tracy Hatton.

This course is for local government, iwi, emergency management, infrastructure, community services, or any other organisation with a role in recovery.