To cordon or not to cordon: The inherent complexities of post-earthquake cordoning learned from Christchurch and Wellington experiences

The use of post-earthquake cordons as a tool to support emergency managers after an event has been documented around the world. However, there is limited research that attempts understand inherent complexities cordoning once applied, particularly longer-term impacts and consequences. This aims fill gap by providing detailed understanding cordons, their management, implications in environment. We qualitative method through case studies two cities where were used at different temporal spatial scales: Christchurch (M6.3, February 2011) Wellington (M7.8 Kaik?ura, November 2016), New Zealand. Data was collected 21 key informant interviews obtained purposive snowball sampling participants who directly or indirectly involved decision-making role and/or had influence relation process. from varying backgrounds roles i.e. managers, council members, business representatives, insurance police, communication managers. find are primarily control access for purpose life safety security, but can also be adapted recovery. Broadly, our analysis suggests aspects, ‘decision-making’ ‘operations management’, which overlap interact part complex system. underlying complexity arises large due multitude sectors affected cordons: economics, law, politics, governance, evacuation, civil liberties, available resources etc. further increases duration extended.