21 Apr Civil Defence Work Video
Whilst news coverage and social media are quick to publicise the negative aspects of natural disasters, we would like to highlight some of the positives, from within our own ranks.
Raquel Miller, a Fraser Thomas Senior Engineering Geologist and Nelson/Marlborough Branch Manager, viewed the devastating rains of August 2022 as an opportunity to give back to her local community. Using her professional skillset, experience with the Christchurch earthquakes, and a bucket-load of personal compassion, Raquel set out on a mission to support her fellow residents and the wider Nelson township, with their struggles resulting from living directly within a disaster area, for a second time.
Working with NZ Civil Defence (CD), Raquel’s professional role was to establish the extent of geotechnical property damage that the flooding had caused, and to plan and supervise remediation works. As she travelled from home to home, Raquel discovered that a broader range of support was being sought by home owners, than just that limited to her contractual role with CD; Raquel found herself providing mental wellbeing support and geotechnical translation services to help provide scared families with a sense of care and understanding for their individual situation.
Working 60+ hour weeks, Raquel looks back now on the long work days with a positive recall. When asked about memorable aspects of her role, Raquel commented ‘It was great working with the helicopter guys, having them up in the action’, and ‘It (the CD recovery team) had a real family feel.’
Read more about the professional services Raquel provided to CD here >>>
