Feb
12


Webinar: Recovering From Disasters - How People Cope


Many parts of New Zealand have been affected by severe weather events!

In this evidence‑based webinar, Michael Hempseed will explore real case studies showing how people cope with disasters in the days and weeks that follow—as well as how their needs and responses shift over the months and years ahead.

He will examine remarkable psychological findings about how humans react in moments of shock, why these responses are often misunderstood, and how some traditional forms of support can unintentionally make things worse.

In this session, we’ll cover:

  • When the psychological impact of a disaster is greatest
  • How people typically respond in states of grief, shock, and overwhelm
  • What science tells us about the most effective ways whole communities can recover
  • Key signs that someone may be struggling to cope
  • Where and how to access support for yourself or others

This webinar is designed for anyone working with communities, supporting others after crisis, or wanting a deeper understanding of human behaviour during and after traumatic events.

Your registration confirmation will include a link to register in zoom

Members Only

Can’t join Live? Register anyway and we will send you a link to view the recording after the session.

Online
Webinar
12/02/2026 12:00
12/02/2026 13:00
Zoom

Your Presenter: Michael Hempseed

Michael Hempseed is the author of Being A True Hero: Understanding and Preventing Suicide in Your Community and co-author of Calming Your Child. Michael, is a very popular professional speaker, delivering between 150-200 talks every year. He has spoken to Fonterra, NZ Post, Fire and Emergency NZ and many others.

Michael gained an honours degree in Psychology from the University of Canterbury in 2008. In 2016 he spoke at TEDx. Michael has significant experience helping communities recover after the Christchurch earthquakes, the mosque shootings and Cyclone Gabriel.