Internationally, enhancing community resilience is considered key to disaster management. Factors that affect community resilience from a community perspective are explored across six communities. The research occurred following a series of devastating earthquakes in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Results show that connected communities with pre-existing community infrastructure (e.g. community and tribal organisations, local leaders) found it easier to adapt after the earthquakes. Existing hardship was exacerbated by disaster. The research sheds light on how to foster resilient communities and the importance of doing this because resilient communities cope better with, and recover faster from, crises. However, communities need to be sufficiently resourced to carry out their vital role.

The gardening experience interrupted the participants' negative ruminations, offering stress relief and elements of social inclusion and self-actualization. Gardening is an inexpensive and positive intervention for a population with a high incidence of mental illness and distress.

Interventions for child and adolescent trauma survivors are critical to prevent the life-long health sequelae of childhood trauma. Pivotal times to engage these survivors include periods when they may be accessed in school and healthcare settings.