If Christchurch has a big earthquake or similar disaster, she says an area like Papanui could be on its own for the first 72 hours and it will be critical that the Civil Defence headquarters at Papanui High School is operating.

Compared to most people, Luisa knows what she's talking about. She grew up in a flood-prone village in Angola. "Flooding frequently caused devastation, and that's aside from living in a country where there's a war going on," she says. "One thing I've learnt is that in an emergency I'd rather be helping than being helped. It's very empowering to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem."

Like the 1500 other CD volunteers based at co-ed high schools and primary school sectors posts throughout Christchurch, Luisa takes part in regular training sessions andattends meetings at her area headquarters.

Her main motivation is to be ready to look after her family and to help others, but she says being part of CD is also a good way for people who have recently moved to New Zealand to learn about how their community operates.