The objective of this study was to look at ways of strengthening future planning and decision-making to take better account of hazard information and science knowledge. The intention was to produce an agenda for encouraging improvements to planning and decision-making processes. This report outlines the main findings of the first phase of an assessment of how well natural hazard knowledge is being developed and utilised in an evolving climate of community and government expectations. The report does not provide an exhaustive assessment of all aspects of the topic, rather it brings forward the key factors and considerations believed to be important to good decision-making.