• This research project investigates fire risk at the rural-urban interface (RUI) in the Port Hills, a region characterized by high wildfire vulnerability due to its topography, vegetation, and proximity to human habitation. As climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather conditions, understanding the fire risks at the RUI is critical for safeguarding both natural ecosystems and residential areas.

• The project aims to understand what defensible space looks like at RUI properties and how various characteristics interact to reduce or increase fire risk.

• Identification of key themes such as RUI and defensible space definitions, indigenous knowledge and perspectives, vegetation types on the Port Hills, and history of wildfire informed our focus for reviewing existing literature and research.

• The project involved the creation of a fire risk matrix designed to assess multiple variables, including topography, proximity to fuel sources, building materials, and emergency response access. A weighted score was allocated to each variable in relation to its severity and impact on fire risk.

• By applying the matrix to a set of homes across wider Canterbury including Port Hills and Christchurch City we classified properties from high to low risk based on their unique characteristics.

• Key limitation was the inconsistency of data collection, with varied processes taken in field work on the Port Hills compared to urban flats. Impacts results due to subjectivity of fire risk perception.

• Future implications of this projects are varied. With additional time and funding the creation of GIS and remote sensor maps can provide a physical description of defensible space at the RUI. Implementation into building codes or the RMA to regulate fire risk and educational opportunities.