This thesis seeks to explore the distinctive behaviour of private stakeholders and institutions in a post-disaster recovery environment. This will be approached by exploring the perceptions, role and decision-making behaviour of private property stakeholders (investors, developers and agents) involved in urban post-disaster recovery of Christchurch central business district (CBD). This inquiry into post-disaster property recovery in Christchurch intends to achieve an in-depth understanding of the role played by private property stakeholders and institutions who are an integral part of post-disaster urban recovery.

The underlying reason for this study is to gain insights into the regeneration of commercial spaces within the Christchurch CBD. The study will lead to deeper understanding as to how the perceptions, role and decision-making behaviour of private property investors and developers can evolve in these unique conditions. This study adds to the body of knowledge by adopting an institutional and behavioural perspective on how to explore and understand the perceptions, role and decision-making behaviour of private property stakeholders (investors, developers and agents) in post-disaster recovery.