This paper presents insights into the impact on Maori of the Christchurch earthquakes, including the role of Indigenous Knowledge (Matauranga Maori) in disasters, and the role of Indigenous culture in the response phases of disasters. Drawing on experiences of two previous and one current project the author discusses some of the ethical, practical, and logistical challenges of working with Indigenous individuals and collectives, and challenge the assumption that ‘to be Indigenous is to be resilient’.