Participation 2.0 and planning: Web 2.0 technologies for planning and policy-making in New Zealand councils

Abstract

Case studies of three councils were undertaken in New Zealand on the perspectives, opportunities, and barriers to the use of Web 2.0 technologies for participation in planning. All councils, involved in this study, saw the importance of Web 2.0 and wanted to increase its use. There was some Web 2.0 used by the councils, including social media, and mobile applications. Each of the three councils wanted to increase the use of visual forms of communication, such as photos and videos. Current use of Web 2.0 tended to be for wider government processes. However, interactive mapping, was utilised by two of the three councils largely for planning purposes. The councils believed the uptake of technologies depend on whether it was relevant and appropriate for the area the council serves. Interviewees of this study still believed there was a place for traditional methods of communication, even if some forms such as press releases have become irrelevant. It was generally believed that Web 2.0 could be more suitable for some people and provide alternative consultation methods. Perspectives on what the barriers were towards the utilisation of technologies differed between interviewees and included people not recognising the benefit the use of Web 2.0 can provide, and financial and technological barriers. The use of Web 2.0 for public participation was assessed against Sherry Arnstein’s A Ladder of Citizen Participation and Nabatchi and Mergel’s Types of Public Involvement in Decision Making. The councils used the technology to inform the public and there was also evidence of consultation being achieved using Web 2.0.