Localising the global goal of inclusive public parks in New Zealand : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Planning at Lincoln University

Abstract

Public parks provide a free opportunity for people to recreate and socialise in a green open space, which is especially beneficial in light of changing housing patterns often lessening the amount of green space privately available to people. However, with people’s needs and preferences differing, many public parks are inaccessible for some people and are missing recreation opportunities that appeal to a wide range of people. This dissertation uses a range of methods to create a framework to aid park planners in making parks more inclusive, followed by recommendations for change on a more institutional level. This research can help New Zealand to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Target 11.7, which concerns the presence of accessible and safe green spaces that are inclusive. The research identified a number of gaps in current park planning practice. Among these gaps were financial barriers, legislation prohibiting particular uses in certain parks, and a lack of mandatory standards for safety and accessibility. The methods included in this research are a literature and document review, observation and park user interviews with a case study approach using a Christchurch park, and interviews with park planners working for local councils in New Zealand. The framework includes recommendations for park planners to use existing standards and guidelines to guide park planning, as well as grouping together park renewals for safety and accessibility upgrades, to balance the need for more inclusion, while being realistic about the financial strain parks can have. The framework includes providing for consultation and feedback from the community, as well as including participatory planning with tangata whenua.