Enduring traditions and contested authority: Collaborative environmental governance in Aotearoa-New Zealand : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Planning at Lincoln University

Abstract

The importance of natural resources to societal well being is revealed in the intense debate, contestation and conflict inherent in environmental management. Collaborative regimes are proferred as a means of integrating diverse environmental values and interests of local communities with state and non-state actors - often excluding indigenous peoples. In Aotearoa-New Zealand, Treaty of Waitangi settlements and environmental legislation reform provide an increased opportunity for indigenous values to contribute to resource management decision making. Concurrently, central government industriously attempts to accommodate the requirements of multiple international agreements. This study attempts to identify factors that influence collaborative environmental arrangements in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Analysis of key domestic and international policy documents was undertaken, complemented by semi structured interviews conducted with recognised stakeholders for the case study area of Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour. It is envisaged the study will clarify the roles policy diffusion, institutional capability and legal traditions play in environmental resource management for Aotearoa-New Zealand.