Integrated management versus fragmented management : a case study : Te Waihora

Abstract

This report advocates that integrated management, given the complex nature of the environment, is more preferable than a regime which is characterised by fragmentation. General issues associated with the present resource management regime will be illustrated and more specific issues will be highlighted with respect to Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere). Given the broad aim of this report, the particular objectives and format will proceed as follows:

Section 2 will present a case against fragmented management by highlighting three rationale for integrated management. Second it will investigate ways in which to implement integrated management. Finally, it will propose that an effective strategy is dependent upon the situation.

Given that integration is dependent upon the situation, in Section 3, major factors permeating all resource management issues in New Zealand will be outlined. These issues are the Treaty of Waitangi and Environmental Law.

Section 4 introduces the chosen case study: Te Waihora. This includes a physical and biological description, a characterisation of the current management regime and an illustration of the contentious issues currently associated with the management of the lake.

In Section 5, a strategy for integration will be proposed with respect to the management of Te Waihora. In particular, this will involve a re-analysis of integration strategies and a proposed process to implement an appropriate co-ordination strategy for Te Waihora.

General conclusions will be drawn, in section 6, with respect to the broad aim of this report.