Life in poly-centric layers of governance, management and application – which water management hat do I need to wear today?

Abstract

A variety of strategies to manage freshwater are being developed and implemented in NZ within the bounds of the Resource Management Act and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater. Rules at one level shape the options and strategies available at subsequent levels down to the individual. Collaboration, co-governance and adaptive governance are just a few of the mechanisms used to engage communities and provide equitable solutions to maintain, or improve, freshwater quality -but what works when, where and why?