Obstacles to public participation evaluation : a case study of the Canterbury Regional Council

Abstract

The main aim of this report is to identify potential obstacles to public participation evaluation in Aotearoa / New Zealand, under the Resource Management Act 1991(RMA), in the 1990s. Within this aim, the report has five objectives: 1. to define public participation generally, and specifically in New Zealand; 2. to consider the importance of public participation evaluation for environmental decision making; 3. to identify preliminary potential obstacles to public participation evaluation in New Zealand under the RMA;

4. to examine the relevance and importance of these obstacles on the basis of a pilot case study; and 5. to recommend initial avenues for alleviating these obstacles. This report established a theoretical framework for public participation evaluation and sought to highlight relevant theory through the use of a case study. The framework relied on a broad search of public participation and evaluation literature and documents and a more focused examination on New Zealand specific literature. Interviews were conducted to support limitation of resources. Twelve individuals were interviewed, ten Crown Agents and two tangata whenua representatives in line with the consultation requirements of the RMA. These individuals are involved in consultation with, or on behalf of, the Canterbury Regional Council and were familiar with the participation requirements and/or practices of the Council.