How can multicultural communities be engaged effectively in the process of setting long-term visions for freshwater? : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Water Resource Management at Lincoln University

Abstract

The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM) introduced Te Mana o te Wai (loosely translated as the vital importance of water), which requires councils to engage with communities and tangata whenua in any decision-making processes relating to water. It is important for local authorities such as Environment Canterbury (ECan) to engage with a diversity of cultures. According to census data, people of Asian ethnicity make up about 15% of the total New Zealand population, of which the ethnic Chinese group makes up the largest proportion. Previous research indicates that ethnic Chinese people in Christchurch are willing to be involved in environmental planning, but that there are barriers to their participation, such as lack of local environmental and political knowledge. This study aims to: (1) explore the meaning of Te Mana o te Wai to ethnic Chinese living in Christchurch; (2) identify and evaluate effective ways of engaging with ethnic Chinese in developing long-term visions for freshwater management; and (3) review existing documents for best-practice engagement with the ethnic Chinese group. Data was collected during July and August 2022. The researcher collected 151 anonymous survey responses (67 responses from the in-person approach and 84 responses collected online through social media channels). Ten semi-structured interviews were also conducted, comprising five participants from central and local government and five local Chinese community leaders. This study’s findings suggest that most Chinese had not heard of Te Mana o te Wai, but that most wanted to participate in decision-making processes around environmental planning or water management. This study highlights some barriers not previously identified in research, such as cultural differences and lack of capability and capacity for local authorities. The study concludes with recommendations to help the regional council improve ethnic Chinese participation in decision-making processes in order to achieve more inclusivity and collaboration with diverse ethnic groups in New Zealand.