New Zealand territorial local authorities: Tourism planning and development roles:A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (Honours) at Lincoln University

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the roles Territorial Local Authorities (TLAs) are adopting with respect to tourism and to compare these with the five roles outlined by the Ministry of Tourism (Sowman, 1993). A secondary aim was to discover how these roles differ in relation to TLAs 'population size and tourist density. TLAs were categorised according to these two variables for sampling and analysis purposes. Data were obtained through four semi-structured interviews and thirty-one postal questionnaires. Results indicate that there is a high level of TLA participation in the development roles of tourism promotion and amenity provision. In contrast, low levels of participation were found in the planning roles of public utility provision and developing policies for sustainable tourism growth. The results indicate that high population TLAs have a greater depth of involvement in tourism promotion and amenity provision. High tourist density TLAs were found to be more likely to have used their regulatory role to develop specific strategies to minimise negative impacts of tourism and to have prepared, or be preparing, a strategic tourism plan. These quantitative findings are discussed in relation to interview findings and relevant literature, and areas for further research are suggested.