How can urban green space design in New Zealand better support multicultural needs? A case study of Christchurch urban parks : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University

Abstract

Urban green spaces are recognised for supporting people’s physical and mental well-being, especially for migrant communities. However, although New Zealand is becoming increasingly diverse, there is still limited research on how green spaces are used in immigrant-concentrated neighbourhoods and whether current designs respond to multicultural needs. This study uses Wigram in Christchurch, a neighbourhood with a relatively high Chinese population, as a case study to examine how urban green spaces are used in a multicultural context. The research applies behavioural observation and systematically records the use of four public green spaces on both weekdays and weekends at different times of the day. It focuses on activity types, frequency of use, and patterns of stay. The results show that most users are families with children, while adults without children and older people are less active. Even though the community is highly diverse, no clear cultural differences in park use were observed. This suggests that the current design and spatial types of the parks may not fully respond to the cultural and social needs of immigrant communities. The study suggests that urban green space design in New Zealand should go beyond basic functions. It should pay more attention to cultural needs, facilities, and environmental comfort in order to improve inclusion and encourage more active use in multicultural communities. This research provides behavioural evidence for green space design in the New Zealand context and offers useful insights for landscape practice and environmental justice.