Expressed values in social media posts regarding the Three Waters Act : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Planning at Lincoln University

Abstract

The Three Waters Act, which dealt with the reforming of wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water systems in New Zealand, is more commonly known simply as “Three Waters”. It has gained a variety of positive and negative feedback from the public in response, causing it to be an issue of contention. This research seeks to understand this public response through the application of an environmental psychology framework to identify which values underpin people’s perception of the issue. By identifying the impacts of such processes, it looks to establish a better understanding of how to manage contrasting interests for planning issues.