Diversity public engagement in New Zealand planning - A case study of Christchurch the Chinese ethnic group

Abstract

Public engagement is a fundamental part of an effective planning process. Governments and planners worldwide are working on improving it for better planning quality. A growth of ethnic diversity from global immigration provides the challenges and opportunities for the engagement process. In the New Zealand context, Christchurch City opens the door of public engagement to all local residents with different visa types. The Chinese ethnic group is a significant part of local population with diverse cultural and language background. Based primarily on a survey of 111 members of the Christchurch Chinese community, the dissertation provides an analysis of the planning issues of concern to them and of their engagement level in a planning process. It finds that despite an interest in being involved in planning issues there is very little actual engagement with making a submission within a planning process. Reasons for this are discussed from the aspects of planning and communication theory, and suggestions offered to improve engagement.