Ethnic Chinese participation in long-term visions for collaborative freshwater planning in Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

In attempting to address environmental degradation through participatory processes, planners need to be cognisant of societies becoming more ethnically diverse. This poses challenges to both engage with recent migrants, and to provide education and opportunities for involvement in host governance systems. Here, freshwater values of concern to ethnic Chinese in Aotearoa New Zealand are explored, along with involvement in participatory freshwater management processes. Results from surveys (n ¼ 151), and interviews with public officials and prominent ethnic Chinese (n ¼ 10), showed that values centred strongly on drinking water quality. While there was clear support for involvement in planning; very few had previously engaged due to a range of surmountable barriers. Given 30% population were born overseas, planners should expand engagement methods to facilitate the participation of diverse ethnicities. Such an approach would help to build relationships between local government and diverse publics that may aid collaborative responses to environmental change.