Mediating Imagination: Planning the Culture(s) of New Zealand Cities

Abstract

Culture has become a more significant policy concern for local governments in many countries since the 1980s. 'Cultural planning' and its 'creative city' mutations are advanced as innovative and collaborative processes for mobilising resources and new ideas to rejuvenate urban life and solve complex problems. In light of this shift and the prominence given to culture in statutory reforms over the last two decades, this thesis investigates how culture is interpreted, promoted and enhanced through local government policy and planning in New Zealand. It does so through four case studies, critically drawing on archival materials, policies and plans, complemented by qualitative interviews with a range of stakeholders working inside and outside of government. Three of the case studies focus on the cities of Nelson, Napier and Auckland. All three cities have a progressive reputation in aspects of cultural development while varying in scale, tradition and contemporary orientation. The fourth case study takes a different approach and emphasises the cultural niche of literary heritage by way of an investigation of four literary house museums. These museums are a conduit for exploring the construction of cultural meaning and its stewardship. While this study could only ever deliver partial insights into the articulation of culture in New Zealand's urban environment, it revealed that beneath the policy rhetoric very little has changed in terms of real achievement. Councils were slow to incorporate culture into their planning agendas and provide the safeguards and resources to ensure the long-term viability of their assets. Plans were confused and evanescent, rather than strategic, coherent and implemented. Culture more often meant the arts and aspects of heritage; usually the status quo simply re-presented. Individuals and community associations played a significant role in creating, identifying and advocating for cultural assets, whereas councils were reactive, expedient and limited operators in the cultural field. The thesis concludes that although New Zealand is a highly urbanised country, it has yet to develop the political institutions and public mentalities necessary to understand and advance the culture of its cities. Culture broadly conceived has proved difficult to capture in policy and planning frameworks everywhere, but this does not diminish the importance of the endeavour.