Tokenism or people’s participation?: exploring devolved coastal hazard management at Waihi Beach, New Zealand

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change and its effects on coastal hazards are an observed reality. They are a forerunner of what is to come for coastal nations and regions, an environment where the consequences of climate change are already most certain and most costly. Recent times have seen a shift in coastal hazard management, moving away from managing hazards in isolation. This paradigm shift recognises coastal hazard and climate change as a crisis of governance, as it has led scholars to ‘second generation’ environmental management that considers the human elements of coastal hazards. The effects of coastal hazards and climate change are not evenly distributed, leading to variations in perceptions of their effects and subsequent management. Participation is therefore commonly advocated in policy for the enhanced effects of climate change, in order to implement policies that are more likely to be supported and implemented successfully. This thesis examines coastal hazard management in New Zealand, a country where the management of coastal hazards and the effects of climate change are required by statute and devolved to local governments. To explore the extent to which participation in a devolved governance structure allows for local people’s perceptions and knowledge in coastal hazard management. This research employed a qualitative methodology, which included a series of semi-structured interviews as well as analysis of relevant policy documents. Semi-structured interviews provided a platform through which perceptions and experiences of coastal hazards and experiences of participation could be uncovered. Waihi Beach case study site revealed that the indicators of a paradigm shift to a second generation are present; however the academic scholarship and fieldwork reveals that while participation is an important aspect of coastal hazard management it is an inherently problematic process. Problems arise due to scales of power as well as the long term and uncertain nature of coastal hazards. The benefits and limitation of participation should be acknowledged by all parties to allow for participation goals to be met and to avoid feelings of dissatisfaction Keywords: Coastal Hazards; Climate Change; Participation; Perceptions; New Zealand.