Abstract:
Relational values incorporate a sense of place, identity and wellbeing that may motivate (or demotivate) individuals to engage with restoration activities. A mixed-methods approach explores local relations to the Waimatā River in Gisborne, a river of historical significance in many ways, including being the first meeting place between Māori and pākehā in Aotearoa New Zealand. The contemporary river suffers from high sedimentation rates, declining water quality, and poor biodiversity. Extensive forestry operations and agriculture are primary land uses in the upper catchment. Various farms and lifestyle properties make up the lower reaches, prior to (sub)urban developments within Gisborne itself and the associated port. The river is a cherished and frequently used space for recreational activities, including various paddling sports. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews seek to explain perspectives upon the river among residents in different parts of the catchment, assessing how relations influence perceptions of current restoration activities. The majority of residents were unsatisfied with the current state of the river. Relations to the river have changed over time, particularly for longer-term residents (> 10 years). As the perceived health of the river declined over time, so did interactions with it, while emotional connections to it strengthened. Where residents lived within the catchment and how they interacted with the Waimatā River influenced their concerns and aspirations for it. Concerns and aspirations in the upper catchment were linked to forestry impacts, whereas residents in the mid and lower catchment were more concerned with swimmability, water quality, and aesthetic appeal. Time spent interacting with the river positively influenced mental and physical wellbeing. Drawing on lived experiences with the river, interview findings reveal various roles played by the river in residents’ lives. Strong themes of responsibility and governance emerged, with forestry companies, Gisborne District Council, and agricultural practices held responsible for the river’s current state. Prospectively, incorporating local knowledge in the design and implementation of restoration activities could enhance long-term prospects for success through programmes that sustain public support for and engagement with conservation initiatives.