Collaborative planning
Fresh thinking was required to develop regional water plans in collaboration with local communities. Our collaborative process explores specific land use scenarios and social, cultural, economic and environmental consequences.
Let communities lead
Zone committees lead the collaborative process by identifying and explaining local issues and aspirations for water management. They bring the local community together to discuss options and make recommendations which are worked into plans. Technical, facilitative and administrative support is provided by Environment Canterbury and district councils.
Get involved early
Early engagement with the community is vital for successful collaboration. Our scientists and planners work together with local people from the beginning of the process to understand communities' concerns. Early engagement also provides an opportunity to question technical information before creating plans. Time invested in engagement pays off with fewer contentious issues arising later in the process.
Develop plans together
Teams of planners, scientists, community facilitators and rūnanga work together with zone committees on the collaborative planning process. Staff work together in cross–disciplinary teams to convert the outputs of this collaboration into plans. These teams guide communities through the development of regional Resource Management Act water plans and formulate solutions together.
