RURAL ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENT:

Matakana Island Plan Change Appeal

Client:
Blakely Pacific Limited
Date:
2010
Objectives:
To prepare social analysis evidence for Environment Court Appeal against an approved Plan Change application
Major activities:
- site visit to Matakana Island;
- preparation of social profile for Matakana Island community;
- review of Plan Change documentation and commissioner decision;
- interviews with operations staff and willing Island residents;
- analysis of secondary data, including census demographic data;
- review of submissions.
Outputs:
Statement of evidence for the Appeal hearing
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Lake Hood - second stage development: Proposed Plan Change

Client:
Ashburton Aquatic Park Charitable Trust
Date:
2008
Objectives:
To assemble a component of the evaluation of the proposed Plan Change, based on social analysis, and to screen for potential risks of adverse social effects that may need addressing by way of avoidance, remedy or mitigation.
Major activities:
- site visit;
- discussions with other technical experts regarding Plan Change development;
- analysis of census population trends;
- survey of existing Huntingdon Park residents;
- attendance at public open day.
Outputs:
SIA Report to the Client (October 2008)
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Wetlands Research Project

Client:
Environment Canterbury
Date:
2005
Objectives:
Consultation with farming communities to investigate farmers’ knowledge of wetlands, their perceptions of the value of wetlands, their understanding of current obligations under the Natural Resources Regional Plan, their current approach to managing wetlands on their properties, and perceived barriers to farmer actions.
Major Activities:
Design and facilitate workshops with representatives of the farming community in three localities in Canterbury, and provide feedback to each group and to Environment Canterbury.
Outputs:
Report to Environment Canterbury.
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Chatham Islands Economic Review

Client:
Department of Internal Affairs
Date:
1989
Objectives:
  1. Review the suite of NZ government assistance and subsidies to the Chatham Islands.
  2. Examine issues of social and economic development, resource management and iwi development.
  3. Recommend the character of future government assistance.
Major Activities:
Social and institutional analysis including constitutional issues; review of resource development in fishing, agriculture, tourism and nature conservation; review of social and other services such as transport and energy; widespread community consultation including consultation with iwi groups; team leadership.
Outputs:
Public information newsletters.
Summary report.
Technical report.
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Rabbit and Land Management Programme

Client:
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Date:
1990-1993
Objectives:
  1. Provide social and institutional monitoring and evaluation of a five-year programme in the South Island, including conduct of first year and mid-term reviews.
  2. Support for community development initiatives.
  3. Obtain changes to more sustainable land management practices.
Major Activities:
Base-line studies including community profiles and two farmer surveys; analysis of secondary data, consultation and issue identification; personal interviews workshops and discussion meetings.
Outputs:
  • Profile of farmers and communities.
  • Profile of the pest destruction industry.
  • Summary reports.
  • Annual review.
  • Mid-term evaluation report.
  • Report on community development initiatives.
  • Conference papers.
  • End of project farmer survey and evaluation.
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Off-farm employment

Client:
Ministry of Agriculture, MAF Policy, Wellington
Date:
1992-1994
Objectives:
  1. Research into the nature and extent of off-farm employment in New Zealand, and its relationship to farm restructuring.
  2. Develop policy implications.
Major Activities:
Lliterature review, background analysis of three case study areas, and in-depth interviews with 60 farm couples. Feed-back meetings with participants and interested parties.
Outputs:
Summary of research results for participants, technical research report and a published report: "Means of survival - an analysis of off-farm employment in New Zealand" by C. Nicholas Taylor and Heather McCrostie Little. Available on request from . .
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Waitaki Boundary Reorganisation Proposal. Communities of Interest - Regional Boundary Issues

Client:
Canterbury Regional Council
Date:
1997
Objectives:
  1. Identify the various bases for interpreting the concept of "community of interest" from the perspective and experience of those living along the Waitaki River.
  2. Identify local issues and concerns regarding the responsibilities and performance of the Canterbury Regional Council.
Outputs:
Contract report.
Evidence for Local Government Commission hearings (x2).
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