Question

Why is public participation important in a community development effort?  Research some local efforts at public participation and discuss at least one effort.  What was the issue, the response from the public, and was it effective?  

Answer 1

The main aim of public participation is to encourage the public to have meaningful input into the decision-making process. Public participation thus provides the opportunity for communication between agencies making decisions and the public. This communication can be an early warning system for public concerns, a means through which accurate and timely information can be disseminated, and can contribute to sustainable decision-making.

Arthur’s Pass National Park Management Plan

Arthur’s Pass National Park is situated in the mountains between Canterbury and the West Coast in the South Island. It was established in 1929, making it New Zealand’s third national park and the first in the South Island. As well as the usual statutes, the Ngäi Tahu Settlement Claims Act 1998 also provides direction regarding consultation. The process studied was the second review of the plan. The review was initiated in September 2004, and the plan was approved by the NZCA in December 2007. The plan review received 67 submissions.