Massey Documents by Type

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294

Browse

Filters

Settings

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Environmental policy

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 20
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Misfits of science and creatures of habitus : ecological expert witnesses across water resource management fields : a thesis submitted to Massey University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
    (Massey University, 2024-11-01) Russell, Matthew
    This thesis applies Bourdieusian field-theory to investigate the way scientific knowledge is converted into evidence to inform decision making across four key fields central to the development and enforcement of water resource management law in New Zealand: the New Zealand Environment Court, the Environmental Protection Authority, regional councils plan hearings, and ministerially appointed science and technology advisory groups. The New Zealand publicly funded science system now exhibits most of the characteristics of a “neoliberal science regime” (Lave, 2012), a regime constituted by an extensive and influential science "consultocracy" (Hodge and Bowman, 2006) a marketplace of expertise which encompasses the seven Crown Research Institutes, hybrid scientific research institutes and significant aspects of the university sector. This regime has structurally entrenched a series of contradictions across New Zealand’s publicly funded science system which have a decisive influence on 1.) scientific habitus across institutional settings, 2.) the production of ‘public good' environmental expert knowledge claims, and 3.) the way that ecological expertise is converted into evidence to inform decisions on RMA law and policy. While the autonomy of New Zealand’s publicly funded science system has been greatly diminished, the New Zealand Environment Court has developed a set of procedures and rules that are designed to reconstruct the idealised or ‘pure’ autonomous scientific community inside the juridical field. Some of these procedures and rules, most significantly those that relate to the still developing practice of expert-conferencing, have been replicated within regional authority plan hearings and science and technology advisory groups. These procedures function relatively effectively inside the Environment Court. Within quasi-juridical fields like the EPA, councils and STAGs however, politics and power have a significant influence in the process of converting scientific knowledge into evidence to inform actions and judgements, as well as the evidentiary burden that is placed on ecological and biophysical evidence versus other forms of expertise. The neoliberal regime favours agents with the greatest economic capital to engage experts, primarily industry and local and regional authorities. Aside from a small number of highly active ‘misfit' individuals, university-based experts are not major players in the Environment Court, which points towards the powerful authority assigned to expert-knowledge claims produced outside academia. Within this context, mātauranga Māori increasingly represents a corrective to the technocratic, ecological modernisation project embodied in the New Zealand RMA. Ecological misfits see mātauranga Māori as the most powerful articulation of 'public good' environmental values in Aotearoa today. However, the most vocal champions of mātauranga Māori tend to argue around the contradictions produced by the neoliberal science regime, rather than challenging them directly, arguably blunting its transformative potential.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An assessment of local perceptions towards natural resource management practices in the Tuvalu Islands, South Pacific : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Ecology, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2018) Finaunga, Moeo
    As the role of local people in natural resource management continues to be recognized in global conservation interventions, so too does the need to understand the perspectives of local people towards various resource management practices. This study examines local perceptions in Tuvalu towards traditional versus modern resource management practices, and furthermore assesses compliance and enforcement with protected areas village rules or legislation at the community level in the Tuvalu Islands, South Pacific. A mixed method research approach was adopted that includes a nationwide questionnaire survey, a review of the literature and triangulation. The study findings emphasize the dedicated support for local government to deal with most of the aspects of resource management in Tuvalu. The survey findings showed a strong preference by participants to have their Island Councils or Kaupules as the appropriate and responsible authority to be the key informant on the stock status of their natural resources, to manage their island land and marine resources, and to report and impose penalties for violations against their village resource management rules. Participants also indicated a strong preference for a mix resource management system that combines both scientific-based and traditional resource management approaches over a system that uses only traditional resource management strategies. Despite the weakness in the enforcement of existing resource management legislation in Tuvalu, where a monetary fine and imprisonment are the main prosecution methods, monetary fines was strongly perceived in this study as the most preferred method to promote village compliance and enforcement of both formal and informal village laws. In contrast, there was little support to use other common discipline methods such as imprisonment, public shaming, and traditional penalties such as public beating, and feeding of the whole island community by the caught violators; however, this is argued as either being morally wrong or no longer valid due to the Church’s influence and the adoption of laws pertaining to human rights. Although the findings of this study acknowledges that demographic and socio-economic factors can influence local perceptions towards resource management, there is generally very little evidence to conclude that there were significant differences in the perceptions of survey participants based on the many years they have resided in their home islands, having held a leadership role and age. The minor differences in the perceptions may be associated with lack of diversity in the culture of each island, small national population, weak hierarchy in economic status at the individual level as seen in other developing nations. This research provides a deeper understanding of the uncertainties associated with the need and obligation to impose stricter or more resource management measures in small local communities in response to the global move to protect biodiversity. Most importantly, it emphasizes the argument to consider the influence and engagement of local government as an opportunity to promote resource management interventions in Tuvalu and in other local communities of similar constitutional settings.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Mercury elimination in artisanal and small scale gold mining : progress and barriers in implementing national action plan to eliminate mercury in Indonesia (case study : Banyumas regency) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Environmental Management at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Octaviano, Hernandi Albeto
    The artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector is one of the main contributors of mercury emissions Indonesia. As a result of the participation of Indonesia in the Minamata Convention on Mercury, Indonesia established the national action plan (NAP) to eliminate mercury in ASGM that started in 2014 and ends in 2018. To date, there is no report or study that discusses the implementation progress of the NAP. The aim of this research is to investigate the progress of the NAP to eliminate mercury in ASGM in Indonesia. In addition, the study aims to identify barriers for implementation of the NAP. The research in this thesis is a qualitative research that utilises a case study method, in order to gain a deep insight into how stakeholders implement the NAP. Banyumas regency is taken as the case study, since the area has extensive ASGM activities, which emit a high level of mercury into the environment. The primary data for this research is gathered through semi-structured interviews, while secondary data is obtained from institution reports, newspaper articles and government websites. The findings of this research have identified several action plans, for example: the establishment of a stakeholder’s forum at national level; a study on alternative technology; health effects and environmental tests; and training for the miners, which were all undertaken according to the NAP. However, other action plans, for example, regulations regarding formalisation of ASGM; a mercury database; alternative livelihood training; and mercury awareness included in the education curriculum are progressing slowly. In addition, there are four barriers that hinder the implementation of the NAP: institutional barriers (lack of resources, political will and poor coordination); policy barriers (lack of legal formalisation framework and policy support); technical barriers (lack of supporting tools, lack of information on ASGM and miners’ involvement, low level of trust in alternative technology and location difficulties) and socio-economic barriers (miners’ beliefs and social conditions). This research proposes several recommendations to improve the progress of the NAP and to reduce barriers toward implementation, such as improvement in financial availability by cooperating with other actors such as Bappenas, to secure the funding for the implementation of NAP and regulations improvement; strengthening the implementation of NAP by appointing leading ministries such as Coordinating Ministries of Maritime affairs to coordinate the implementation of NAP and adding participation of other actor such as academics to participate in the NAP; and developing approaches and tools to disseminate information. Keywords: artisanal and small-scale gold mining, ASGM, mercury, national action plan, implementation, barriers, Indonesia.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Ideal integrated national environmental management system for South Africa : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Utlwa, Abel Pheello
    The South African environmental management system has been characterised by fragmentation and the lack of effective legislation. The number of statutes concerned with conservation issues is an associated problem. The implementation of the Environmental Conservation Act 1989 has been viewed as inefficient because of the lack of enforcement and control of environmental management issues. The Act has not provided opportunities for public participation, particularly from black communities, in decision-making about environmental matters. The South African environmental management system has not recognised and integrated indigenous peoples resource management systems into the country's legal framework. This is illustrated by the impacts of conservation programmes which have resulted in black communities being uprooted from their lands for the establishment of national parks and tourism facilities, without compensation to traditional owners. Research has identified the need for a revision of environmental impact assessment (EIA) practices in South Africa. There is also an associated need to integrate environmental impact assessment (EIA) into the planning process to achieve sustainability. Studies carried out in South Africa have identified the lack of effective regulations for enforcing the provisions with regard to the status of the coastal zone. The criticisms of the White Paper delivered by participants at the Conference held at Megawatt Park, Sandton, 10 June, 1993, highlight the need for a comprehensive environmental management system to ensure the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. An ideal system would improve the quality of life in the South African community, while maintaining the integrity of the natural resource base. Even though the criticisms have been valid, they fall short of suggesting ideas for the formulation of a new integrated environmental management system for South Africa. Research carried out in South Africa has also identified the inadequacies of the proposed Integrated Environmental Management procedure referred to in the White Paper. This procedure has been perceived as inadequate to achieve the universal principles of sustainable development. This project evaluates the White Paper, the submissions criticising the White Paper and the proposed Integrated Environmental Management system in South Africa. A matrix is used as a method to examine both the New Zealand Resource Management Act 1991 and the South African environmental management provisions against the recommended national actions in the IUCN/UNEP/WWF (1991) and Agenda 21. Research from a number of disciplines concerned with integrated environmental management, are used to recommend changes to the South African environmental management system. Criteria derived from the IUCN/UNEP/WWF (1991) strategy and Agenda 21 are used in the thesis to evaluate the White Paper, submissions criticising the White Paper, and the proposed Integrated Environmental Management system. Finally, An ideal National Integrated Environmental Management System for South Africa is proposed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An analysis of the environmental planning framework for coastal developments in Fiji's coral coast tourist region : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of a degree in Masters of Philosophy in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Tuvuki, Suliasi Wavu
    This thesis examines Fiji's environmental planning framework with particular reference to tourism development along the coast. This focus is an acknowledgement of the coastal ecosystems upon which the tourism industry depends. However, despite this emphasis, the findings in this thesis could be relevant to all types of development in Fiji. Firstly, the shortcomings of the present planning framework are identified, with particular attention being paid to the sectoral nature of the existing institutional and legal arrangements. The important role of EIA is also discussed and is applied to the situation in Fiji's. Particular attention is placed upon the way the present system does not sufficiently recognise the important role the indigenous Fijian plays in the development planning process. This seems unjust since the indigenous rural dweller is the most affected by tourism developments along the coast and so the case study area, Korolevu, was chosen to provide a typical example of how such large scale, unsustainable, coastal developments have in the past, because of flaws in the present system, were often established with little appreciation for the traditions, protocols and more sustainable environmental management practices of the traditional local people. Now that the international community is beginning to recognise the importance of providing sustainable development which preserves the environment in the fullest sense, including the cultural environment into which development is placed, the Government of Fiji is starting to recognise the importance of applying such strategies as Caring for the Earth (IUCN/UNEP/WWF 1991) and Agenda 21 (Sitarz 1993) to the situation in Fiji. The findings of this thesis result in various reforms which have the achievement of sustainable development practices in the Fijian cultural context as the underlying focus. These reforms emphasise the need to recognise and implement indigenous rights into the environmental planning framework at policy, institutional and legal levels. The incorporation of the indigenous Fijian's interests in this framework is an essential component to providing sustainable practices in Fiji. This inclusion can only be achieved by providing meaningful public participation opportunities for such communities. Ultimately, the IUCN/UNEP/WWF (1991) and Sitarz (1993) documents and, in addition, New Zealand's Resource Management Act (1992) collectively provide a useful model out of which the Fiji Government could develop its own environmental management regime which promotes sustainable development through the identification, avoidance, mitigation and remedying of the many environmental problems encountered in Fiji's coastal environment.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Trends in New Zealand climate change policy 1988 - 2006 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Public Policy at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2007) Harbrow, Malcolm Robert
    Since 1988 the New Zealand government has participated in an international effort to limit climate change. This study focuses on the domestic policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions pursued over the period 1988 - 2006, using information drawn from public sources and obtained under the Official Information Act. The science of climate change, international legal framework, and New Zealand's emissions are briefly described to provide the context for policy. The history of domestic climate change policy between 1988 and 2005 is reviewed, and the policies released over the course of 2006 examined. The long-term trends in policy are analysed, and the 2006 policy assessed against them to determine whether it represents a continuation or departure from those trends. Finally, some brief policy recommendations are made. The analysis of long-term trends shows that the New Zealand government has consistently preferred economic instruments over regulatory ones in the effort to reduce emissions, and that it has consistently excluded agriculture from policy. There has also been a heavy reliance on forest sinks at the expense of emissions reductions. Finally, there has been a repeated failure to implement policy, particularly in the area of putting a price on carbon. The 2006 policies broadly followed these trends, although with some important differences: there was a greater willingness to use regulation and the first steps towards incorporating agriculture were taken. Overall, the approach was more pragmatic than that taken previously.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The European phenomenon : European airline environmental reporting : a research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Management), from Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Day, Benjamin R
    It is generally accepted that the earth is facing some serious ecological issues as the world's population increases and as the environmental impacts of human endeavour take effect. Business, and the consumption that it promotes, is often blamed for the environmental dilemmas that the earth is facing (Hawken, 1994; Welford, 1995). However, as business becomes more responsible and accountable a new phenomenon has emerged in the process of environmental management and environmental accountability (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, 1993). A new catch phrase can now be heard echoing in the boardrooms all around the world, as companies begin a journey of environmental and social responsibility. Corporate Environmental Reporting or CER is a new tool in the arsenal for business and is often part of a broad environmental management process. Several commentators argue that environmental reporting is an extremely important tool in the journey towards business sustainability because CER is seen as a method of gaining trust and credibility. Honesty is an important part of the whole sustainability argument; environmental disclosure is a method for business to achieve this (UNEP, 1994; Sustain Ability, 1997).
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Environmental performance indicators for energy sector industry : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Applied Science in Natural Resource Management at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2000) Kissick, Joanne Terese
    Mounting evidence regarding the degradation of our environment and a growing sense of shared responsibility has provided the impetus to develop multilateral environmental agreements to address global environmental problems. Concerns regarding unsustainable energy consumption and production patterns have also underscored the need to improve environmental monitoring. This research provides an analysis of the role and status of environmental performance indicators for energy sector industry in New Zealand. The environmental indicators considered are those that are directly aligned to energy consumption and production patterns. In order to be able to identify and isolate the range of issues associated with energy consumption and production patterns, it is necessary to understand both the factors that influence energy use and the effects that arise. Factors that can be utilised as environmental indicators include, energy efficiency, energy intensity, energy fuel mixes and energy prices, and the carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy use. Much progress has been made at a national and international level in the development and use of environmental indicators for energy sector industry. The UN, OECD, and Natural Resources Canada all utilise the above-described environmental indicators to assess energy consumption and production patterns. This progress provides useful insight for the MfE in the development of their national energy indicators. The MfE's energy indicators when introduced will prove a fundamental monitoring tool for policy makers in New Zealand. Environmental indicators will enable policy makers at either a local, national or international level to be able to accurately monitor and evaluate the environmental consequences associated with energy consumption and production patterns (including those of energy sector industry). From this monitoring, policy makers will be able to assess the effectiveness of their environmental policy frameworks. In doing so, policy makers will avoid misinterpreting or inappropriately responding to their environmental policy frameworks or obligations.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Climate change and the intersection with development and security : as evidenced by global, regional and local responses in Kiribati : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2010) Egan, Andrea
    This thesis will analyse the evolution and the impact of global, regional and local responses to climate change in Pacific Small Island Developing States. This examination will take place through the lens of the United Nations and Pacific regional powers' involvement in Kiribati and within the greater context of the security-development nexus. There are arguably three major actors in the policy realm – intergovernmental organizations /non-governmental organizations, regional powers and local governments. By analysing the United Nations (as the intergovernmental organization), New Zealand (as one of the regional powers) and Kiribati (as the local government of the affected country) we can gain a better understanding of how these three entities engage in dialogue and facilitate change on the ground. Kiribati is an exemplar for the security-development interrelationship in the face of climate change. This status is manifest by virtue of the Kiribati high level of responsiveness to international initiatives, direct overtures to regional powers (in regards to increased aid for adaptation, mitigation and relocation measures), and implementation of numerous national policies related to issues arising from climate change. This thesis details the current policy landscape with respect to climate change and Pacific Small Island Developing States and will examine the evolution of international, regional and national policy responses in the climate change context. The objective is to provide an empirical basis for understanding policy responses with respect to climate change in Pacific Small Island Developing States. In service of this objective, this thesis will analyse existing policy, proposed policy and hypothetical/academic policy using discourse analysis and document content analysis. An understanding of the constitution and evolution of these discursive categories (as evidenced by thematic debate, policy discourse, and media coverage) are utilised in an attempt to provide insight on the complexities of climate change governance and how actors can be best equipped to respond.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A reformed United Nations for addressing environment-development problems in developing countries : a case study approach : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Economics at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Smith, David Hardie
    The unsustainable use of natural resources is a serious and worsening problem world wide, affecting the life and health of many millions of people. It is seriously undermining wealth creation in many countries and contributing to violent conflicts and is also a human security problem. Such problems – where the environmentally unsustainable use of natural resources has a direct or indirect negative impact on the achievement of development objectives – are defined as Environment-Development Problems. The UN plays a significant role in attempts to deal with environment-development problems (EDPs), leading international initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals and leading or participating in many programmes to address them. It also has a very important role in catalysing other entities, including governments and donors, to address EDPs and other development problems. The fact that EDPs are worsening in many developing countries, particularly in Africa, raises questions about the effectiveness of the UN in addressing EDPs. The focus of this thesis is on assessing the effectiveness of the UN in dealing with EDPs and identifying ways to improve its effectiveness. This research takes a mixed methods approach to assess the level of UN effectiveness in addressing EDPs and the reasons for UN effectiveness. The research found that, overall, the UN has been less than moderately effective in addressing EDPs but that it has achieved some successes. One success is that the UN had developed and applied an effective model for addressing EDPs that, if enhanced and applied broadly, would significantly improve UN effectiveness in addressing EDPs. The research also found that development aid design, organisational culture and complexity were significant explanatory variables for UN effectiveness. Further, it also identified programme and project implementation modalities, national capacity and donors as explanatory variables. It concluded that many of the factors inhibiting UN effectiveness in addressing EDPs are general UN factors. Therefore, significantly increasing UN effectiveness requires addressing both EDP specific and more general UN effectiveness factors. A number of recommendations for improving UN effectiveness in addressing EDPs and more generally were made. It was concluded that if the reforms needed to significantly improve UN effectiveness are not implemented, then the UN should phase out its operational development activities, given the magnitude of the need for reform.