Understanding social-ecological connections through regenerative tourism : a study of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, Aotearoa New Zealand : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Manawatū/Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand. EMBARGOED until further notice

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of regenerative tourism in Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, Aotearoa New Zealand, to understand how tourism can move beyond sustainability to contribute to ecosystem restoration, cultural revitalisation, and the strengthening of social-ecological connectivity. Grounded in a social constructivist epistemology and a qualitative, place-based methodology, this research draws on participant observation and semi-structured interviews to investigate how regenerative tourism is shaped and how community insights deepen our understanding of people-place relationships. This study argues that tourism, as a primary interface between people and the environment, holds a responsibility to foster collective place-based guardianship. However, community perspectives range from those that embrace a holistic, interconnected view of people and nature, to others that remain cautious about tourism’s ability to deliver meaningful environmental and community benefits. A key concern is the financial viability of regenerative efforts, as regeneration work often relies on volunteerism rather than tourism revenue alone. Tensions persist regarding who benefits from regenerative tourism and whether businesses should be expected to align more closely with regenerative aspirations. This thesis foregrounds the operational challenges revealed through the empirical findings, offering a grounded discussion of the predominantly aspirational narratives in existing literature. Through engagement with relevant literature and findings, this study develops a regenerative tourism framework that values marine and terrestrial environments and all living beings within them, informed by the scholarship of social-ecological resilience. The regeneration of natural ecosystems in Tōtaranui is increasingly intertwined with the regeneration of human society, highlighting the environmental and social connectivity required for transformative change. Smaller, tightly interconnected systems appear better positioned to implement regenerative practices, depending on the depth of people-place interconnectedness and the recognition of communities’ assets and capabilities. While the connectivity of ecosystems and human societies is widely acknowledged, meaningful and inclusive approaches to social-ecological regeneration require further exploration.