Realising their governance role : community boards in New Zealand : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Social Policy), Massey University

Abstract

This thesis explores the governance role of community boards in New Zealand. There has been considerable debate on whether community boards have a meaningful role to play in local government. Critics of community boards argue that if the boards are not given additional functions they should be abolished. However this thesis will attempt to show that community boards already have an important role to play, that of governance. This thesis focuses in particular on the concepts of 'public space', the 'public realm' and 'citizenship'. The mechanisms of participation and consultation are employed to reveal the governance role played by community boards. It is argued that through an appreciation of this governance role, the full potential of sub-local government can be realised.