Uploaded on 2016-11-01 by Monique Kimber

Citizen Design Science Project New Zealand’s Response A Nation of Curious Minds – He Whenua Hihiri i te Mahara, A National Strategic Plan for Science in Society, was launched in 2014 to help all New Zealanders engage with science and technology. As outlined on their website www.curiousminds.nz . Participatory science encourages communities and scientists to work together on collaborative research projects. These projects not only have scientific value, but are also relevant to local people and provide excellent teaching and learning opportunities for those who get involved. The projects engage local people and organisations such as kura, schools, businesses, iwi, and community groups, together with scientists, in research that has value for the community. Participatory science offers researchers opportunities to harness local knowledge and take advantage of willing helpers to produce high quality and highly relevant science. New Zealand’s response to Citizen Design Science in this example has a science focus, particularly in regards to conservation, ecology and biodiversity. However projects have also included risk management regarding natural hazards. Furthermore The Resource Management Act and Local Government Act of New Zealand has a set of requirements regarding consultation. This ensure public participation in forming planning documents. http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0084/latest/DLM172327.html Auckland Example A recent example of Citizen Design regarding an urban project would be the redevelopment of a brownfield reclaimed site adjacent to Auckland Harbour commonly referred to as Wynnard Quarter. Previously home to petrol and liquid chemical storage this area is being redeveloped to a mixed-use residential-commercial area, with substantial active public space. The area is conveniently accessible by boat, trains, roads and pedestrians. Public submissions have influenced the various plans that have been prepared to shape this redevelopment. While still being completed it is apparent that the space has been designed to accommodate a range of resident’s social, cultural and economic needs. The result is a vibrant space utilised by a wide range of residents during both the day and night. Problem Cited Issue: Residents don’t feel safe when they walk in their neighbourhood in the evening and during the night. Objective: Collaborate from a range of residents to gain a better understanding on why they don’t feel safe and what could be done. How: 1.0 Information Gathering • Utilise Social Media and online survey to engage with residents to seek feedback. • Meet with local groups representing different demographics i.e. youth groups, disabilities support groups, aged concern groups. • Hold information evenings within the public space inviting residents via local newspaper, letterbox flyers, • Meet with local police to gain an understanding of actual crime. • Survey those who utilise the public spaces during the day. When engaging with residents establish a working group of say 8 people who represent a range of people within the community who could act as an advocate. 2.0 Analysis • Analyse the information gather to determine reasons for feeling unsafe and rate reasons from most important to least important. • Review actions suggested to address the safety concerns. 3.0 Solutions • Formulate potential solutions to improve residents perception utilising the information gather from residents, research on Crime Prevention through Public Design, while considering the project budget. • Discuss the potential solutions with the working group. • Publicly notify the potential options and seek submissions on the options. 4.0 Decision • Analyse the submissions received and make a decision on what option to proceed with. 5.0 Implementation • Implement the design solutions. • If possible engage the residents to carry out the design response. Source local tendering. • Celebrate the improvements with local residents. My own idea for a Citizen Design Science Project would be in respect of Freshwater Quality. New Zealand’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management seeks to maintain or improve the overall quality of fresh water. Within the document are a list of national values which each local government are to apply to the local and regional circumstances. These include ecosystsem health, human health for recreation, natural form and character, food gathering, fisheries, cultivation, water supply and sacred waters. I would actively collaborate with a wide range of residents and stakeholders to determine the specific values that apply to the different water bodies. The hope would that it would better inform how to manage the use of freshwater and activity engage residents to improve the quality. I would also engage with citizens to actively report on whether there is an improvement in the values. Therefore recording their catches, use of the waterways and their perception of natural form and character. This would need to be also done in conjunction with scientific testing of the waterways for nitrates, e coli etc. The hope is that more eyes monitoring the quality of our fresh water would raise greater awareness of the potential effects and ensure greater ownership of the sustainable management of water resources.