Two pieces of social research were undertaken in the Waitao catchment.
The first in 2004 involved semi-structured, qualitative face to face interviews that aimed to provide background information on the social context of the project and community knowledge on the links between land and riparian management and the health of the streams and harbour.
These surveys were repeated with the same interviewees three years later (2007) to provide a longitudinal study. This was complimented by a structured survey (qualitative and quantitative) carried out by the local Waitao-Kaiate Environment group who selected participants by going from door to door. The latter approach allowed a much greater number of local residents to be questioned over their values associated with the river and the local environment.
Enquiries about this research should be directed to Dr Paula Blackett [email protected].
