Information use in New Zealand’s coastal zone management : Presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Centre for Resource Management, University of Canterbury and Lincoln College

Abstract

An examination of information management in New Zealand's coastal zone was carried out. This examination focussed on information relating to coastal processes and dynamics. It was recognised that decision makers require information on coastal processes and dynamics to make competent decisions about future developments in the coastal zone.

The examination involved identifying the existing information management framework. From this examination a number of inadequacies were found that related to; the funding structure, research and survey structure, mandates, and information transfer.

A model framework was developed from the literature which outlined the fundamental requirements of information management. The existing information management framework was examined in light of this model framework. From this examination, two general problems with the existing information management framework were identified; the information management framework is not clearly defined, and there is no central information management agency.

The general conclusion drawn from the examination was that information management in coastal zone management is inadequate. This inadequacy has several serious implications for future coastal zone management.

A number of options were developed to address information management. These options were; do nothing, specific and incremental adjustments, and implications of each option for coastal zone management policy are discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages.