Abstract
Plan evaluation is of utmost importance as a function of good governance. It provides a means to improve the institutional basis for implementing land use controls, provides an important opportunity to improve future plans to reduce risk, and improves the vision for sustainable development and management. This article provides an overview of the methods and findings of a plan evaluation project undertaken in New Zealand. The project analyzed 99 operative plans, provided in-depth analysis of ten plans, and included a capability and capacity study of councils. This is the first time all operative plans in New Zealand have had their natural hazard provisions assessed in this manner. The information provides an important baseline for future policy improvements, and a basis for future research and policy directions. The project found that, while New Zealand land use plans appear to be improving over time, there are still opportunities for improvement. These include improving linkages between objectives, policies, and rules within land use plans; and strengthening the linkages between land use and emergency management plans. The largest challenge is the accessibility, understanding of, and updating of hazard information.
Highlights
In 2015, three major international disaster-sustainabilityclimate change instruments will be coalesced: (1) the Hyogo Framework for Action on building resilience to disasters; (2) the Sustainable Development Goals; and (3) the 2015 climate agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
In this article we present the methodology and results of a project to evaluate all operative land use plans, regional policy statements, and civil defence emergency management plans in New Zealand
We assessed all 99 operative plans in New Zealand, to address the question: what is the state of planning for natural hazards in New Zealand? This is complemented by a more in-depth analysis of the ‘‘top’’ ten land use plans to determine the best of current practice, and a capability and capacity survey of councils
Summary
In 2015, three major international disaster-sustainabilityclimate change instruments will be coalesced: (1) the Hyogo Framework for Action on building resilience to disasters; (2) the Sustainable Development Goals; and (3) the 2015 climate agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Both research and practice have demonstrated the importance of effective evaluation as a function of good governance (Behn 2003; Ehler 2003; Patton 2011). Institutional arrangements, such as the regulatory framework of land use plans, form part of the framework for risk governance (Renn 2008). Governance processes include and go beyond governments—systems of governance are required that combine state governments, global governance structures, local governance, civil society, and corporate activities (Warburton and Yoshimura 2005). Land use and emergency management plans are two contributors to risk governance, by providing directions for and restrictions on land use in areas susceptible to natural hazards
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