Tairāwhiti Deliberative Democracy Project
Citizens’ Assembly on land use transition
The Tairawhiti Deliberative Democracy project was established to explore and trial more deliberative decision-making processes in relation to climate change adaptation. It addressed the environmental, social and economic issues facing Tairawhiti in the face of unsustainable land-use and climate change. It drew on the ability of communities and organisations both to respond collectively to the need for change, and to recognise and embrace the agency they hold to intentionally build a better future.
Gisborne District Council (GDC) commissioned the Tairāwhiti-based research unit Te Weu Trust to undertake the project in 2023, and a partnership was formed with the Complex Conversations research group at the University of Auckland to develop a Citizen’s Assembly process in early 2024.
The Citizens’ Assembly was convened to address the need to transition from current land uses and chart a fair path forward in the form of a “Citizens’ Call to Action”. The remit for the citizens assembly was to align with and complement the Council’s Forestry Plan Change process, and associated engagement processes.
The Citizens’ Assembly was given scope to decide on their foundational principles and vision and ultimately formulate a ‘Call to Action’ to address this issue, which was completed in April 2025.