Can catchment groups fill the democratic deficit? Catchment groups as a hydrosocial phenomenon in Waikaka, Southland

Abstract

New Zealand's freshwater management has traditionally operated under effects‐based legislation which neglects socio‐political dimensions and a ‘democratic deficit’ persists between government organisations and individual landowners. Frustrated communities have formed catchment management groups to readdress this democratic deficit. We investigated catchment group aspirations to understand their motivation and potential and contribution to water governance. We found disparity between scientific water quality indicators and perceptions of water quality from the community. The resultant tension and distrust between stakeholders can be best understood through a hydrosocial lens, as freshwater challenges are the product of both biophysical and social dynamics of the catchment.