The role of government in community development in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Community Development is a participatory development approach focused on community empowerment, the building of social capital and ultimately, the sustainable achievement of community priorities. In Aoteaora New Zealand, the Local Government and Community Branch (LG&C) of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) offers information, facilitation and advice around Community Development processes. Additionally, it offers funding support for initiatives. As a government department, LG&C operate on a vertical, hierarchical system of decision-making, with policy developed on the directives of government ministers. Community Development, on the other hand, is a horizontal, flaxroots process, with decisions made by community members. In this study, I investigate the challenges faced by government in contributing effectively to Community Development processes. I consider how government can add the greatest value to these processes. Community Development practitioners from communities, local government and LG&C have shared their stories and experiences. Having provided a theoretical and historical context for Community Development in Aotearoa New Zealand, I consider these insights under four main categories; Understandings of Community Development, Conflict, Synergy and Power. These experiences align closely with theoretical discussions around governmentality (Foucault 1980) and responsibilisation (Rose 2000).