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Kestri Ariyanti
I am Kestri Ariyanti from Indonesia, a postgraduate student of Master of Planning at Lincoln University. I am interested in social impact assessment and community collaboration. For my study, I will take ERST 621, Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment by next semester. I have just started my dissertation research on the impact of community participation using the Just Transition Management Strategy in New Zealand Just Taranaki Unit initiative. I hope that the NZAIA conference, my study and my research will help me to identify a better mechanism of environmental protection and collaboration strategy in the future, as well as supporting my career in achieving sustainable districts in Indonesia*.
notes: * http://kabupatenlestari.org/en/ |
Reflections on the conference
I was selected as one of the recipients of the NZAIA conference awards. I was very excited and enthusiastic to participate in the conference. NZAIA conference made me aware on various topic and issues to address in Social Impact Assessment (SIA). It was not only from the environmental perspective, but it gave me a broader knowledge to see the SIA process. As SIA is required to commit to a decision and policy-making, it has also a specific analysis on the impact’s coverage and how various strategies may contribute to the decision-making process.
The various topics and stakeholders invited during the conference had enabled me seeing a creative strategy during the process. For example are on the engagement process, information transfer and how SIA works in actual practice. The topic brought during the conference was broad, about the existential challenges of the indigenous people, the legislative view of SIA through the RMA amendment, the assessments of SIA in a wellbeing framework, another implementation of impact investment practices, and SIA implementation through the various conditions, as well as the use of arts. The knowledge and information from the ground had given me a broader perspective on the use of SIA. SIA impacts on many aspects of the environment, social and economic sectors. For example, how the analysis on the use of wellbeing framework had influenced the operationalization of He Rangitapu He tohu Ora and for choosing the impact investment decision as part of the impact measurement framework. This concept is a fascinating strategy because it could benefit society by protecting the environment. Another example shown was on the use of arts in SIA, such as using social and visual arts like a predator-free printmaking process held in Stewart island to involve public awareness and contribute to the decision-making. The Stewart island project had given specific value on how the SIA was implemented and to which the impacts had been covered.
Before the conference ended, there was groups' discussion on the topics selected by all the participants for the SIA implementation. This group discussion became a way for a reflection on the SIA's implementation. Everyone could share a method for implementing SIA. It was exciting since the various stakeholders have different skills and knowledge backgrounds, which enriched the discussion. It had also given me an analysis on how the obstacles of SIA in the implementation process.
However, I have some suggestions for future reference on the SIA conference, such as on the government representative commitment and the alternative of SIA for failure's prevention. First, there was no speaker representing the government point of views on SIA’s implementation. In my opinion, SIA should be legally binding and should rule the implementation of SIA with particular rewards and punishment. Therefore, in my opinion, the government representative should be talking about these legal issues or the challenges about the SIA’s implementation. Richard Parsons spoke from New South Wales and mentioned a case that proceeded to the court for the environmental dispute. It was very fascinating. However, there was no institutional legacy that could guarantee SIA for policy evaluation. Thus, it made me wonder: Is the SIA, without legal support, possible for enforcement during the implementation? Will it be able to maintain the environmental protection as expected? Should the government representative speak on the challenges from the legislative view of the SIA implementation?
Second question from me is on the sustainability of the implementation. Even if SIA is created to assist a specific project basis, would it be sustainable for future implementation? What if there are different concepts in seeing these issues, such as different understanding on the baseline of data, or Resource Management Acts which are not fully understood by everyone. SIA is possible to have a failure in the project's implementation without vigorous enforcement and effective mechanism. Thus, should the conference also address the preventive mechanism on the failure of SIA? What strategies to consider in order to prevent such failure? Therefore the SIA implementation will be more practical and feasible to assist the project implementation.
As part of my reflection, there are two conclusions on implementing SIA, as well as the benefit of stakeholder’s involvement. First, the involvement of stakeholders in the SIA process should be broad and various because it will be relevant for the implementation process. However, the SIA design should not be locked in the beginning with the existing data. It could be changing of data in the future. Using a living baseline and data would be much an advantage. The data might change due to the dynamic of environment and social factors. Thus, a revision could be held to adjust the data used during the implementation. Second, the SIA should have a legal binding mechanism to achieve the project's goal. Using social engagement to solve the issues and awareness of the community would contribute to the effective actual implementation. Therefore, it will encourage the community and individuals to participate in the SIA design and project’s implementation process. This is possible to achieve sustainability when the benefit is also achieved by the community.
I was selected as one of the recipients of the NZAIA conference awards. I was very excited and enthusiastic to participate in the conference. NZAIA conference made me aware on various topic and issues to address in Social Impact Assessment (SIA). It was not only from the environmental perspective, but it gave me a broader knowledge to see the SIA process. As SIA is required to commit to a decision and policy-making, it has also a specific analysis on the impact’s coverage and how various strategies may contribute to the decision-making process.
The various topics and stakeholders invited during the conference had enabled me seeing a creative strategy during the process. For example are on the engagement process, information transfer and how SIA works in actual practice. The topic brought during the conference was broad, about the existential challenges of the indigenous people, the legislative view of SIA through the RMA amendment, the assessments of SIA in a wellbeing framework, another implementation of impact investment practices, and SIA implementation through the various conditions, as well as the use of arts. The knowledge and information from the ground had given me a broader perspective on the use of SIA. SIA impacts on many aspects of the environment, social and economic sectors. For example, how the analysis on the use of wellbeing framework had influenced the operationalization of He Rangitapu He tohu Ora and for choosing the impact investment decision as part of the impact measurement framework. This concept is a fascinating strategy because it could benefit society by protecting the environment. Another example shown was on the use of arts in SIA, such as using social and visual arts like a predator-free printmaking process held in Stewart island to involve public awareness and contribute to the decision-making. The Stewart island project had given specific value on how the SIA was implemented and to which the impacts had been covered.
Before the conference ended, there was groups' discussion on the topics selected by all the participants for the SIA implementation. This group discussion became a way for a reflection on the SIA's implementation. Everyone could share a method for implementing SIA. It was exciting since the various stakeholders have different skills and knowledge backgrounds, which enriched the discussion. It had also given me an analysis on how the obstacles of SIA in the implementation process.
However, I have some suggestions for future reference on the SIA conference, such as on the government representative commitment and the alternative of SIA for failure's prevention. First, there was no speaker representing the government point of views on SIA’s implementation. In my opinion, SIA should be legally binding and should rule the implementation of SIA with particular rewards and punishment. Therefore, in my opinion, the government representative should be talking about these legal issues or the challenges about the SIA’s implementation. Richard Parsons spoke from New South Wales and mentioned a case that proceeded to the court for the environmental dispute. It was very fascinating. However, there was no institutional legacy that could guarantee SIA for policy evaluation. Thus, it made me wonder: Is the SIA, without legal support, possible for enforcement during the implementation? Will it be able to maintain the environmental protection as expected? Should the government representative speak on the challenges from the legislative view of the SIA implementation?
Second question from me is on the sustainability of the implementation. Even if SIA is created to assist a specific project basis, would it be sustainable for future implementation? What if there are different concepts in seeing these issues, such as different understanding on the baseline of data, or Resource Management Acts which are not fully understood by everyone. SIA is possible to have a failure in the project's implementation without vigorous enforcement and effective mechanism. Thus, should the conference also address the preventive mechanism on the failure of SIA? What strategies to consider in order to prevent such failure? Therefore the SIA implementation will be more practical and feasible to assist the project implementation.
As part of my reflection, there are two conclusions on implementing SIA, as well as the benefit of stakeholder’s involvement. First, the involvement of stakeholders in the SIA process should be broad and various because it will be relevant for the implementation process. However, the SIA design should not be locked in the beginning with the existing data. It could be changing of data in the future. Using a living baseline and data would be much an advantage. The data might change due to the dynamic of environment and social factors. Thus, a revision could be held to adjust the data used during the implementation. Second, the SIA should have a legal binding mechanism to achieve the project's goal. Using social engagement to solve the issues and awareness of the community would contribute to the effective actual implementation. Therefore, it will encourage the community and individuals to participate in the SIA design and project’s implementation process. This is possible to achieve sustainability when the benefit is also achieved by the community.
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Katie Knopp
I am a master of planning student in my final year of studies at University of Otago. I am currently writing my thesis on planning policy and managed retreat as climate change adaptation, looking at how to develop a fair and effective strategy for the future. I have also completed previous research regarding citizen engagement on local government Facebook platforms, both studies have given me a real passion for finding new ways to help people. After this year I am excited at the prospect of starting my career as a planner and working in finding new ways to learn more.
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Reflections on the conference:
I was lucky enough to be awarded one of the NZAIA scholarships to attend the conference on social impact assessment. Attending the two-day conference in Christchurch was an amazing learning opportunity that taught me a great deal by listening and talking to the people in attendance. The topics covered by the different speakers were interesting and all so diverse, leaving me much more knowledgeable in the field of social impact assessment. I am very grateful that I was able to attend so that when I go into the work force next year it will inform my practice and overall make me a better planner. I really enjoyed the conference as I got to talk to and learn so much from all the people in attendance.
Over the two days of talks I learnt a lot about the issues that surround social impact assessment. I found the talk on emerging issues that influence impact assessment, which outlined digitisation, politicisation, intensification and professionalisation as issues and talked about the impact of COVID-19 really useful and insightful with how much the world changed in the last year. While this talk was based in Australia, these issues are very real in New Zealand so learning about them and then having the talks that followed discuss tackling them was really informative. This was then later followed by a talk about a pandemic responsive planning tool, where both speakers gave a view of the pandemic and its relation to planning and decision making that I found really insightful. The variety of speakers throughout the conference came from different fields and different companies gave interesting insight as to how the common theme of social impact assessment is approached. Due to the various speakers and the wide range of topics covered it provided me with the tools to make me a better planner.
While there were talks about what and where the issues are for social impact assessment, there were a lot of talks about the future and improving decision making. I think by redefining wellbeing and incorporating it into decision making it ensures the wellbeing of all those impacted. I found the Trust Tairawhiti framework of wellbeing to be a great model to implement in future decision making. I think that the incorporation of the environment, cultural identity, relationships, communities, economy, and knowledge under the pillars of integrity, sustainability and equity should be what is implemented going forward. Overall, I found the conference aa incredibly informative two days with a really interesting and knowledgeable group of people. I feel very fortunate that I was able to attend.
I was lucky enough to be awarded one of the NZAIA scholarships to attend the conference on social impact assessment. Attending the two-day conference in Christchurch was an amazing learning opportunity that taught me a great deal by listening and talking to the people in attendance. The topics covered by the different speakers were interesting and all so diverse, leaving me much more knowledgeable in the field of social impact assessment. I am very grateful that I was able to attend so that when I go into the work force next year it will inform my practice and overall make me a better planner. I really enjoyed the conference as I got to talk to and learn so much from all the people in attendance.
Over the two days of talks I learnt a lot about the issues that surround social impact assessment. I found the talk on emerging issues that influence impact assessment, which outlined digitisation, politicisation, intensification and professionalisation as issues and talked about the impact of COVID-19 really useful and insightful with how much the world changed in the last year. While this talk was based in Australia, these issues are very real in New Zealand so learning about them and then having the talks that followed discuss tackling them was really informative. This was then later followed by a talk about a pandemic responsive planning tool, where both speakers gave a view of the pandemic and its relation to planning and decision making that I found really insightful. The variety of speakers throughout the conference came from different fields and different companies gave interesting insight as to how the common theme of social impact assessment is approached. Due to the various speakers and the wide range of topics covered it provided me with the tools to make me a better planner.
While there were talks about what and where the issues are for social impact assessment, there were a lot of talks about the future and improving decision making. I think by redefining wellbeing and incorporating it into decision making it ensures the wellbeing of all those impacted. I found the Trust Tairawhiti framework of wellbeing to be a great model to implement in future decision making. I think that the incorporation of the environment, cultural identity, relationships, communities, economy, and knowledge under the pillars of integrity, sustainability and equity should be what is implemented going forward. Overall, I found the conference aa incredibly informative two days with a really interesting and knowledgeable group of people. I feel very fortunate that I was able to attend.
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Christy Songola
Christy is a Master of Water Resource Management student in the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, based at Lincoln University. Amongst the various forms of impact assessment, he has special interests in development induced displacement, and involuntary resettlement with a commitment to learn and contribute to work that will improve resettlement practice. On top of his interests in groundwater research, he is interested to work with governments and various development proponents to minimize the negative impacts of large footprint projects like water reservoirs, mines, and mega farms on communities and the physical environment.
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Reflections on the conference:
The two-day Social Impact Assessment Conference organised by the New Zealand Association of Impact Assessments was a great privilege to interact and share knowledge with SIA and IA practitioners from various professional backgrounds. Coming to the conference with an interest to build a clear understanding of the “WHYs & HOWs” of SIA, the conference challenged my knowledge on how various private and public policies, plans and projects affect people’s ways of living. It also gave me insights on how SIA is integral to the success of projects, plans and policy decisions implemented at various levels.
The presentations and discussions throughout these two days were pointing towards the same direction. Improving the SIA process to improve the outcomes and ensure sustainability of projects, plans and policies, with an aim of safeguarding and enhancing the wellbeing of people. Ideally, social impact assessments did not have to be mandated by legislation, rather their value in contributing to a more sustainable world by enabling stakeholders engage better and continuously improve projects, programmes and plans ought to be the main motivation for streamlining SIAs in decision making processes.
The conversations in these two days also highlighted the need to follow other impacts e.g. climate change, environmental and economic impacts through to their social impacts as experience has shown that every impact has a long chain of social consequences associated with it. Economic impacts like changes in income levels go on to affect the ability of families to access daily basics, in some cases leading to complex behavioural changes that affect how family members relate. Impacts on the physical environment would go on to affect how communities benefit from the numerous ways in which these systems support their health and wellbeing. Rather than using this understanding to bypass a full SIA, as has been the practice, a stand-alone SIA would help dig deeper and provide in-depth details on how individuals, families and communities will be affected by decisions being made at different levels. More importantly, a broader SIA provides opportunities to identify and foresee positive impacts which if well enhanced, can improve outcomes of our activities and decisions.
From the conference, it was clear that the management of the identified and predicted impacts remains the main gap in SIA practice, just as it is in other forms of IA. Clearly, the challenge to SIA practitioners and all involved in IA is to commit to the development of methods and techniques that will improve the way SIAs are conducted, and most importantly, to be willing and committed to use the results of the process, rather than doing SIA just to satisfy regulatory requirements. The emphasis here is on the actions and steps taken after the identification of effects since, going by the “Noah Principle”, predicting rain doesn’t change issues, building an ark does.
While the challenges impacting the SIA process e.g. lack of usable data, disasters, pandemics and short supply of SIA practitioners were part of the conversations, it was encouraging to be introduced to emerging tools like “The Charette” and “Social Arts Practice” that have the potential to improve public consultation and community engagement, as well as He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora, the wellbeing framework tool that is being used to understand community priorities for an informed assessment of impacts and an effective management of these impacts at their appropriate level.
My appreciation to the NZAIA for funding my participation in the conference. The knowledge, skills, and networks built from the conference are building a SIA professional who will not only contribute to SIA but in other forms of IA as well. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive!!
The two-day Social Impact Assessment Conference organised by the New Zealand Association of Impact Assessments was a great privilege to interact and share knowledge with SIA and IA practitioners from various professional backgrounds. Coming to the conference with an interest to build a clear understanding of the “WHYs & HOWs” of SIA, the conference challenged my knowledge on how various private and public policies, plans and projects affect people’s ways of living. It also gave me insights on how SIA is integral to the success of projects, plans and policy decisions implemented at various levels.
The presentations and discussions throughout these two days were pointing towards the same direction. Improving the SIA process to improve the outcomes and ensure sustainability of projects, plans and policies, with an aim of safeguarding and enhancing the wellbeing of people. Ideally, social impact assessments did not have to be mandated by legislation, rather their value in contributing to a more sustainable world by enabling stakeholders engage better and continuously improve projects, programmes and plans ought to be the main motivation for streamlining SIAs in decision making processes.
The conversations in these two days also highlighted the need to follow other impacts e.g. climate change, environmental and economic impacts through to their social impacts as experience has shown that every impact has a long chain of social consequences associated with it. Economic impacts like changes in income levels go on to affect the ability of families to access daily basics, in some cases leading to complex behavioural changes that affect how family members relate. Impacts on the physical environment would go on to affect how communities benefit from the numerous ways in which these systems support their health and wellbeing. Rather than using this understanding to bypass a full SIA, as has been the practice, a stand-alone SIA would help dig deeper and provide in-depth details on how individuals, families and communities will be affected by decisions being made at different levels. More importantly, a broader SIA provides opportunities to identify and foresee positive impacts which if well enhanced, can improve outcomes of our activities and decisions.
From the conference, it was clear that the management of the identified and predicted impacts remains the main gap in SIA practice, just as it is in other forms of IA. Clearly, the challenge to SIA practitioners and all involved in IA is to commit to the development of methods and techniques that will improve the way SIAs are conducted, and most importantly, to be willing and committed to use the results of the process, rather than doing SIA just to satisfy regulatory requirements. The emphasis here is on the actions and steps taken after the identification of effects since, going by the “Noah Principle”, predicting rain doesn’t change issues, building an ark does.
While the challenges impacting the SIA process e.g. lack of usable data, disasters, pandemics and short supply of SIA practitioners were part of the conversations, it was encouraging to be introduced to emerging tools like “The Charette” and “Social Arts Practice” that have the potential to improve public consultation and community engagement, as well as He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora, the wellbeing framework tool that is being used to understand community priorities for an informed assessment of impacts and an effective management of these impacts at their appropriate level.
My appreciation to the NZAIA for funding my participation in the conference. The knowledge, skills, and networks built from the conference are building a SIA professional who will not only contribute to SIA but in other forms of IA as well. With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive!!
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Rata Muda
I was born on the island of Borneo, and am currently researching forestry innovation systems for my Master’s thesis at Massey University. I am interested in exploring the potential impacts of climate change policy on land-use decisions - especially for Maori - and the tools we have (or lack) to holistically assess these impacts. This area of impact assessment is of particular significance given my indigenous heritage, New Zealand's multicultural context, and the Climate Change Commission’s proposed annual native afforestation target of at least 25,000 hectares until 2050.
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Reflections on the conference:
Q: What do indigenous rights, public infrastructure, and counting kayakers have in common?
A: You may have the chance to learn about all these at a social impact assessment (SIA) conference.
It was a real privilege to attend the 2021 NZAIA conference and engage with the community championing better SIA practices in NZ. This reflection is intended to record the value of attending an SIA conference for students or professionals like myself who have rarely (if ever) been involved in a SIA project.
The presentations were highly educational and delivered with an infectious enthusiasm. There was a real sense of people coming together to speak, to listen, and to learn. It was interesting to be part of presentations which morphed into dialogues that encouraged openly expressing ideas or challenging those of others (in very a safe space). This experience has certainly enhanced my approach to the value-laden conversations in my field. Similarly, the workshops were engaging and highlighted the importance of impact assessment training across sectors. I was impressed by the diversity of backgrounds present and the ability of the workshop sessions to engage with this diversity.
The sessions included tales of success and also those of adversity. I admire the courage and passion shown by the presenters in sharing their frustrations (and putting them up on slides for all to see!). The feeling of camaraderie and support for colleagues was apparent during these sessions. This was crucial for me to witness and carry into my new role. I know that when I eventually encounter similar difficulties, I am not alone.
The session by Richard Parsons on developing and implementing SIA guidelines in government was particularly useful in helping me see how I might apply SIA in my work as a policy analyst. Richard shared his experiences in developing the guidelines, the challenges faced, and the successes achieved. For instance, the guidelines were used by the Chief Judge in assessing the likely impacts of the proposed Rocky Hill coal mine. I believe the NZ government would benefit from having a similar SIA guide as it would empower civil servants to explore using SIA in their work. Equally important, Richard outlined several practical foundations of a ‘good’ SIA and common pitfalls. These points addressed issues that I believe many government servants face.
In summary, my worldview has expanded as a result of attending this event. I went home feeling grateful to everyone who took the time for a chat, to offer critique, to share stories from the field. I am already applying the learnings from the conference in my studies/work and look forward to more collaborations with the NZAIA.
Q: What do indigenous rights, public infrastructure, and counting kayakers have in common?
A: You may have the chance to learn about all these at a social impact assessment (SIA) conference.
It was a real privilege to attend the 2021 NZAIA conference and engage with the community championing better SIA practices in NZ. This reflection is intended to record the value of attending an SIA conference for students or professionals like myself who have rarely (if ever) been involved in a SIA project.
The presentations were highly educational and delivered with an infectious enthusiasm. There was a real sense of people coming together to speak, to listen, and to learn. It was interesting to be part of presentations which morphed into dialogues that encouraged openly expressing ideas or challenging those of others (in very a safe space). This experience has certainly enhanced my approach to the value-laden conversations in my field. Similarly, the workshops were engaging and highlighted the importance of impact assessment training across sectors. I was impressed by the diversity of backgrounds present and the ability of the workshop sessions to engage with this diversity.
The sessions included tales of success and also those of adversity. I admire the courage and passion shown by the presenters in sharing their frustrations (and putting them up on slides for all to see!). The feeling of camaraderie and support for colleagues was apparent during these sessions. This was crucial for me to witness and carry into my new role. I know that when I eventually encounter similar difficulties, I am not alone.
The session by Richard Parsons on developing and implementing SIA guidelines in government was particularly useful in helping me see how I might apply SIA in my work as a policy analyst. Richard shared his experiences in developing the guidelines, the challenges faced, and the successes achieved. For instance, the guidelines were used by the Chief Judge in assessing the likely impacts of the proposed Rocky Hill coal mine. I believe the NZ government would benefit from having a similar SIA guide as it would empower civil servants to explore using SIA in their work. Equally important, Richard outlined several practical foundations of a ‘good’ SIA and common pitfalls. These points addressed issues that I believe many government servants face.
In summary, my worldview has expanded as a result of attending this event. I went home feeling grateful to everyone who took the time for a chat, to offer critique, to share stories from the field. I am already applying the learnings from the conference in my studies/work and look forward to more collaborations with the NZAIA.
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Lana Chisholm
Lana Chisholm (she/her/hers) is a trans-disciplinary researcher with a background in health sciences and a specific interest in environmental epidemiology. She began dabbling in impact assessment as a development manager for a the nature-based holiday program and growing social enterprise, Conscious Kids. Lana has recently started on an MBIE supported PhD project establishing baseline measures for urban regeneration impacts on Auckland youth wellbeing in partnership with Kāinga Ora. She lives in South Auckland with her toddler, partner and two chickens.
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Michaela Aspell
Michaela is an Advisor at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and a part-time masters student studying Climate Change Science and Policy at Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington. A Natural Resources Engineer by training, she previously worked at Tonkin + Taylor where she was seconded to Lyttelton Port Company as an Assistant Project Manager for large regulatory approvals under the RMA. She is passionate about environmental sustainability and particularly interested in the interaction between mātauranga Māori and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
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