Immersed Engagement: A new approach to collaborative planning in Aotearoa - New Zealand

This paper aims to introduce the concept of immersed engagement in urban planning, a engagement technique used to support and enhance collaboration between different organisations and communities involved in processes of urban... [ view full abstract ]

This paper aims to introduce the concept of immersed engagement in urban planning, a engagement technique used to support and enhance collaboration between different organisations and communities involved in processes of urban planning. The need for collaboration, cooperation, and co-creation in urban planning is becoming increasingly recognised in many countries including New Zealand. In recent decades,significant collaborative work has taken place between local government planning authorities and industry, research institutes and universities to engage local communities in broader decision-making processes. Collaboration can take many forms, from information exchange to consultation partnerships, and these often occurs in the urban planning process. However, current engagement and participation frameworks have limitations in integrating information,feedback, and advice from the public into the core of decision-making in urban planning. The concept of immersed engagement emerged in this context, and is aimed at promoting long-lasting, trustworthy and ongoing engagement between government and a range of stakeholders. This paper focuses on the concept of immersed engagement and the potential it offers to advance co-creation and shared decision-making,as an alternative to conventional participatory approaches used in urban planning. Additionally, this paper looks at how best to implement immersed engagement, and examines the benefits of this new engagement technique, through lessons drawn from two research projects in New Zealand. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of advancing this engagement technique in the international context of urban and collaborative planning.