Document Analysis

A document analysis was carried out on DCC planning documents (refer Table 4). Documents were selected based on their potential to influence the built environment and/or activity patterns through their provisions. As such, regional level documents were not included within the document analysis as these focussed on active travel whereas this research examines active living in relation to the built environment. Regional level documents such as the Otago Regional Land Transport Strategy and Otago Regional Land Transport Programme have limited influence on built environment characteristics such as land-use and urban design and therefore were precluded from this research. Territorial authorities have statutory and non- statutory influence on the built environment and should also have regard to regional level documents; hence the document analysis focussed solely on DCC plans and strategies.

A document analysis was chosen as a research method because of its ability to allow data to be examined and interpreted in order to elicit meaning, gain understanding, and develop empirical knowledge (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). Documents also contain text and images that have been recorded without a researcher’s intervention (Bowen, 2009, p.27); therefore the researcher is not able to impart influence on the document. The document analysis also combines elements of content analysis and thematic analysis. Thematic analysis is a form of pattern recognition within the data, with emerging themes becoming the categories for analysis (Fereday & Muir-Cochrane, 2006). Content analysis is the process of organising information into categories related to the questions of the research (Bowen, 2009, p.32).

47 The document analysis, incorporating elements of thematic and content analysis, involved a search for provisions or keywords that indicate whether a characteristic or method is provided for in the plans and/or strategies. Provisions that did not relate to active living were discounted and ignored. However where a characteristic or method was mentioned without a specific reference to active living, that provision was considered on its ability to enhance active living and the built environment. If it was decided that the implementation of this provision will improve active living in Dunedin, then it was included within the study. This decision was made by the researcher based on the description of characteristics and methods within the literature review. This was to ensure all characteristics and methods were accounted for in relation to active living, despite not containing specific reference to active living. A brief overview of the purpose and function of the documents analysed is provided below.

Table 4: Dunedin Planning Framework Documents Used for the Document Analysis and Key Informant Interviews.

Document Name Operative Date

District Plan (DP) 2006

Long Term Plan - Incorporating the Annual Plan 2012/13 (LTP) 2012/13 – 2021/22

Dunedin Cycling Strategy (DCS) 2004

Transportation Strategy (TS) 2006

Physical Activity Strategy (PAS) 2007

Tertiary Precinct Development Plan (TPDP) 2008

4.3.1.1 District Plan

The District Plan (DP) (DCC, 2006a) is a statutory document prepared by the DCC under the Resource Management Act (RMA, 1991). In accordance with section 75 of the RMA (1991) it identifies issues and develops objectives, policies and methods to manage the effects of land use activities on the environment (DCC, 2006a, p.1:1). All users of land and water surfaces must abide by DP provisions which control the development and subdivision of land in accordance with section 31 of the RMA (1991). The DP therefore determines the development and use of the built environment which will affect opportunities for active living. This research looks primarily at how the built environment can influence the uptake of active living, and the DP is the primary means as to how the DCC can influence urban form. The analysis of this document is therefore essential to answering the research question.

48 4.3.1.2 Long Term Plan

The Long Term Plan (LTP) (DCC, 2012) sets out the council’s financial strategy, activities of the local authority, community outcomes, and provides information on council projects over the next ten years along with other purposes in accordance with the Local Government Act (2002) section 93(6). The LTP is a statutory document required under the Local Government Act (2002) and is driven by the DCC. This document is important to analyse as it outlines the key priorities for the local authority over the next ten years which may include provision for active living or built environment changes. Given this research looks at the built environment influence on active living, priorities of the local authority which may or may not include active living and the built environment should therefore be analysed.

4.3.1.3 Dunedin Cycling Strategy

The Dunedin Cycling Strategy (DCS) (DCC, 2004) is a non-statutory document prepared by the DCC for the purpose of addressing the needs of cyclists in Dunedin. The purpose of the strategy is to encourage participation in cycling and address cycling safety (DCC, 2004, p.2). The strategy sees cycling as essential for promoting an integrated transport system and its provisions therefore provide the impetus for cyclists to be catered for in the transportation network. This research looks primarily at the built environment and the means by which the DCC has to influence it, and increase active living opportunities. The DCS is an essential document to analyse for the purpose of this research because cycling is a mode to achieve active living. The provisions of the strategy therefore directly influence the ability of the community to engage in active living within Dunedin.

4.3.1.4 Transportation Strategy

The Transportation Strategy (TS) (DCC, 2006b) is a non-statutory document prepared by the DCC under the guidance of the New Zealand Transport Strategy (2002) and its legislation, the Land Transport Management Act (2003). The TS is designed to meet the requirements of transport in Dunedin and to ensure vitality and vibrancy of commercial areas is maintained through future growth (DCC, 2006b, p.3). Given active living is defined by active transport modes; the TS will directly impact opportunities for active living within Dunedin. This document is important to analyse because active transportation, and therefore active living, is reliant on infrastructure within the built environment which is provided for within the TS.

49 4.3.1.5 Physical Activity Strategy

The Physical Activity Strategy (PAS) (DCC, 2007) outlines targets and interventions to get Dunedin city residents physically active. The strategy is driven by the DCC in conjunction with local organisations and is a non-statutory document. The PAS addresses the distribution and availability of resources for organisations to encourage physical activity and also provides for methods to promote and educate the community on opportunities for physical activity which will directly improve active living within the city. The PAS is important to analyse because this research argues that without an appropriate built environment, and subsequent measures for encouraging active living, increasing residents physical activity is likely to be harder to achieve.

4.3.1.6 Tertiary Precinct Development Plan

The Tertiary Precinct Development Plan (TPDP) (DCC, 2008) is a non-statutory document designed to address issues specific to the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic campus areas. The plan also provides for the large student population in general. It is driven by the DCC who forms part of the Tertiary Sector Steering Group (TSSG) along with the two tertiary institutions and the Otago Regional Council. The TPDP provides for improved opportunity for active living among the student population and indirectly improves active living for other Dunedin residents. This document is important to analyse because the student population makes up a large percentage of the total Dunedin population. Provision for built environment changes to assist active living dedicated to the student population will ensure a large percentage of the Dunedin population use active means of travel.