OPTIMISING STREAM RESTORATION OUTCOMES WHEN FACED WITH COMPETING DESIGN INTENTS

Stream restoration is a growing field with communities acknowledging the benefits of restoring streams using natural means to improve hydrology, water quality, ecology, and amenity values. Potential stream restoration projects are typically influenced by multiple stakeholder groups, for example: city councils, regional councils, iwi, private landowners, resident associations, and special interest groups such as conservation and ecological groups. These stakeholder groups may represent a range of competing values, such as: improved ecological value, flood management, erosion management, protection of infrastructure, public amenity, water quality improvement, urban design, safety and community engagement and educational opportunities. The challenge for designers is to achieve the best possible restoration outcome, given the competing objectives and constraints. Transparency in the design process is paramount; designers must communicate to relevant stakeholders the reasons behind decisions made and how these decisions impact the final outcome to appropriately manage expectations. While compromise is often inevitable with competing drivers, meaningful outcomes can be achieved. This paper explores the use of tools such as the Mauri Model, which integrates qualitative and iwi values into the decision making process, and the Stream Ecological Valuation methodology, to identify and communicate stream enhancement opportunities, and to guide the decision making process. Examples and solutions from a variety of design projects are presented where competing constraints have led to compromise in the design, but ultimately achieved outcomes satisfying both stakeholders and the major project objectives.