The Central Plains Case Study consisted of a discourse analysis of equity issues represented through media material (newspapers and websites) relating to the proposed Central Plains Water Scheme in Canterbury. Numerous equity concerns were raised throughout the media discussion on the case for irrigation and by extension water issues in Canterbury. Of interest is how these problems are defined and understood by ‘voices’ or ‘interests’ in the discourses. Major voices such as ECan, MAF, MFE, large dairy companies and farmers’ interests groups are dominant in the flow of information detailing, defining and constructing Canterbury’s water “crisis”. Within the discursive construction of Canterbury’s water crisis lies predetermined values relating to economic growth, efficiency and development which imply and then promote specific solutions to the water ‘crisis’. These predetermined values play a significant role in the media discussion on water issues in Canterbury and simultaneously promote specific solutions to solving Canterbury’s water problems both of which imply improved management and the need to promote growth.
Central Plains case study output:
Bailey, L. (2007), ‘Reading between the lines: Identifying and assessing the ‘equity issues’ relating to a large irrigation scheme in Canterbury’. Report completed for requirements of University of Canterbury Social Science summer research studentship at ESR. (Links to Report abstract and presentation)