The New Zealand People–Park Relationship: An Exploratory Model

Abstract

Relationships between protected natural areas and the people who live in and adjacent to them have become an important area of inquiry following the expansion of protected areas worldwide and a recent focus on the social outcomes of conservation. Despite this focus, there is a dearth of theory on people–park relationships in the literature. This article helps to address this shortcoming through a review of recent research into people–park relationships in New Zealand and the development of a conceptual model of the New Zealand people–park relationship. The model emphasizes three key relationships: (1) lifestyle, recreation, and place attachment; (2) interactions with the park management agency; and (3) tourism. Each of these dimensions is explored within a national park context. Various factors affecting the people–park relationship are discussed.