Developing effective partnerships between the Department of Conservation and community groups

This report identifies the types of partnerships the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) has with community groups; the key features of effective partnerships with community groups; and the key factors that must be considered when partnerships between DOC and community groups are developed. The research is based on seven case studies of partnerships using qualitative in-depth research methods. The role of communities and community partnerships in conservation is reviewed in order to help define the nature and characteristics of partnerships between DOC and community groups. The key lessons from the case studies in terms of the features of effective partnerships are discussed. The various roles and levels of involvement of DOC and DOC staff can influence the purpose, dynamics, and success of partnerships. Sometimes DOC needs to take a lead in developing partnerships in order to involve a range of communities, and both DOC and the community groups need to be flexible and able to change as partnership projects develop.