INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN FOR THE COMANAGEMENT OF AN URBAN HARBOR IN NEW-ZEALAND

What factors affect the design of an institutional framework for stake holder management to promote sustainable outcomes for ports in urban s ettings? In examining this research question, we characterize urban ha rbors as complex common property resource systems (CPRs). Complex CPRs differ from simple CPRs in several ways that highlight the need for, but also the difficulties of, integrated management that promotes sust ainable outcomes. We review the literatures on locational conflicts, c orporate social responsibility, and comanagement for insights that bea r on this problem. We then examine the port on the Otago Harbour as a case study in shifting institutional arrangements in a complex CPR, fo cusing on long-standing conflicts between the port company and the loc al community. Finally, we draw implications for the design of effectiv e comanagement arrangements for ports located in dynamic and diverse c ommunities.