Participatory environmental health research in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Constraints and opportunities

Within the Aotearoa/New Zealand context, this article identifies opportunit ies for, as well its constraints on, using participatory research to addres s environmental health concerns. In New Zealand, principles of partnership fundamental to the Treaty of Waitangi, and the requirements for consultatio n within the Resource Management Act, provide a framework for participatory approaches. Participatory environmental health research integrates knowled ge from various scientific and community sources. It also fosters the innov ation, evaluation, and sharing of information that new public health approa ches demand. As an emerging held in Aotearoa/New Zealand, it must draw on e xperience from resource management, rural development, and public health re search and practice. Water quality is used as an example of the complexity of environmental health issues and of the potential benefits of engaging st akeholders where long-term health and well-being require balancing ecosyste m integrity, economic viability, and social processes.