Shifting attitudes around what is considered as evidence.

Rerehua Beach was an action-research project designed using story-based strategy to shift attitudes around what should be considered as evidence when making decisions for environmental planning. It was an output of a broader project led by Paula Blackett and Shaun Awatere that examined perceptions of risk and uncertainty which can be a source of conflict in decision-making. The project took a grounded (case study) approach with mātauranga Māori at its centre. This comic exposes a future where one view on “what is evidence” determines the outcome of environmental decisions and actions: it asks if this is the future we want? And if not, what might we do?

As Creative Lead & Communications Strategist for this project I chose an approach pioneered by the Centre for Story-Based Strategy. I collaborated closely with Paula Blackett to identify an idea or story prevalent among the target audience that stands in the way of the change Paula’s team wishes to see. We strategically crafted an alternative story that undermines the problem narrative and uplifts values in line with Paula’s research. This strategy aims to change attitudes and behaviour.

Download Rerehua Beach

Read more about Perceptions of Risk and Uncertainty project

Read more about Story-Based Strategy

Delivered

2022

“The cartoon idea is a very creative and challenging confrontation with a single idea taken to an extreme – embodiment of ‘screened’ data as AI source code. A very intriguing and compelling proposition that is realistic and potentially real.”

Prof. Richard Le HeronProfessor of Geography, University of Auckland

Strategically Crafted Plotline

The year is 2072. In a bid to solve social and environmental conflicts the Ministry for the Environment has replaced consent hearing committees with a sophisticated decision-making Artificial Intelligence (AI). The AI source code is based on data from committee decisions made between 2022 and 2052. However, conflicting world paradigms are more polarised than ever and form three entrenched groups, Progressionisits, Environmentalists and Kaitiaki. Despite this new AI system, the environment continues to deteriorate… what could we be doing wrong?

This family drama unfolds in a future that’s not hard to imagine. For struggling, single-parent David, a redundancy package holiday may hold the answers to solving not only his own family crisis but the wider social problems dividing the landscape.

Grandpa

stubborn, nostalgic, activist

Māia

Good leader, resourceful, goal-oriented

David

Keeps his chin up, learning, cares about his family

Ruby

Activist, extroverted, cares about her family

Process

1
“It is unprofessional to include aspirations, stories, concerns and feelings in the resource management process”.
2
Job security is not guaranteed, even if you follow the system. Following the norm does not always lead to good results and good decisions.
3
1. Data alone does not accurately represent the full human experience. 2. Stories are a good way of representing human experience and values. 3. Data-based decision-making alone is not enough to create a positive, unified future.
4
Huge thanks to our focus group participants.
5
3x drafts of script.
6
Released through channels specific to the target audience.

Using a mobile phone? Use the magazine viewer below in fullscreen.

“I liked the cartoon and where it took you (and I’m not usually someone who processes comics well). The message works for me, as it illustrates something I think about but it would be interesting to see whether it can bring people to that same conclusion that haven’t thought about it before.”

Focus group participantEnvironmental Planner

“I enjoyed experiencing the comic. It’s great to look forward into the future. It made me smile.”

Focus group participantEnvironmental Researcher

“I think it gets the message across quite well.”

Focus group participantEnvironmental Planner

“I've really enjoyed reading your script and feel you have made the point of gradually returning to a colourful world with a more balanced use of evidence. Your cartoon expresses very much of what we have been researching.”

June LogieThe University of Auckland

“What a fascinating cartoon concept. The dark to light colouring should convey the appearance of hope. The underlying message of the cartoon is for me that hope and more promising futures have to be made and reinforced. The cartoon certainly highlights the strategic nature of consenting processes and explores a techno solution to eliminate ‘argument’ so as to favour some interests over others. I don’t think those favoring this approach consider the long term implications of relentlessly applying it. The cartoon does. Thanks Alanah for your depiction of consenting gone mad and the mahi of the visuals.”

Rof. Richard Le HeronProfessor of Geography