This interpretive research is informed by Critical Social Theory (CST), drawing upon research in the field of community informatics and uses an explanatory mixed methods approach, combining two sequential data collection methods (Creswell & Plano-Clark, 2007; Morse, 2003; Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2003) . A survey instrument was used to capture quantitative and embedded qualitative data in order to gain a broad understanding of the use of ICTs amongst people engaged in community activity in New Zealand . This informed the development of a second phase of qualitative semi-structured interviews of participants connected with local community informatics initiatives in Waitakere City , which were then analysed using Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM) to develop an emergent theory of local, citizen-focussed eDemocracy.

CST allows the researcher to see participants as operating within a number of contrasting and sometimes competing social systems (Kemmis, 2001). The use of CST promotes a process of inquiry that can lead to social transformation through the critique of ideological domination (May, 1996). Knowledge is progressed through a process of open discussion and criticism. However, it is a philosophy that is subject to continuous refinement as a result of criticism and examination from others (Baert, 1998). The ultimate goal of CST is to understand the relationships that exist between a public sphere and the private citizen (Andersen, 2000). The interpretive theory emerging from the research can be contextualised within a broader socio-political context.

It is appropriate for this research to use Habermas’ theories of the public sphere and of communicative action in the context of local democracy. This enables identification of the ways in which the steering politico-bureaucratic media of local and central government colonises the lifeworld of the individual. Secondly, it can be used to suggest normative conditions for engagement that are required to establish true dialogue and to create the potential to move the locus of power back to the individual and the community as a whole.

Limitations in the research approach are identified and addressed in the study design. These include researcher bias, pressure from external management or funding agencies, academic imperative overriding participant’s needs and the risk that in reality the researcher is simply becoming an expert in and advocate for the grounded results they observe, not for the community itself. The emergent and participatory nature of the project means that issues of research ownership must be addressed with participants (David, 2002; McKay & Marshall, 2001) and the methodology itself can be considered a limitation in that it will to some degree influence the nature and process of the research.

Participants for the first stage of research were identified from people involved in community activity and using ICTs within New Zealand. Participants for stage two were drawn from those directly involved in Waitakere City’s EcoTech project, its successors and sub-projects. The spatial limitations of study when combined with cultural limitations restrict the scope for recruiting participants and it is further noted that some potential participants were unable to be involved in research beyond their existing (usually voluntary) commitment. In an attempt to recruit as broadly as possible for the research, participants will be drawn:

• Community activists
• Community organisations
• Funding agencies
• Macro, or umbrella, networks
• Māori
• Local government (politicians and officers)
• National government (politicians, representatives of agencies and developers of public policy)

Data collection was undertaken in two sequential stages:

Survey
Potential participants were identified from the above criteria and snowball sampling used to expand the potential number of respondents. The survey instrument was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data on issues related to ICTs uptake, usage, motivation and barriers to adoption in a community or local democratic context. Rigour was ensured through a process of construct validity and survey testing (De Vaus, 2003) . The data was analysed both quantitatively (for demographic and statistical information) and qualitatively (to identify emerging themes). The findings were then used to inform the design of the interview instrument. Because of the limited sample size available in Waitakere City, survey recruitment was extended to cover all of New Zealand.

Interviews
Following analysis of the survey data, a subset of participants was identified from those living, working or volunteering in Waitakere City. These and other key informants were then invited to take part in a second phase of data collection using a process of semi-structured interviews. The data obtained during these interviews was analysed qualitatively using the methods described above to determine emergent themes and to identify a basic social process.

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