Abstract
Throughout the 20th century and into the subsequent 21st century the unique Dunedin Town Belt of 500 acres of contiguous sports fields, botanic gardens, cultural icons and original native bush has been subject to invasion and damage to its very integrity. The nature of these invasions and reasons for their proliferation are examined as will the legislative acts put in place to provide protection for the Belt. The encroachments into this community treasure by the Dunedin City Council and sections of the public have been contested by environmental groups and public action. Yet the legislative protections have often been ignored by the DCC for reasons of economic contingency or the influence of political voting blocs. It is is hoped that this thesis will expose the shortcomings of the Dunedin Town Belt's maintenance and care, and provide a motive for future firm action for the Belt's protection.