Heartland Strong How rural New Zealand can change and thrive

The future of New Zealand’s rural communities is often in the news. Empty shops, depopulation and lack of jobs are offered as signs that many towns are dying. However, the strength of social ties and development of digital technologies, the innovations in rural entrepreneurship and the functioning informal economy suggest that some rural communities are in good health. There is no getting away from the challenges to the rural sector. But rural communities have shown themselves to be resilient over many years, and that is likely to continue. Most importantly, people in rural communities, in townships and on farms, have options. This important book, based on years of research, shows how, and provides useful insights into, the ongoing process of change in rural communities and the resources on which they draw to support their resilience. It offers a positive message and some blueprints for progress.

Dr Margaret Brown is a senior social scientist in the People and Agriculture team at AgResearch. Dr Bill Kaye-Blake is a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Penny Payne is a social scientist in the People and Agriculture team at AgResearch.