Reviving rural communities : one small community's first steps to a better future

Abstract

Rural Communities around us are dying. This study identifies that the best way to revive a rural community is by focusing on the community's assets, capacities and abilities. In New Zealand the Department of Labour's Community Employment Group (CEG) provides a good support network to encourage revitalisation. The change, however, must come from within the community. Apathy and a lack of self esteem appear to be the greatest limiting factors. The only competitive advantage a community has is the passion of its people. A healthy community has passionate leadership and a strong support team where they volunteer, collaborate, network and assist each other. A community in partnership with CEGS and embracing the Enterprise Facilitation concept will be the model for successful regional development in future. This report outlines a course of action being taken by one rural community.