Social characteristics of New Zealand hydrotowns : A case study

Abstract

Our aim in this case study has been to examine the existing literature and database on the social characteristics of hydrotowns as part of a comparative study of rapid growth and resource development in New Zealand. One intention of this comparative work is to provide a better conceptual basis for understanding the social implications of resource development. Some initial ideas derived from the case study research are presented by Taylor and McClintock (1983) and further work is proceeding. Issues for planning new rapidly expanded settlements in association with a resource development, and ideas for ensuring that community development is considered early in planning, are being reported elsewhere. We expect that further research on hydrotowns as part of the more general study of New Zealand resource communities will only be conducted by ourselves on a selective basis in response either to particular planning or theoretical issues. One such issue involves the winding down of major construction projects. We are currently researching in detail the life history and future of Twizel to obtain a better understanding of this process.