The socio-economic status of the South Island high country

Abstract

During 2007 the AERU at Lincoln University was commissioned by MAF Policy to investigate aspects of the socio-economic status of the South Island high country. The research involved analysis of secondary data on farm viability, personal interviews of 36 high country farmers, analysis of census data, and discussion with farmers and community representatives about change in high country communities. The farmer and stakeholder interviews found that a number of towns, townships and localities in or near the high country are experiencing significant social change as a result of lifestyle, vineyard and commuter developments. While this trend is sustaining the total population levels, many of the new residents have limited contact and empathy with pastoral farming. The extent of high country farmers’ participation in these new community structures varies considerably and they participate as individuals, not as a major community group.