Rural subdivision: a case study of a farmers' account of rural subdivision in the Selwyn District

Abstract

This thesis investigates how farmers experience and respond to the phenomenon of rural subdivision. The Selwyn District, in Canterbury, New Zealand, is employed as a case study. Forty two farmers participated in qualitative in-depth interviews (a total of 25 farms). The farmers included those presently farming in the District and those who had subdivided or whom were in the process of subdividing their farms. The accounts of the farmers are analysed using the theory of narrative. At an individual level, five different themes are evident in the accounts of the farmers. A second level of analysis reveals patterns across and between the themes. A shared narrative is evident in the accounts of all farmers pertaining to the economic profitability of farming and perceptions of the Selwyn District Council's approach to rural subdivision. However, there exist conflicting narratives over the impacts of rural subdivision, in social terms, upon rural land and upon the activity of farming. Overall, rural subdivision is perceived as a very viable financial option for many farmers in the District. Some implications for farm structure, rural subdivision planning policy and rural resource studies methodology are offered.