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.... [Show full abstract]