We’ve been working with a range of partners to better understand the socio-economic, cultural, environmental and spiritual issues that impact the wellbeing of rural communities.
Our call to research began when we realised there was little current information or social research on rural New Zealand over the past two decades that did not have an agri-focus. Our goal was to fill this gap, so that any further policies or actions for rural communities would be made with accurate knowledge and research behind them. We have been active commissioning and contributing to various research projects to respond to this gap over the past decade – see our numerous rural research posts for more information.
Building from this research our long-term aim is to work with partners to create a Centre for Rural Research. Initially this will be a virtual Centre acting as a reservoir of research focused on rural communities and rural life, both informing and supporting initiatives that seek to respond to rural needs.
Watch this space as our plans for the Centre grow or get in touch if you are interested in participating and/or have research to share.