Let's talk: Small towns will change the world

Steven Joyce.

While the rest of the world seems to harbour some residual belief of New Zealand being a state of Australia, the rest of the country could be forgiven for believing the world revolves around just one city.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has carried out research projects "focused on regions and cities". But so far the "regions and cities" research seems to be missing one half of its focus; the regions.

Steven Joyce, the Minister for Economic Development, has said: "The New Zealand economy is the sum of its individual geographic parts. The ability of regions around the country to provide economic opportunities and jobs for people who live in each region, add up to the ability of the country as a whole to do the same."

Just how able are New Zealand regions to provide economic opportunities and jobs for their people? While the urban economy is still struggling to recover from the global financial crisis, regional and agriculturally-focused communities experience additional constraints, particularly a declining population.

High-school leavers and talented individuals seeking fun and diverse places in which to live and work are leaving their rural communities for the perceived attractiveness of the city.

Manufacturing companies relied upon for employment are relocating to urban centres offering better infrastructure, larger markets and a greater pool of specialised and talented labour; all factors which are becoming increasingly important as the industry faces competition from low-cost exports and production becomes more complex.

Dannevirke is one example of a rural town struggling in the economic climate and facing a dubious future in terms of its ability to supply economic opportunities and jobs for its people. There is evidence of entrepreneurial activity happening in pockets. There is also evidence of a desire for strong leadership in igniting an entrepreneurial supportive culture within the community. While a strong sense of community may be its biggest asset for residents, it may also be its biggest liability for innovation. In order to survive, let alone grow, a culture supportive of change and diversity must be developed in order to encourage and support creativity. And it must be developed at a grassroots level.

As anthropologist Margaret Mead once said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Dannevirke's Annette Kendall has finished an MBA specialising in regional economic development and is co-founder of Ankle, a company specialising in strengthening regional business