'Zombie town' issues to be tackled at conference

This sign has appeared on State Highway 3 north of Wanganui and labels the city "Zombie land", playing on the "zombie town" label given to regional New Zealand by economist Shamubeel Eaqub as featured on TVNZ's controversial Sunday programme last weekend. The sign appears to point the blame at the city's leaders for the "zombie" label. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

A conference in Wanganui in November is aimed directly at the problems that turn provincial centres into "zombie towns", the organisers say.

They were referring to the Sunday current affairs programme that depicted Wanganui as being in a state of decline.

The conference - A Place to Live ... for the life worth having - is organised by Victoria University and the MacDiarmid Institute, which was founded by Wanganui-raised physicist Sir Paul Callaghan. It will focus on the economies and environments of small towns and regions, and on the power of individuals and groups to make positive changes.

The conference takes place from November 16-19 in the Wanganui War Memorial Centre. It honours Sir Paul's mission to make New Zealand "the place talent wants to live".

Organisers note the Whanganui River settlement was made this year and say the Maori economy could be a factor in regional development.

Speakers at the conference include US author Richard Louv, who wrote Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle. He argues that children need to play in nature, and small towns can offer the best lifestyles.