Urban-Rural Partnerships for Equal Change

Partnering for change: A shared-responsibility approach to environmental change

Natwick Studios

Project Details Ngā taipitopito

Project Status:
Completed
Challenge funding:
$130,000
Research duration:
October 2022 – December 2023

Collaborators Ngā haumi

Scarlatti | Thriving Southland | University Of Otago

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What are we doing?E aha ana mātou?

Some farmers say they are tired of people with “no skin in the game” telling them to make difficult changes and sacrifices. This project will test the idea that greater change will happen, both on farm and off, when urban and rural businesses collaborate and support each other on the environmental journey. This project will test the idea that if farmers see urban groups making equal change to improve the environment, they would be more motivated to make change themselves.

Two partnership groups (one made up of farming and urban businesses, the other made up of a catchment group and urban businesses) will be formed to co-design outcomes and agree on actions. The research team will support the groups to deliver their change commitments, evaluate impact and share progress.

The research’s output will be a replicable process for implementing a shared-responsibility approach to environmental projects, uniting urban and rural dwellers.

How can the research be used? Ka pēhea e whai take ai te rangahau?

  • The ultimate objective of this project is to equip the primary sector with a tested, shared-responsibility approach to creating environmental practice change on-farm.
  • Research outcomes will provide a process for catchment groups and industry initiatives to boost their ability to create environmental practice change on-farm, while simultaneously aiding our understanding of the social license to farm.
  • Engaging infographics will communicate progress and share research information with a wide audience in a user-friendly way.
  • A final report will document the project and what was learnt, along with sharing evaluative insights.
  • A process guide will help future projects replicate the approach.

Related research updates Ngā pānui mō te rangahau nei

Research team Te hunga i whai wāhi mai

Project/Science Leader
Dana Carver
Scarlatti
Te Ao Māori Leader
Zaine Akuhata-Huntingdon
University of Otago
Karen Mitchelmore
Scarlatti
Julie Moularde
Scarlatti
Tony Coltman
Dairy Farmer
Richard Kyte
Thriving Southland

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