Abstract
Regions and the small towns and hinterlands within them play important socio-economic roles within countries. Yet they are facing increasingly complex challenges, primarily as a result of the processes of globalization, market volatility and neoliberal policies which have reduced the potential for state support in times of crises. Resource-based dependency can exacerbate these challenges as reliance on one or two key industries leaves small towns, and their regions more generally, vulnerable to economic shocks. In parallel, isolated, mono-economy areas can develop distinctive place-based identities and narratives, which though fostering social capital and connections, may also lead to resistance to change and antagonism to outside forces, restricting the ability to adapt to what might be inevitable transitions. Drawing on conceptualizations of place, regional studies, small towns and path dependency, as well as understandings of neoliberalism, this thesis provides a critical analysis of how a resource dependent region in New Zealand both developed unique place-based identities and has variously resisted or responded to challenges to the regions’ historic resource dependency. The purpose of this research was twofold. First, this study sought to investigate how extraction of selected resources; pounamu, coal, gold and timber enabled path dependency, which shaped the development of the towns and the wider region, while giving rise to narratives of place and identity in association. Second, this study sought to investigate the economic challenges which have emerged as resources waned, and state restructuring shifted responsibilities and development to the regions, and to understand how new pathways began emerging, which challenged existing narratives of place and identity.
Using narrative inquiry and observational data, six towns have been selected as case studies to investigate how resource dependency developed and to explore the related narratives of place and identity that emerged historically. Three small resource towns, Blackball, Reefton and Kumara were selected as each exhibits efforts to transition away from resource dependency, to varying degrees. Three service towns of Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika were selected to help understand the broader economic complexities of the region. The results demonstrate that path dependency has developed in all six towns and extractive resources have shaped the towns and the region from their establishment. Yet, communities throughout the West Coast exhibit levels of resilience and social capital that have enabled transitions as select towns show the potential for the emergence of new pathways; although some innovations remain too niche, or too early in development to fully transform local economies. A range of narratives have been uncovered, some complimentary, some in conflict and most in flux, illustrating their power for disruption. Understanding the interconnectedness of these narratives demonstrates how the situation on the West Coast is more complex than one single narrative can represent, suggesting that in the process of renegotiating regional futures, consideration should be given to the tensions and conflicts in the place-based narratives and identities of the region.