Proceedings of the New Zealand Rural Economy and Society Study Group Seminar

This Discussion Paper includes the contents of a one day seminar held at Lincoln College on 3 July 1986 for the first meeting of the New Zealand Rural Economy and Society Study Group. Included are two papers read by two invited speakers, an account of the discussions which occurred throughout the remainder of the day, and a record of those who attended the meeting. The general tenor and good attendance of the seminar suggests quite strongly that there is enthusiastic support for the Study Group. Participants expressed a need for a longer conference in future, and for a newsletter to keep participants informed of research activities. The results of the day's activity showed that there are many issues awaiting systematic research. In general, there was widespread support for the promotion of rural research in order to provide understanding, informed commentary, and effective policy for rural society. This discussion paper includes the full text of the following papers: Ian Carter, Recent developments in rural research: an overview and the New Zealand experience; Basil M.H. Sharp, Economics and rural society