Our research explores how narratives (stories told by individuals/organisations to portray an event/character/sentiment) are crafted, reproduced, and are used to distribute ideas about contemporary challenges. We are investigating the types of reframed narratives needed to support environmental decision making and policymaking to improve sustainable land practices and land-manager well-being.
Research findings
New Zealand farmers are facing a range of narratives that can both empower but also disempower change
There are several key families of rural narratives currently circulating in New Zealand. Examples of the storylines that are circulating can be found in this overview and presentation. Note that there are many contradictions and tensions.
Five dominant assemblages of rural narratives have emerged in New Zealand
We have identified the following five storylines.
- We need consistent government policies so we can care for our land.
- Climate change is here – we need fundamental changes to farming practices.
- All we care about is farming well – farming is hard enough without unfair scrutiny and government interference.
- Farming is New Zealand: it feeds us, pays for New Zealand, and is the best in the world. We are already farming sustainably.
- We are part of a bigger system. The whole of New Zealand needs to respond to climate change. Connection and relationships are key to sustainable land management.
Games can effectively engage farmers in different narratives
Our Moving the Middle Catchment Game was an integral part of the 2024 Hamilton Fieldays showcasing of the programme. The game allowed players to experiment with balancing social, environmental, and economic goals in a single catchment. All actions had both benefits and costs at the farm and catchment scale, and generated discussions between participants on trade-offs that had different benefits for individuals versus the community.
From narrative to action: a framework of integration
Narratives have an influence on public policy making: the inclusion or exclusion of certain information within these narratives reflects or serves the interests of the policymaker that is making use of these narratives. Narratives only make up one ‘power’ element in policy making, where other elements can increase or diminish the influence of the narratives. The Research, Integration, Utilisation (RIU) model has been adapted to the transfer of narrative knowledge for decision makers.
Narratives of culture as an enabler of economic development
Drawing on material and thinking from the narratives work, this paper draws on narratives around 'economic development' and engages with alternative views around the role of culture in economic development. It draws on past empirical research and alternative discussions of what constitutes 'economic development'. The aim is to move beyond a conceptualisation of 'culture as a dis-enabler of economic development' to one where culture is viewed as a driver of local economies – and thus an ‘enabler of economic development’.
Research in action
Reframing rural narratives to better enable environmental change on farms
Working with farmers, iwi/hapū, industry, and government to reframe the narratives to make them more relevant and impactful for land managers and policymakers.
Socialising reframed rural narratives
We are working with Future Farmers New Zealand and farm management students at Lincoln University to socialise and spread the reframed narratives more widely through New Zealand rural communities.
Team members
- Peter Edwards, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
- Linsdey Te Ata o Tū MacDonald, University of Canterbury
- Paula Blackett, Urban Intelligence
- Virginia Baker, ESR
- Erena Le Heron, Independent
- Max Krott, University of Goettingen
- Michael Kirchner, University of Goettingen
- Kirsten Maclean, CSIRO
- Susanna Finlay-Smits, Manaaki Whenua Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
- Robyn Kannemeyer, Manaaki Whenua Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Key contact
