Worksheet 9

SEE In May 2015, the Salvation Army put out a report called Mixed fortunes: the geography of advantage and disadvantage in New Zealand. The report identifies ‘two New Zealands’: the ‘regions’, which have high unemployment and low economic growth; and the flourishing cities, where business is generally booming. The regions, which are struggling the most economically, are Northland and Gisborne.

JUDGE Change in numbers of people in jobs per region from 2007 - 2014

Region / Percentage of working age population
Northland / -4.3
Auckland / 1.4
Waikato / -0.7
Bay of Plenty / -1.7
Hawkes Bay - Gisborne / -1.5
Taranaki / 0.6
Manawatu - Whanganui / -2.0
Wellington / 2.5
Marlborough, Nelson, Tasman, West Coast / 0.0
Canterbury / 1.0
Otago / 3.6
Southland / 0.8

Statistics from Mixed fortunes: the geography of advantage and disadvantage in New Zealand, Alan Johnson, The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, May 2015

ACT Choose one of the regions that has negative job growth and focus on some of the positive characteristics of this area. What are this regions unique strengths? Think about climate, geography, the types of foods that are grown there, and other natural features. Create a brochure marketing this region as a great place to live or visit.