Rent as a regional asset: rent platforms and regional development in Kaikoura, Aotearoa New Zealand

This paper reinterprets rent as geographical rent and argues that it can be mobilized as an asset to drive regional development in the form of geographical rent platforms (GRPs). Framing diverse regional development initiatives in Kaikoura, New Zealand (Aotearoa) as GRPs, the paper illustrates the potential of collectively developed and oriented place-based initiatives to enact futures from regional resourcefulness. It has particular value for rethinking regional development in rural regions and where Indigenous peoples are leading development initiatives; but by asking unfamiliar questions in an unfamiliar place and developing a novel analytical framework, it aims to reinvigorate regional development approaches everywhere.

Automated summary

This paper reinterprets the concept of rent as geographical rent and proposes geographical rent platforms (GRPs) as a means to drive regional development. Using regional development initiatives in Kaikoura, New Zealand as examples, the paper demonstrates the potential of collectively developed and place-based initiatives in shaping regional futures. This research is particularly valuable for rural regions and Indigenous-led development initiatives, but aims to contribute to regional development approaches globally through its unique analytical framework and questioning.