2025 Joint ANZRSAI/RSA Conference

Session Organisers:

Tibor Dr. Kovács PhD, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Hungary
Mária Dr. Vasvári PhD, Debrecen University, Hungary
Szabolcs Dr. Mátyás PhD, Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary

The challenges faced by peripheral and shrinking regions worldwide remain pressing, yet the complex dynamics of talent recognition, retention, return, or loss are still partially uncovered. This session focuses on the crucial question: can we reach truly novel insights and practices by rethinking existing research methodologies and development policy models? We particularly welcome contributions that include: – Innovative data collection, analysis, or modelling techniques (e.g., big data, longitudinal studies, AI-based pattern and network analysis, micro-regional or life-course mapping, citizen science, and mixed qualitative-participatory methods). – Fresh theoretical or methodological frameworks for examining talent flows in new contexts (e.g., intersectional or transregional perspectives within talent geography). – Evaluations of old and new development policy practices (e.g., local incentives, talent return strategies, resilience-building innovations) focusing on lessons learned, success and failure factors, adaptability, and transferability. This session calls for pioneering contributions, comparative analyses, and case studies from all continents and regional types (urban, small towns, rural, peripheries, islands, etc.). Our goal is to explore not only the “what” and “why” questions but to shed light on the “how”: Is there really anything new under the Sun? Can we offer fresh methodological tools, instruments, or policy recommendations that truly empower local communities?

To submit your abstract to this session click here

Session Organiser:

Dr Jeffrey McNeill, Massey University, New Zealand for the International Geographic Union Commission on the Geography of Governance.

These were to be the decades of regional government. The literature and policy think-tanks tell of the value and rise of regional government in western democracies. Momentum faltered during the Covid pandemic where many governments sought to centralise or coordinate regional functions, but that appears to have been a pause rather than abandonment of the project. In New Zealand, there had been grounds for optimism, too. Its regional councils, established in 1990, had been seemingly accepted by public, industry and central government. The near constant bushfire epidemic of requests to the Local Government Commission to create unitary authorities in their place had largely died down following the creation of the city-region Auckland Council. Central government had increasingly entrusted them with greater responsibilities such as regional economic development planning. The Adern-led Labour government had proposed creating regional spatial planning entities in place of district council planning. Yet that government also sought to create mega-regions with its Three-Waters project, while centralising public health and vocational training, suggesting more than regional intent.  However, these initiatives have been undone by the current National Party-led coalition government. So much so that the Minister of Regional Development has now mused publicly whether there is still a place for regional councils. Vocational training is to be regionalised. In the light of this dynamic political context this Session seeks to answer the question whether there is a place and a future for regional-level institutions in New Zealand. It invites academics and practitioners to consider their value as democratic institutions, the tensions at the subnational level between administration and representative democracy and to suggest what the future for regional governance in New Zealand might look like.

To submit your abstract to this session click here