2025 Joint ANZRSAI/RSA Conference

Important Dates

• Session Proposal Deadline: 29th August
• Abstract Deadline: 19th September
• Notification of Acceptance & registration opens: 3rd October
• Final date for submission of full paper by authors wanting their contribution to be considered for the best paper award: 7th November

This conference is convened jointly by the Australia and New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI) and the Regional Studies Association (RSA). The two associations bring together researchers across academic and policy fields to explore the cutting edge of regional science and regional analysis in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. The event will be hosted by the University of Waikato on 1-2 December 2025.

The 2025 conference theme explores the evolving dynamics of population change and its interrelationship with the resilience of regions across Australasia and beyond. This theme embraces a broad spectrum of issues, including ageing populations, migration trends, urbanisation and rural depopulation, and their intersections with housing, infrastructure, employment, and regional and rural development. The theme invites discussions on how local and central government, Indigenous and local communities, and other stakeholders can adapt to these changes to foster social, economic, and environmental resilience, and ensure that regions are vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready.

Proposals for contributed papers, for themed panels, or for special sessions, will be welcomed on any topic related to the theme, or to regional science or regional studies more generally.

Abstract Submission

The Regional Studies Association (RSA) and the Australia and New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI) Council invite contributions from academics, practitioners and policy advisors on any aspect of regional studies and regional science for presentation at the conference. The programme will include PowerPoint presentations, academic papers, themed panels and special sessions on topics in regional science theory, regional development practice or regional planning policy. Presentations will be made in person, in two or three parallel sessions.

29th August 2025 – Submission deadline for proposals for themed panels or special sessions on particular topics. Please complete the form below and return to nicola.pilling@regionalstudies.org.

Call-for-Special-Sessions-ANZRSAI-RSA v2

Conference Registration

Registration for the conference includes morning and afternoon tea, light lunch as well as admission to all plenary and parallel sessions.

Conference Fees to be paid to ANZRSAI

Early Bird Standard Registration (paid before 31 October)                       AU$400.00
Standard Registration for full conference (paid after 31 October)           AU$450.00
Student or Emeritus Registration for full conference                                 AU$200.00
ANZRSAI Awards Dinner (Monday 1 December, 7pm)                              AU$125.00

Contact

Queries about the conference can be sent to the Chair of the Local Organising Committee: Professor Michael Cameron, Waikato Management School, Uiversity of Waikato
Email: mcam@waikato.ac.nz

Local Organising Committee

Professor Michael Cameron (University of Waikato)
Professor Jacques Poot (University of Waikato)
Professor Matthew Roskruge (Massey University)
Professor Etienne Nel (University of Otago)
Ms Georgia McLellan (University of Auckland)