Rural delivery: An investigation of permanence and temporality in the dairy industry

Abstract

New Zealand’s history has been heavily influenced by the agricultural industry; most recently with increased emphasis on the dairy sector. However, as the dairy industry expands into a more successful economic agri-business, smaller family-run farms are increasingly replaced with more efficient and productive employee based “factory style” farming. The simultaneous downturn in the sheep industry has meant that many large farms in the South Island are being converting to dairy; ensuring a more economically sustainable future for agricultural families. The scale change to larger operations with the requisite increase in numbers of employees has meant staff must be found outside of the immediate family. As a result the evolving dairy industry is currently primarily comprised of temporary and migratory workers who move more frequently to follow the best job prospects. Often they move to locations where the housing is ill suited to their family composition. Currently, few houses in the agricultural sector meet the needs of today’s transient dairy workers. Seeking desirable and sustainable solutions this thesis examines the requirements of these transient workers, the challenges of home ownership and explores the potential for adaptable temporary dwellings, whilst also installing a sense of permanence within communities to ensure a bright future for dairy farms.