Rural Value Chains

This project, funded through the Challenge’s contestable funding process in 2017, analysed disruptions in complex networks of interdependent rural value chains with the aim of improving supply chain resilience and strengthening the rural sector in New Zealand.

Following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake the value chains of many businesses in North Canterbury were significantly disrupted. The project team gathered in-depth supply chain assessments from dozens of rural and rural-support businesses that were affected by earthquake, and explored the effects of these disruptions on the wider regions’ economy. The team found a high level of togetherness and interdependence in the North Canterbury business community following the natural disaster event with most partners across the value chain ready to offer help to others far above contractual obligations.

Read more about this project here.