South Taranaki is one of the three districts which make up the Taranaki region. The District has a population of approximately 27,000 people spread throughout seven towns and a number of smaller rural and coastal communities.
Last week the Maxim Institute released a report predicting the populations of many regions will drop or stagnate within three decades which will place them under severe financial strain as they try to pay for infrastructure.
In our series on the future of our regions, Jesse talks to the South Taranaki Mayor, Ross Dunlop about what the future holds for a region dependant on dairy and the oil and gas industries.
The Kapuni gas production plant is nestled in South Taranaki farmland. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
