ECONOMICS

Economics Level 1 

Course Title: Regional Economies of Aotearoa:  Cape Reinga to Bluff

Course Summary:
This course takes you on an in-depth journey through the diverse regions of Aotearoa, New Zealand, exploring the unique economic characteristics that define each area. You will examine the resources—natural, human, and capital—that are integral to regional economies, and analyze employment trends across different sectors. Through the lens of economic models, students will explore the markets and sectors that dominate each region, including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and services, and how these sectors drive local economies.

In addition to theoretical models, the course integrates statistical data to help students understand the practical applications of economic theory in real-world contexts. A key focus will be on contemporary issues, such as regional inequalities, sustainability, urbanisation, and the impact of global trends like climate change and technological disruption on New Zealand’s regions. Students will use economic models to assess these challenges and propose potential solutions.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Regional Resource Distribution and Economic Significance

• Employment Patterns and Sectoral Analysis

• Economic Models and Market Dynamics

• Statistical Data Interpretation and Application

• Contemporary Regional Issues (e.g., climate change, urban-rural divide)

By the end of the course, students will be equipped with a deeper understanding of how regional economies in New Zealand are shaped by both traditional resources and modern economic forces, and how economic models can be applied to solve real-world challenges facing these regions.