Maintaining grassroots activism: Transition Towns in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

As a result of burgeoning social and environmental issues, localisation movements such as Transition Towns are emerging. However, tension exists as to the best scale and method to create and maintain this community activism. In this study, we explore the activities of two Transition Towns in Aotearoa New Zealand through a qualitative mixed methodology, and argue that relational notions of scale and the notion of progressive localisms enable an appreciation of the locally rooted but outward looking nature of Transition activities. In turn, this creates space to acknowledge the diffuse nature of change, redefine success and sustain momentum.