Loss of jobs, loss of young people, the ageing demographic, the apparently irresistible magnet of Auckland . . . the economic fortunes of New Zealand's regions are of great concern to politicians, the business community, schools, employers -- and indeed most citizens. What is the dynamic at work here? Is there a remedy? Is there a silver lining? What works? What doesn't? What are the smart regions doing that shows promise? This collection of expert articles addresses the issues facing our regions and investigates the reasons for population loss. Often those solutions involve facing up to the fact that decline is inevitable and unavoidable -- and then coming up with smart new plans and policies that accept that the end of growth does not have to mean the end of prosperity.