About Me:
I am a social science and marketing researcher with a specialisation in environmental and society, and alternative, sustainable, and regenerative agri-food systems, focusing on how consumers, farmers, and industry actors relate to food and land. Before my PhD, I worked as a Market and Social Science Researcher at Plant & Food Research, where my interest in regenerative agriculture first took shape.
Completing a PhD (thesis-by-publication) at the University of Canterbury Business School, titled Regenerating Relations, I am exploring how regenerative agriculture is gaining meaning and legitimacy across Aotearoa New Zealand's agri-food system. Drawing on 44 in-depth interviews with farmers, intermediaries, and consumers, my three papers apply stakeholder theory, food citizenship and Actor-Network Theory. My first paper, A Systematic Review of Multi-Actor Sociocultural Perceptions of Regenerative Agriculture, is published in Outlook on Agriculture. (see below).
My research is driven by a passion for understanding and advancing human-nature relations, and how these play out in the systems we participate in every day. It is my hope that this work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, increases civic involvement in food and farming procurement and relationships, and informs the emerging market assurance systems taking shape around regenerative and future-focused food production.
Once my doctorate is completed, I plan to continue building a career at the intersection of research and teaching, while remaining open to opportunities in industry.
Research Interests:
- Socio-ecological behaviour
- Actor networks
- Regenerative and Sustainable Food Systems
- Ethical consumption
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy, 2026, University of Canterbury, UC Business School, Aotearoa New Zealand
Master of Environment and Society, University of Waikato, School of Humanities, Aotearoa New Zealand
Bachelor of Environmental Communication, Minor Art History, California State University Channel Islands, United States
Supervisors:
Senior Supervisor: Dr. Joya Kemper
Co-Supervisor: Dr. Denise Conroy
Associate Supervisor: Dr. Samantha White
Publications:
Jones, H. (2022). Environmentalism for the environment's sake: Towards an understanding of the influence of the Māori worldview on Western environmental management perspectives in Aotearoa, New Zealand through a lens of nature connectivity (Master's thesis, The University of Waikato).
Conference Presentations:
Jones, H., Kemper, J. A., Conroy, D., & White, S. K. (2024, December). Off-farm food actor motivations and barriers toward the adoption of regenerative agriculture [Conference paper]. 28th Annual AFRN Conference, Tweed Heads, Australia.
Jones, H., Kemper, J. A., Conroy, D., & White, S. K. (2024, December). Exploring regenerative agriculture perspectives and consumer-farmer relationships [Conference paper]. 45th Annual ANZMAC Conference, Hobart, Australia.
Jones, H., Kemper, J. A., Conroy, D., & White, S. K. (2024, June). A systematic review on stakeholder perceptions of regenerative agriculture [Conference paper]. 49th Annual Macromarketing Conference, Helsinki, Finland.
Jones, H., Kemper, J. A., Conroy, D., White, S. K. (2024, April). Exploring Regenerative Agriculture: Stakeholder Insights and Embeddedness [Symposium presentation]. UC Business School Ecosystems Symposium, University of Canterbury Business School, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Other:
Future Farmers Aotearoa - Member
Why did you choose UC:
I chose to pursue my PhD at the UC Business School because I was offered an incredible opportunity to join a joint Postgraduate Scholarship titled, “Food Transitions 2050.” I have been a part of a cohort of students researching a plethora of food transitions topics, which is such a great experience as a PhD student. Beyond this initial choice, my supervisory team is full of bright minds and the process has been enriching in different areas of my professional and personal development. UC Business School has brought me invaluable experiences and support, and along with this and the other factors, these have made me feel proud to have chosen UC.
Best things about study at UC:
The academic resources available- from library help to seminars- you have the opportunity to be shaped into an overall better academic and professional by the time you commence.
