This annotated bibliography and summary literature review was prepared in support of the Thriving Regions (South Island) research theme of the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge: Ko ngā wā kāinga hei whakamāhorahora. Thriving Regions comprises a set of integrated cases studies of South Island regions, settlements and communities that are attempting to create positive futures for themselves. Researchers are working directly with community stakeholders as they navigate change, determine their own aspirations, confront impediments to wellbeing and search for solutions to local problems, while enacting sustainable future pathways. The aim of the research is to reveal what practical approaches are most effective at creating real-world change in different community, settlement and regional settings, and to document examples where residents, local governments, community groups, and businesses have collaborated to create change.