Community Research

The State of Volunteering 2024 report marks the sixth edition in Volunteering New Zealand’s ongoing series. We surveyed volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations. The state of volunteering is fairly positive, though…

The Whiria te Tāngata Social Impact Report 2024 highlights the impact of Creative Waikato’s pilot multi-community artist-in-residence program, aimed at improving social cohesion and community well-being through creative practice. The…

Our aim was to evaluate the needs of Autism NZ’s newest service within the Autism Resource Centre – the Autism Diagnostic Service. A mixed method survey and interview research project…

This paper introduces Indigenist Critical Policy Analysis (ICPA), an adapation of Critical Tiriti Analysis for the Australian context. It takes the five-stage approach but adapts it with different assessment indicators…

Hapū are interested in local government due to their decision-making influence over the cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing of a district that can enable or restrict tino rangatiratanga. In…

This research was commissioned to deliver a review of the services provided by Continence NZ and make recommendations as to how the organisation can most effectively serve those living with…

The State of Volunteering is Volunteering New Zealand’s flagship report on the state of the community and voluntary sector. Over the years, this report has evolved, reflecting the demands of…

Minor ailments are self-limiting, easily diagnosable and treatable conditions. Funded pharmacist minor ailments services (PMAS) have been posited to improve medicines access equity and, despite ethnic minorities across the globe…

The need for, and importance of, kaupapa Māori methods in science and health research is now clearly articulated in best practice guidance1,2 and is increasingly recognised as important by research…

Background: Medicines are the most common medical intervention and medicines adherence is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Understanding drivers and experiences of medicines adherence is important for optimising medicines use.…

Globally, non-formal education (NFE) plays an important role in youth development. However, while universal approaches to youth development are well researched, there is little research on what influences positive youth…

Māori are amongst the highest likely to volunteer yet their contributions are under-represented in volunteering research. This important work has filled this gap stemming from focus group and surveys of…

This paper examines the recruitment and performance review processes of public sector chief executives from 2000 to 2020 to ascertain Te Tiriti compliance. Methods: Recruitment and performance review templates were…

A report commissioned by Creative Waikato to research to measure the social impact of community engagement with arts, culture and creativity in Waikato. Developed to provide insights; to support ongoing…

The Review targeted Catholic migrants who identify as Pacific Islanders, Asians, Middle-eastern, Africans and other ethnicities apart from Europeans and Māori. The Review included obtaining demographic data from the government,…

Researchers using a narrative approach largely acknowledge their role in the process of the unfolding or telling of their participants’ narratives, and the fact that their positioning as researchers results…

In December 2020, the New Zealand Government announced that New Zealand would have a new Ministry for Ethnic Communities. There have been previous calls for the establishment of a standalone…

The survey by Volunteering New Zealand and Hui E! Community Aotearoa of more than 600 organisations in the tangata whenua, community and voluntary sector showed the sector is experiencing increased…

The survey by Volunteering New Zealand and Hui E! Community Aotearoa of more than 600 organisations in the tangata whenua, community and voluntary sector showed the sector is experiencing increased…

For the first time in a Youth2000 survey, Youth19 included open text questions inviting students to express their own views on key issues. In this brief we summarise their responses…

One out of every 100 Youth19 participants identified as transgender or non-binary (1.0%). A further 0.6% reported that they were not sure of their gender. Three quarters (73%) of transgender…

Most rangatahi Māori with a disability or chronic condition reported positive family and school environments, high rates of volunteering and moderate or good health. However, members of this group also…

Most Rainbow rangatahi Māori reported positive family and school environments, high rates of volunteering and moderate or good health. However, members of this group also reported major inequities compared to…

Most Pacific Rainbow young people reported positive family and school environments, high levels of volunteering and moderate or good health. However, members of this group also reported major inequities compared…

Most Pacific young people with a disability or chronic condition reported positive family and school environments, high levels of volunteering and moderate or good health. However, members of this group…

Most Rainbow young people with a disability or chronic condition reported positive family and school environments. However, members of this group also reported very high rates of mental distress. Only…

This brief explores student access to digital devices such as laptops and smartphones, access to the internet, and access to devices in private.

About 1 in 3 NZ secondary school students have ever bet or gambled and 13% of these students want to cut down their gambling. This is about 1-2 students per…

All young people are entitled to be safe and free from abuse at home, in schools and in communities. These are basic human rights, which are important for immediate and…

Most young people with disabilities reported positive family and school environments, high rates of volunteering, and moderate or good health. However, members of this group also reported major inequities compared…

New Zealand Youth19 survey: vaping has wider appeal than smoking in secondary school students, and most use nicotine‐containing e‐cigarettes Objective: To investigate smoking and vaping in secondary school students (aged…

New Zealand, like many other countries, is searching for effective ways to turn the tide on the problem of family violence.a The enormous costs to individuals, communities and society are…

This report describes the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey (Youth19), how we ran the survey, who took part in it and how to use the findings. It is designed to be…

This report highlights findings from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey (Youth19) about smoking, vaping, alcohol use, and use of marijuana and other drugs. It is designed to be read with…

This report highlights the emotional and mental health findings from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey (Youth19). It is designed to be read with the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey, Initial Findings:…

This report highlights findings from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey (Youth19) about students’ access to health care services. It is designed to be read with the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey,…

This report highlights the sexual and reproductive health findings from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey (Youth19). It is designed to be read with the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey, Initial Findings:…

In this report we explore the wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand secondary school students with the following identities using data from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey:• Rainbow rangatahi Māori• Pacific…

This report provides data from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey (Youth19) about secondary school students who report they have been involved with Oranga Tamariki or Child Youth and Family Services…

This report provides data from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey (Youth19) about secondary school students who reported being involved with Oranga Tamariki or Child Youth and Family Services. Youth19 is…

Mainstream media play a significant role in shaping public opinion in modern society. For refugees, misinterpretation (including associations with victimhood, foreignness and deviant behaviour) can hinder integration into New Zealand…

The 2021 New Zealand Cause Report is a reference resource for Aotearoa New Zealand’s multidimensional charitable and broader for-purpose sector, and is a follow on from the 2017 Cause Report.…

SociaLink asked social service providers via our newsletter and in discussion at the Managers forum to share what issues they are observing in the community and any issues their organisations…

This article explores the attitudes of New Zealanders to the social marketing campaign ‘Give nothing to racism’. Thematic analysis was applied to a series of comments posted on the New…

In light of the global humanitarian crisis, a climate of fear has arisen around refugees which is often exacerbated by the media perpetuating misinformation and negative stereotypes. Such misrepresentation is…

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a traditional and culturally significant Pacific Island beverage that produces a soporific relaxant effect. Kava’s psychopharmacological action is similar to the anti-anxiety drug Benzodiazepine. Traditional users…

A survey of Aotearoa New Zealand’s community sector on the impacts of COVID‐19: This report details the findings of a national COVID‐19 impact survey carried out across the Tangata Whenua,…

After completing nine months cross-context research in Eastern Fiji, I wrote my Master’s thesis to answer this question: To what extent do local concerns, with regard to climate change, inform…

The purpose of the report is to evaluate the first two years of the Mana Whānau programme, to identify the approach, key components and delivery mechanisms, determine how well it…

This study was commissioned to capture the experiences of Refugees as Survivors New Zealand (RASNZ) clinical and community services as they responded to COVID 19; and to understand the impact…

This report documents the experience of a group of researchers who started a Participatory Action Research (PAR) project with the Assyrian Youth community in Wellington. The objective of the project…

This report is the product of a group research project carried out in partnership with Victoria University students, secondary school refugee students and the facilitators of the Homework Club. Set…

This project aimed to strengthen the well-being of African Youth in Wellington by identifying issues they face, and developing strategies to address the issues. The project was implemented by Evolve,…

In 2005 the New Zealand Police commissioned this research project to explore the perceptions of police held by members of various ethnic communities and to provide information on the current…

This report was commissioned by Multicultural New Zealand assisted by a grant from the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO. It is based on the outcomes of 34 workshops involving…

This research provides anthropological analysis into the intersection between migrants’ health, healthcare services, and the concept of migrant integration, focusing on the Luo community of Wellington as an ethnic minority…

We wish to examine a number of events arising from statements made by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters during the 1996 election campaign and the public response to them.…

SSPA has been working with some sector leaders on what a reset of the social services system could look like. We’ve prepared an agenda for change and are now ready…

The Rule Foundation and Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust (RNZCT) are proud to release a report on the state of Rainbow Philanthropy in Aotearoa. Conducted between August 2019 and April…

Resettlement provides access to rights similar to other New Zealanders and the opportunity to eventually gain citizenship. It also provides an avenue for countries like New Zealand to share international…

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify and assess the relative importance of predictors of the self-rated adjustment and psychiatric morbidity of recent Chinese migrants. Method: Chinese…

Citizenship, as effective social, cultural and economic participation for refugee groups, depends on appropriate institutional structures and processes in resettlement societies. This thesis using critical social theoretical perspectives addresses the…

Issue 37 of the Social Policy Journal of New Zealand comprises research papers on a wide range of topics with implications for policy across the social sector. Research relating to…

The medical/disabled category for quota refugees selected for resettlement in New Zealand allows entry to those who have either a medical condition that can be treated or helped in New…

Delays in obtaining help with social and personal issues may result in people being on waiting lists for assistance with mental health, housing, counselling, special needs education services or assessments…

The Western Bay of Plenty covers the region from Waihi Beach in the north to Paengaroa to the east and Pyes Pa to the south, and includes Tauranga and Mount…

Employees of community based non-government organisation (NGO) social service agencies are vital in ensuring the most vulnerable people in our communities receive the services they need to enhance socio-economic outcomes.…

Immigrant entrepreneurs play an important role in their host countries’ economies. They contribute to national economies by starting up and running small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These make up 97%…

Migration is the movement of people from one geographic location to another. It can be either domestic or international. This study focuses on international migration. Individuals or groups who decide…

Independent study that quantifies the gap between what not-for-profit social service providers in NZ are funded to deliver and the real cost. I finds there is an estimated $630 million…

This research report summarises the findings of Philanthropy New Zealand’s (“PNZ”) Tangata Whenua and Diversity Project (2018–2019). This project was started due to the lack of research on the philanthropic…

This paper covers the current ‘state of the art’ about best social research measures for the NZ context. The listing is also a useful checklist for those contemplating which to…

OverviewThis report details aggregate findings from a formative evaluation of two Auckland-based Transition from Care to Independence (TCI) services – Launch and Ka Awatea. The original impetus for this evaluation…

Mapping the Social Sector in the Western Bay of Plenty project emerged from a need expressed by the sector to better understand itself, provide data for future planning, and to…

For the third year running, Volunteering NZ has undertaken a survey with all registered charities nationwide, to create a general view of the volunteer landscape. The report had 1,584 responses…

Grandparents raising grandchildren in New Zealand are entitled to the unsupported child benefit (UCB) if they meet the conditions for eligibility. To access the support, they are required to attend…

This research looked at some interrelated questions. What are the attributes of an organisation that builds social value? And what is it about faith-based aged care providers that makes them…

Volunteering is central to the social development, economy, and environment of New Zealanders. Between 2004 and 2013, Statistics NZ data shows there was a 21% increase in the number of…

Written by Te Wāhanga kairangahau Alex Barnes, this working paper focuses on how Pākehā have become involved in Māori-determined and controlled educational research, and what issues inhibit and facilitate their…

This summary report details the results of a survey of n=1,076 New Zealand residents aged 18 years and older. The survey was conducted on behalf of the Male Survivors of…

NZ Council of Christian Social Services, in partnership with the NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations, and in consultation with the NZ Council of Social Services, produced this paper “to…

Social Work is traditionally human-centered in practice, even though for many the bond between humans and animals is the most fundamental of daily-lived experiences. The intent of this paper is…

Drawing on Canterbury and Victoria experience, his report discusses and gives examples of the role of the non-profit sector in disaster risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery. While many see…

This is a legal review of all laws touching on the issue of human trafficking, slavery and labour exploitation in New Zealand. It makes recommendations for legislative and policy changes…

This research explores the principles and practices relating to community economic development (CED), and social enterprise in New Zealand at this time. Success factors and challenges are identified, including an…

While the value added by voluntary organisations is widely accepted by government and other funders, there has been increased pressure for the voluntary sector to measure the difference they make…

This Research is about the Rainbow Temple in Byron Shire, NSW, Australia. The diverse belief systems and the symbolic behaviours practiced and described by people who live at the Rainbow…

The research examined issues relating to migrant sex workers in New Zealand and their occupational safety and health. There were three parts to the research: key informant interviews, self administered…

All research raises questions about ethics: about the rigour, responsibility and respect of the practices of researchers. As a result, there are strict systems in place to encourage and enforce…

This compilation of case studies, examples and commentaries forms the third part of a set of materials relating to ethics in community-based participatory research (CBPR). Part I comprises a set…

After the Sept 2010 earthquake, a series of meetings were held with community organisations in Christchurch to enable them to learn from each other about supporting their communities and to…

To evaluate how the SeniorNet service is meeting the needs of older adults in learning new technology and to improve an understanding of older adults learning needs.

NZCCSS’s 12th Vulnerability Report uses both government data and community information to illustrate how the materially poorest in our community have been faring in the year to December 2011.

This report measures philanthropy in New Zealand during 2011; that is, how much money New Zealanders and their organisations (trusts & foundations, individuals and businesses) gave to charitable and other…

The tenth Vulnerability Report covers September 2011. It illustrates the experiences and pressure points for both families and social service agencies. Data from Christian agencies who are members of the…

This article was written to support a presentation to the World Conference in Disaster Management 2009 (Toronto, Canada). In it there is presented a method to rediscover the forgotten tool…

This report catalogues how the most vulnerable members of our population are doing. It contains a mixture of official data, and data and anecdotes from NZCCSS agencies regarding prices, wages,…

Address to “Our Future Community and Voluntary Sector Forum”, Hosted by Council of Social Services Christchurch and Te Runaka ki Otautahi Kai Tahu, Christchurch, 28 July 2011. Drawing on lessons…

The Social Report 2010 provides a picture of progress towards better social outcomes for New Zealanders. It shows how we are faring on a range of important social indicators and…

An examination of the link between problem gambling and family violence.

Counting for More is focused on a pilot study of outputs and outcomes and is a major milestone for the VAVA (Value Added by Voluntary Agencies) project initiated in 2002…

Considers the work of nine NGOs providing settlement support to refugees and migrants in Aotearoa New Zealand. It considers support of new comers at local level with access to information…

This evaluation follows a broad-ranging evaluation of the Voluntary Agency Support Scheme (VASS) in 1998 that focused on rationale, purpose, structure, management and ‘place’ of VASS in relation to international…

On 1 November 2007 the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Revenue asked for submissions on ways to simplify the law on the taxation of reimbursement and honoraria paid…

As more and more activities – housework, childcare, looking after the sick and the old – become monetised and institutionalised, the values that allow people to provide services to one…

A list of research on the non-profit sector in New Zealand collated as part of the Study of the New Zealand Non-profit Sector

In 2007, the New Zealand Parliament passed a Private Members Bill to repeal Section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961. A petition in response to this law change forced a…

Aims to guide and inform Creative New Zealand, Auckland City Council and ASB Community Trust’s approach to engaging with Asian Aucklanders in the arts. Focuses on Chinese, Indian, Korean and…

A review of research into the employment of people with experience of mental illness, and the issues which arise from that subject.

Volunteer managers/coordinators’ roles are of central importance to promoting and enhancing volunteerism, yet little is known about these workers: who they are, what they do, or how their effectiveness could…

Considers the work of nine NGOs providing settlement support to refugees and migrants in Aotearoa New Zealand. It considers support of new comers at local level with access to information…

This case study reviews a series of events using a deliberation approach that have taken place in Porirua City. The nature of these activities is considered in relation to how…

This report estimates how much money New Zealanders and New Zealand non-governmental organisations gave to charities and other community purposes during the 2005/2006 year.

NZCOSS’s first Vulnerability Report shows the recession’s community impact on NGO services. The Vulnerability Report will be produced quarterly and will actively monitor the level of economic and social hardship…

The Local Government Act 2002 requires New Zealand local authorities to become actively involved in the development of social well being. Recent research indicates that the community and social services…

New Zealand organisations that are engaged in community development practice to empower women are disadvantaged under neo-liberal and third way style policies of the New Zealand Government. Recent research has…

Policy makers, and those intending to be influential around sport and recreation in Pasifika communities, need to make decisions and develop programmes that are culturally aligned and relevant. They should…

NZCCSS’s 11th Vulnerability Report looks at the period October to December 2011 and investigates trends in prices, employment and unemployment, benefits and hardship, housing, children in care, and debt. It…

NZCCSS’s Vulnerability Report Issue 13 covers the period January – March 2012. The report shows what life is like three years on from the first report done in June 2009.…