Whānau Ora Research

The 2023 MATES Construction Industry Well-being Survey, supported by ASB, sheds light on the mental health and well-being of over 2,100 workers in New Zealand’s construction sector. The online and…

The Child Cancer Foundation’s 2024 Social Impact Report, in partnership with Huber Social, highlights the significant impact of the Foundation on families navigating their child’s cancer journey. The Foundation offers…

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…

Young carers are a largely invisible and unsupported population of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) children and youth aged 25 years and under who physically, emotionally, socially, and/or spiritually support loved…

The Child Cancer Foundation 2022-23 Social Impact Report highlights the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support families of children diagnosed with cancer across New Zealand. The report outlines how the Foundation…

The Wellbeing and Arts, Culture and Creativity in the Waikato report explores the impact of arts, culture, and creativity on the overall well-being of Waikato residents. The report highlights that…

The Child Cancer Foundation Social Impact Report 2022 provides insights into the Foundation’s efforts to support families affected by childhood cancer. The report emphasizes the holistic approach taken by the…

Common Unity is a place-based charity which aims to regenerate communities. Common Unity is based in Epuni, a neighbourhood where many households experience high levels of deprivation. Common Unity’s Food…

The research looked into the SVA Service Award, a national framework for advancing secondary school student volunteering, to provide an in-depth insight into the benefits of youth volunteering, service and…

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…

This community-led, co-designed research project explores the impact of Northcote’s Urban Regeneration on community wellbeing. The research undertaken involved meaningful engagement with a diverse cross-section of the Northcote population and…

The Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey (Youth19) is the latest in the Youth2000 series of health & wellbeing surveys. Youth19 was conducted in 2019 in the Auckland, Northland & Waikato regions…

This study explores the experiences of refugee Muslim women as they accessed and navigated the healthcare system in AotearoaNew Zealand (NZ). A case-oriented approach was used, where semi-structured interviews were…

Following on from our 2020 report on lockdown loneliness, Deputy Director and WSP in New Zealand Fellow Holly Walker has completed a 2021 update. The new report draws upon new…

This is paper is evaluation of the Taku Wairua programme to assess the diverse effects of the program and identify areas for improvement. Taku Wairua is a program designed to…

New Zealand [NZ] young carers are an invisible and disadvantaged population of children, youth, and young adults aged 25 years and under providing significant, ongoing care for a family member…

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 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…

In this paper, we examine the factors that contributed to New Zealand’s initial success, highlighting the distinctive state-society mandates that were forged through the response. We also reflect, briefly, on…

IntroductionRaukatauri Music Therapy Trust (RMTT) offers the only music therapy centres in New Zealand, coordinated through its central Auckland operations. RMTT works across Auckland through five satellite services and two…

This work was a translational research project undertaken by Burwood Academy of Independent Living (BAIL) on behalf of the New Zealand Spinal Trust (NZST; based at the Burwood Spinal Unit,…

BGI facilitated a diverse group of about 20 young people (who named themselves Te Ahi o Ngā Rangatahi (The Fire of Youth)) to identify issues facing young people and develop…

In New Zealand, health equity is a pressing concern, and reaching disadvantaged populations has become the goal to close the inequity gap. Building and strengthening health systems is one way…

Counting Ourselves is the first comprehensive national survey of the health and wellbeing of trans and non-binary people living in Aotearoa New Zealand and was conducted from 21 June till…

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…

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…

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…

The modern-day healthcare systems incessantly undergo rapid shifts ranging due to the fiscal meltdowns. As such, it is evident that healthcare facilities, especially, in rural areas need a unique type…

This report summarises the research and explains how we developed and used a ‘Community Economy Return on Investment’ tool to document and measure the transformative social and environmental outcomes of…

NZIER report prepared for the Centre of Research Excellence: Indigenous Sovereignty & Smoking as part of a programme of research supported by a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free…

This research is a community-managed discovery of the ingredients underlying the neighbourhood-led approach of Randwick Park’s community leadership. It explains the basis of this shared kaupapa and explores some of…

Obesity in children is a global health concern. In New Zealand, one in three school entrant children are overweight or obese. M¯aori, the indigenous people, are disproportionately represented among the…

INTRODUCTION: In Aotearoa New Zealand, as elsewhere in the world, healthcare providers are seeking better ways to engage with increasingly ethnically and linguistically diverse communities. The use of cultural support…

Objective: There is a paucity of health-related research on older Asian immigrants in New Zealand. The aim of this review was to critically examine literature on health and well-being of…

In 2018, the government announced plans to develop a Child Wellbeing Strategy to make New Zealand the best place in the world to be a child. While this is an…

The growth of migrant communities continues to rise globally, creating unique and complex health challenges. Literature on immigrant health in New Zealand (NZ) remains scant. This integrative literature review was…

Mandated organ donation would greatly increase the overall functionality and wellbeing of populations in the United States. It therefore should be considered to change the current default from having to…

One of the important parts of public health surveillance is to track flu (influenza) and similar respiratory conditions. School-based surveillance of flu or influenza-like illness (ILI) is critical as children…

Addiction practitioners in New Zealand work alongside those who are experiencing a range of addictions, as well as those who care for them, to assist in making recovery for clients…

A project looking at men’s awareness of and potential engagement in the prevention of family violence.

Kia Pū te Wai o Pareira: Catalysts of Whānau Health and Wellbeing in West Auckland is the technical report following an 18-month study of Māori living in West Auckland. This…

This paper summarises the findings of a small, in-depth research project undertaken at [School]; it has been prepared for the purpose of feeding back findings to the school. The findings…

The purpose of this project was to update existing ‘Good Practice Guidelines’, building upon the findings of the initial project conducted in 2009. The development of ‘Good Practice Guidelines’ aims…

Many Northland communities are relatively geographically isolated from urban centres. Because of this, services can be limited and travel, housing and the general cost of living are expensive for many.…

Abstract The original intention for the Partnership Community Worker (PCW) project in 2006 was for it to be an extension of the Pegasus Health General Practice and furthermore to be…

This paper presents insights into the impacts on Māori of the Christchurch earthquakes and draws on personal research experiences to discuss disaster research with impacted minority communities. Three topics are…

The research looks at how Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) have been involved in and impacted by mid- to long-term recovery efforts, following the Christchurch earthquakes. Relocation information of TSOs’ offices…

The purpose of this document is to:1. Provide Information about CALD population demographics and characteristics, increasing workforce diversity, service barriers, and why the need for cultural competence2. Recommend Best Practice…

A top priority for Youthline is for young people to be supported in their resilience and ability to thrive, their knowledge of where to go to get help, and their…

In February 2014, the NGO Health and Disability Network held five Good Governance workshops around New Zealand. These were attended by more than 150 board members from approx 85 non-profit…

The ABE Programme is a client-centred, individualised physical activity intervention for people with mental illness delivered by non-government organisation Richmond Services Ltd. It is three months in duration with weekly…

Although a small sample size of only 15 respondents, this Canterbury survey into the health sector workforce needs of non-profit organisations provides some of the only available information on the…

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) is the agency leading and coordinating the recovery of greater Christchurch following the September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes. The area over which CERA…

The DOVE Research Project came about after discussions between family violence intervention service, DOVE Hawkes Bay (DOVE) and the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) about the high levels of family…

DOVE and EIT wanted to address this by examining the efficacy of family violence prevention services run for men, women and youth in Hawke’s Bay. In particular, we were interested…

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…

This report studied six communities affected by the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. Our project found that connected communities with good community infrastructure (e.g. local networks, marae, organisations, and leaders)…

Institutional racism, a pattern of differential access to material resources and power determined by race, advantages one sector of the population while disadvantaging another. Such racism is not only about…

This paper was presented at the CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKES: SEMINAR SERIES 2012. Earthquake research in the field of mental health – Outcomes & Impacts by Prof Simon Kingham, Department of Geography…

In mid-2012, the NGO Health and Disability Network explored older people’s health issues and the current role of the non-profit sector. By sharing these findings, the Network hopes to help…

This report illustrates how the NGO sector is a major provider of public and personal primary health care in New Zealand. It profiles 15 case studies of non-profit NGOs’ relationships…

This report is a compilation of respondents’ feedback to a 2011 survey exploring ways non-profit NGOs help New Zealanders become healthier by using their relationships, connections and innovative models of…

The experience of living with endometriosis is, for many women, very challenging. A fortunate few find sympathetic doctors, relatively quick diagnosis and treatment, and uncomplicated recovery. They are able to…

The aim of this report is to increase understanding of the health requirements of refugee-background communities. Like many communities whose members are predominantly from low socio-economic backgrounds, former refugees face…

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…

Independent evaluation of the Healthy Relationships programme, exploring the impact of the programme on student behaviour (e.g. if and how students used the Healthy Relationships skills to prevent potential sexual…

A qualitative project explored the lived experiences and social service needs of affected or at-risk Black African migrants, refugees and their family members in New Zealand. One of the main…

Te Korowai has been development from seven interconnecting themes raised by hui with kaumatua and represents the concepts and practicalities of whanau ora. Te Korowai looks at the individual while…

This paper identifies the key strengths of the health and disability sector NGOs (non-government organisations) and the challenges and opportunities ahead for progressing towards a whānau-centred approach.

This paper explores changes in the political and economic environments of western democracies and the role and participation of NGOs in health and disability sector service provision. It quantifies the…

A document presenting some simple ways to analyse current health networks and how to look to strengthen them.

This discussion paper provides an initial NGO perspective on possible re-organisation of the planning and funding environment resulting from changes to the health system. It is for use by government…

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…

A pilot of social work support in a primary health setting was undertaken and elvauated in a small rural community in New Zealand. This pilot was part of a social…

New Zealand’s 97,000 not-for-profit organisations’ survival is reliant upon the generosity of individuals, corporations, trusts, and the government. As New Zealand faced economic downturns between 1986 and 2008, this potentially…

This issue of Mana Mahi highlights a number of exciting events and opportunities organised by the Workplace Wellbeing Project in November/December 2008 for sector employers and managers to add to…

This edition of Mana Mahi discusses issues of pay parity; the results of the Strategic Pay Not for Profit Sector 2008 Remuneration Survey; feedback from our Effective Employment Relations workshops;…

Welcome to the second newsletter of the Workplace Wellbeing Project, a sector-driven initiative which seeks to promote and support good employment practices and relationships in our sector. In this issue…

Responses to cultural diversity in nursing need to consider the theory and practice developments of the profession, whilst also responding to broader social and historical process that prevent marginalised groups…

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…

This is the first in a series of newsletters produced by the Workplace Wellbeing Project to keep people up to date with what is happening with the project, and with…

This document summarises a number of issues raised by NGOs about the barriers to, and opportunities for, innovation and collaboration within the health and disability NGO sector. It is based…

This report summarises the main top-line results from a survey conducted by the NGO Working Group in July 2007. It is a repeat of a similar survey carried out in…

The relationship between housing and recovery from mental illness has been recognised by users and providers of mental health services in New Zealand in a number of reports and discussion…

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

This report adds to the growing body of knowledge about non-government organisations (NGOs) in New Zealand contracted by the Crown to provide mental health and addictions services in the community.…

The NgOIT 2005 Landscape Survey is a collection of data provided by community (non-government) mental health and addiction service providers in New Zealand. It is an overview of the community…

Interest in how knowledge is constructed in multiethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-faith communities is gaining momentum in countries such as New Zealand as they become more diverse. In turn, this provides…

Health and Disability Sector NGO Workforce Development – A report to the NGO Working Group written by Kirsty Peel, Health by Design Limited, 16 June 2006

Migrants and refugees make up an increasingly significant number of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s population with one in five New Zealanders being born in another country compared with one in eight people…

A presentation to the Health and Disability NGO-MoH Forum on the future of contracting: alternative models to competitive tendering.

This document reports on results of sector meetings in July 2006 on how Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) can best fit within the primary health care setting. It also advises how key…

Indigenous contributions to governance in health informatics can be drawn from cultural concepts such as Katiakitanga, which implies guardianship, stewardship, governance and responsibility roles. Kaitiakitanga acts as a guideline to…

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,…

Promoting Community Well-being: A study of the involvement of Councils of Social Services in Local Authority community Outcomes Processes.

Relationships, Framework, Ministry, NGOs, PHOs, Strategy

This paper discusses the need for multi-cultural methodologies that develop knowledge about the maternity experience of migrant women and that are attuned to women’s maternity-related requirements under multi-cultural conditions. Little…

This document presents the key findings from a survey of people with experience of mental illness to obtain their accounts of discrimination in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The increasing use of emergency departments by refugee and migrant groups reflects the shifting ethnic composition of central Auckland. Refugees are different from other immigrants and from low-income families in…

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 research evaluated the effectiveness of a stress management programme for hospice staff, using a quasi-experimental, pre-test post-test, methodology with a participation and comparison group. The initial post-test was followed…

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…