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…

Community Wealth Building puts people back at the center of local economies by ensuring wealth generated in a local economy is held and invested back into that area, and puts…

This short article is a follow-up to an earlier article (Godfrey & Williamson 2020). Linked here http://rb.gy/hlhs6q Our earlier findings concerning no diminution of philanthropy during recessions, excepting corporates, seems…

A qualitative snapshot of kindness through the lens of community service organisations in Aotearoa. This study began with a question: What is the role of kindness from the perspective of…

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…

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.…

Non-profit institutions satellite account (NPISA) provides information about the contribution non-profit institutions (NPIs) make to the New Zealand economy in 2018 and measures of volunteering and unpaid work. NPISA supplements…

In 2019, Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (the Ministry) engaged Tiaho Limited, a respected kaupapa Māori research, evaluation, and policy development group, to develop…

In 2019, Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (the Ministry) engaged Tiaho Limited, a respected kaupapa Māori research, evaluation, and policy development group, to develop…

Many people have learned basic facts about the Treaty, but this is not enough to know how to apply it in organisational contexts. After attending my first Treaty training I…

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.…

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…

The Social Services Snapshot is a longitudinal survey of social services. It tracks the issues impacting both local social social services and their clients and identifies service gaps.

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…

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…

This monograph reviews the state of the third sector in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and is the first comprehensive overview of the research that has studied and documented…

The boards that govern Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) who deliver social services face a range of complex challenges. They must secure sustainable funding, comply with changes in the law and…

This review found that support for capacity building is useful, and enables the funder (in this case Trust Waikato) to increase its impact in the community, enhance non-profit sustainability, and…

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…

What has happened in the 25 years or so since purchase-of-service contracting was introduced for government funding of voluntary organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand? This article provides a brief commentary…

Although now coming to the fore in New Zealand in a new way, public policy has put increasing emphasis on ‘outcomes’, ‘impacts’ and ‘results’ for at least a quarter of…

About the non-profit institution satellite account Many hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders participate in non-profit institutions (NPIs) or receive services provided by them – often at no cost to…

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 paper explores the key components of dysfunctional, criminal and deviant behaviours within and by associational and not-for-profit organisations, and their consequences in terms of practice, application and policy.

This is the first, desk research stage seeking to understand why some Australian Not-for-Profit organisations make voluntary financial disclosures beyond their basic statutory obligations. We found institutional and stakeholder theories…

Not-for-profits, community-based organisations and social enterprises have volunteerism at its roots, and for many at its heart. The ‘Third Sector’ is still commonly known to many as the ‘Voluntary Sector’.…

Organisations in the Australian disability sector have new regulatory pressures challenging their governance structures. Increasing levels of political, economic and social pressure means that membership of third sector boards is…

Following the February 2011 Christchurch Earthquake, Third Sector Organizations (TSOs) are increasingly relied on to maintain community connectivity, and well-being. As demolition and red zoning alter livelihood options, TSOs are…

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…

Mental Health Care in many countries is multiply-fragmented. Amongst the players are a variety of professional groups, many different community organizations for service-users and caregivers, as well as commercial enterprises…

Based on his keynote speech given to the New Zealand Creativity Challenge held in New Plymouth 27-28 April 2013, this paper explores role of creativity, community and citizenship. The paper…

In 2007, the Community Sector Taskforce applied its base position set out in ‘A New Way of Working’ to the issue of Sector funding and accountability. This paper, with the…

This paper presents results of a survey of Wellington non-profit organisations (NPOs) with the aim of understanding the interest and readiness of NPOs in adopting shared computing services. The survey…

The publication describes the part that community none-government organisations (NGOs) take in New Zealand Mental Health and Addictions (MH&A) service system. It describes some of the activities of these essential…

This research focuses on the nature of Government/Not for Profit (NFP) sector relationships with particular reference to advocacy in New Zealand. It follows up on a study of advocacy in…

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…

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…

The research focuses on the nature of Government/Not for Profit sector relationships with particular to advocacy in New Zealand. It looks at the kinds of advocacy activities that NFPs organisations…

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 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…

Funding and financial management are critical issues for the not for profit sector. Funding is limited, competitively sought, and differences in funders’ and organisations’ expectations and needs can cause dysfunction.…

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…

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…

This report examines two models of governance used in non-profit organisations, namely a model based on collectivism which is founded on consensus decision-making involving people at all levels of the…

This research was undertaken to assess the veracity of financial filings at the Charities Commission by charities which are “small” (expenditure less than ,000 pa) or “medium”-sized (expenditure between ,000…

Presentation slides presented at ‘Reporting on the difference we make’ workshop in Wellington on 9th December 2010.

This paper discusses mindsets, competencies and attitudes of community leadership. Metaphors such as playing jazz are used to normalise the complexity of community sector work and starfish to emphasise the…

This paper looks at the role of NGOs in contributing to government goals and objectives in the health and disability sector, and the future challenges facing that sector.

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…

This PhD research explored the issues confronting non-profit community organisations delivering services to the community in the areas of health and social services in Northland. Its aim was to identify…

This report gives voice to the clients of Link House Agency, a counselling and social work organisation dedicated to single parent families. The clients shared their stories during a focus…

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 Background provides a summary of various key developments over the last decade in working to strengthen relationships between Government and the Tangata Whenua, Community & Voluntary Sector. Analysis concludes…

Accountability is usually assumed to be an unmitigated good for Third Sector organisations – the more the better. While there are some benefits from externally imposed accountability requirements, they can…

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…

How do we measure or report on the impact of capacity building? This review reports on the effectiveness and ‘value for money’ of a community capacity building hub (Community Waikato),…

This paper examines the relationship between the non-profit sector and government, and the public policy environment in which the sector operates in Aotearoa. Non-profit organisations are affected by laws and…

Fourteen social service agencies participated in the study to determine if the Social Services ITO could recognise their in-house training programmes against unit standards in social services. The study used…

Announcing the 2009 Survey of Remuneration in the Not for Profit Sector

This is an update on financial reporting in the not-for-profit sector in Australia. This article was prepared in June 2009.

An overview of civil society organisations and the concepts of ‘civil society’ and ‘social capital’ in Australia and New Zealand research, politics and wider usage. Similarities and differences between the…

In 2001 the government signed a Statement of Intent for an improved relationship with the community and voluntary sector (SOGI). In 2008/09 the Association of Non Governmental Organisations of Aotearoa…

An evaluation report on the Wellington e-rider IT service pilot project. The pilot project provided support and advice on computers and other technology to community and voluntary organisations in way…

These powerpoints were presented at an ANZTSR workshop on 25th November 2008. They present an overview of the current financial reporting requirements in (i) New Zealand and (ii) Australia. The…

Abstract only: Research conducted in 1998 in Tasmania indicated that a fourth sector of society distinct from Market, Government and community, was emerging. The comparative analysis between seven Tasmanian and…

The remarks of Garth Nowland-Foreman, Chair of the Committee for the Study of the New Zealand Non-Profit Sector on the launch of ‘The New Zealand Non-Profit Sector in Comparative Perspective’…

A survey of American NPOs was conducted to examine business/nonprofit partnerships from the perspective of those who have never partnered. Primary reasons for not partnering with business tended to be…

This report provides the most accurate picture yet of the New Zealand non-profit sector and shows how it compares with 40 other countries. It gives us a better understanding of…

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

An evaluation report on the Wellington e-rider IT service pilot project. The pilot project provided support and advice on computers and other technology to community and voluntary organisations in way…

Executive summary of the findings of Strategic Pay’s 2008 survey of remuneration and pay practices in the Not for Profit Sector

In recent years ‘third way’ style governments have sought to partner with third sector organisations in ‘joined up’ government. The neo-liberal basis for the third way model has sought to…

This paper compares the ‘Achieving Better Community Development’ (ABCD) model for organisational practice (Barr & Hashagen 2000) with the organisational practices in New Zealand ‘social development’ approach to social service…

There are many reasons for studying the relationship between governments and nonprofits in the community services sector; it is a critical nexus though which much social policy implementation passes as…

This research looks into the governance of 12 medium sized not for profits in Auckland and Christchurch. It also considers how they compare with theoretical models, the strategies for dealing…

This is the ‘accidental’ joint funding which may very well describe the situation for the 99 per cent of non-profit organisations that orchestrate the mix of funding they require to…

This is a brief report of an August 2008 seminar, sponsored by the Tangata Whenua, Community & Voluntary Sector Research Centre on possibilities for a sector-wide survey in Aotearoa New…

This powerpoint file contains slides presented at the ANZTSR workshop held on 25th November 2008.

The History of the Non-profit Sector in New Zealand considers the forces and players that have shaped the non-profit sector in New Zealand over time. It examines our rich heritage…

This is a joint paper describing and assessing initiatives undertaken by ANGOA in New Zealand and DSE in the Solomon Islands to improve the ability of NGO’s to interact effectively…

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…

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.

The Federation Of Workers’ Educational Associations Aotearoa New Zealand Inc: Constitution

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 paper explores three questions: 1. How can the Tangata Whenua, Community & Voluntary Sector think about Te Tiriti/Treaty of Waitangi and work with it positively and productively? 2. In…

Information, knowledge and wisdom for the learning NGO, capacity building & roles.

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…

The radical contracting model by which some government departments purchase services from community based organizations serving people with disabilities has directly contributed to the failure of service provision.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of existing literature in the area of community sector capacity building. The review will attempt to summarise the key themes…

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

Progress on the development of research examining the impact of Unitec NZ’s Graduate Diploma in Not for Profit Management.

This presentation formed part of an international panel discussion on the state of not for profit management education across the world, at a conference in Arizona, United States in March…

A review of Social Services Waikato and Arts Waikato.

One in a series of working papers to understand the scope, structure, financing, and role of the nonprofit sector of more than 40 countries.

Social marketing, community-based social marketing, social capital, recycling behaviour, community development, Waiheke Island, environmental not-for-profit organisations

Relationships, Framework, Ministry, NGOs, PHOs, Strategy

Seeing the unseen activities that contribute to sustaining our communities is vital in determining how to live more sustainably. This initiative arose out of concern that the data available for…

The WEA, Telling our stories: Celebrating 90 Years of Community Education

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…

Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly Book Review: Third Sector: The Contribution of Nonprofit and Cooperative Enterprises in Australia, by Mark Lyons. St. Leonards, Australia: Allen & Unwin, 2001.

Increased accountability is often assumed to only be desirable for non-profit and voluntary organisations. This papers outlines some of the risks and dangers from externally imposed, and especially, ‘classic’ (legalistic)…

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…

What is happening to government funding of voluntary organisations in Aotearoa/New Zealand? Where is it heading? What does it mean for voluntary organisations?