This document presents key messages from a synthesis of nine substantive research reports relevant to the community and voluntary sector in Aotearoa New Zealand, published between 2020-2024.
It has been commissioned by Community Research with the primary aim of distilling key insights and identifying potential future actions and opportunities for the sector including Community Research.
This research focuses on what Community Research describes as the ‘Tangata Whenua, Community, and Voluntary Sector’. This includes iwi and hapū, voluntary organisations, faith-based groups, NGOs, advocacy groups, charities, sports groups, and community-led organisations.
We provide insights about the key strengths of the sector, challenges facing the sector, emerging opportunities and potential actions for the future.
Much of what we have identified across the sector is already ‘known’. The challenges and strengths have been consistent for several years – however the pressures on funding, addressing need, and capacity have increased.
As sector organisations look to the future, this research presents some potential ways to translate what we know into positive action.