Tangata Whenua Community and Voluntary Sector Research Centre Incorporated (Community Research) was officially established in 2008. However, the need for a new entity to be established was identified as early as 2000. The timeline below captures an abbreviated history of that journey. For additional information regarding the Community Sector Taskforce, follow the hyperlink below.

Community Research Timeline

 2000-2001: First Community-Government Relations Working Party

• Report highlights lack of robust research body for the sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Identified the need for more research in the Tangata Whenua, Community, and Voluntary Sector.
• Emphasized the importance of community-led research.

2001-2002: Phase Two Steering Group

• Stressed the necessity for coordinated and ongoing community-led research.
• Recommended creating a dedicated research program for the sector.

2002-2003: He Waka Kotuia

• He Waka Kotuia: Joining together on a shared journey – foundation document launched.

2003-2004: Community Sector Taskforce

• Hon Tariana Turia launches the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector and welcomes national bodies.
• Community Sector Taskforce continues, convenes a meeting with key stakeholders in March 2004.
• Affirmed the vision for a third-sector research centre.

2004: Forming the Research Centre

• Working group continues vision development.
• Developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by eight organizations.
• Received additional support from 12 organizations.

2005: Purpose and Focus

• Defined the overarching purpose: Strengthening the capacity of the Tangata Whenua, Community, and Voluntary Sector through research.
• Committed to operating within a Tiriti/Treaty relationships framework.
• Focused on collaborative, inclusive, and high-standard research.

2006: Initial Funding and Establishment

• Secured funding from ASB Community Trust and the Government’s Digital Strategy Community Partnership Fund.
• Launched the first project, “The Clearing House,” a web-based research repository.

2006: Interim Governance Group

• Formed to oversee the establishment of the Research Centre.
• Aimed to create a sustainable structure and strategic direction by mid-2007.

2007: Endorsement and Expansion

• Interim Governance group reported back with proposals for the Centre’s ongoing structure and strategic direction.
• Tu Whare Strategic Direction developed
• Clearing house ‘Our Strategy’ under development
• Envisioned the Centre as a hub for collaborative research, capacity building, and networking.

2008: Tangata Whenua Community and Voluntary Sector Research Centre Incorporated (Community Research) established.

• Community Research is formally established as a national te Tiriti-based NGO to support research in the sector.
  

Ongoing: Role and Activities

• “The Clearing House” holds diverse community research, case stories, and working papers.
• Continues to support innovation and leadership within the sector.
• Community Research operates three websites, provides resources, and runs webinars and newsletters to support sector work.
• Tangata Whenua, Community, and Voluntary Sector organisations share research work.