Nau mai haere mai
Whakatairangatia i te mana o te rangahau ā-hāpori me te mahi tahi
Community and whānau aspirations for research.

Kaiwhakahaere kōrero 

Kia ora e te whānau,

This past month we’ve seen political decisions that signal a worrying step backwards for equity in Aotearoa. The Government’s move to scrap Pay Equity claims and repeal existing progress sends a clear message about whose work, and whose wellbeing, is being deprioritised. This change meant 33 current claims - representing thousands of workers - would be dropped and must be started again.

For those of us committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and centring equity in our communities, these actions are deeply concerning.

At Community Research, we continue to stand alongside those advocating for justice and fairness — and remain focused on amplifying research and voices that push back against systemic inequity.

Ngā mihi ki a koe, Lorna

Meet Madi - our amazing intern

Tēnā koe all, I’m Madi, a final-year student of Media Studies and design. I’m completing a Bachelor of Arts in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, and as part of my study I’ve had the opportunity to intern here at Community Research for a trimester. My work here has mostly centred around redeveloping some of our online visual content—(you might see some new thumbnail covers for the Special Collections on our website, and some new social media material in the near future). Working within a Te Tiriti-led, community knowledge centred organisation has undoubtedly been my favourite part of my time with Community Research. As a storyteller with all-around love for Aotearoa’s history and communities, being able to chip in, tautoko the kaupapa and use my communications and design knowledge to help make community knowledge more accessible to public audiences has been an awesome experience. And yes, my guilty pleasure has been taking advantage of diving my way through all of Community Research’s podcast episodes and research collections (because there’s nothing better than being able to soak in a bunch of fascinating kōrero for “work purposes”).

Mauri ora!

Working together -  Madi, Eve, Lorna and Bev from Community Research with Ari (on screen), Atarau, Staughm and Anjum from Tāhono, Inclusive Aotearoa Collective.

It was a pleasure to host Tāhono, Inclusive Aotearoa in our workspace last week. There was lots of productive kōrero around the mahi we are planning together - you can read more about the next offering ( a webinar) further on in this email.

TELL US - How can we help?

A key part of knowing if we are making progress towards a more equitable, engaged and inclusive Aotearoa informed by community knowledge is to hear from you –  the person who engages with the content we share and who attends our events.

Our team have created a short survey (will take five minutes) to gather your feedback – and we look forward to receiving your thoughts on how well our mahi is resonating with you, and any areas where we might improve.

We invite you to complete our feedback survey 

The survey will close in a week's time so we'd love you to provide your thoughts now. Thank you in advance for your time.

Ethnic, former refugee, and migrant researchers online Tautoko session 

Thursday 20 March 11am - 12noon

Our topic for the session is How might we best use AI in our work?  We will be joined by Min Kyung Yoo who is a Technical Business Analyst and AI coach.  The session will include an introduction to AI and “what to use when” overview of common tools followed by discussion and Q & A.

Register here

Tautoko sessions provide a dynamic informal space that fosters a collective sense of shared purpose. Come along and connect with other researchers, former refugees, and migrant peers who are passionate about research by and for ethnic communities and how it can be used to support collective action and positive change. We celebrate all forms of community-led knowledge-making, whether it’s community-based mahi and mātauranga, or based within organisations, the public service, or academia.

Connect with us

Our 'Join our Community'  form consolidates and replaces our two previous registration forms. 
You can chose one or more of the following options:

• receive our monthly Ngā Kete which updates you on our activities.
• receive our panui which lets you know about events/activities we are hosting that may be of specific interest to you
• join our Researcher Network which also gives you the option to be listed on our public website Researcher Directory if you wish to
• join our Allies Network for people who are not researchers who have an interest in and support our kaupapa.

Signing up is free and helps us to connect with you, let you know about what’s going on and opportunities for you to engage with us and others in our networks.

On the road again:  the Tāhono Belonging Conversation, Aotearoa 2025

Monday, 26 May, 12 - 1.15pm
Register here

1. When do you feel like you belong in Aotearoa, New Zealand?
2. What stops you from feeling like you belong?
3. What needs to change for you to feel like you belong?

Communities driving positive change

Know and show the difference you make

We've now refreshed and updated the What Works website evaluation approaches and methods pages. We have removed old and added new links and additional explanations in a few places. So please do check out the changes and new links.

Many thanks again to those of you who participated in the review exercise. Particular thanks to Ned Hardie-Boys and the team at Allen + Clarke for undertaking this work as part of their 2024 pro-bono programme.

The review found that, whilst the site is a useful resource for evaluation practitioners, strengthening its community-centred focus and increased resources relating to different world views and cultural perspectives would have value for the sector.  We are currently scoping our next steps to augment the site in this way.

Last week was NZ Sign language week, raising awareness for one of our nations official languages.

Follow this link to access workshops and resources including te reo Māori language resources.

Social Cohesion Report

Social cohesion is the glue that holds Aotearoa New Zealand together. But right now, our bonds are under strain — that’s the message from the new report: Social Cohesion in New Zealand 2024, released by the Helen Clark Foundation.

Some of the Community Research team were able to attend a presentation on the report in Wellington last week.
It's concerning that the finding of this report show we are falling behind on key measures of inclusion and belonging. But there’s also hope — and actions we can all take to build a more inclusive Aotearoa.

Join our Ethnic, former refugee, and migrant researchers Tautoko community Network! 

We’re very excited about piloting the Ethnic, former refugee, and migrant researchers (EfRM) Tautoko network. Thanks to those of you who have already joined and the many of you who are interested in volunteering to support running it. As a membership-driven space, members engaging and being active is essential.  If interested - you can join here

We will be holding a specific session with EfRM researchers Tautoko Network members in June – to discuss ideas, opportunities, how we operate, and next steps.

This Network is for researchers, former refugees, and migrant peers who are passionate about research by and for ethnic communities and how it can be used to support collective action and positive change. 

The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI)
is a small team within the function of the Government Chief Data Steward (GCDS).

Established in 2023, CDEI is all about using data responsibly, exploring the social impacts of AI and data-driven technology, and maximising the potential of data in a fair and ethical way… A critical part of the role we play is to amplify the voices of subpopulations and advocate for an equitable and responsible innovation ecosystem. Read more here

The Systems Sanctuary is coming to Aotearoa

Scaling Deep Wānanga - a gathering of systems leaders, changemakers, and community practitioners to explore how slow, relational, and culturally grounded transformation can seed durable systemic change. 

Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

Wednesday, 21 May, 9:30am - 2:30pm   - click here to register

Ōtautahi (Christchurch)

Thursday, 22 May, 9:30am - 2:30pm  - click here to register

Scaling Deep Keynote (Tatiana Fraser): Sharing research on Scaling Deep approaches to systems change from around the globe—practices and strategies for systemic transformation.

• Case Study Stories: Learn from Aotearoa NZ examples of Scaling Deep in action, amplifying local stories where relationships, healing, and cultural shifts have been prioritised over quick-fix solutions.
• Panel Conversation: Hear from practitioners taking Scaling Deep approaches here in Aotearoa, leading this work, sharing insights, challenges, and what it truly takes to create lasting change.
• Exchange & Learning: A space for participatory dialogue, sharing resources, and surfacing new insights to strengthen our collective impact.
• Building Relationships & Collaboration: More than just a conference—this is a wānanga. Expect deep connection, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to foster future collaborations.

Building long-term financial resilience for your for-purpose organisation
Wednesday 14th May, 1 - 2pm
To register, please follow this link

Between economic uncertainty, redirected government funding, increased service demand and shifts in giving, fundraisers are facing a particularly challenging environment.

In response to these challenges, fundraisers are having to pivot, think differently about their fundraising and strategise to secure crucial operational funds while building long-term financial resilience.

Nikau Foundation, in collaboration with experienced fundraiser, Nicki Sayers, invite you to a webinar session providing key insights into how fundraising and giving has evolved, opportunities to supercharge your current fundraising and tips on how to build long-term financial resilience to support the next chapter of your organisation's mahi.

Our vision is a more equitable, engaged and inclusive Aotearoa informed by community knowledge.
Ko ta mātou whakakitenga he Aotearoa e tōkeke ana, e whai kiko ana, e whakamohio mai ana e te matauranga hapori.

Our Commitment: 
We provide our services free of charge to support tangata whenua, and the voluntary and community sectors. Community Research is a registered charity, sustained by donations and grants.

Your Support Matters: 
If you value our work, please consider making a donation. Your contribution helps us continue to foster a more connected and informed Aotearoa.