Social and Environmental Research
We are experts at designing and conducting social research. We are trained and experienced in the practice of participatory appraisal techniques. Almost all of our work involves elements of social research. We specialise in surveys (face-to-face, telephone and postal) and facilitating participatory approaches. All our staff have extensive experience in literature search and review, including academic and applied research, and background research for consultancy projects. We work together with specialist research companies that can provide the staff necessary to conduct large scale (e.g. national) surveys if required.
Examples
Training for Rural Fire Fighters: Motivators and Impediments
2008: A research project undertaken for the NZ Fire Service Commission. It identified the factors that motivate people to volunteer for the Rural Fire Force and the benefits they gain through their RFF membership. The primary objective of the research was to investigate reports of resistance among Rural Fire Fighters to the compulsory standards-based training regime being introduced for volunteers and the factors contributing to that resistance. The research was carried out through face-to-face interviews with a stratified sample of volunteer fire fighters in 20 Fire Authorities across the country, as well as with the Principal Rural Fire Officer for each of those Authorities. This information was supplemented by a postal questionnaire to the remaining 21 RFAs employing volunteer fire fighters. The report identified the factors influencing the uptake of training as well as effective ways to encourage further training.
Review of community halls owned by the Hutt City Council
2007: A review of community halls owned by the Hutt City Council. This review was undertaken in response to Hutt City Council's concern that their aging halls were no longer meeting the needs of their local communities. The review takes six halls as a sample and after an indepth analysis of each, concludes that locally-based community halls play an important role in strengthening communities. The report outlines a range of options for governance, funding and structural changes for each of the six halls and recommends changes for each of the six halls and recommends changes to the way Hutt City currently manages and supports these facilities.
Bridging the gap between environmental knowledge and research, and desired environmental outcomes to achieve sustainable land management
2006 - 2008: Bridging the Gap - research on methods and mechanisms needed to get environmental knowledge and research translated into desired environmental outcomes to achieve sustainable land management. This three year project undertaken with Nimmo-Bell & Company, Clive Anstey and Ag-Research involved a literature review on the theory of behaviour change and adoption together with an analysis of sustainable land management policies adopted in other countries; 13 case studies involving groups of farmers throughout the country to test the conclusions from phase one; and discussions with a wide range of stakeholder organisations and agencies on the findings of the reseach and the implications of those findings for current policies and practices.
Volunteer Involvement in Regional Parks
A study on the involvement of volunteers in Wellington's Regional Parks - what they do, what motivates them, the value of their contributions. The report includes case studies of give Regional Council volunteer projects and compares the Council's volunteers programme with those of other agencies in New Zealand and overseas. This report was followed up with a series of strategy development sessions with park managers and rangers to discuss the implications of the findings and work out how to implement the recommendations for improving the Regional Council's programme within the existing budget. (Report titled Partnership in Parks).
Social and Economic Costs of School Fires
This study sought to identify the range and extent of costs to schools and communities of fires, both deliberate and accidental. Involved extensive consultation with school principals, teachers, boards of trustees, children and others from schools across New Zealand (in conjunction with the NZ Institute of Economic Research).
Changing Roles of Rural Women
A study into the changing roles of rural women (Maori and Pakeha) in NZ society in response to global trends and the NZ economic reforms of the 1980-90s. The report deals particularly with the contribution (paid and unpaid) of rural women to the economy and their role in decision making organisations.
Women and Self Employment
Project management of a study of Women and Self Employment undertaken for the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women. This involved co-ordinating the work of six researchers (including Maori and Pacific Island researchers) to collect information from women in six ethnic groups in rural and urban areas throughout NZ.
Unemployment and its Social Costs
An assessment of unemployment and its social costs to the city of Porirua. This report was undertaken for the Porirua City Council and included strategies for employment creation and community development.
Youth and the NZ Employment Service
A study of youth and unemployment, which involved meetings and interviews throughout New Zealand with unemployed youth, voluntary support agencies and government service providers. This study was designed to identify the reasons why young unemployed people failed to access the services of the NZ Employment Service, assess the extent of this problem, and recommend ways of overcoming the constraints to young people’s registration with the NZES.