Ngā kaimahi kōrero

Ensuring access to adequate food and shelter is a fundamental human right. At the heart of Whanganui a Tara, the tragic fire at Loafers Lodge in early May shed light on the pressing issue of housing insecurity faced by the most vulnerable members in our communities.

In this edition of our e-News, we delve into research pertaining to housing and shed light on the initiatives being undertaken to promote food security in local communities.

 Te Tiriti Kōrero with Mike Smith – “We have to invest in the vision of all peoples in this country.”

Mike Smith (Ngāti Kahu, Ngāpuhi) is an educationalist and has spent the last 40 years focussed on taking action where it matters.  Mike has used his love for his community and the Taiao to advocate for the health and wellbeing of Papatūānuku, highlighting the irreversible impacts of climate change on indigenous communities. In this interview, Mike shares the impact his Mother had on his life, especially in reminding him of his identity and his tūpuna who were original signatories to Te Tiriti.
Listen here

 WEBINARS: Tuihana Ohia - Pūanga ki Matariki - Reflection & Reset.

Tuihana Ohia, from Woo Wellbeing, created a space of welcome and calm in December 2022.  We were overwhelmed with positive responses and have been asked to revisit this space.

For this event, the session leads and takes us into the phase of Matariki. A time to pause, to remember those that have passed, our lessons, learnings, how we may nurture our wellbeing and looking to the time ahead.  

When: 11 July 2023 11am - 12pm.
Register here

Kore Hiakai webinar - Realising Food Secure Communities in Aotearoa

Kore Hiakai have released an exciting new report: ‘Realising Food Secure Communities in Aotearoa: A review of locally-led reports, plans and strategies’  which looks into what we can learn from locally-led wisdom about realising food security in our communities. The report supports and celebrates the mahi of 30 organisations who have been working on this kaupapa. Community Research are honoured to be able to work with Kore Hiakai to host this webinar. 
Tickets available here

PAST WEBINARS: Housing for all:
Speaking to the housing research landscape and actioning solutions.

We invited four presenters to kōrero about the state of housing. Aaron Hendry social worker, youth advocate and podcaster. Ben Lee-Harwood from CHA, Meyer Petelli who manages a frontline housing service Kahungunu Whānau services, and Eden Skipper the changes to our expectations for our mokopuna.  The impacts of ongoing housing issues are impacting many people across Aotearoa and it feels like the discussion has only just begun. 
Watch the webinar here 

Housing for all Special Collection 

We are continuing to grow our housing collection, there seems to be more and more data in the housing space to gather. 
If you have research that is more reflective of your communities needs please contact us.

Hear from us not about us - Special Collection

With World Refugee Day on 20th June its a great time to revisit our growing special collection of research. If you would like to add more research to this collection please contact us. 
Keep an eye out for local events celebrating World Refugee Day and for our informal hui and other refugee + ethnic-migrant tautoko sessions coming up in July and August.

The Big Shout Out - Volunteer week 18-24 June.

Our work wouldn't be possible without the invaluable guidance of our Kaitiaki, all of whom selflessly volunteer their time and expertise, to steer our collective efforts like skilled navigators.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Analiese Robertson and Jennifer Braithwaite, esteemed members of our Kaitiaki tangata Tiriti caucus, as they step down from their roles. In the same breath, we warmly welcome Jennifer Leahy and Arpita Das as new Kaitiaki members, who bring fresh perspectives and unwavering commitment to our cause. 
We would like to express our deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment and strong work ethic demonstrated by our caucus, which sets a shining example of co-governance in Aotearoa. As the saying goes "He waka eke noa - We're all in this together".

Welcome to Owen Baxendale - our new kaitūhono

We sadly say goodbye to Jordan who made such a massive impact on our mahi in her time with us as a contractor. She has contributed massively to our kaupapa. He mānawa tītī ia.
  As we look forward we welcome Owen into the team. Hailing from the sunny shores of Mohua/Golden Bay, Owen joins Community Research as our Kaitūhono – research sector engagement and projects lead. Read more about Owen here
Tēnā, whakapā mai - if you want to get in touch with Owen about your research, please email him at research@communityresearch.org.nz.

Connect with Community Research

Create change - upload your knowledge and research here.

Join our researcher and evaluator database here.

Share your story here.

New Research - A Critique of New Zealand’s Exclusive Approach to Intercultural Education

Researcher Neda Salahshour is one of the incredible researchers who have contributed to our Special Collection - Hear From us, Not about us.
This article examines the intercultural initiatives, programmes and strategy documents in New Zealand education to answer the following two questions: What intercultural policies and strategy documents are offered to New Zealand schools and teachers to accommodate their diverse communities? Which communities do they include and/or exclude?
Read the research here

World Refugee Day Festival

Voice of Aroha invite refugee communities in Wellington region to a celebration event, dinner and music. 
Each year on 20th June, the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. The 2023 theme of World Refugee Day is “Hope away from home.” UNHCR
When: Tuesday 20 June 2023, 6pm - 9pm
Find out more or register here 

Volunteering NZ - Encouraging sustainable volunteering amongst youth volunteers

Volunteering New Zealand invite you to an online kōrero about the increasing pressures young people face– from the cost of living crisis, climate anxiety, to living with diverse and intersecting identities.
Thursday 6 July 1-2 PM – FREE Online
Find out more or register here 

Kōrerotia, speak up! Hui E wellbeing hauora survey

Now is the opportunity to have your voice heard,, complete the Hui E survey linked below. “We want to capture the diverse voices and experiences of our community organisations,” says Rochelle Stewart-Allen, Kaiwhakahaere Matua at Hui E! - closes June 14, 2023.
Find the survey here 

Deepening the Connection to Community and Culture - webinar

Join Inspiring Communities With a strong emphasis on enabling indigenous-led development, panelists will discuss "What’s the work to be done to enable all communities to thrive and prosper?", and share cutting edge wisdom from across the globe regarding community-led leadership and change.
Free online 19 July 2023, 10am - 11am.
Register webinar here