Mātātupu: Catalysing Social Innovation

Approximately $70 billion (Willis, 2024) is invested annually in social outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand across government, philanthropic and iwi sectors. Across all sectors and all social issues there is no way to determine whether investment is going into the most impactful approach. While singular investments can be evaluated and most investments will require some degree of impact reporting, the fragmented and inconsistent nature of outcome data means there can be no meaningful comparison of impact. All sectors, including the Social Investment Agency, are looking for a data collection and insights solution that enables them to fully understand the impact of discrete investments as well as identify the highest possible impact investment channels. 

The project will engage with Waikato-Tainui, who have just signed a kawenata with the University of Waikato, and Te Puna Ora o Mātaatua, a health and social service provider in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, to co-design social innovation initiatives.

Key researchers:

• Hon prof Nanaia Mahuta
• Merepaea Manukau
• Dr Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai

This project is funded by The University of Waikato through the Strategic Research Fund (SRF).