Is there any other information on community research or evaluation?

The following websites have useful resources, guidelines or information about good practice:

Community Research/Ngā Wānanga ā Rorohiko: http://www.communityresearch.org.nz/code-of-practice
The Tāngata Whenua, Community & Voluntary Sector Research Centre: http://whatworks.org.nz including: http://whatworks.org.nz/kaupapa-maori
Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (Superu for short): http://www.superu.govt.nz
CommunityNet Aotearoa: https://community.net.nz/resources/nz-navigator/charities-evaluation-services
New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse national centre for research and information: https://www.nzfvc.org.nz

What is the difference between research and evaluation?

This fund is currently closed.

Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board (the Board) has decided that Lottery Community Sector Research (LCSR) will remain closed for the 2024/25 financial year.

The Board will decide in late June 2025 if the LSPF will open again for the 2025/26 financial year. This decision will be posted here in July 2025.

For more information about the funding allocations to lottery distribution committees for the 2023/24 financial year, visit Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board allocations for 2023/24.

If you have any questions, please contact your local advisor or email us at community.matters@dia.govt.nz.

Projects may include both research and evaluation, or focus on just one.

Research involves using a planned process to find answers to questions in your community, hapū or iwi.
Evaluation involves looking at the quality or value of a project or service, to find out if you are achieving your intended outcomes.

What processes need to be in place for research or evaluation projects?

Research or evaluation must be carried out to a high standard. Processes need to be in place to ensure that:

researchers or evaluators interact appropriately with people in the community
suitable data collection methods are used
consent, confidentiality and privacy standards and requirements are met
the findings are reported back to the community.

How should people participating in community research or evaluation projects be treated?

Research or evaluation projects that involve interviewing people, asking people to fill out questionnaires or observing people’s behaviour must meet accepted ethical practices. This means ensuring that the people who take part:

are treated with respect
are fully informed about the project
give their consent to participate
are not harmed by the project, their participation in it, or the published research findings.