Our Research

Rātā Foundation commissioned research to gain an understanding of the current issues and future needs of the Social Services sector.

Rātā Foundation commissioned Dr Gabrielle Wall to undertake an evaluation of what works for behavioural intervention programmes in schools. Twelve principles have been developed through a large-scale literature review and analysis.

In March 2019 CSI and Rātā Foundation convened a hui with non-for-profit leaders in capacity building and funders to explore opportunities for growing community sector governance capability. This report summarising the knowledge and ideas shared at the hui, including conditions for success and priority opportunities and actions.

In May 2018 Rātā Foundation commissioned research to gain an understanding of the current issues and future needs of the Early Learning Sector.

Rātā Foundation recognises the importance the early years of a child’s life plays in setting a strong foundation for their future. Likewise Rātā recognises the important role of not-for-profit organisations working with families in the foundational first 1000 days of a child’s life in enabling positive outcomes. Ihi Research was contracted by Rātā Foundation to undertake exploratory knowledge building research, on how the Early Years, not-for-profit sector, provides support for diverse families in the early years of a child’s life.

This report has been prepared for the Rātā Foundation by EeMun Chen and Mark Tamura from MartinJenkins (Martin, Jenkins & Associates Limited). Input and peer review has also been provided by Angela Davies and Karyn McLeod from Rātā Foundation.

The Rātā Foundation is working through a programme of evidence informed priority setting to focus its funding strategically in the face of increasing demand. It has commissioned this report to provide background and technical expertise for the development of funding priorities for community organisations working for the environment.

July 2014. This research involved undertaking an environmental scan, which focused on identification of emerging issues.

In 2020, Rātā Foundation commissioned RSL Consultancy to undertake a scan of the Sport and Active Recreation sector. The scope of this report focussed on the changing landscape of the sport and active recreation sector across Rātā regions, particularly looking at the change of emphasis from Sport NZ. It presents issues and trends affecting the sector and the system that delivers play, sport and active recreation opportunities.

Rātā Foundation recognises the role of effective governance in building strong organisations to deliver community outcomes. In this research, we asked community organisations in Nelson and Tasman what would help to strengthen community sector governance.

In 2021 Rātā Foundation commissioned Dr Gabrielle Wall to undertake a review of the Education Sector to inform its Learn Funding Area priorities. There were seven key issues identified by the stakeholders that currently affect the sector: inequality, digital inclusion, mental health, COVID-19, achievement rates and curriculum issues, attendance and engagement and resourcing.

This review of Rātā Foundation’s (Rātā) Support Funding Area looks at the key national drivers and influences in the areas of relevance to the Support Funding Area, identifies the key issues, needs, and trends facing the communities in Rātā’s region and identifies the populations that are at risk of negative life outcomes. It recommends the key areas Rātā Foundation can support through its funding.