KARAWHIUA! LET’S PLAY!
Project Background
Despite the well-documented cognitive, psychological and social benefits of music activities for children internationally and within Aotearoa New Zealand, many school students continue to face barriers to accessing music. In response to these challenges, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) established the Karawhiua! Let’s Play! Residency Programme in 2009. The programme was designed to engage with Te Waipounamu schools experiencing such barriers—particularly those in areas of high social need, with under-represented communities, and where limited or no music or arts programmes exist. Karawhiua! Let’s Play! aims to develop students’ love of music and provide a pathway for enhancing wellbeing and supporting positive social change.
Ihi Research was commissioned to evaluate the outcomes of Karawhiua! Let’s Play! and identify the factors contributing to its success. A case study design, strengthened by a theory of change, was selected for the evaluation. A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating in-depth interviews, direct observation, surveys, document review, and written feedback from students and whānau. Quantitative and qualitative data were organised using a thematic framework, then interpreted and synthesised to generate broader insights. Triangulation of the data was undertaken to enhance the internal validity of the findings.
Find out how we can help you
We’ll work with you to find out what’s working, where investment could be put to best use or how to improve anything not going to plan. We can help you define success and set tangible, measurable goals. And we talk in real language so you can understand and engage with the findings. We engage with the community to conduct community research and consultations for private companies, trusts, government agencies, NGOs and more. But we have a special interest in research that has a purpose - to better society and teach lessons. We aim to help those we work with build capacity to enact positive change.
