Evaluation of Wave 10 Initiatives for Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Potiki Poi
Project Background
This evaluation focusses on the tenth wave of commissioning involving 29 whānau-led initiatives contracted in January 2020. The data for this evaluation was collected between September and October 2020, 10-months into the contracting period. The purpose of this evaluation is to understand how the commissioned Wave 10 initiatives are contributing to achieving the goals of Whānau Ora and the impact this has for whānau.
This evaluation demonstrates the value and contribution of the commissioning pipeline to the Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu eco-system. Investment in 209 kaupapa initiatives in five years has created a layered effect, generating ripples of impact that cumulatively foment, accelerate, and amplify the regeneration and re-institution of whānau self-determination (McMeeking, Leahy & Savage, 2020).
What we did
Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu capability development model intends to build the ability of whānau to respond positively to the challenges and opportunities within their lives. The whānau commissioning model is designed to be economically efficient and capable of generating long-term transformative change. The evaluation planned to support this kaupapa by building capability through evaluation; specifically ensuring whānau were at the centre of the evaluation, that the data was returned to the participants so that whānau can exercise control over their own narrative. Twenty 29 initiatives were interviewed by 4 researchers. In this evaluation researchers focused on the features of successful commissioning and the value added to the Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu ecosystem through commissioning.
Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu Harakeke Ecosystem
Outcome
The value added by the direct commissioning pipeline through the Te Waipounamu Whānau Ora commissioning approach cannot be understated. The added value is not only a direct benefit and impact for whānau, but an opportunity to investigate how whānau see the solutions of their own issues. Internationally, indigenous innovation on this scale has never been seen before. Giving voice to those unheard and marginalised in a society through grassroots kaupapa initiatives such as these stimulate critical reflection on the current system (Smith et al., 2017). The commissioning pipeline has created a change movement that has instigated an observable positive shift for whānau in Te Waipounamu resulting in benefits for whānau, hapū and iwi.
The whānau commissioning approach challenges the status quo of top-down social engineering shifting activity to a highly participatory flax roots model. The approach adopted by Te Taumata and delivered through Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, the commissioning agency is unashamedly committed to whānau self-determination through inspirational activity and capability building. It is consistent with the intentions, objectives and philosophy of Whānau Ora.
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.
