TUA took part in a five-year research project funded by Endeavour (MBIE), investigating governance models and their impact on public housing outcomes in New Zealand.
The Challenge:
This research project aimed to critically examine the complex interplay between different governance models and the effectiveness and equity of public housing provision in New Zealand. The research team sought to understand how various governance structures, policies, and decision-making processes influence the availability, quality, and accessibility of public housing for those most in need.
A key challenge was to conduct in-depth, multi-disciplinary research that could identify systemic issues, evaluate the performance of existing governance arrangements, and propose evidence-based recommendations for improving public housing outcomes across the country. This required navigating a complex landscape of government agencies, housing providers, and diverse community needs.
The Solution:
TUA providing specialised expertise in urban policy, housing systems, and stakeholder engagement; assisting the research team in analysing different governance frameworks, evaluating their impact on public housing delivery, and identifying best practices from both national and international contexts.
By integrating practical knowledge of the housing sector with rigorous academic research, TUA helped the project team to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within New Zealand's public housing system and to develop actionable insights for enhancing its effectiveness and fairness. The findings from this research can inform future policy development and governance reforms, potentially leading to more equitable and sustainable public housing solutions that improve the lives of individuals and communities.
The Journey:
TUA's experience in navigating complex policy environments and engaging with diverse stakeholders was crucial in facilitating meaningful dialogue and collaboration between the research team, government agencies, housing providers, and community groups, enriching the data collection and validation processes. This combined with a focus on translating research into practical applications meant we helped the project team to not only identify problems but also to formulate concrete, evidence-based recommendations for improving governance and public housing outcomes, ultimately increasing the potential impact of the five-year endeavour on policy and practice.
