Publications

Aotearoa New Zealand faces a unique set of challenges in the 21st century. From climate change and environmental degradation to delivering infrastructure and managing urban growth, we need innovative and evidence-based solutions to build a more sustainable and resilient future for all New Zealanders.

This research stream will bring together evidence and research that explores critical issues and develops practical solutions across a range of areas, including:

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation: We will investigate policies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to climate impacts, and ensure a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
• Environmental protection and restoration: We will explore ways to protect our precious natural resources, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote sustainable resource management practices.
• Funding and financing infrastructure: We will consider the strategy and policy adjustments that will ensure we can build what needs to be built in more effective and efficient ways.
• Future-proofing our cities and urban areas: Nearly three quarters of Aotearoa New Zealand’s population growth in the next 30 years will happen in cities, and Tāmaki Makarau Auckland alone will account for half this growth. We will investigate a range of adaptations to our transport systems, public spaces and urban planning that can accommodate this growth.

We want Aotearoa New Zealand to be somewhere that everyone thrives. Yet, disparities in health, access to resources, and opportunities remain a challenge. This research stream dives deep into these issues, seeking solutions for a healthier and more equitable Aotearoa.

In this research stream we’ll explore critical topics like:

• Drug policy: How can evidence-based drug policy approaches reduce harm, improve public health outcomes, and promote social justice?
• Mental health: We’ll look at ways to enhance mental health support systems, promote well-being, and tackle mental health inequities across communities.
• Healthy food systems: We'll explore strategies to increase access to affordable, nutritious food, support local food producers, and build a more sustainable food system.
• Social connection: We'll carry out research into policy approaches that foster a more connected society, where strong social networks and a sense of belonging contribute to overall well-being.

There are a number of short and longer term problems facing our economy. From rising inequality and inflation to unlocking our true productivity potential, we need innovative and evidence-based solutions to build a more prosperous economy that benefits all New Zealanders.

This research stream will explore issues and develop policy solutions across key areas, including:

• Reducing inequality: We analyze trends and propose policy recommendations to address income and wealth disparities, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at economic success.
• Economic growth and wages: We critically examine the impact of the minimum wage on workers, businesses, and the broader economy, aiming to find the right settings to support economic growth.
• Unlocking productivity: We study factors impacting New Zealand's productivity, identifying strategies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Our world is increasingly turbulent and unstable. With the rise of online hate speech, the complexities of maintaining New Zealand’s independent foreign policy, navigating a rapidly-evolving media landscape, responding to global humanitarian crises and conflicts, and growing concerns of corruption in an increasingly interconnected world.

This research stream is dedicated to understanding these issues through a New Zealand lens. Particularly using the experience and knowledge of our patron, the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, we'll explore how these global forces impact New Zealand and its people, and how we can best navigate this complex world.

Our research focus areas include:

• Foreign policy: We have hosted webinars to discuss New Zealand's independent foreign policy in a world of shifting alliances, aiming to ensure our voice resonates on the international stage while upholding our values.
• Social media and traditional media: We have investigated the multifaceted impact of social media on New Zealand society, focusing on fostering responsible use, mitigating its potential downsides, reducing harm from online extremism, and advocating for greater transparency in social media algorithms.
• War and humanitarian crises: We explore how ongoing war and humanitarian crises impact New Zealand, and what we could be doing for those in need.
• Combating corruption: We delve into the issue of corruption, exploring strategies to strengthen transparency and accountability within institutions.

New Zealand needs a fair deal between the food industry, the government and society to effectively prevent and treat obesity.

Together with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, the Helen Clark Foundation will adapt the Institute's recent report Fit for the Future: A Fair Deal on Food for a Healthier Britain for the New Zealand context.