Sector advice

We are the advanced, data, analytics, and insights agency for the social sector.

We provide independent evidence-based advice on enduring, topical, and important social issues for Aotearoa New Zealand that don't fit neatly into a single agency. 

We have two main areas of focus: providing cross-social system advice and providing tools, insights, and advice. Within each of these areas we define outcomes, examine who and where, provide advice on what works, and understand the impact of what we do.

To achieve our goals, we engage with government agencies and social service providers to:

  • Understand people’s experiences and social system opportunities
  • Support social system innovation, and
  • Improve social system decision-making capability

We collaborate across the social sector

Our approach to engagement supports collaborations and the exchange of knowledge and best practice. Our work requires us to know people and agencies across the wider social system, and understand how and why they work.

Engagement builds evidence

Engagement can support the gathering of information for evidence informed decision-making. It sees us all connected, respected and learning together – building reciprocity and trust. In an environment of trust, we are more inclined to share stories of experience, informing examples of what works for better lives.