This project investigates the wellbeing (economic indicators) of Māori households whānau of a specific iwi using New Zealand Census data from 1991–2006.

The project aimed to provide greater sovereignty to iwi by providing an evidence base for their decision-making through analysis of this data. Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi jointly lead this programme of work with support from the Centre of Methods and Policy Applications in the Social Sciences (COMPASS). However, overall the study, its analyses and outcomes are owned and directed by the iwi for which the study is undertaken. The iwi involved include Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Ngāti Kahungunu. The research enables better understanding of the pattern and level of wellbeing as defined by Census data for iwi subgroups, contributing to enhanced informed decision making. This information provides not only the most comprehensive set of socio-demographic data, but also patterns in wellbeing and whānau structure and composition over time. It is hoped that this project and its analyses not only strengthens decision-making, but enables a framework for some assessment of the impact of past initiatives and decisions and, perhaps most importantly, provides empirical evidence for determining the future initiatives for an iwi. The project team is currently analysing further data, and information and consulting with involved communities to ensure the analysis, data and indicators are more meaningful to them.