For our August 2022 intake we commissioned a research report from ThinkPlace. "There are many different ways to approach the challenge of bringing quality homes within reach of more New Zealanders. Possibilities include repurposing existing buildings, redefining our relationship with ownership, removing barriers and creating conditions that enable innovation to thrive. Indigenous and historical models, as well as new technologies, can also inspire solutions for Aotearoa New Zealand’s housing crisis." - ThinkPlace 2022

For our November 2021 intake we commissioned research from ThinkPlace – “Time is of the essence as we move closer towards environmental tipping points however, there is still time for mitigation to occur. It will require collective prioritisation and pragmatism to efficiently work towards solutions that contribute to New Zealand’s international agreements, protect our land and oceans and improve our quality of life through the significant economic and wellbeing opportunities that sustainability can provide.” – ThinkPlace, 2021

For our March 2021 intake we commissioned research from ThinkPlace on Improving Supply Chain Transparency. We are more sensitive now, than perhaps at any time previously, to where our ‘stuff’ comes from: who made it; how ethical or sustainable the process was, and how people and the environment were affected by the manufacture or transport of it. How can we do better?

The future of work is something that affects all New Zealanders. The COVID pandemic accelerated the pace of change and the future of work is happening now. It’s a very broad topic and we wanted to know what pragmatic ideas were out there to help New Zealand make changes. We commissioned a piece of research from the fabulous team at ThinkPlace to provide some context on the current world view of the future of work.

A team from the University of Auckland had a unique opportunity to investigate historical and anonymised bank transaction data to see if they could identify spending patterns in a community following a disease outbreak.

The use of cheques as a mode of payment in New Zealand has been decreasing over time, but a number of individuals and organisations continue to use them. Although cheques are quickly disappearing from common usage there is still a persistent “tail” of cheque use that needs addressing.

The Ākina Foundation has helped prepare a report to reflect on the impact the Westpac NZ Government Innovation Fund has had in order to build upon the lessons we have learnt over the last seven years.