This report shares wisdom and insights from many of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most perceptive commentators on how faith-based organisations (FBOs) can make a difference to society. The research was conducted by Dr Richard Davis for BAF - Bishop’s Action Foundation through the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of...
In mid-2018 a partnership comprising the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) began to scope research that would explore the extent of ‘working poor’, the risks they face and strategies that could provide a response to the...
BAF’s charitable company, Catalyst Housing Ltd, continues to focus on developing more effective approaches to affordable housing into the future building from our 2016 research. Within that research one of the recommendations was: There is a need to increase the availability of affordable, healthy long term rental options for low...
BAF commissioned and sponsored this research through a Master’s thesis delivered as part of an AUT programme of study. The Anglican Church is present in most communities around the region of Taranaki, New Zealand. Where churches were once hubs of community life, in rural and small-town settings they are now often...
Our latest research into the potential impact of social enterprise aims to better understand how social enterprise can contribute to the regeneration of communities, particularly low income or rural communities. We identified the example of Scotland, a country with many low income and rural communities, which has invested in social enterprise for...
During 2017 we undertook research to explore the ability for Church land to be made available for social and affordable housing. Our research revealed that there was significant interest from Parishes and Dioceses in social and affordable housing and a willingness to see land made available. However, very little land...
BAF is undertaking research for Project Mounga looking at the spiritual connection of people and communities in Taranaki to Mount Taranaki. This research will explore concepts including identity, sense of belonging and coming home. Maori have a well-defined sense of spirituality, expressed as wairuatanga or wairua, but these terms are not well understood by...
Focused on Taranaki this collaborative project is exploring exciting new approaches and structures that would enable Church ministry to flourish sustainably into the future. The Bishop's Action Foundation is a leading partner in this initiative researching and drawing together experiences from overseas and nationally to help inspire discussions....
We are part of a national steering group exploring the concept of spirituality, its relevance to current society and its potential impact on well-being. Existing research suggests that spirituality has a positive impact on other aspects of health and well-being. We’re asking what are the implications of this for policy and...
This research project is a three stage initiative that aims to provide up to date contextual knowledge about rural communities as a springboard for future action. The analysis is presented in three reports. The first report is a ‘desk’ analysis based on census data (Statistics New Zealand’s area unit data) for each...