Research
Two important aspects of Te Puna Taiao are ensuring that the changes we implement are having the outcomes we anticipate, and ensuring that we share learnings from our mahi, so that other iwi, hapū, schools and communities can apply our learnings in their own way. To be able to do this we need good data and research programmes
The Te Puna Taiao kaupapa has an intergenerational, holistic focus on improving outcomes, some of which are not likely to be seen within one, two or even five years. With this in mind, and the need to ensure we are able to review, respond and refine the kaupapa at every opportunity, rangahau programmes need to be designed to meet key short and medium term goals.
We have undertaken two significant pieces of research as part of this kaupapa:
Rangahau - funded by Ngā Kanohi Kitea
Most recently, and with the generous funding of a Ngā Kanohi Kitea grant through the Health Research Council of New Zealand we have completed a project that looked at how to improve health outcomes for tamariki.
SET article
And click here to read a paper created from this research that provides support and guidance for educational providers like kura, schools and kohanga to transform their outdoor spaces, guided by the Te Puna Taiao framework.
Evaluation of Te Puna Taiao ki Te Kura o Motueka / Allandale School, Whakatāne
Secondly, we partnered with Toi Te Ora public health to undertake an extensive evaluation of the impacts of Te Puna Taiao at Allandale on both the students, kaiako, whānau and the wider Kopeopeo community.
You can read the outcome of that evaluation here.
From both pieces of work, and with feedback from our partners and kura communities, we have continued to update and revise Te Puna Taiao as we aspire to best practice.
