Our research is community-led and grounded in lived experience. We work alongside ethnic women, men, elders, families, and communities to understand the barriers they face, the strengths they bring, and what needs to change for wellbeing and safety. Our research supports better services, fairer systems, and informed decision-making.
Thriving and Ageing Well: Insights from Older People of Culturally Diverse Backgrounds – This research explores how older people from culturally diverse backgrounds experience ageing in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. It highlights what supports wellbeing and independence, and the barriers older people face in accessing services. The report centres the voices of older community members and service providers, and offers recommendations to improve inclusion, access, and quality of life.
Report to be launched in March 2026
Funded by the Wel Energy Trust.
Understanding Ethnic Women’s Experiences in the Justice System – This research explores how ethnic and migrant women experience New Zealand’s justice system when seeking help for family or sexual violence. It focuses especially on the Family Court, which is often the main point of contact after violence has occurred. The study highlights barriers, challenges, and opportunities for improving access, safety, and fairness for ethnic women navigating court processes.
Report to be launched in April 2026
Funded by the Michael & Suzanne Borrin Foundation.
Let’s Talk, Men – Healthy Masculinity in Ethnic Communities
This research explored what healthy masculinity means to ethnic men in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through community conversations and one-on-one interviews, it gathered positive cultural perspectives on respectful relationships, attitudes to women, and family life. Findings highlight diverse expressions of healthy masculinity and the role of culture, education, and changing social norms in shaping values like respect, empathy, and shared parenting.
Funded by Te Puna Aonui
Enabling Collective Housing for Women and Ethnic Women – This research examines how housing systems can better support women, with a particular focus on ethnic women. It explores the barriers and enablers to safe, stable, and culturally appropriate housing, and looks at collective and innovative housing models that could improve long-term outcomes. The research aims to inform housing policy and practice by centring women’s aspirations, safety, and wellbeing.
Shama partnered with Common Ground to undertake this research.
Funded by the Wel Energy Trust.
Making Ethnic Count – This project focused on improving how organisations collect and use ethnicity data. It involved the co-design and trial of effective ethnicity data collection practices with four pilot organisations, including Shama Ethnic Women’s Trust. The project included staff training, practical recommendations, and ongoing mentoring to support culturally safe and accurate intake processes for ethnic clients.
The project ran throughout 2021 with Auckland HELP, Counselling Services Centre, and Single Parent Services Waikato.
Funded by the Ministry of Social Development.
The Case for a Community Land Trust in Hamilton–Waikato – This feasibility study explores whether a Community Land Trust (CLT) model could help address long-term housing affordability in the Hamilton–Waikato region. It outlines how CLTs work, examines local housing challenges, and identifies enabling conditions, risks, and partnerships needed for success. The report offers practical recommendations for councils, funders, and community organisations interested in community-led, permanently affordable housing solutions.
Funded by the Wel Energy Trust.
Across all our research, we centre ethnic voices and prioritise dignity, safety, and cultural identity. Findings are used to inform service design, influence policy and planning, and advocate for more inclusive and responsive systems. We work in partnership with communities, service providers, government agencies, and funders to turn insights into practical recommendations and real-world change.
Other papers released:
- Addressing Sexual Violence for Ethnic Communities – Prevention 1
- Addressing Sexual Violence for Ethnic Communities – Prevention 2
- Addressing Sexual Violence for Ethnic Communities – Responses 1
- Addressing Sexual Violence for Ethnic Communities: Principles and Practices for a new service
Other relevant reports with collaboration from Shama
- NZFVC Issues Paper 14: Ethnic Perspectives on Family Violence in Aotearoa
- Ministry for Women 2011: Case studies of initiatives addressing family violence in refugee and migrant communities
- Family Violence in Migrant and Refugee families and successful models of prevention and intervention
- Under-reporting sexual violence among ‘ethnic’ migrant women: perspectives from Aotearoa/New Zealand
