Matada Research

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Creating brighter futures through research driven practice

Specialising in research, evaluation, and strategic consultancy to enhance the health and well-being of communities in Aotearoa and beyond.

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Creating brighter futures through research driven practice

Specialising in research, evaluation, and strategic consultancy to enhance the health and well-being of communities in Aotearoa and beyond.

Contact Us

From the Vanua into the Future

Noa’ia, Mauri, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Tālofa, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Mālō nī, Talofa lava, Tēnā koutou katoa and warm Pacific greetings to you all

Matada is a forward-thinking social enterprise delivering transformative research, evaluation, and strategic consultancy to shape legislation, policy, and practice, driving actionable solutions for the well-being and prosperity of the next generation. Supported by a team of highly qualified researchers and consultants with both global and local expertise, we operate with a values-driven approach centered on relationships, respect, reciprocity, community, and service.

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Our Story: Na noda Vanua sa koto e matada
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gerald Naepi returned to New Zealand and saw firsthand the deep inequalities faced by marginalised communities, from food insecurity to limited medical access and digital inequity. This inspired him to create Matada Research—a platform to explore innovative, evidence-based solutions to these challenges. Through research, evaluation, and strategic consultancy, Matada aims to inform policy, foster collaboration, and support meaningful change for individuals, families, and communities, building brighter futures for the next generation.
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Our Values

We value relationships that are based on mutual respect, open communication and collaboration. We strive to create opportunities for lasting success through the implementation of thoughtful partnerships that foster learning and development. Together with our partners, Matada is dedicated to offering innovative solutions to complex problems in order to make a positive impact on individuals, families and communities.
Our team are dedicated to creating transformative opportunities where diverse voices can be heard and respected. We recognise that by working together, we have a greater impact on communities' lives. We strive to provide quality services that meet the needs of the people we serve while embracing cultural diversity and respect for individuals’ unique backgrounds. Our team is committed to fostering strong partnerships with service providers, advocacy organizations, elected officials, government agencies and other stakeholders so that necessary resources can be secured for positive change.
Our mission is to build on the knowledge and experience of those before us in order to best serve the current generation. We believe that our work should be something that we can pass down to future generations - creating a lasting legacy of collaboration and cooperation between all involved parties. It is our goal to continue learning from history and develop new policies and practices that benefit not just ourselves but also those who come after us.
We strive to foster an environment that is open and diverse in order to promote collaboration and meaningful dialogue amongst the individuals who contribute to our projects. We value everyone’s contribution and aim to create an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding where we can all work together towards our shared goals.
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Our Clients

Health New Zealand
MPP
Te Papa
Human Rights
TRU
United Nations
SSHRC
Research
We understand that quality, timely and cost-effective research is essential for evidence-based policy, practice and guideline development. That’s why our team of experts utilise innovative methodologies and technologies to provide you with the most accurate data possible.Our research will help you make informed decisions that will have a positive impact on the Pacific community. With our help, you can improve the lives of Pacific peoples both locally and abroad.We offer a number of research-based services including: Mixed methods research Project management Qualitative and quantitative analysis Report writing Research dissemination
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Evaluation
Matada is a full-service research company that provides public program evaluation and impact assessment services.We specialise in helping organisations and nonprofits measure the effectiveness of their programs and understand their impact on the community. Our team has experience conducting rigorous evaluations using the latest research methods.We are passionate about helping our clients improve the lives of those they serve. Our goal is to provide you with accurate, reliable, and actionable information so you can make informed decisions about your programs.
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Consultation
We provide tailored research and engagement services to organisations wishing to understand and connect with Pacific populations.Our team of experts have over 15 years of combined experience working with Pacific peoples, giving us a unique understanding of the cultural nuances and social dynamics that drive how Pacific people interact with the world around them.We can help your organisation design and deliver successful projects that will provide you with actionable insights into how best to engage with Pacific communities.
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Program development
Marginalised populations have unique needs that are often not well understood by the general population.Matada conducts research to help identify and understand the needs of marginalised populations. We work with government departments, NGOs, and private sector organisations to develop programs that address these needs.With our deep understanding of the needs of marginalised populations, we are able to provide program development services that are tailored specifically for them. Our goal is to help these populations break out of the cycle of poverty and improve their quality of life.
Find out more
Research dissemination
We provide a cost-effective way to disseminate your research and ensure that your key messages are delivered in a sustainable manner over time.Our platform makes it easy for you to share your findings with the world and get the recognition you deserve. Plus, our team of experts can help you design an effective dissemination strategy that meets your specific needs.Our services include;Report design Info graphic design Digital marketing Traditional media marketing Email marketing
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Research
We understand that quality, timely and cost-effective research is essential for evidence-based policy, practice and guideline development. That’s why our team of experts utilise innovative methodologies and technologies to provide you with the most accurate data possible.Our research will help you make informed decisions that will have a positive impact on the Pacific community. With our help, you can improve the lives of Pacific peoples both locally and abroad.We offer a number of research-based services including: Mixed methods research Project management Qualitative and quantitative analysis Report writing Research dissemination
Discover more
Evaluation
Matada is a full-service research company that provides public program evaluation and impact assessment services.We specialise in helping organisations and nonprofits measure the effectiveness of their programs and understand their impact on the community. Our team has experience conducting rigorous evaluations using the latest research methods.We are passionate about helping our clients improve the lives of those they serve. Our goal is to provide you with accurate, reliable, and actionable information so you can make informed decisions about your programs.
Discover more
Strategic consultation
We provide tailored research and engagement services to organisations wishing to understand and connect with Pacific populations.Our team of experts have over 15 years of combined experience working with Pacific peoples, giving us a unique understanding of the cultural nuances and social dynamics that drive how Pacific people interact with the world around them.We can help your organisation design and deliver successful projects that will provide you with actionable insights into how best to engage with Pacific communities.
Contact us
Program development
Marginalised populations have unique needs that are often not well understood by the general population.Matada conducts research to help identify and understand the needs of marginalised populations. We work with government departments, NGOs, and private sector organisations to develop programs that address these needs.With our deep understanding of the needs of marginalised populations, we are able to provide program development services that are tailored specifically for them. Our goal is to help these populations break out of the cycle of poverty and improve their quality of life.
Find out more
Research dissemination
We provide a cost-effective way to disseminate your research and ensure that your key messages are delivered in a sustainable manner over time.Our platform makes it easy for you to share your findings with the world and get the recognition you deserve. Plus, our team of experts can help you design an effective dissemination strategy that meets your specific needs.Our services include;Report design Info graphic design Digital marketing Traditional media marketing Email marketing
Contact Us
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Articles

3 innovative policy solutions to personal debt

This article discusses the pressing issue of debt in New Zealand, particularly among women, Māori/Pacific individuals, and young adults. With high-interest rates and unregulated “buy now pay later” schemes, borrowers can easily fall into a cycle of debt..

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April 6, 2023 No Comments
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Our Team

Gerald Naepi
Gerald NaepiDirector (BSc, PGDipSci, BHSC)
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With his comprehensive experience in health and Pacific values, Gerald has committed to serving the wellbeing of those within Pacific communities. Holding a BSc and PGDipSci from University of Auckland, he is also certified as Physiotherapist. His family's background in healthcare and business provides him with invaluable insight on how best to encourage progress for better education, societal outcomes through improved public health initiatives. Working alongside international research projects that actively emphasise community input was another way he furthered these goals - offering accurate assessments between key figures involved due to his excellent relationship management skills.
Dr. Serana Naepi
Dr. Serana NaepiResearch Consultant (BA Hons, MA,PhD)
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Dr. Sereana Naepi is a highly qualified researcher with a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of British Columbia (UBC). She has dedicated her work to improving Pacific student outcomes through research initiatives, particularly focusing on the equity of women's experiences with higher education globally. Dr. Naepi is a strong advocate for the involvement of Indigenous academics in universities, having spearheaded projects such as Knowledge Makers to create equitable roles for indigenous people in Canada. She has appeared on various media platforms advocating for greater tertiary education equity.
Fuimaono Dylan Asafo Research Consultant (LLB, BHSc, LLM))
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Fuimaono Dylan Asafo, from the villages of Salani, Satalo, Siumu, Moata’a, and Leufisa in Samoa, and is an accomplished legal scholar. Dylan holds an LLB/BHSc and a Master of Laws (First Class Honours), and an LL.M. from Harvard University as a Fulbright scholar. His research focuses on race and the law, climate justice, constitutional and human rights law, and criminal justice in the Pacific. His work is dedicated to advocating for marginalised communities through rigorous, interdisciplinary scholarship.
Evalesi Tu’inukuafeResearcher (BA,MA)
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Evalesi Tu’inukuafe is a proud Pasifika woman and mother who is passionate about Pasifika-led research as a form of self-determination. She graduated from the University of Auckland with an undergraduate degree in Sociology and German and is currently studying a Master’s degree in Pacific Studies. Evalesi also works in West Auckland as a Community worker with a particular focus on strengthening connections between Pasifika organizations. Both her research and work is driven by the love she has for her communities.
Nathan RewResearch Consultant (BA, MA, PhD)
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Nathan Rew is a Doctoral graduate from the University of Auckland, researching colonial and indigenous relationships to water. He has a unique background in both Papua New Guinean and Pakehā descent, combining critical theory with material sciences for an interdisciplinary approach. His work promotes indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in Aotearoa and across the Pacific, aiming to reinvigorate indigenous relationships to water and mitigate the consequences of colonisation, capitalism, and climate change. He has also contributed to the Human Rights Commission's 'Pacific Pay Gap Inquiry' and is assisting Dr Sereana Naepi in researching Pasifika students’ experiences at university.
Kate JackResearcher (BA Hons, MA)
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Kate holds a Master of Arts from the University of Auckland, where they researched neoliberalisation and its impact on marginalised communities. They have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Development Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours, First Class) from the University of Auckland, awarded in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Kate is an expert in queer theory and higher education studies, employing a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods to critique neoliberalism and innovate new approaches that prioritise community experiences.
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Contact Us

Matada is a full-service research company that provides public program evaluation, impact assessment and tailored research services with an emphasis on helping marginalised populations. Our team of experts have extensive experience conducting rigorous research and evaluations using the latest methods, as well as a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and social dynamics that drive how Pacific people interact with the world around them. We provide a range of services including project management, qualitative and quantitative analysis, report writing, research dissemination and advocacy to help organisations measure their effectiveness and create meaningful change in their communities.

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