The overall objective of natural ecosystem research funded by the Foundation (approximately $28m pa) is to enhance the management and protection of New Zealand’s natural ecosystems[1]. Research outcomes should ultimately lead to results that will assist people in the management and/or protection of NZ ecosystems. This evaluation sought the views of people working in these roles on how effectively outcomes are being achieved.
This evaluation aspires to provide evidence of benefits to New Zealand resulting from Foundation-funded research investments in natural ecosystems. The evaluation consists of two parts, a user survey and case studies of ecosystem research programmes, with the main emphasis on the user survey.
Purpose
The aim of the survey was to obtain information on the natural ecosystem research funded by the Foundation, from the perspectives of people involved in the management and/or protection of NZ ecosystems. The survey sought their views on:
- The benefits of natural ecosystem research;
- Relationships with researchers; and
- Factors affecting the implementation of research results.
The case studies of ecosystem programmes also obtain information about outcomes and user-provider relationships, but with a stronger emphasis on the researchers’ perspectives rather than users’ views.
Methodology
The survey used both web-based information collection and face-to-face structured interviews. The fieldwork was completed in March/April 2003.