The Corporation jointly commissioned Market Economics Limited (MEL) and Gravitas Research and Strategy Limited (GRSL) to undertake research to examine the relationship between concentrated deprivation and community economic development.The research aims to understand the economic effects of spatial concentrations of poverty, the extent and nature to which concentrations constrain community economic development and the influence of concentrations on investment and disinvestment dynamics.
A comparative analysis was adopted by examining four areas within the Auckland region. Two of these, Tamaki and Mangere, contain high proportions and concentration of social housing while Te Atatu Peninsula and New Lynn are characterised by low proportions and concentration.
Purpose
The specific purpose of the research is as follows.
- To provide a comparative analysis of four communities in New Zealand with an examination of each community’s economic development.
- Within these communities explore the relationship between household income levels, level of social housing and economic development and investment and dis-investment dynamics.
- Identify practical policy responses that have the potential to increase local economic development of deprived or non-sustainable communities.
Methodology
The research comprised the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Market Economics modelled existing quantitative indicators of economic activity and growth to reveal the extent, nature and relativities of the local economies within each area. Further detail on the methodology and full reporting of the findings can be found in Market Economics’ report to HNZC (Market Economics,2007).
Gravitas conducted a total of 32 in-depth interviews with key informants across the four communities examined. The interviews provided qualitative understanding of the relationship between spatial concentrations of poverty, community economic development and investment dynamics. Further detail on the methodology and full reporting of the findings can be found in Gravitas’ report to HNZC (Gravitas Research and Strategy Ltd, 2008).
A brief report setting out high level policy direction to assist the development of community economic development in deprived communities was also initially tabled (Gravitas Research and Strategy Ltd, 2008a).