Research Framework

Research Aim

Strengthening family relationships is our Centre's overarching aim, while research and information provision is our means. We recognise that strong families are founded on healthy relationships, rather than on specific family structures or living arrangements. Three key objectives are:

1. Strengthening family relationships within families. This includes addressing parent-parent relationships, parent-child relationships, and relationships amongst extended family members.
2. Strengthening family relationships within their social context. This includes considering work/family and school/family relationships; families in their communities; and families in the context of policy development. The role of law is an important focus.
3. Strengthening family relationships during and following transitions. This includes exploring transitions to parenthood, puberty, children leaving home, retirement, death, illness, disability, relocation, separation/divorce and stepfamily formation. The provision of information and support, as transitions are encountered, is a focus.

Research Principles

1. Our research will acknowledge and actively incorporate the cultural diversity that is present in Aotearoa New Zealand. We will actively work towards honouring our obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi in our research.
2. Our research will encompass the diversity of family structures and formations in Aotearoa New Zealand. We define families by their practices and members' identification, rather than by their legal or structural status.
3. Our research focuses on family wellbeing. Research will address individual wellbeing as well as family wellbeing but we maintain a distinct overall perspective on the family level.
4. Our research will have clear and explicit relevance for policy and practice, and projects will include processes for ensuring the interpretation and dissemination of findings. Aotearoa New Zealand-based research is essential in underpinning local policy and practice.

Research Projects

Our projects will range from the 'pure' to applied ends of the research continuum. Applied projects might include evaluating services provided to families; looking at the future needs of families; undertaking surveys of parenting information and knowledge; piloting and developing parenting education programmes; supporting initiatives to strengthen relationships between adults; and many more.