Projects
We undertake social research projects on specific population groups, and host students working on honours, masters, and PhD projects. We also use microsimulation methods to model groups within the population, and changes in their demographics each year as they age. Click on the project items below for more information.
Current
Assessing the Impact of Maternal and Perinatal Interventions on Lifelong Health
This project followed up cohorts from several maternal and perinatal randomised controlled trials conducted in the 1970s.
This project followed up cohorts from several maternal and perinatal randomised controlled trials conducted in the 1970s.
Assessing the Impact of the “Families Package” on Child and Maternal Wellbeing
This project investigates the “Families Package”, which was introduced in 2018 to improve the material wellbeing of families but had not previously been scrutinised in terms of its impact on child outcomes.
This project investigates the “Families Package”, which was introduced in 2018 to improve the material wellbeing of families but had not previously been scrutinised in terms of its impact on child outcomes.
Assessing the Impact of Sex Work Decriminalisation: A Feasibility Study
This project assesses the feasibility of identifying sex workers using administrative data sources in the IDI, and aims to see if outcomes have improved for them since the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 was passed.
This project assesses the feasibility of identifying sex workers using administrative data sources in the IDI, and aims to see if outcomes have improved for them since the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 was passed.
Characteristics and Healthcare Access of People Living with Multiple Sclerosis
This project describes the socioeconomic characteristics of people living with multiple sclerosis, and their access to health and social services.
This project describes the socioeconomic characteristics of people living with multiple sclerosis, and their access to health and social services.
Ethnolinguistic Diversity in New Zealand
This project describes populations in New Zealand that speak the most common foreign languages – those with at least 10,000 speakers as per the census. This work has been updated as new censuses have been released and new languages have met the criterion.
This project describes populations in New Zealand that speak the most common foreign languages – those with at least 10,000 speakers as per the census. This work has been updated as new censuses have been released and new languages have met the criterion.
Inequality in Service Uptake: A Comparative Study
This project explores inequalities in the uptake of welfare services, including international comparisons with Denmark and the USA.
This project explores inequalities in the uptake of welfare services, including international comparisons with Denmark and the USA.
International Social Survey Programme
This project represents our annual survey as members on this international programme. Topics cycle over approximately a decade and COMPASS has been running the survey for New Zealand since 2013.
This project represents our annual survey as members on this international programme. Topics cycle over approximately a decade and COMPASS has been running the survey for New Zealand since 2013.
Kumanu Tāngata: The Aftermatch Project
This project describes the experiences of professional rugby union players in terms of their future experience of neurogenerative disease, cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, and mortality.
This project describes the experiences of professional rugby union players in terms of their future experience of neurogenerative disease, cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, and mortality.
Life-Course Impact of Chronic Health Conditions: A Family & Whānau Perspective
This project was in four parts including quantitative data analysis and in‑depth qualitative studies of families living with chronic disease, and described their experiences.
This project was in four parts including quantitative data analysis and in‑depth qualitative studies of families living with chronic disease, and described their experiences.
Mental Health in Young People with Brain Injury
This project describes mental health problems experienced and services accessed by young people with acquired or traumatic brain injury.
This project describes mental health problems experienced and services accessed by young people with acquired or traumatic brain injury.
New Zealand Election Study
COMPASS ran the survey for the New Zealand Election Study first in 2011, and was involved again in 2014, 2017, and 2023. The survey covers a broad range of views relating to politics, elections, the different parties, and voting in general.
COMPASS ran the survey for the New Zealand Election Study first in 2011, and was involved again in 2014, 2017, and 2023. The survey covers a broad range of views relating to politics, elections, the different parties, and voting in general.
New Zealand Socioeconomic Index
This project involves work to update the occupation-based scale of socioeconomic status after data are available from each subsequent New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings.
This project involves work to update the occupation-based scale of socioeconomic status after data are available from each subsequent New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings.
Outcomes of Prenatal and Postpartum Depression: Implications for Women, Families, and Society
This collaboration with researchers in Michigan and North Carolina examines later outcomes for both mothers and children, related to the experience of prenatal and postpartum depression.
This collaboration with researchers in Michigan and North Carolina examines later outcomes for both mothers and children, related to the experience of prenatal and postpartum depression.
Predicting Suicide and Self‑Harm Risk in Administrative Data: Evaluating the Added Value of Linked Systems at Point‑of‑Care
This project attempts to improve prediction of people’s being at risk of suicide and self‑harm, by incorporating data across multiple health and social systems, beyond the health record typically relied upon by healthcare providers.
This project attempts to improve prediction of people’s being at risk of suicide and self‑harm, by incorporating data across multiple health and social systems, beyond the health record typically relied upon by healthcare providers.
Rare Disorders in Aotearoa New Zealand
This project investigates disorders affecting fewer than one in 2,000 people, focusing on factors with long‑term consequences for sufferers, their families, and society as a whole.
This project investigates disorders affecting fewer than one in 2,000 people, focusing on factors with long‑term consequences for sufferers, their families, and society as a whole.
Research Collaboration to Support Mental Health and Wellbeing of Refugee Children and Young People in Aotearoa New Zealand
This project involves creating cohorts of children from migrant and refugee backgrounds and looking at associations between their mental health service utilisation and their education outcomes.
This project involves creating cohorts of children from migrant and refugee backgrounds and looking at associations between their mental health service utilisation and their education outcomes.
Review of Data Sources Relating to Individual, Family, Whānau, and Aiga Carers in Aotearoa New Zealand
This project investigates the data available in Aotearoa New Zealand on informal carers and their activities, focusing on administrative data sources.
This project investigates the data available in Aotearoa New Zealand on informal carers and their activities, focusing on administrative data sources.
Te Niwha: Tāngata Whaikaha Māori Probabilistic Panel Survey Research
This project follows up respondents to Te Ao Mārama, our earlier survey of people of Māori descent focused on lived experience of disability, with the aim to form a probabilistic panel of Tāngata Whaikaha Māori to answer surveys focused on COVID-19 resilience and future pandemic preparedness.
This project follows up respondents to Te Ao Mārama, our earlier survey of people of Māori descent focused on lived experience of disability, with the aim to form a probabilistic panel of Tāngata Whaikaha Māori to answer surveys focused on COVID-19 resilience and future pandemic preparedness.
Virtual Health Information Network
This multi-institution collaboration aims to improve the quality and efficiency of health and social research by connecting IDI users to advice and support, including providing courses in its use.
This multi-institution collaboration aims to improve the quality and efficiency of health and social research by connecting IDI users to advice and support, including providing courses in its use.
Completed
2021‑2025
A Better Start: E Tipu E Rea
A Better Start is one of the National Science Challenges established by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment in 2014.
A Better Start is one of the National Science Challenges established by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment in 2014.
Antidepressant Use and Depression Symptoms in Pregnancy
This project provides evidence that both depression and antidepressant use during pregnancy are associated with adverse birth and later child outcomes.
This project provides evidence that both depression and antidepressant use during pregnancy are associated with adverse birth and later child outcomes.
Associations Between Mental Health and Housing
This project uses the New Zealand Health Survey to describe how housing affordability influences mental health.
This project uses the New Zealand Health Survey to describe how housing affordability influences mental health.
Better Start Model
This project uses dynamic closed-cohort microsimulation to model early life-course development through to 24 years of age, using findings from interventions conducted as part of the National Science Challenge, A Better Start: E Tipu E Rea.
This project uses dynamic closed-cohort microsimulation to model early life-course development through to 24 years of age, using findings from interventions conducted as part of the National Science Challenge, A Better Start: E Tipu E Rea.
Building a Responsive Research Infrastructure for Climate- and Conflict‑Induced Displacement in the Asia‑Pacific Region
This project develops research networks across the region and builds the capacity of Pacific researchers.
This project develops research networks across the region and builds the capacity of Pacific researchers.
Building a Sustainable Gender Budgeting Strategy for New Zealand
This project used administrative data to develop a comprehensive picture of the status of women in New Zealand.
This project used administrative data to develop a comprehensive picture of the status of women in New Zealand.
Do Infections Raise Risk of Dementia?
This project assesses associations among various infections and subsequent dementia over a 30-year period, hoping to contribute to improved treatments and prevention efforts.
This project assesses associations among various infections and subsequent dementia over a 30-year period, hoping to contribute to improved treatments and prevention efforts.
Do Psychiatric Disorders Predict Later Physical Diseases?
This project examines the impact of hospitalisation for mental disorders on the occurrence of future chronic diseases.
This project examines the impact of hospitalisation for mental disorders on the occurrence of future chronic diseases.
Do the Environments Young People Grow Up in Promote or Obstruct Mental Health? A Nationwide Geospatial Study
This project examines the associations between the environments in which people grow up, in terms of deprivation and especially access to nature, and their experience of mental health issues in youth.
This project examines the associations between the environments in which people grow up, in terms of deprivation and especially access to nature, and their experience of mental health issues in youth.
IDI Support for Learner Pathways Analysis: Following a Cohort Over Time to Analyse Learner Pathways and the Relative “Success” of These Pathways
This project followed a cohort of learners to provide insights into the different learning pathways people take in their lives.
This project followed a cohort of learners to provide insights into the different learning pathways people take in their lives.
Māori in Between
This project examined levels of cultural knowledge among Māori and assessed if these were associated with any differences in their experiences of accessing health and social services.
This project examined levels of cultural knowledge among Māori and assessed if these were associated with any differences in their experiences of accessing health and social services.
Ngāti Hauā Housing Survey
COMPASS conducted this survey for the Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust, to help them better understand the needs and aspirations of their whānau when it comes to housing.
COMPASS conducted this survey for the Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust, to help them better understand the needs and aspirations of their whānau when it comes to housing.
Pacific Cultures: Building Blocks for a Socially‑Involved and Co‑Created Approach to Brain Health Among Older Adults
This project involves an in-depth qualitative study of three Pacific community groups in Auckland and Wellington, looking at brain health in those groups, in partnership with local service providers.
This project involves an in-depth qualitative study of three Pacific community groups in Auckland and Wellington, looking at brain health in those groups, in partnership with local service providers.
Review of Data Sources Relating to Abuse of Older People
This project investigates what data are available in Aotearoa New Zealand on aspects of elder abuse.
This project investigates what data are available in Aotearoa New Zealand on aspects of elder abuse.
Role of Stable Housing in Reducing Re‑offending by Ex‑prisoners
This project involves a survey of prisoners preparing for their release, and follow‑ups 6 and 12 months after their release, focusing on their expectations of and subsequent experience in regard to stable housing, and exploring its role in turning ex‑prisoners away from crime.
This project involves a survey of prisoners preparing for their release, and follow‑ups 6 and 12 months after their release, focusing on their expectations of and subsequent experience in regard to stable housing, and exploring its role in turning ex‑prisoners away from crime.
Te Ao Mārama: Disability Perspectives of Tāngata Whaikaha Māori
This project involved constructing and administering a mail survey to 70,000 people of Māori descent. The focus was on lived experience of disability, along with experiences of Māori culture throughout life.
This project involved constructing and administering a mail survey to 70,000 people of Māori descent. The focus was on lived experience of disability, along with experiences of Māori culture throughout life.
Te Hao Nui
This project involves the creation of a Māori longitudinal cohort, for the purposes of future studies of wellbeing across the life‑course.
This project involves the creation of a Māori longitudinal cohort, for the purposes of future studies of wellbeing across the life‑course.
Te Rourou Tātaritanga
This project focuses on informatics for social services and wellbeing, looking to improve data standards, support data access, and describe potential bias in the IDI.
This project focuses on informatics for social services and wellbeing, looking to improve data standards, support data access, and describe potential bias in the IDI.
Voices of Māori Creatives on the Misappropriation and Protection of Māori Creative Works
This project involved a survey of Māori working across the creative sector, focusing on experiences of misappropriation or misuse of creative works and experiences with organisations aiming to protect Intellectual Property rights.
This project involved a survey of Māori working across the creative sector, focusing on experiences of misappropriation or misuse of creative works and experiences with organisations aiming to protect Intellectual Property rights.
2016‑2020
Application of Big Data Analytic Techniques to Identify New Risk Factors for Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy
This project examined the association between Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy and service contacts recorded in the IDI.
This project examined the association between Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy and service contacts recorded in the IDI.
Burden of Multiple Myeloma in New Zealand
This project produced the first report of the human and economic costs of myeloma in New Zealand.
This project produced the first report of the human and economic costs of myeloma in New Zealand.
Child Poverty Health Consequences
This project looked into the most effective ways to reduce the impacts of childhood poverty on health.
This project looked into the most effective ways to reduce the impacts of childhood poverty on health.
E Tū Whānau
This project involved developing a questionnaire to support the evaluation of E Tū Whānau, which was a Kaupapa Māori Family Violence initiative by the Ministry of Social Development.
This project involved developing a questionnaire to support the evaluation of E Tū Whānau, which was a Kaupapa Māori Family Violence initiative by the Ministry of Social Development.
Estimating the Accuracy of Ethnicity Data in Health Datasets
This project compared self-reported ethnicity data from the New Zealand Cancer Registry with the equivalent from Primary Health Organisation records, to assess potential undercounting, suspected to especially affect Māori.
This project compared self-reported ethnicity data from the New Zealand Cancer Registry with the equivalent from Primary Health Organisation records, to assess potential undercounting, suspected to especially affect Māori.
Informing Tribal Activity and Investment Through Scientific Reporting
This project described the Ngāi Tahu population based on cross-sectional census data, enabling the iwi organisation to track where it was missing people, especially in terms of age group where it was known that younger children were less likely to be registered as members.
This project described the Ngāi Tahu population based on cross-sectional census data, enabling the iwi organisation to track where it was missing people, especially in terms of age group where it was known that younger children were less likely to be registered as members.
Intergenerational Analysis in the IDI
This project investigated the extent to which intergenerational links were preserved in the construction of the IDI.
This project investigated the extent to which intergenerational links were preserved in the construction of the IDI.
Investigating Adolescent Health
This project examined data from the UK-based INCLUSIVE trial, which aimed to improve school environments especially with regard to bullying.
This project examined data from the UK-based INCLUSIVE trial, which aimed to improve school environments especially with regard to bullying.
Knowledge Laboratory of the Early Life‑Course
This project produced a microsimulation tool describing the lives of young people through the age of 18. This was an evolution of our previous model of the early life‑course, extending the age range and incorporating estimates from international studies where we did not have local data.
This project produced a microsimulation tool describing the lives of young people through the age of 18. This was an evolution of our previous model of the early life‑course, extending the age range and incorporating estimates from international studies where we did not have local data.
Loneliness Across the Life-Course
This project investigated how loneliness and social isolation develop through the life-course, identified risk factors associated with their development, and described outcomes associated with the experience of them.
This project investigated how loneliness and social isolation develop through the life-course, identified risk factors associated with their development, and described outcomes associated with the experience of them.
Life-Course Predictors of Mortality Inequalities
This project linked the New Zealand Longitudinal Census with the New Zealand Census Mortality Study, to assess socioeconomic influences on mortality and if there are life‑course factors that are protective against socioeconomic disadvantage.
This project linked the New Zealand Longitudinal Census with the New Zealand Census Mortality Study, to assess socioeconomic influences on mortality and if there are life‑course factors that are protective against socioeconomic disadvantage.
National Survey of Early Career Researchers in Aotearoa New Zealand
This project was a survey run by Dr Tom Baker in the School of Environment, to describe the experiences, attitudes, and professional intentions of early career researchers in New Zealand.
This project was a survey run by Dr Tom Baker in the School of Environment, to describe the experiences, attitudes, and professional intentions of early career researchers in New Zealand.
New Zealand as a Social Laboratory
This project built on our earlier simulation models of different parts of the life-course, attempting to describe entire lives, using transitions over time as described through the StatsNZ Longitudinal Census, which followed individuals through the censuses, 1981‑2006.
This project built on our earlier simulation models of different parts of the life-course, attempting to describe entire lives, using transitions over time as described through the StatsNZ Longitudinal Census, which followed individuals through the censuses, 1981‑2006.
Pacific Surveys for Those Bereaved by Suicide
COMPASS conducted these surveys for Jemaima Tiatia‑Seath. One survey was for Pacific people in families that had lost a loved one to suicide; the other was for professionals providing support to those families.
COMPASS conducted these surveys for Jemaima Tiatia‑Seath. One survey was for Pacific people in families that had lost a loved one to suicide; the other was for professionals providing support to those families.
People’s Online Panel for New Zealand
This project saw us attempt to set up a panel to answer surveys on an on‑going basis, with a focus on making it representative of the population, something that is not usually considered. Unfortunately, the response rates observed made the idea unsustainable.
This project saw us attempt to set up a panel to answer surveys on an on‑going basis, with a focus on making it representative of the population, something that is not usually considered. Unfortunately, the response rates observed made the idea unsustainable.
Provision of Health Service and Community Care for the Elderly
This project explored intergenerational roles and equity among different stakeholders in health services and community facilities delivering care for older people.
This project explored intergenerational roles and equity among different stakeholders in health services and community facilities delivering care for older people.
Residential Mobility and Health
This project investigated interplays among residential mobility, age, socioeconomic status, and health outcomes.
This project investigated interplays among residential mobility, age, socioeconomic status, and health outcomes.
Small Segment of the Population with a High Concentration of Service Use
This project tested the hypothesis that public health and social services costs are concentrated in a relatively small proportion of the Aotearoa New Zealand population.
This project tested the hypothesis that public health and social services costs are concentrated in a relatively small proportion of the Aotearoa New Zealand population.
Te Kaha o Ngā Rangatahi ki Tāmaki Makaurau
This project used the IDI to produce Māori wellbeing metrics as described in the Independent Māori Statutory Board’s Māori Plan in 2017.
This project used the IDI to produce Māori wellbeing metrics as described in the Independent Māori Statutory Board’s Māori Plan in 2017.
Tikanga Māori Strengths‑Based Index Scoping Study
This project looked at the feasibility of developing a Māori strengths‑based index to complement the New Zealand Deprivation Index for Māori.
This project looked at the feasibility of developing a Māori strengths‑based index to complement the New Zealand Deprivation Index for Māori.
Vulnerable Children Investment Approach
This project looked at children’s experiences of vulnerability, which it had to define in the first instance, and the impacts of this on later life outcomes, as well as what factors might suggest that children might experience vulnerability.
This project looked at children’s experiences of vulnerability, which it had to define in the first instance, and the impacts of this on later life outcomes, as well as what factors might suggest that children might experience vulnerability.
2011‑2015
Balance of Care in an Ageing Society
This project extended earlier microsimulation work on health outcomes for older age groups, adding in the impact of long-term, disabling, and chronic conditions.
This project extended earlier microsimulation work on health outcomes for older age groups, adding in the impact of long-term, disabling, and chronic conditions.
Changing Pacific Household Composition and Wellbeing 1981‑2006
This project utilised our previously created family wellbeing indicators to present the situation for Pacific families. This was accompanied by a qualitative study of 12 Pacific families living in Auckland.
This project utilised our previously created family wellbeing indicators to present the situation for Pacific families. This was accompanied by a qualitative study of 12 Pacific families living in Auckland.
E Tū Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
This survey was a census of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei hapū. The questionnaire was designed through a series of public hui, and members were encouraged to attend marae grounds at Ōrākei and Reweti to respond en masse.
This survey was a census of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei hapū. The questionnaire was designed through a series of public hui, and members were encouraged to attend marae grounds at Ōrākei and Reweti to respond en masse.
Enhancing Hospital Outcomes
This project linked several administrative health datasets and examined many trends over the 2001‑2009 period. It contributed hard evidence on the productivity and effectiveness of investment in hospitals and related services.
This project linked several administrative health datasets and examined many trends over the 2001‑2009 period. It contributed hard evidence on the productivity and effectiveness of investment in hospitals and related services.
Examining Trends in Future Tertiary Provision Given Demographic Projection
This project examined retention rates of students moving from school to university, and forecasted expected student numbers for each faculty, with particular interest in STEM subjects.
This project examined retention rates of students moving from school to university, and forecasted expected student numbers for each faculty, with particular interest in STEM subjects.
Modelling Tool to Improve the Policy Response on Issues Concerning Children and Young People
This project involved the construction of a software tool exploring a microsimulation model of the early life‑course, based on data from existing longitudinal studies in New Zealand and designed to act as a decision‑support tool for policymakers.
This project involved the construction of a software tool exploring a microsimulation model of the early life‑course, based on data from existing longitudinal studies in New Zealand and designed to act as a decision‑support tool for policymakers.
Treatment Injuries & ACC Claims
This work assessed the performance of hospitals, with a focus on injury events and ACC claims, and adapted international measures of patient safety to work in the Aotearoa New Zealand context.
This work assessed the performance of hospitals, with a focus on injury events and ACC claims, and adapted international measures of patient safety to work in the Aotearoa New Zealand context.
2010 & earlier
Developing a Hub for e-Social Science in New Zealand: Linking the GRID with Emergent Social Data Technologies and Networks
This project involved setting up a New Zealand data archive for social sciences surveys. The result was the New Zealand Social Science Data Service (NZSSDS), which was maintained until 2012. Now, the datasets that it held are available through the University’s Figshare repository.
This project involved setting up a New Zealand data archive for social sciences surveys. The result was the New Zealand Social Science Data Service (NZSSDS), which was maintained until 2012. Now, the datasets that it held are available through the University’s Figshare repository.
Diabetes Cohort Study
This project established relationships among various risk factors and adverse outcomes for people living with diabetes.
This project established relationships among various risk factors and adverse outcomes for people living with diabetes.
Hospital Restructuring
This project assesses the effect of major health system reforms on the quality of patient care over the 1988‑2001 period.
This project assesses the effect of major health system reforms on the quality of patient care over the 1988‑2001 period.
Modelling Social Change in New Zealand: Social Simulation Applied to a Census Test‑Bed
This project explored two aspects of social change through analysis of census data from 1981 to 2001: choices of cohabitation partners especially in regard to similar or different ethnicity and level of education; and residential segregation over time and how that relates to ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
This project explored two aspects of social change through analysis of census data from 1981 to 2001: choices of cohabitation partners especially in regard to similar or different ethnicity and level of education; and residential segregation over time and how that relates to ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
National Primary Medical Care Survey
This project was a large-scale survey of the entire primary health care system, describing patient experiences in terms of diagnoses and prescriptions, and numerous comparisons among different types of practices as well as a comparison to experiences in hospital emergency departments.
This project was a large-scale survey of the entire primary health care system, describing patient experiences in terms of diagnoses and prescriptions, and numerous comparisons among different types of practices as well as a comparison to experiences in hospital emergency departments.
New Zealand Quality of Healthcare Survey
This project examined the incidence of “adverse events” in New Zealand public hospitals, wherein patients suffered preventable injuries due to healthcare management.
This project examined the incidence of “adverse events” in New Zealand public hospitals, wherein patients suffered preventable injuries due to healthcare management.
Older Persons’ Ability Level
This 2008 survey followed up previous efforts in 1988, 1993, and 1998, to determine the rate of institutionalisation of older people in Auckland and how their health levels compared to the equivalent populations in those earlier years.
This 2008 survey followed up previous efforts in 1988, 1993, and 1998, to determine the rate of institutionalisation of older people in Auckland and how their health levels compared to the equivalent populations in those earlier years.
Pathways to Positive Outcomes for Family & Whānau
This project was the start of COMPASS’s extensive study of data from the New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings. It involved construction of indicators of wellbeing for families and whānau, and examination of how these changed, 1981‑2006.
This project was the start of COMPASS’s extensive study of data from the New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings. It involved construction of indicators of wellbeing for families and whānau, and examination of how these changed, 1981‑2006.
Prescribing Information Resources: Use and Preference by General Practitioners
This project involved consultation with General Practitioners on the resources that they used to inform themselves on prescribing decisions, and any other factors that might influence them.
This project involved consultation with General Practitioners on the resources that they used to inform themselves on prescribing decisions, and any other factors that might influence them.
Primary Care in an Ageing Society: A Modelling Approach
This project used data from the New Zealand Health Survey and the National Primary Medical Care Survey (NatMedCa) as the basis for a microsimulation model to test propositions about the functioning and development of the overall health system.
This project used data from the New Zealand Health Survey and the National Primary Medical Care Survey (NatMedCa) as the basis for a microsimulation model to test propositions about the functioning and development of the overall health system.