Lesson 2: Research & Community Consultation — Ko Wai Ngā Reo?
Gathering evidence with integrity — learning to consult community members respectfully, analyse multiple perspectives, and synthesise research into a clear understanding of the problem.
🎯 Ngā Whāinga Akoranga | Learning Intentions
Ethical research principles (informed consent, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity); how to design an interview or survey; how mātauranga Māori (local indigenous knowledge) should be sought through proper tikanga protocols, not extracted without permission.
Conduct at least two stakeholder interviews or surveys; synthesise findings into a three-paragraph research summary identifying the problem, multiple perspectives, and gaps in current knowledge.
🎥 Media Anchor & Inquiry Scaffold
Community Action & Project-Based Learning in Aotearoa
Watch the full clip — 4:56. Source: TSI Comms. A youth design lab that consults its own community first. Watch for how they find out what people actually need, rather than assuming it.
🧠 1. Before Viewing (Launch the Inquiry)
Before you go out to consult your community, you need to ask: Do I have the right to ask these questions? Who should I ask first? What tikanga should I follow? How will I use what people share with me?
👁️ 2. During Viewing (Critical Inquiry Points)
- Early in the clip: What is the difference between a survey (quantitative) and an interview (qualitative) approach? Which is better for understanding WHY people feel the way they do?
- Midway: How should you approach kaumātua or community elders for knowledge? What protocol shows respect? What would be inappropriate?
- Later in the clip: When synthesising conflicting perspectives, how do you avoid simply presenting everyone's view equally when some views are better supported by evidence?
🗣️ 3. After Viewing & Kaiako Facilitation
Kaiako Move: Model a respectful interview process — demonstrate active listening, paraphrasing, open questions, and cultural humility. Role-play an interview with a 'community member' and debrief what worked and what needed improvement.
Task: Stakeholder Consultation: Conduct a minimum of two consultations (interview or survey) with real community members affected by your issue. Document responses and identify: areas of agreement, areas of disagreement, and what was surprising.
⚡ Whakaoho | Do Now: Project Hook (5 mins)
Design three open-ended interview questions for your chosen community issue. Swap with another group — are these questions genuinely open? Do they invite perspectives rather than leading to predetermined answers?
🌱 Activity 1: Collaborative Inquiry (25 mins)
Research jigsaw — divide secondary research tasks across group members (each person researches a different angle: statistics, policy context, personal impact stories, expert opinions). Regroup and synthesise findings.
✍️ Activity 2: Documentation & Reflection (20 mins)
Consultation debrief — after conducting consultations, write a three-paragraph research summary: (1) The core problem as the community experiences it; (2) The range of perspectives; (3) What gaps remain in your understanding.
🏫 Kaiako Planning & Pedagogy Notes
Curriculum Alignment: Te Mataiaho Social Sciences Phase 3/4 — Students gather, evaluate, and synthesise evidence through ethical community consultation, including te ao Māori knowledge systems.
Cultural Integration: Use wānanga processes throughout — shared inquiry, collective voice, relational knowledge. Invite community mentors to support groups where possible.
Assessment: This unit uses portfolio-based, process-focused assessment. The Project Launch Canvas, Action Log, and Evaluation Report together form the authentic assessment evidence.