Emerging impact

We’re partnering with providers and experts to build evidence and learnings over time. There is a growing focus on capturing and sharing what is making a difference for whānau. We’re committed to keep learning and improving our practices together over time.

Intervention logic model

An intervention logic model provides an overview of the outcomes we are seeking to achieve and how we plan to get there. They are living documents which will evolve over time as we learn. 

You can read more about the Whānau Resilience intervention logic model or explore the full booklet for a detailed view of how this work is designed to deliver impact. 

External outcomes evaluation underway

In 2026, we’re partnering with Dovetail Consultants and providers to undertake an outcomes evaluation of Whānau Resilience. This work will help build a clearer picture of how services are being delivered across the country and the difference they are making for whānau over time.

This is an ecosystem evaluation which is exploring outcomes for Whānau alongside the other family violence services of Te Huringa ō Te Ao and Wraparound Housing for Men Using Violence. We want to understand how services work together to achieve outcomes in a continuum of care.

Evaluation findings are expected in early 2027. We would like to thank all whānau, providers and communities for their time and generosity contributing to this mahi.

An update on this evaluation was shared in the Family Violence and Sexual Violence newsletter, May 2026.

Developing a reporting framework for Whānau Resilience

To fulfil the aspirations of Whānau Resilience, we’d love to see a future with a new national reporting system, designed in partnership with providers.

In 2021, MSD engaged with Whānau Resilience providers to seek feedback about whānau outcomes. This informed the development of four Outcome Pou (Mana Tangata, Mana Whānau, Mana Whānui and Mana Wairua) and an initial reporting prototype.

Over 2022 and 2023 the ‘Initial reporting prototype’ was tested by providers and MSD. This testing was met by enthusiasm by providers to collect more meaningful outcomes data. However, we learnt that MSD’s current technology platforms could not yet safely and efficiently collect this data, without significant time burden for providers and MSD. MSD is still working to improve its technology and processes to capture data on outcomes and effectiveness, including a shift to the new contracting platform called Weka in 2025.

As an interim solution, we integrated the co-designed Outcome Pou into the standardised MSD reporting template. Refer to the full Whānau Resilience Reporting Guidance for full details.

We thank everyone who has given their time and expertise in helping us improve our outcomes and reporting. We value your mahi and we will keep striving for systems change to bring this to life.

Emerging themes from provider reporting

Whānau Resilience providers submit regular reporting on the services they’re delivering, the outcomes they’re achieving (aligned to Mana Pou Outcomes) as well as key success and challenges.  

Some key themes from recent reporting are: 

• The importance of support for the whole whānau, elevating the needs of tamariki and rangatahi and bringing all whānau members on the change journey 
• The power of cultural identity, giving people more connections, belonging, mana, self-worth, and an increased sense of community. 
• The value of being outside of classroom-based learning – whānau are more likely to engage with physical activities such as sports or cultural activities. 
• The importance of having strong relationships across the community, integrating services with community-based activities and getting quick responses in times of urgent need.   
• Low funding levels (such as one FTE per provider) remains an issue as whānau are experiencing high and complex needs requiring holistic support. 
• Low access to other support, such as mental health and alcohol and drug services or housing, hinder their ability to support whānau to heal. 

Community stories

Community stories bring real outcomes to life in a way that data alone cannot. 

We’re building a kete of stories of change in communities. This helps us see examples of how services are working, what’s working and why is matters to real people.