Social sciences and public policy news

Timely unemployment data now available

New Zealand decision makers now have access to more frequent unemployment statistics thanks to a new tool.

NZ's climate change efforts

All the plans and strategies in the world to lower our emissions are of no practical worth unless someone invests in the outcomes.

New research on school readiness

The children of teen mothers in New Zealand have lower baseline school readiness levels than other children and should be prioritised for support.

Celebrating AUTs women academics

Today is International Women’s Day. Read a sample of the research from AUT’s women academics who are working to improve the lives of women in our society.

Covid-19 stimulus a lost opportunity

Did the NZ government embrace the call to "build back better" by directing COVID-19 stimulus towards a low-emission economy?

Would 'COVID loans' be more affordable?

Faced with a COVID-19 pandemic of unknown severity and duration, governments are looking for effective and sustainable ways to maintain their economies.

Using data to create social equity

Researchers at the AUT Centre for Social Data Analytics help agencies use data to make better decisions about how to support the most vulnerable people.

Climate emergency: Inspire hope not fear

A declaration of a climate emergency is not the same as action.

A roadmap to action for climate finance

AUT academics have helped put together a comprehensive new report on how we can reform our financial system to help fight the climate crisis.

Increasing doctor wellbeing

New research establishes an association between the daily mood of trainee doctors and their intention to quit.