Impact articles
Stay ahead with the latest thinking in social investment, impact measurement, and data-driven decision-making. Our articles share insights, trends, and best practices to help you make informed choices that drive meaningful change.
Join our newsletter to stay updated with ImpactLab’s latest resources, zero spam, promise.
Reaching the 15% with the Highest Needs
Reaching the 15% with the Highest Needs – 15% of Kiwis account for half of all social service use, yet mainstream support often falls short. By redesigning services around real needs, we can drive better outcomes for those most at risk.
The IDI turns 10: Why the world’s watching New Zealand
NZ’s world-leading data system is transforming social investment, helping policymakers and organisations make smarter, evidence-based decisions.
.jpg)
Improving impact starts with using your data
The ‘use to improve’ principle is simple. It says: the best way to improve your data is to use the data you already have. Read on to find out more!
%20(1).jpg)
Not just insurance, a pathway to whānau wellbeing
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s nib-Toi Ora programme breaks barriers to healthcare by offering fully funded, culturally responsive insurance to whānau, creating $10 million in social value.
.jpg)
Choosing the right social investment approach
This case study explores three distinct social investment approaches – Broad, Balanced, and Deep Impact – each delivering social value at varying scales and costs.
Social investment in action
ImpactLab highlights how tailored housing reduced hospital stays by 92% for people with serious mental health conditions. This model saved $4.9 million in hospital costs and delivered an estimated $4.50 social return per dollar invested.
Impact Lab and Kuhu Mai collab
$2.6M in social value delivered through simple, human-centred support. By meeting people where they are—with a coffee and a conversation—Downtown Community Ministry is transforming lives and proving the power of connection in social impact.
Q&A show with John Campbell
John Campbell interviews Impact Lab’s CEO, Maria about social return on investment - hear what she has to say!
0800 What’s Up phone and online chat service
Barnardos’ 0800 What’s Up phone and online chat service for children and young people has been shown by a new GoodMeasure report from ImpactLab to provide $2 of social value for every dollar spent on it, an excellent outcome for this unique service.
The social return on investment for charities
ImpactLab CEO Maria English called on social enterprise investors and philanthropic funders to “find those who don’t give up, and support them so they can love without getting tired".
How social investment can transform lives and communities
Moving individuals into tailored, long-term housing with a specialised Community Housing Provider helped dramatically decrease the number of average hospital night visits in one social investment study.
Cultured conversations
In discussion with Maria, Auckland art Gallery’s ‘Cultured Conversations’ series shares her perspective on the future of data in social services, and how a similar approach could be applied to the cultural sector.
Matthew Monohan from Ma Earth
Maria chats with Matthew Monahan, from Ma Earth about SROI and the importance of impact measurement.
Social investment approach
A deep dive interview into Impact Lab and it’s social investment approach. We spend a lot of money with the intention that it has a positive impact on peoples lives - does our money have the impact we want?
Beyond Consultation
Maria joins Beyond Consultation to explore how data-driven insights can transform social investment. Listen now to how measuring impact helps organisations and funders make smarter decisions that drive real change for communities.
Get in touch
We help impact organisations know, show and grow their social impact. Let’s work together to do good, better!
