SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

International collaborations and impact
Crisis leadership article goes viral
Accountancy students provide free financial guidance
Emeritus Professor appointed co-director of Centre to Prevent Extremism
Research highlights strengths of Marae-Based Youth Courts
Scarred Nations symposium
Research aims to mitigate family violence
New Research on Muslim Communities in New Zealand
New Zealand journalists face rising risks
Massey hosts a multidisciplinary conference on online safety
Related content

International collaborations and impact

Over half (53%) of Massey University’s 279 SDG16 publications between 2020 and 2024 resulted from international collaborations (Scopus database extracted using SciVal in October 2025).

The publications were predominantly in the areas of Social Sciences, with a significant emphasis on research related to mental health, family violence, community and stakeholder engagement and human rights.

In total, Massey’s SDG16 publications had almost 4000 citations between 2020 and 2024.

Crisis leadership article goes viral

The article by Massey's Dr Suze Wilson, Three reasons why Jacinda Ardern’s coronavirus response was a masterclass in crisis leadership, is the most-read story in 5 years on The Conversation. Published in 2020, it has received more than 1.7 million reads.

Read the article on The Conversation

Accountancy students provide free financial guidance

Massey collaborates with Auckland North Community and Development to give free financial advice to non-profit community groups in Auckland and throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Under the supervision of a chartered accountant, accountancy students provide advice, training and support services. Treasurers of small to medium-sized community groups and board members can benefit from free, regular clinics.

Emeritus Professor appointed co-director of Centre to Prevent Extremism

In 2022, Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley was appointed co-director of the new National Centre of Research Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, He Whenua Taurikura.

The centre aims to understand and respond to extremist violence in New Zealand.

Research highlights strengths of Marae-Based Youth Courts

Doctoral research has explored how Ngā Kōti Rangatahi (Marae-Based Youth Courts) support the wellbeing of Māori youth and their whānau.

The study builds on earlier findings that these culturally grounded courts help reduce reoffending by fostering social and cultural engagement within a supportive environment.

Scarred Nations symposium

Massey played a key role in organising the 'Scarred Nations: Intrastate conflicts, legacies and reconciliation' symposium, held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in 2023.

Exploring true crime podcasts and public opinion

In 2023, a Fast-Start Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden (Marsden Fund) grant was awarded for the project 'Sound judgments? How true crime podcasts shape public opinion'. This research aims to explore how true crime podcasts influence the way the public forms collective judgements in the digital age.

Research aims to mitigate family violence

Doctorate research in 2023 explored faith-based approaches to reducing family violence, with a focus on Tongan families. The aim was to use these findings to inform future policies and practices for reducing family violence. Additionally, Dr Anthony Mattson’s 2022 research on the pervasive issue of family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand earned a spot on the Dean’s list of exceptional theses.

New Research on Muslim Communities in New Zealand

Massey research published in 2024 has revealed significant levels of Islamophobia and discrimination experienced by Muslims in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In a national baseline study, over 85% of Muslim respondents said they believe Islamophobia exists in the country. More than half reported personal experiences of exclusion, with many noting the impact on their mental wellbeing.