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E Tū Whānau Evaluation 2025
E Tū Whānau Evaluation 2025 was undertaken to test the E Tū Whānau Theory of Change, strengthen understanding of how transformation occurs within whānau and hapori, assess whether the key mechanisms used by E Tū Whānau contribute to intended outcomes, and inform future direction and decision making. The Evaluation also supports MSD’s commitment to building a stronger evidence base for violence prevention and whānau wellbeing.
The Evaluation used He Awa Whiria (Braided Rivers), an approach that combines kaupapa Māori and Western scientific knowledge systems. It involved engagement with approximately 145 participants across 14 community partner organisations.
Eight core areas of E Tū Whānau were assessed, including community collaboration and partnerships, wānanga and collective, safe spaces, messaging, resources, tools and support, kahukura development, kaimahi, measurement tools, community mobilisation, and whānau wellbeing, connectedness and relationships. The Evaluation examined how these elements interact and contribute to change.
E Tū Whānau is a strengths-based kaupapa Māori family violence prevention initiative grounded in te ao Māori. For more information about E Tū Whānau, please click the link below:
Key findings
The Evaluation demonstrated that, through its key strategies, inputs and approach, the E Tū Whānau initiative effectively contributes to and supports growth, transformation and development within whānau and hapori Māori.
- The Evaluation validated the E Tū Whānau Theory of Change, finding strong evidence that the Theory of Change, whakakaupapa (mid-level programme theory) and kaupapa Māori strategies are working together to achieve impactful and sustainable change for whānau and hapori.
- E Tū Whānau is a mature, well-established and sustainable initiative that is effectively supporting transformation within whānau and hapori Māori, has achieved significant impact to date, and is well positioned to deepen and extend its impact in the future.
- The Evaluation found evidence of positive outcomes for whānau, including improved wellbeing, stronger relationships and connectedness, healing from trauma, increased confidence, stronger cultural identity, greater aspirations, increased leadership, and reduced experiences of violence.
- Wānanga and collective, safe spaces, supported through trusted community partnerships, were identified as key drivers of change, helping to create belonging, reciprocity, healing, learning, leadership development, community mobilisation and positive behaviour change.
- The flexible, relationship-based partnering E Tū Whānau model is a significant strength, enabling community-led solutions, supporting local innovation and capability and helping to achieve sustainable outcomes within communities.
- E Tū Whānau kaimahi are critical to the success of the kaupapa, building trusted relationships with communities and partners, strengthening local capability, supporting community-led solutions, and helping to mobilise communities and sustain positive change.
- The Evaluation strengthened the evidence base for E Tū Whānau through the development and testing of kaupapa Māori measurement tools and identified opportunities to further optimise impact through leadership development, community mobilisation, capability building, measurement and evidence-informed practice.
The Evaluation confirmed that the kaupapa Māori foundation, grounded in core values and tikanga, and its connection to culture, positive relationships and whānau wellbeing, are crucial to the safety and ongoing success of the work within Māori communities.