Promoting lifelong wellbeing

Scholarship, research and practice that will enhance social change, social justice, and well-being for all sectors of society.

Research within this theme aims to:

  • Contribute to the reduction of child (0-18 years) poverty and the advancement of children’s right to a safe and violence-free environment.
  • Contribute to the promotion of health and wellbeing at all life stages.
  • Effective multicultural social support for people of all ages, gender, incomes, and (dis)abilities in urban environments (both acute crisis, and preventative modes).
  • Promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
  • "Anyone, anywhere, anytime" lifelong learning / Older people’s wellbeing through lifelong learning opportunities which accommodate (dis)ability challenges.
  • Critical inquiry into global, regional, national and local dynamics in policy from political economy and critical pedagogy perspectives.
  • Environmental stewardship and sustainability.
  • Kanohi ki te kanohi technology-driven interpersonal relationships, and self-care.

Featured researcher - Dr Matt Rankine

Dr Matt Rankine

Dr Matt Rankine has had over 15 years' experience within social work and another 5 years in residential social work working with children, young people and families. These have been in a number of state organisations, NGO and other sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand and in the United Kingdom. Matt is familiar in the areas of supervision, child protection, health and disability and has published in the areas of field education and supervision.

Matt's PhD research within the School of Counselling, Human Services and Social Work explored the area of reflective supervision within the community child welfare setting.

Matt's current research interests focus on professional supervision, fieldwork education, investigation and assessment tools and approaches, and child protection.

Areas of expertise include:

  • Professional Supervision
  • Children and families in statutory and community settings
  • Disability
  • Health
     

Other staff doing research in this area

Associate Professor Jay Marlowe

Jay's research focuses on refugee studies and settlement futures as it relates to migration policy, role of technologies and disaster risk reduction.

Dr Mike Webster

Mike's research focus areas are social work leadership and online continuing professional development and virtual communities of practice.