Research &
Change Support

  • Research is all about getting answers to the questions that keep you up at night. These questions typically fit into one of four categories:

    • How can we address something negative that’s happening?

    • How can we avoid a negative outcome in future?

    • How can we amplify the good things that are happening now?

    • How can we achieve a positive outcome in the future?

  • I can help you to get answers, as an experienced qualitative researcher. I ask good questions, uncover powerful insights, and give sound recommendations about where to from here.

    My toolkit is broad. I can conduct evidence reviews of what’s worked elsewhere, run interviews and focus groups, observe behaviour in-situ, and conduct surveys.

    I can also help you to drive change – so powerful insights don't die in the bottom drawer. Together we can convert recommendations into real-world change, using proven design processes like the double diamond. Then we can measure the impact of change, drawing on my experience as an evaluator.

  • Let’s talk through what you need, then I can prepare you a scoping document and a quote. As a ballpark figure, research projects range from $5k to $40k + GST.

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Previous work

I have deep experience in this space, and have worked with the following organisations, in this role and in my previous roles at PwC, MartinJenkins and OgilvyChange.

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    • The new Chair of the Laura Fergusson Trust, Victoria Carter (ONZM), commissioned me to conduct a piece of research on the need for a Spinal and Neuro Hub in Auckland.

    • The Hub would primarily support people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and neurological conditions, in Auckland. The goal was to find out the level of interest in a Hub amongst potential clients and healthcare providers, and to explore what was most needed.

    • I conducted mixed-methods research, including: (1) Focus groups with potential clients (eg people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, etc); (2) An online survey of potential clients and their family members; (3) Interviews with potential providers.

    • Close to 120 people engaged in the research.

    • The final research report was well received, and the Laura Fergusson Trust are looking to take the next steps to make the Hub a reality.

    • Thanks to the research funders - The Laura Fergusson Trust, the Friends of Laura Fergusson Trust, and the Sir Thomas and Lady Duncan Trust.

    • Case study from Thrive Lab

    • The National Patient Experience Survey showed that many patients leave hospital unaware of how to manage their condition at home, and unsure of the potential side effects of their medication. But why was this, and where were the opportunities for improvement?

    • I ran a mixed-methods research project in four DHBs, including focus groups, interviews, observation of doctor-patient discharge discussions, and analysis of the national survey data. I then designed a series of behaviour-change interventions, which were tested by my colleague when I went on parental leave.

    • The most effective intervention was endorsed by 91% of patients. (See phase 1 report and phase 2 findings).

    • Case study from OgilvyChange

    • The risk of dog attacks on kiwi is reduced, when dogs go off-leash in designated dog parks rather than in the bush, and when wandering dogs are promptly reported by the public.

    • I ran focus groups with dog owners in Northland, to explore how to encourage use of dog parks and reporting of wandering dogs.

    • This led to the development of a range of behaviour-change strategies, to reduce the risk of dog attacks on kiwi.

    • Case study from PwC

    • After the regulator identified a capability gap in the traffic management industry, they wanted to understand why this situation was arising, and how it could be rectified.

    • I designed and led a study to understand how people develop this capability, the stumbling blocks along the way, and the best levers for change.

    • The research included extensive stakeholder engagement, and I led focus groups and interviews with the regulator, trainers, site engineers and frontline staff.

    • The final report included a visual ‘user journey’, showing the steps people go through to become accredited, and the key changes required at each stage, to improve the accreditation pathway whilst maintaining high standards and protecting public safety.

    • Case study from PwC

    • I prepared an Evidence Brief on the range of supports available for child victims of sexual crimes. This involved desk-based research and interviews with key stakeholders, and the results of the report were to be used to inform a policy response.

    • Case study from MartinJenkins

    • I was brought on to identify why one campus was under-performing.

    • I analysed the customer journey from awareness to course completion, which included UX analysis, observation of courses, and interviews with staff and students.

    • I then proposed a series of changes across the customer journey, to increase conversion and retention.

    • Case study from OgilvyChange

    • I conducted an extensive literature review on the best practices to reduce food waste from households and businesses. (See here). This informed the roll-out of food waste collections around the motu.

    • Case study from PwC

    • I ran a real-world randomised trial in a petrol station, to encourage drivers to check and correct their tyre pressure, which reduces fuel usage. The trial was for EECA - the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

    • I tested four different messages on petrol pumps, and then analysed footage from the forecourt, to see which message most effectively changed behaviour.

    • Case study from Ogilvy Change

    • This firm wanted to prompt drivers to take sufficient breaks, to remain compliant with drive-time regulations and to stay safe on the roads. I interviewed Health and Safety leads, managers, and frontline staff to understand the issues in depth, and then developed a range of cost-effective behaviour-change strategies for consideration.

    • Case study from OgilvyChange

“Renee designed and ran a critical research study for us, exploring the need for a Spinal and Neuro Hub in Auckland. Her final report was insightful and thorough, with clear recommendations and next steps. Renee offers excellent value and I found her a thoroughly professional independent researcher.”

(Victoria Carter, ONZM, Former Chair of Laura Fergusson Trust)

Maybe you’re wondering…

  • Perhaps.

    But if you are too close to an issue, it’s hard to ask objective questions and to listen with an open mind. People may also tell you what you want to hear.

    If you hire an independent researcher, you’re more likely to find out what’s really going on, which will help you to make change.

  • Surveys are actually pretty challenging.

    You might have a low response rate, there will be bias in terms of who responds, and people get survey fatigue very quickly, so you won’t be able to ask many in-depth questions.

    In contrast, you get rich insights from interviews and focus groups, and people often enjoy sharing their views in these forums.

  • AI can help with some research tasks, like transcribing text, and analysing some of the key themes that come up in focus groups or interviews.

    But the best research isn’t just about summarising what’s been said, it’s about identifying the fascinating insights that lie beneath.

    Humans still trump machines when it comes to lateral thinking, and connecting the dots in a new way.