Migrant Action Trust - Ethnic Community Advocacy and Research Unit (MAT-ECARU)
Growing confident communities through ethnic-led community research unit
Purpose
Expanding horizons through research, fostering knowledge exchange among ethnic communities.
Rationale
Promoting ethnic-led and inclusive research and advocacy to deepen our understanding, support, and uplift the well-being of diverse communities we engage with.
Latest Research: An evaluation of the settlement services provided to former refugees arriving via the Refugee Quota Programme by MAT-ECARU Researchers
In December 2022, Immigration New Zealand Refugee and Migrant Support contracted Migrant Action Trust to undertake an evaluation of service providers delivering services to former refugees arriving via the Refugee Quota Programme.
To see the research, click HERE!
Empowering Communities: Our Work Plans and Priorities
Research | Training and Education | Partnership and Alliances
Research
•Tap community-based independent researchers and generating resources to undertake research work.
•Supervision and data analysis support
Supporting ethnic community-led independent research
•Tap community-based independent researchers and generating resources to undertake research work.
•Supervision and data analysis support
Training and Education
Build community capability and resource capacity in the research and funding area
•Support community organisations to undertake their own needs analysis.
•Support community organisations to undertake their own programme/services/project evaluation.
•Provide training to raise funds for their programmes/services.
Partnerships and Alliances
Advocating for Economic Justice and Community Flourishing: Migrant Action Trust's Collaborative Initiatives.
Meet our Researchers
Alfredo Lopez, PhD.
Alfredo Lopez is a Colombian and New Zealand citizen. He holds a PhD in Social Sciences and Public Policy from Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Alfredo has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and holds an MA with Honours in International Communication from Unitec Institute of Technology, as well as an MA in International Development from Massey University in New Zealand. In November 2023, he completed a one-year postdoctoral programme at UNICEPES Mexico. His expertise includes migration and refugee studies, quality of life, and human rights.
Nikhat Moulvi, PhD.
Dr. Nikhat Moulvi holds a PhD in Social Sciences and Public Policy (2022) and a Master of Arts in Human Services (2014), both from AUT. Her research focuses on the Community and Voluntary Sector in New Zealand, particularly the funding resources available to charitable organizations. Her doctoral thesis investigates the relationship between the faith sector and the state in Aotearoa New Zealand, examining how faith sector charities (FSCs) are funded and their role in providing social services. The study reveals that FSCs often provide services not covered by the state, with some receiving state funding for complementary services, and others engaging in advocacy roles. Her master's thesis analyzed data on charities in New Zealand to understand factors affecting their establishment, growth, and funding sources, as well as the impact of government funding and socio-economic conditions on the sector.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Moulvi has worked with government agencies and charities as a funding administrator and fundraiser. Prior to moving to New Zealand from India, she worked with educational institutions and as a freelance journalist. She is dedicated to using her research skills to support community projects.
