The problem

Aotearoa New Zealand is facing many complex problems: from climate change to housing and mental health crises. Solving them requires complex scientific and technical knowledge. Yet producing and implementing solutions without taking account of lived experiences of people who will be affected by them risks perpetuating, or even worsening, current inequities. Further, research has shown that diverse groups produce better quality outcomes than better educated but homogenous groups. For decision makers, understanding where their electorate stands makes implementing radical solutions potentially less risky.

The public is regularly asked for its views via surveys, town halls and written submissions to select committees, royal commissions and boards of inquiry. Yet these forms of engagement have also been seen to reinforce inequality, because participation implicitly requires education, money and trust. They also often support a narrow consideration of a problem that can stand in the way of meaningful solution. Social media has opened new and ostensibly direct communication channels between citizens and decision-makers. And while these platforms may appear democratic, their algorithms are optimized to make profit rather than support public good. Polarisation emerged as a side effect of optimisation for profit.

Recognising that democratic participation in the 21st century is facing many challenges, from deepening inequality and climate change risks to the impact of AI, our work is focused on strengthening and invigorating democracy.