Trust Tairāwhiti is calling on locals to share their views in the 2026 Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS), now live on tairawhitidata.nz.
The survey captures valuable local insights that helps organisations and communities better understand our region’s unique needs and make informed decisions.
In the lead-up to this year’s survey, the Trust connected with organisations across the region to understand how they’ve used previous TWS findings. A common theme was the value of authentic local data in providing insights that national datasets don’t always capture.
Gisborne District Council Acting Director of Sustainable Futures Charlotte Knight says the findings help inform local planning and investment.
“Understanding what people in Tairāwhiti value, what they’re feeling and what they want is really important for where we prioritise and put our time, energy and investment.”
TWS insights are also helping EIT Tairāwhiti plan for the changing needs and aspirations of local whānau and rangatahi.
“The survey helps us understand the realities of our whānau who live at home in Tairāwhiti – what their attitudes are, what their preferences are and what their future hopes and aspirations are – so that informs us in our planning and resource allocation,” says EIT Tairāwhiti Executive Director Tracey Tangihaere.
The Trust’s long-term aspiration is to enhance the collective wellbeing of Tairāwhiti, and having accurate data that reflects the voices and true needs of the region’s communities is an essential foundation for this.
Trust Tairāwhiti Data and Information lead Malcolm Mersham says each year of the survey builds a clearer picture of wellbeing across the region.
“Each year that the survey is rolled out, we receive more evidence about how our region is doing in terms of its wellbeing, helping us and other organisations better understand where targeted support and investment are most needed,” says Malcolm.
The survey is available in English and Te Reo Māori and can be completed online at tairāwhitidata.nz.