Research & Frameworks

Research Stewardship at NZCDI

The New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute (NZCDI) is a research-led institute dedicated to the design, evaluation, and advancement of learning, wellbeing, and pastoral care frameworks across education, health, and community systems.

Since 2006, NZCDI has led and hosted an extensive body of philosophically informed, theory-driven, and practice-validated research. This work underpins the development of nationally and internationally recognised models, tools, and professional frameworks that support equitable, ethical, and effective outcomes in real-world settings.

NZCDI functions as the originating research and academic home for this work.
Applied delivery, professional education, and practitioner pathways based on this research are delivered in partnership with FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute (FWI).

NZCDI Research Philosophy

NZCDI’s research philosophy reflects a commitment to rigour, relevance, and responsibility. We hold that quality research must be:

  • Philosophically aware and open – embracing diverse perspectives

  • Underpinned by theory – or contributing to new theoretical frameworks

  • Informed by past research – while continuously generating new knowledge

  • Ethnically and culturally respectful – valuing inclusivity, diversity, and equity

  • Valid in practice – grounded in real-world application and insight

  • Significant – contributing meaningful knowledge and solutions

  • Robust and critical – challenging assumptions and deepening understanding

  • Ethical – adhering to the highest standards of research conduct

  • Accurately disseminated – ensuring accessibility and transparency

These principles underpin all NZCDI-hosted research outputs and partnerships.

Applied Research Partnerships

Research developed and stewarded by NZCDI is applied through professional programmes, practitioner education, and sector-based initiatives delivered in partnership with FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute (FWI).

This structure ensures a clear distinction between:

  • Research leadership and academic integrity (NZCDI)

  • Professional application and workforce development (FWI)

Examples of Past Research

Books

  • Bishop, R. & Graham (now Stevenson) S. F. (1997). Implementing Treaty of Waitangi Charter Goals in Tertiary Institutions: A Case Study. Published by the Higher Education Development Association as a Monograph, Victoria University Press. Paper No. 4 December, P. 1-38

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Universal Wellbeing Model Determinants Handbook. Stevenson, S. F., (2023). Hamilton, New Zealand: Publisher House of Montrose Limited.

Papers

  • Graham, S. F. (2001). Testing Graham’s Teaching Conditions Theory. Australia New Zealand Dance Research Society Journal. Vol. 1 P. 21-37

  • Graham, S. F. (2001). Graham’s Teaching Conditions Theory. (Internationally Referred) Congress of Research on Dance (CORD) Transmigratory Moves Conference Proceedings, New York University, New York.

  • Graham, S. F. (2002). Dance: A Transformative Occupation. Journal of Occupational Science. 9, (3), 128-134.

Book Chapters

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2014). The Organisation. In Edited Book by Mary Panko Developing a Research Culture, Auckland: Dunmore Press.

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2015). Work-integrated Learning (WIL) experience approach in New Zealand. In Edited Book by Sally Brown Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education: Global Perspectives. London: Palgrave Teaching & Learning.

Research Report

Digital Film

 

Universal Wellbeing Model Research Papers & Resources

  • Schofield, A., Walker, L., & Going, N. (2011). Supporting academic success to minority group students in a private tertiary establishment. Wellington, Ako Aotearoa.

  • Fielden, K., Stevenson, S. F., Going, N., Grant, S. & Zagala, K. (2020). Whare Tapa Rima – The Five-Sided Home: A best practice holistic learner support model project. Ako Aotearoa National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence. https://ako.ac.nz/assets/Knowledge-centre/Whare-Tapa-Rima/Whare-Tapa-Rima-Guidebook.pdf

  • Fielden, K., Stevenson, S. F., Going, N., Grant, S., & Zagala, K. (2020). In Digital Video. Whare Tapa Rima. Ako Aotearoa Norther Hub Project Colloquium. Auckland: Ako Aotearoa. https://ako.ac.nz/knowledge-centre/whare-tapa-rima/whare-tapa-rima-the-five-sided-home/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ3WsRfD9h0

  • Stevenson, S. F. & Zagala K. (2021). Future institutional and student services leadership challenges: Implementing a holistic Whare Tapa Rima – Five-sided home model. In Huijser H., Kek M., Padró F.F. (Eds). Student Support Services. University Development and Administration. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3364-4_11-1

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Pastoral Care Perspectives and Māori Health Models. New Zealand 2022 Health, Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Conference, 25th and 26th August 2022 (Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). An Introduction to the Universal Wellbeing Model and Evaluation Tool. New Zealand 2022 Health, Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Conference, 25th and 26th August 2022 (Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). An Introduction to the Universal Wellbeing Model and Evaluation Tool. New Zealand 2022 Health, Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Conference, 25th and 26th August 2022 (Paper). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Research Underpinning the Universal Wellbeing Model. Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute. (Paper) https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F., (2022). Professional Universal Wellbeing Practitioner Guidelines. Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute. (Paper) https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Innovative Wellbeing Evaluation Tool Empowers Practitioners. International Mental Health Conference, 5th to 7th September 2022 (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Self-Determination of Positive Wellbeing Outcomes through Indigenously based Evaluation Tools. Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 24 to 25 October 2022. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare). https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2023). Applying the Universal Wellbeing Model for Evaluators. ANZEA Professional Development Event. 26th October 2023 - Online ( PowerPoint - SlideShare Available)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2023). Keynote: An Introduction to the Universal Wellbeing Model and Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool for Counsellors. Kia Mau, Kia Tika, Kia Puawai National NZAC Conference. 28th July, Wellington. (Slide Share Available). https://nzac.org.nz/site/pd/wananga?nav=sidebar

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2023) Applying the Universal Wellbeing Model for Counsellors. 23rd and 30th November 2023. PowerPoint - SlideShare available upon request.

  • Stevenson, S.F. (2023). Universal Wellbeing Model Contributions to Cultural Safety and Cultural Competency Practice. Indigenous Wellbeing Conference.
    Darwin, NT. 30 to 31st October 2023. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare).

  • Stevenson, S.F., Fielden, K. Gurung, M. & Zagala, K. (2023). The Universal Wellbeing Model: A Theory Designed to Transform Praxis. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching, 34(4), 101-133.

  • Stevenson, S. F., Gurung, M., & Zagala, K. (2024). Emergence of the Universal Wellbeing Model - A Journey from Indigenous Cultural Responsiveness to International Relevance and Applicability. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice SPECIAL ISSUE: Internationalisation of Higher Education at Home: Implications for an Evolving World. Vol. 21 No. 04 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53761/1t7zpp89

  • Stevenson, S. F., (2024). Universal Wellbeing Model Determinants of Universal Wellbeing Workbook. Hamilton, New Zealand: House of Montrose Limited

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). The Universal Wellbeing Model: A catalyst for the prevention of poor wellbeing. PHAA, 30th April to 2nd May, Darwin, Australia. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET) Trial. HERDSA Conference - Together we Innovate, 8th to 11th July 2024. Adelaide, Australia. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare) https://conference.herdsa.org.au/2024/program/

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Universal Wellbeing investigation contributions to ethnically and culturally responsive, safe, and culturally competent practices. HERDSA Conference - Together we Innovate, 8th to 11th July 2024. Adelaide, Australia. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare) https://conference.herdsa.org.au/2024/program/

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) Underpins New Grounded Theory Based Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET) For Clinicians. 5th International Conference on Psychology Education, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Recovery, July 24-25, 2024 Singapore City, Singapore. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). Grounded Theory-based Identification of the Determinants of Universal Wellbeing. New Zealand Psychological Society Conference. 1st and 2nd of September 2024, Christchurch, New Zealand. (Nationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2024). A Voyage to Discover the Determinants of Universal Wellbeing. ANZEA 2024 Conference. The Mana Enhancing Role of Evaluation. 4th to 7th November 2024, Auckland , New Zealand. (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, S.F., (2024). Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool Overview and Profile. Hamilton, New Zealand: House of Montrose Ltd

  • Stevenson, S. F., (2024). Determinants of Universal Wellbeing  Workbook. Hamilton, New Zealand: House of Montrose Limited

  • Stevenson, S. F., (2025). Determinants of Universal Wellbeing Workbook. Hamilton, New Zealand: House of Montrose Ltd.

  • Stevenson, S. F., (2025). Technology Supported Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool Based Interventions. Hamilton, New Zealand: House of Montrose Ltd.

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2025). Traversing Political Agendas: An Investigation of Learning Support Staff Experiences and Wellbeing. Public Health Association Australia. Prevention Health Conference, 28th to 30th April, Canberra 2025 (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2025). The Emergence of the Universal Wellbeing Model and Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool. 6th Global Psychology and Behavioural Science Conference. 14th and 15th July, London 2025 (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

    Stevenson, S. F. (2025). The Universal Wellbeing Model: A new Prevention Science Implementation Framework. Public Health Association Australia. Prevention Health Conference, 28th to 30th April, Canberra 2025 (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2025). Ethnic and Cultural Contributions to Prevention Universal Wellbeing. The Prevention Imperative: Universal Wellbeing Conference. 11th and 12th September 2025, Auckland, New Zealand. (Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • Stevenson, F. (2025). Universal Wellbeing in a Nutshell. Publisher, House of Montrose Ltd. Hamilton, New Zealand. ISBN 978-0-473-75809-7 (pbk) Available for purchase at https://www.freedom-ihe.ac.nz/store-iS9wG

  • Stevenson, S. F., & Fielden, K. (2025). Impact Evaluation Contributes Ethnic and Cultural Perspectives on the Universal Wellbeing Model Development Journey. Evaluation Journal of Australasia, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/1035719X251391465

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2025). Implementing the Universal Wellbeing Model and Evaluation Tool in Support of Equitable Higher Education Outcomes.

    Evidence and Implementation Summit - Implementation Science Health Conference Australia 2025. 27th to 29th October, Melbourne, Australia

    (Internationally Peer Reviewed Presentation, PowerPoint - SlideShare)

  • All peer reviewed PowerPoint Slide Shares above available by emailing contactus@fwi.ac.nz

 Recent Conference Peer Reviewer Comments

6th World Conference on Psychology and Behavioral Science, July, London 2025

Presentation Title: The Emergence of the Universal Wellbeing Model and Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool

Presenter: Susan F. Stevenson

Conference Acceptance: “We are delighted to inform you that your submission, titled "The Emergence of the Universal Wellbeing Model and Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool," has been accepted for oral presentation at the 6th World Conference on Psychology and Behavioral Science, taking place on July 14-15, 2025, in London, United Kingdom.

“Your research presents a significant and comprehensive exploration of wellbeing, offering a structured and evidence-based Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) alongside the Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET). The extensive multi-method research approach, spanning sixteen years, has resulted in a valuable framework for understanding, measuring, and enhancing wellbeing across multiple dimensions. The inclusion of seventy Determinants of Universal Wellbeing and the model's ability to assess the impact of environmental factors further contribute to its applicability in academic, organizational, and policy-making settings. This work represents an important advancement in wellbeing research and will be a valuable addition to the conference discussions”. (From the Conference Manager)                                                                              

Posters

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Universal Wellbeing Model Poster V1. Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute. (Poster) https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Universal Wellbeing Model Poster V2. Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute. (Poster) https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2022). Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool Poster. Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute. (Poster) https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F., Fielden, K., Gurung, M., & Zagala, K. (2022). Universal Wellbeing Practitioner Guidelines Poster. Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute. (Poster) https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/research-evaluation

  • Stevenson, S. F. (2025). The Universal Wellbeing Model (Poster) Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute.

  • Black and White copy available FREE. Colour copy available at https://www.freedom-ihe.ac.nz/store-iS9wG

  • “I am amazed at the complexity and fullness of the categories covered in the UWET, and the thoughtful application of extensive research into the domains that exist in people’s lives. I can be confident when administering the report back of this survey that the entire experience of the person has been considered with the questions.”

    —NZAC Clinician (CUWEF)

  • "The UWM has practical applications for so many settings and services that I feel privileged to be attending this training so close to its conception. I believe that it has the potential to be extremely transformational in a practical way for the health and wellbeing of all populations in NZ and beyond."

    —ACC Clinician (CUWEF)

  • “I really appreciate the time and energy that has been spent developing your tool. I think it is amazing and have not seen its equivalent in the six countries that I have practised in during my career.”

    —ACC Sensitive Claims Therapist (30 years experience)

Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM)

Research Framework Developed by FWI & NZCDI

Development

The Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) was developed through:

  • A themed literature review

  • Theoretical and applied practice research initiated in 2006

Purpose

The UWM was designed to:

Explain integrated wellbeing

  • Guide professional practice

  • Improve the research-ability of wellbeing

  • Enhance programme outcomes

  • Support individuals, families, whānau, and teams

Function

The UWM serves to:

Educate and facilitate optimal levels of wellbeing

  • Empower professional wellbeing facilitators across:

    • Holistic wellbeing enhancement

    • Pastoral care

    • Health education

Research Enquiries & Collaboration

NZCDI welcomes research collaboration, evaluation partnerships, and sector-based inquiry aligned with our frameworks and research domains.

Contact NZCDI to discuss research, evaluation, or partnership opportunities.