Research & Evaluation

NZCDI is a research based institute. This means the services, professional development, programmes, wellbeing and consultation services we provide to our clients are underpinned by sound and current theoretical and practice research.  This ensures the solutions we provide for you work in the real world. 

Most of our clients are engaged in providing excellent learning experiences to their staff, clients or students. We use robust evaluative research to support these clients and to ensure their services and work meet their needs. 

NZCDI Research Philosophy

NCZDI view quality research as:

  • Philosophically aware and open;

  • underpinned by theory or supportive of its development;

  • informed by past research evidence while seeking new knowledge;

  • ethnically and culturally respectful;

  • valid in practice and respectful of practice findings;

  • significant;

  • robust;

  • critical;

  • ethical;

  • and disseminated to those who can benefit from it in an accurate, accessible and honest manner.

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.

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. & Fielden, K. (2025). Impact Evaluation Contributes Ethnic and Cultural Perspectives on the Universal Wellbeing Model Development Journey. 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

  • 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

  • All peer reviewed PowerPoint SlideShare available by emailing contactus@fwi.ac.nz

 

Accepted Peer Reviewed Conference Presentations

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)

Pending

Evidence and Implementation Summit 2025. 27th to 29th October, Melbourne, Australia

Presentation Title: Implementing the Universal Wellbeing Model and Evaluation Tool in Support of Equitable Higher Education Outcomes     

Presenter: Susan F. Stevenson 

                                                                                 

Posters

 

Current Research Projects

NZCDI is currently focussed on and pursuing the following Wellbeing Research Programme; it consists of 3 investigations. Outcomes of the research will be made available through Information Sheets and Peer Reviewed Research publication.

Wellbeing Research Plan 2022 to 2024

  • Project 1: Emergence of the Universal Wellbeing Model

    Project Questions

    • What are the current theoretical wellbeing models?

    • How are these theoretical wellbeing models supported from the literature?

    • What wellbeing practices are supported by these current models?

    Commencing Research Project Summary

    Project timelines

    Planned start date: 1st of June 2022

    Planned end date: 15th of September 2022

    Expected Peer Reviewed Publication: December 2022

    The Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM)

    (Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, Emotional & Spiritual = SPICES)

    (Stevenson, Gurung, & Zagala, 2022)

  • Project 2: Wellbeing Evaluation Tool Trials

    Project Questions

    • How effective is the Wellbeing Evaluation Tool in identifying wellbeing supports?

    • How effective is the Universal Wellbeing Tool in identifying variables that challenge individuals’ wellbeing?

    (Aiming for 1,000 participants from at least 5 diverse populations)

    Commencing Research Project Summary

    Project timelines

    Planned start date: 1st October 2022

    Planned end date: 1st October 2023

    Expected Peer Reviewed Publication: From October 2023

    Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET) Structure

    (Stevenson, Gurung, & Zagala, 2022)

  • Project 3: Universal Wellbeing Plan Impact Evaluation

    Project Question

    • How effective was the wellbeing enhancement plan generated post evaluation with the wellbeing evaluation tool?

      We would like research funding support this phase.

      Where populations we will work with can pay we will charge to support the research but many for example the first 5 groups above have limited funding for the Wellbeing Evaluations, and we have limited funds to progress and make widely available.

    Commencing Research Project Summary

    Project timelines

    Planned start date: January 2024

    Planned end date: December 2026

    Expected Peer Reviewed Publication: From December 2024-2026

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