133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
12 August 2022
P Shaw
By email: [FYI request #19898 email]
Ref: H2022007483
Tena koe P Shaw
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to Manatū Hauora
on 13 July 2022 for information relating to the Ministry’s Evaluation and Behavioural Science
team. You requested:
“a list of all of the objectives of all of the tasks given to the Ministry’s Evaluation and
Behavioural Science team since its formation in mid-2021.”
The Ministry has interpreted your request as relating to a list of all objectives of all the tasks
given to the Ministry’s Evaluation and Behavioural Science team.
The team was established to use behavioural science theories and insights to support effective
and people-focus COVID-19 pandemic management response and policies that improve
outcomes for all. This is the primary objective of all our tasks.
Due to the fast-moving nature of the COVID-19 response, the team have been given tasks on
an ad hoc basis. Where objectives or aims have been set, they have been reflected in the
Horizon Research surveys and we feel this gives an accurate representation of our lists of
objectives. The tasks given can broadly be categorised as understanding population level
behaviour and understanding setting-specific behaviour.
A core part of this approach is the management of the contract with Horizon Research Limited
and delivery of population-based surveys. Adapting the surveys to provide needed insights for
different stages of the COVID-19 response allows relevant information to be shared widely
within government to support policy and operational teams.
Please see outlined in Appendix 1 a list of the survey reports we are in the process of releasing
to the public.
I trust this information fulfils your request. Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to
ask the Ombudsman to review any decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may
be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Gill Hall
Group Leader, Intelligence, Surveillance and Knowledge Public Health Agency, Ministry of Health
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