Crown shaped gate ornament in foreground, Beehive in background

Government and public policy

We're undertaking research that supports better governance and better social and environmental policies for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

Recipients of The Gama Foundation Governance and Policy Studies Endowment Fund are researching the political influence of lobbying and donations by vested interests, establishing a Political Integrity Index for New Zealand, and supporting reform of laws governing party funding.

The Gama Foundation

The Gama Foundation is a charitable trust set up by Christchurch philanthropists Grant and Marilyn Nelson.The endowment is managed through the University’s charitable trust, the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation.

The purpose of the Fund is to support research and communication of its findings that will contribute to improved government decision-making and ensure the interests of the community and future generations are given the priority they deserve.

Featured research

Professor Lisa Marriott and Max Rashbrooke from the Wellington School of Business and Government are undertaking research that supports political party funding law reform.

Learn more