Search

Start Right Exploration lets you identify and confirm the most important dimensions of a policy project at the start, to assist with scoping, focus, direction and project efficiency. It is also known as policy analysis, policy scoping or...

Role play helps you understand and prepare for a situation by acting out a scenario with fictional personas. On this page: Why you should use it What it involves What you will get out of it Ideal circumstances for use Limitations...

Prototyping helps you to build ideas for policy options by testing a model and refining it through active user participation. On this page: Why you should use it What it involves What you will get out of it Ideal circumstances for use...

Experience or empathy interviews are an inexpensive way to learn from people about their experience of a service or system. On this page: Why you should use it What it involves What you will get out of it Ideal circumstances for use...

Carl Billington from IPANZ takes a closer look at the convention of free and frank advice, why it matters to both ministers and public servants, and what it means for the future.

Click here to view the video where Aaron Maniam talks about: Lessons on the Long View: Singapore’s experiences with Foresight.

In August 2018, a working group of representatives from central and local government was established to co-produce guidance on how central government can engage effectively with local government. The Policy Project within the Department of Prime...

Myth: Futures thinking tries to predict the future. Fact:  Futures thinking does not attempt to predict the future. There are a range of possible futures and the future can be actively shaped by the decisions we take today. Futures...

A method that identifies and questions the conscious and unconscious assumptions that shape policy analysis. On this page: Why you should use it What it involves What you will get out of it Ideal circumstances for use Limitations...

Structured brainstorming that helps participants visualise how important trends or events might impact on the policy area. On this page: Why you should use it What it involves What you will get out of it Ideal circumstances for use...

A method for testing the robustness of policy options against a set of scenarios to see how well they stand up against a range of external conditions. On this page: Why you should use it What it involves What you will get out of it Ideal...

Works backwards from a desirable future to identify the actions needed to help shape your desired future/s. On this page: Why you should use it What it involves What you will get out of it Ideal circumstances for use Limitations...

Land Information New Zealand case study: Land Information New Zealand has been using the Development Pathways Tool to help its policy teams develop and grow their skills and to enrich development plan discussions. The tool sets out the...

A guide for government agencies and policy advisors on principles and values for good community engagement in policy making.

A guide for government agencies on building capability and readiness for community engagement.

A guide for policy advisors on good community engagement practice, including at each level of the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation.

Welcome to the Policy Methods Toolbox The Policy Methods Toolbox is a repository of policy development methods that helps policy practitioners identify and select the right approach for their policy initiative. This first release of the...

Quality commissioning is the starting point for producing quality policy advice. Many different things can initiate the need to produce policy advice. Ministers regularly ask for it. External events can precipitate the need for it. Our...

Good quality engagement by government can solve complex problems, can lead to better solutions and build enduring relationships with individuals and groups in the community. Good engagement practice and ensuring a focus on engagement...

Behavioural insights involves the study of human behaviour, often drawing on empirical research in fields including economics, psychology and sociology. Email Dr Marcos Pelenur at Marcos.Pelenur@eeca.govt.nz to be included in 'community of practice...

Quality commissioning is the starting point for producing quality policy advice.

Communicating advice effectively to a decision-maker relies on the art of good story telling. External Resources New Zealand Institute of Economic Research's central government masterclasses External Conversation trackers and presentations Nikita...

Good quality engagement by government can solve complex problems, can lead to better solutions and build enduring relationships with individuals and groups in the community. External Engagement Resources Guidelines for engagement with Māori Department...

Design thinking is also known as human-centred design, co-design and participatory decision. External Policy Community Resources Service Design Community of practice - Email Ben Briggs at ben.briggs@acc.co.nz to be included in emails and...

The Policy Project has a number of frameworks, tools and resources to support you or your team in developing their policy skills.

As part of our commitment to accountability and transparency, agencies must include information in the Estimates and Annual Reports on the quality of their policy advice, and the satisfaction of their minister with the policy support provided by the...

Good policy advice is underpinned by good evidence. Good evaluation of policy decisions is important because it helps inform future decision-making – and contributes to continuous improvement. External resources Chief Science Advisor Forum Nesta's...

Free and frank advice underpins our system of government. External resources Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission's guidance on Free and Frank Advice and Policy Stewardship and Frequently Asked Questions External conversations, speeches and...

Futures thinking is also known as foresight, strategic foresight and futures studies. External resources The Futures Toolkit Strategic Foresight External Policy community resources Strategic Futures Group - Email Cathy.Swanson@ird.govt.nz to be...