Evaluation programme
A successful and credible International Development Cooperation (IDC) programme requires evaluation of what works, how it works, for whom, and why, in order to make improvements. Evaluations enable and ensure New Zealand’s commitment to accountability and transparency of the IDC programme.
MFAT’s evaluation programme provides independent evidence of New Zealand’s impact and assesses the distinctive contribution of the IDC Programme to the generation of results. With that information, we are able to improve our development policy and practice and ensure we're working as effectively as possible.
Our evaluation programme delivers a suite of in-depth, independent evaluations of sectors, themes (government priorities), programmes and activities. That information is then used by MFAT and our partners to inform strategy and policy development and decision-making for better delivery outcomes.
Evaluations are carried out by independent evaluators, and complement our internal monitoring and review processes.
Strategic Evaluations of individual IDC programmes [Pacific and Development Group (PDG) Plans] will be undertaken on a rolling cycle. The table below shows the forward schedule for strategic evaluations over the 2024-2027 triennium.
Table 1: Forward schedule of Strategic Evaluations for 2024-27 triennium
| 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 | 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | Solomon Islands | Kiribati |
| Fiji | North Pacific | Cook Islands |
| Samoa (Phase 2) | Papua New Guinea | Tuvalu |
| Nauru | Tokelau | Niue |
| Tonga | ASEAN | Global development |
| Timor Leste | Humanitarian | Multilateral development |
| Pacific Regional | Climate Finance (Summative) | |
| Climate Finance (Formative) |
Research programme
MFAT’s research programme for the IDC builds a body of evidence on priority issues important to the Pacific and beyond. This programme will help inform our approach to development challenges and opportunities, and our strategic direction, contributing to better development outcomes. The research programme aims to support sustainable development, prosperity, and stability in the Pacific and beyond, with a focus on improving well-being and reducing poverty, hardship, and vulnerability.
We also support postgraduate development field research work.
Pacific statistics and data
MFAT provides stewardship on Pacific statistics and data in collaboration with The Pacific Community (SPC) to ensure high quality Pacific data is accessible, widely disseminated, and is used to inform evidence-based decision making, policy, and planning.