Grounded in economics, guided by mātauranga Māori
Matatihi helps organisations measure and maximise their social impact by combining mātauranga Māori with contemporary economic and decision-science methods.
We deliver evidence-based insights that strengthen accountability, attract funding, and create lasting change for communities.
We are experts in Social Return on Investment (SROI) and have completed numerous assessments for some of Aotearoa’s most impactful organisations.
Beyond social value, our Economic Impact Analysis service helps organisations quantify their broader economic contribution — including GDP, employment, and regional development outcomes — using transparent, statistically robust methods.
It’s the perfect complement to SROI for initiatives seeking to demonstrate measurable benefits under the Government’s economic-benefit requirements.
We are Aotearoa specialists in Social Return on Investment (SROI)
Trusted by iwi, government, and community organisations to translate outcomes into credible, funder-ready valuations.
Our work blends cultural integrity with analytical precision, ensuring impact stories stand up to both Treasury and tikanga.
Social Return on Investment (SROI)
Independent SROI evaluations with funding-grade evidence.
Trusted across Aotearoa
We’ve delivered SROI and impact evaluations for iwi, NGOs, trusts, and national programmes.
What we deliver
Our two most popular packaged options
SROI EVALUATIONS
End-to-end Social Return on Investment: stakeholder-tested outcomes, conservative proxies, attribution and deadweight, with a two-page executive and CBAx-compatible outputs.
- Audit-ready methods and ratios
- Two-page executive for boards and funders
- CBAx bridge for government alignment
ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS
GDP/value-added, job-years, wages, and NZ-content from robust data sources.
- National and regional impacts (net)
- Contribution to local and national economy
- Quarterly monitoring pack (optional)
What our Clients Say
“Over several years, we have had the privilege engaging Matatihi to deliver external cost-benefit analysis reports that clearly demonstrate the economic and social impact of our Academy’s work.
These reports have enabled us to track our impact over a number of years. These have been invaluable tools and taonga for Pūhoro in helping us quantify and fully understand the positive effects that our programme has on rangatahi Māori in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Mātauranga).
Their thorough approach and deep understanding of our needs, have enabled us to better understand and articulate the value and benefits of participation in our national Pūhoro STEMM Academy programme, and clearly identify some of the present and longitudinal benefits that our impact creates for rangatahi, their whānau, broader society and the economy.
As a kaupapa Māori driven organisation, we recommend the services of Matatihi and Dr Jay Whitehead and his impressive team.”
Kemp Reweti, Manahautū, CE – Pūhoro Charitable Trust
Jay has been instrumental in building support for Onuku Rūnanga’s investment strategy and exploring new opportunities to enhance our community's economic, social, and environmental wellbeing. His expertise in choice modelling enabled us to gather and incorporate community preferences into our investment decisions, ensuring the values and aspirations of our people guided them.
Beyond this, Jay’s market analysis provided critical insights that helped us identify and pursue opportunities to grow the wealth of the rūnanga. His meticulous approach gave us the confidence to make bold investment decisions—decisions that may not have gained the necessary support without his involvement.
Jay is not only a highly skilled analyst but also a pleasure to work with. His dedication, clarity, and ability to translate complex data into actionable insights have been invaluable to our journey. We are grateful for his contribution and highly recommend him to any organisation seeking informed, strategic decision-making support.
Rik Tainui - Ōnuku Rūnanga Chair
PHF Science (formally ESR) have partnered with Matatihi since 2021 to develop social impact analysis for Pūhoro STEMM Academy. Combining mātauranga Māori and kaupapa Māori with contemporary economic approaches to social impact measurement, the analysis includes Māori economy metrics to understand a Māori led offering. The reports generated have supported both Pūhoro Charitable Trust and PHF Science to communicate the value in advancing Māori participation and success in STEMM pathways. The Matatihi team provided excellent commentary and real-world application, which helped in showcasing the Pūhoro delivery to CRI/PRO, Ministry and Government officials. Matatihi were fast, strong communicators who know their stuff. We have recommended them to other parties and will use them again in the future.
Georgina Dawson, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Kai Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga
Māori Impact Manager - PHF Science
Jay was fantastic to work with. He was insightful, well-informed, and took the time to deeply understand our organisation, our sector, our aspirations - and the outcomes we are striving for. His expertise and thoughtful approach added real value to our thinking, and we truly appreciated his ability to connect the dots between where we are now and our long term.
Robyn Kamira - Chief Strategy & Impact Officer -Tū Ātea Māori Spectrum & Telecommunications Service
Working with Matatihi- Harnessing Māori Values for Sustainable Economic Decisions
Calmelle Riley - Director Strategic Projects Limited
Get in touch for a free chat about your organisation anytime
RECENT CASE STUDY
Example: Measuring Real Impact
$5.40 social value for every $1 invested
“Matatihi’s evaluation helped us demonstrate tangible returns for Māori wellbeing programmes and strengthened the case for continued funding.”View Full Example SROI Report →
