Published on 20 Aug 2025

Connecting Islands and Outcomes: A Community-Centered Evaluation of Tuvalu Programme 2018 - 2021

Projects
21 NED 1x1 PORTRAIT 1
Ned Hardie-Boys Senior Consultant Contact me
22 NICK 1x1 PORTRAIT 1
Nick Leffler Organisational Design + Change Lead Contact me

Allen + Clarke led a Pacific-focused evaluation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (MFAT) Tuvalu Programme, which operated from 2018 to 2021. The evaluation came at a critical time following the Pacific Reset initiative, when New Zealand had increased development assistance to Tuvalu recognising urgent climate change challenges. MFAT needed clear evidence of what worked and what needed improvement across both the development activities and bilateral engagement of the programme.

Key achievements

 

  • Our Tuvaluan team members brought exceptional relationships and trust with stakeholders, generating authentic insights impossible to achieve through conventional approaches
  • The evaluation methodology directly connected findings to MFAT's decision-making processes
  • We reached outer islands and diaspora communities, ensuring voices typically excluded from evaluations contributed valuable perspectives.
Read the evaluation here
Our approach captured authentic community perspectives and delivered practical recommendations that strengthened programme planning and engagement strategies.

Deep cultural expertise guided our approach

We assembled a team with the perfect mix of skills for this evaluation. Most team members spoke Tuvaluan fluently, ensuring proper cultural protocols guided all interactions. The team's deep understanding of MFAT's strategic priorities, combined with extensive Pacific experience, provided a strong foundation for meaningful assessment. 

Our methodology centred on hononga - the connection between New Zealand and Tuvalu - and embraced a participatory approach. We sought perspectives from beneficiaries including women and minority groups, not just official stakeholders. This approach created space for different viewpoints to emerge naturally in conversations. 

Colourful speech bubbles overlapping silhouettes in conversation
Colourful speech bubbles overlapping silhouettes in conversation
Resources Block
Person crouched on beach drawing lines in sand with stick near ocean waves
Projects

Empowering Pacific Nations Through Labour Mobility: Supporting Pacific Labour Mobility Regional Assessment

Read More
Researchers conducting field monitoring at wetland site, using specialized equipment to collect environmental data against backdrop of rolling hills.
Projects

Restoring Nature and Community: Mixed-method evaluation of Jobs for Nature

Read More
Close-up of unfurling fern frond with warm golden lighting and soft green bokeh background
Projects

Balancing Investment and Security: Review of Overseas Investment Office Standing Committee

Read More

Practical Solutions addressed key challenges

The evaluation identified several important challenges and recommended practical improvements. 

  • We identified that remote programme management limited MFAT's understanding of on-the-ground realities. We recommended reviewing MFAT's resourcing model to determine the right balance of remote versus in-country presence. 

  • We identified that COVID-19 disrupted programme delivery, requiring adaptation. We recommended ways of enhancing responsiveness during crises. 

  • We identified that community needs needed more weight alongside government priorities. We recommended developing clearer indicators of success and creating more equitable participation processes for all stakeholders. 

Hand holding red book with abstract yellow geometric shapes
Hands writing with pen overlaid with yellow geometric shape and black squiggles

Find out how we can help.
Book a Discovery Session

Get clarity on your challenge with our free one-hour discovery session - no obligation, just practical insights on how we can help.

Strengthening New Zealand's relationship with Tuvalu

Our comprehensive approach provided MFAT with an evaluation that was not just rigorous but deeply relevant to strengthening New Zealand's relationship with Tuvalu. 

The evaluation provided MFAT with:

  • Clear evidence of programme effectiveness and impact.

  • Valuable learnings for ongoing planning. 

  • More effective engagement approaches with Tuvalu. 

  • Demonstrated achievements to partners, stakeholders and taxpayers. 

  • Insights into the sustainability of current and future support - critical for Tuvalu's long-term resilience. 

Interconnected coloured pathways forming abstract network diagram
Interconnected coloured pathways forming abstract network diagram