Global Research - our story
For nearly 25 years, Global Research has provided applied quantitative and qualitative market and social research for central and local government agencies, businesses, and NGOs. We are committed to continuously improving our expertise, expanding our services, and strengthening our reputation.
Our evolution
Since 2002, we have concentrated on steady, considered growth, adapting our practices as needed to meet changing client needs. One recent development is SOC 2 accreditation, positioning us as a leading provider of secure data-handling practices in market and social research across New Zealand and globally. With data security risks progressively increasing, we believe safeguarding client data is a fundamental business responsibility, and SOC 2 accreditation affirms our commitment to that principle.
Another significant recent milestone was relocating to larger modern premises at 1/399 Montreal Street, Central Christchurch. This move reflects the growth of our 15-person team, who had outgrown our Merivale office, a space that served us well since the post-earthquake relocation, when suitable offices were scarce due to building damage. Central City hyperfibre which has increased our efficiency has been an added bonus.
The 2011 Christchurch earthquakes were a pivotal period for us. We re-examined our core services, resulting in the development of public engagement and submissions analysis as one of our key offerings. As Christchurch began to rebuild, government and local agencies sought community input. In many instances, Global Research’s consultation analysis and reporting became the conduit between Christchurch’s communities and decision-makers.
Our services today
Our comprehensive market research and social research offering includes:
Public consultation and engagement submissions analysis
Online and face-to-face surveying
In-depth interviewing
Workshop and focus group facilitation
Any other method needed to gather the right data to inform critical decisions.
Our team
Our 15-person team brings a diverse mix of skills and experience, allowing us to expertly manage any research project. We embrace change, respond to challenges, and draw on lessons from events like the Christchurch earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic to evolve and strengthen our practice—adapting to the increasing influence of AI in our field is the latest challenge we are managing.
Broad range of adaptable services
In 2003–2005, we completed landmark research for the Department of Conservation, surveying visitor perceptions of accessible and remote tracks. We collected, analysed, and reported on 4,500 survey responses across three seasons—delivering insights that supported better recreation planning. [Check out the project here.]
This early work is representative of the diverse projects we continue to deliver for government, commercial, and NGO clients across Australasia and the world. While much of our commercial work is confidential, here are three long-term partnerships we’re proud to highlight:
˃ Patterson Hospitality Group: Guest satisfaction for five businesses since 2013: Commodore Hotel, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, Hotel Montreal, Touchdown Car Rentals; Flit Airport Parking
˃ Médecins Sans Frontières: Brand Awareness survey, annually since 2016
˃ EA networks: Customer Satisfaction Surveys in 2019, 2021 and 2023
Public engagement submissions analysis track record
We have completed over 200 public engagement and submissions analysis projects for major central and local government initiatives, including:
˃ Over 70 public engagement analysis projects for the City of Melbourne
˃ Over 20 significant New Zealand national policy and legislation projects, including:
Department of Internal Affairs: New Zealand Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 (Phases 1 &2)
Ministry of Justice: New Zealand Arms Act Rewrite; Incitement on the Grounds of Religious Freedom
New Zealand Law Commission: Advice on the analysis of the Human Rights Act 2024
Ministry of Social Development: Disability Support Services Review
Ministry of Education: New Zealand Education Review | Kōrero Mātauranga
New Zealand Transport Agency| Waka Kotahi: Let’s Get Wellington Moving (options assessment)
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council and partners: Five Christchurch and Canterbury post-earthquake Recovery Plans, including: Land Use; Residential Development and Red Zone
˃ Over 100 local government projects across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and North America including:
Christchurch City Council: District Plan Review; Housing Choice (Plan Change 14 & PCs 12,13 and 15); Key Activity Centre Development Plans
Wellington City Council: District Plan Review; Spatial Plan; Our City Tomorrow; Library Rebuild; Frank Kitts Park; Te Ngākau Precinct; Speed Limit Review
Greater Wellington Regional Council: Regional Public Transport Plan (2021 and 2024); Regional Land Transport Plan (2021 and 2024); Public Transport Fare Strategy
City of Port Phillip (Melbourne): South Melbourne Structure Plan; South Melbourne Market; Public Space Strategy; EcoCentre Redevelopment; Melbourne Grand Prix Parking Evaluation
City of Sydney: An Open and Creative City Strategy; Alexandria Transport Plan; George Street pedestrian boulevard; Loftus Street Upgrade; Tech Central Camperdown Precinct
Gehl Architect’s for Oslo City Council: Public Space Public Life survey
Red Deer, Canada: Mobility Play Book
A head start for global clients
For clients based outside New Zealand, we offer a valuable time-zone advantage. From our base in Christchurch, we can deliver results during your off-hours, meaning you start your day with new insights, not delays. Whether you need help understanding your market, evaluating your services, or analysing written submissions, contact us to turn your information into insight.
Click on the partner logos below to read about some of our previous projects:
