Research & Initiatives
The Centre publishes research that aims to contribute to a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable society.
Algorithms of Hate
Researchers: Vijay Devadas & Sarah Baker​
This project examines the production, circulation and distribution of algorithms of hate in Aotearoa. Focusing on the social media platforms, the project has two key aims: first, to investigate the ways in which hate discourse is framed and articulated in the context of Aotearoa. The second is to profile the characteristics of digital networks through which hateful and antagonistic content is propagated. This research contributes to debates taking place in Aotearoa on disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech.
Framing the Emergency: Climate Journalism in Aotearoa New Zealand
Researcher: Geoffrey Craig
The climate emergency challenges how we understand the relationship between our economy, environment, and society. It is framed in different ways by different people, and a journalist’s job is to cover all of the action and the angles. How can they do this and still be a part of the solution? This research will investigate climate journalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, discussing its current practices and challenges, and exploring different ways we can tell media stories about the climate emergency.
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Greenwashing an industry: Advertising’s role in the climate emergency (PhD Project)
Researcher: Matt Halliday
This research begins with a case study of Z Energy’s controversial 2022 ‘Moving with the times’ campaign, questioning the role of advertising in the midst of a climate emergency. As Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) measures become a common part of corporate language, known polluters increasingly use their advertising budgets to promote sustainable projects, while at the same time they continue investment into ecologically crippling extractive industries. This study questions what the responsibilities of the advertising industry are, in regard to high carbon industry, and what they should be as the world grapples with how to combat the climate emergency.
In Deep Water: An examination of Watercare's community engagement in the Waitakere Ranges
Researcher: Jennie Watts
The purpose of this study is to explore and analyse the communicative activity between Watercare and the local communities during community engagement on the proposed development of a new water treatment facility. This research examines a community consultation and engagement process by a Council Owned Organisation (COO) in Aotearoa New Zealand, where there are valid ethical and practical arguments on both sides. Of particular interest is the organisation’s capacity to sustain authentic, workable relationships in a challenging environment.
Critical feminist media projects
Researcher: Christina Vogels​
The first is a feminist media analysis on how the language of male partner violence has formed and changed over time in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Newspaper articles from 1855 through to today are being collected and analysed for this project. The second project is investigating the mainstreaming of far-right femininities in popular media. My third project explores the historical practice of men’s duelling and how this links to a wider phenomenon today: men fighting other men to control the feminine Other.
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