Why This Project Is Important

Kurī welfare is an increasingly growing issue in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Although we have a good base of charities and governing bodies, we are facing extremely high and deeply concerning euthanasia rates, overwhelmed shelter resources and capacity, high infringement rates, and a highly charged community – with reports of anger within our community who are calling for action, low adoption rates, and repetitive endless concerns. The issue is showing no signs of slowing down, and as we move towards a more technologically driven society, our connections with living beings becomes increasingly distant – moving toward a future where robot dogs replace companion dogs, and online worlds disassociate humans from real-world connection. Generation Alpha are already heavily engaged in virtual worlds, and their understanding of how we connect is changing. It is more important than ever to act now to enable the community to protect kurī.

Project Objectives

Using a systems thinking approach, this project aims to address the research question “How might we improve kurī (dog) welfare and reduce euthanasia rates in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)?” and gain a deeper understanding as to why Auckland owners might struggle to meet their commitments, the role of the wider community, and where the system as a whole unit may be failing (and working well). It also aims to focus in on the value and prioritisation of the life of kurī as sentient beings and meet the following objectives:

Identify strategies that provide awareness and enable the community to have an impact on both lowering the euthanasia rates of kurī and improving kurī welfare

Identify a centralised approach that empowers the community to effectively protect kurī and meet their needs

Leverage the use of emerging disruptive technology (EDT) and existing resources to produce outcomes that enable our community to make a meaningful and sustainable difference

Identify and produce more effective ways of how our community approaches kurī welfare

It is vital that the community unite in developing strategies that shape a new and positive outcome for kurī, keeping both them and the community safe. We need smart, sustainable solutions that strengthen and utilise the community – sharing capabilities, resources, and knowledge to resolve the issue together and generate successful outcomes.

Whilst the project focuses on research and outcomes for Tāmaki Makaurau, any solutions produced can be piloted - and if successful - provide benefit to the rest of Aotearoa – and subsequently our surrounding islands.

Research Question

How might we improve kurī (dog) welfare and reduce euthanasia rates in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)?

Sub-Questions

How might we utilise existing support and resources effectively to lower euthanasia rates and improve kurī (dog) welfare in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)?
How might we understand the community behaviours, relationships, and systems that currently influence kurī (dog) welfare and euthanasia rates in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)?
How might we leverage technology and community connections to create a unified systems response to kurī (dog) welfare in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)?
How might we uphold the intrinsic value and demonstrate respect for the life of each kurī (dog) in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)?

Approach

This project is structured with kurī in the centre and will explore all factors of the PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental) model across the whole ecosystem of the kurī lifecycle, including the impact that societal decisions and actions have on the lives of kurī and key issues surrounding kurī welfare.

There are three stages to this project:

Mapping the current state through data analysis (survey's, interviews, etc.)
Identifying the key gaps and possible opportunities
Co-designing potential solutions

The project is guided by the following Māori principles:

Manaakitanga

We demonstrate integrity and respect for kurī welfare and the community by setting high-standards and doing what we say we will do.

Whanaungatanga

We foster a high moral culture through our connections and whānau dynamics - embracing shared experiences, akoranga, and collaboration.

Rangatiratanga

Credible leadership is driven by our dedication to implement successful outcomes and through the act of weaving our kete of kurī mātauranga.

Participation Registration & Consent Form

This form is designed to register your interest in participating in the research and capture your consent to do so. Participation may include one or more of the following: a one-on-one interview, a focus group workshop, or completion of the public survey.

This form is open for two months - from Tuesday 1st September to Friday 30th October 2026.

Participation Application Form

Ethics approval Number: MTF.8206.357

This study has been approved by academyEX Research, Enterprise and Ethics (REE) Working Group from 30 July 2026 to 30 July 2028. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this research, you may contact the REE via email at ethics@academyex.com. Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully, and you will be informed of the outcome.

If you are happy to participate in this research, you will be asked to sign a consent form.

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