Studying Time Banking: Exploring Participatory Action Research in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

This article presents a literature review of participatory action research (PAR) approaches used in New Zealand social science research to assess if there is a ‘New Zealand’ approach to PAR that differs somewhat from the international literature on PAR. Using the additional device of self reflection on my own current PhD research topic I argue that New Zealand does have rich local influences that enhance PAR as a methodology while also maintaining many points of similarity with the international literature. Given the breadth and richness of New Zealand based scholars' experience with this method, I argue that more New Zealand based academic writing should refer to these local examples of participatory action research.