News & Insights

JBWere and the University of Waikato launched The Economic Value of the Sector: Measuring Aotearoa New Zealand’s for-purpose ecosystem on 3 September 2026 with a presentation and panel discussion exploring what the findings mean for the sector. 

Report author Professor Frank Scrimgeour brought the sheer heft of the sector’s contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand to life: 

Nearly 120,000 organisations generating $40.5 billion in annual revenue

$25.8 billion to NZ’s GDP when volunteer labour is included.

231,000 paid workers which is one in 13 workers plus around 930,000 volunteers. Together, they reveal a major field of economic activity, employment, volunteering and civic contribution that is larger than many people realise. 

Key takeaways from Professor Scrimgeour’s presentation:

• The sector is a major field of economic activity - employment, volunteering, and civic contribution are all larger than many people realise.
• Economic value is essential – but it is only part of the sector’s story and contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Better data and measurement can support better decisions – for organisations, donors, policymakers and our communities.
• Definitions and methodology matter -  what is included and excluded shapes how the sector is understood and how the story is told.
• This critical pillar of society warrants greater visibility, understanding, and support from all of us.

Professor Frank Scrimgeour coined the term “sector-esteem” to describe what he hopes the sector will have more readily attainable with this evidence.

The launch continued with a panel discussion led by Dr William McInerney, Researcher at JBWere Philanthropic Service, with Momentum Waikato trustee Chris Williams and Programme Manager – Business at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Dr Sarah Lockwood. Their conversation connected the evidence with the experiences of funders, community organisations and volunteers.

Watch Professor Scrimgeour’s presentation and the panel discussion here to hear the research explained, explore its implications and consider how stronger evidence can support the sector’s future.

JBWere is pleased to partner with the University of Waikato to deliver this research and we encourage broad sharing of the report.

Click here to access the Full Report, the Executive Report and the Annex: Methodology

Any use, quotation, reproduction, or adaptation of material contained in this report should acknowledge Professor Frank Scrimgeour, JBWere and the University of Waikato. 

When citing: JBWere & University of Waikato. (2026). The Economic Value of the Sector: Measuring Aotearoa New Zealand’s for-purpose ecosystem. Auckland: JBWere.

Contact Philanthropic.Services@jbwere.co.nz for further information about how to appropriately cite this research.

If you would like to explore the findings for your particular context, contact a JBWere Adviser or our Philanthropic Services & Family Advisory at Philanthropic.Services@jbwere.co.nz.