Appendix: Case Studies This Appendix provides illustrative case studies on the interrelated themes of this report: participation and accountability. The case studies come from Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, England, and Scotland. Not all of them relate to housing. We are not suggesting they are models to be followed because they are specific to their time, place, and system. Notably, the majority do not account for indigenous partnership or co-design. We need nimble institutional arrangements which suit the unique context of Aotearoa, align with Te Ao Māori, are co-designed according to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership, and deliver the needs of tangata whenua, as well as other disadvantaged groups. As explained in the Introduction, this report focuses on the kāwanatanga sphere and these case studies are especially relevant to Article 1 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. New Zealand’s National Housing Commission (1972-1988) This was set up as an independent statutory body in 1972 on the recommendation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand housing, which reported in 1971. Among the reasons for setting up the Commission was the need to provide independent and expert advice to the Minister of Housing by people with a wide range of community experience.55 Essentially the main functions of the National Housing Commission were to: • advise the Minister of Housing on matters relating to housing in New Zealand • encourage and sponsor research into matters affecting housing policy • monitor and review the housing needs of the people of New Zealand • carry out regular evaluation of housing affordability. The Commission had 4-6 members appointed by the Minister of Housing, as well as 2-3 senior public officials who were members ex-officio. Membership was part-time. The NHC was serviced by 2-3 permanent staff and characterised itself as independent. After 14 years, the Labour Government disestablished the NHC, which ended its final report with these words: It is the Commission’s view that a form of independent advice to the Government should be retained. The important aspects that should be fulfilled are an independent, apolitical stance separated somewhat from the Public Service, a multi-disciplinary staff, a strong commitment to a research function with the funds to commission and carry out a variety of work, and a continuation of input from the community to ensure that the concerns of sectional interests are coordinated and the needs of all regions and groups in New Zealand are met.56 33