Dr. Lauren Donnan is the Research and Evaluation Manager for MATES in Construction NZ and is an Honorary Academic at the University of Auckland Faculty of Arts after completing her PhD research on the lived experiences and needs of Aotearoa/New Zealand of young carers.

Her previous role as Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor at World Vision NZ, combined with her PhD research and leadership experience, has equipped me with a broad skill set across mental health, immigration, child well-being, disability, and caregiving. I have led impactful advocacy campaigns, directed research initiatives to build strong evidence bases, and thrive on working with communities and stakeholders to create real-world, evidence-driven solutions for social and community well-being.

Recently completed research:

• ‘Workplace Psychosocial Stressors in the Construction Industry: Perspectives of construction industry stakeholders (NZ)’, 2024
• ‘The Economic Cost of Suicide and Non-Fatal Suicide Behaviour (NZ)’, 2024