Research, community impact & shared purpose.
Community Education & Research Trust (CERT) is a registered New Zealand charitable trust that turns evidence-based research into practical programmes — helping communities identify what they truly need, and giving people the tools to shape their own futures.
🎨 Art & Writing
No to Violence — Art Exhibition & Creative Writing Collection
Use your creativity to promote peace and say no to violence. Art for ages 6–19 and creative writing for ages 11–19, open across Aotearoa. Submit before the deadline.
What drives everything we do
CERT is dedicated to advancing education, research and community wellbeing for public benefit — turning evidence into programmes that give people the tools and confidence to shape their own futures.
Identify Needs Through Research
Evidence-based understanding of what communities truly require.
Deliver Practical Solutions
Turning insights into tangible programmes and initiatives.
Advance Education & Capability
Building knowledge and skills that last a lifetime.
Empower Communities
Giving people the tools and confidence to shape their own futures.
What our volunteers do
Five teams, one kaupapa. Every volunteer role at CERT feeds directly into research, education and community wellbeing.
Research & Projects
Lead investigations and contribute to evidence-based programmes.
Admin & Finance
Support day-to-day operations and organisational planning.
IT & Digital Support
Maintain systems and support our online presence.
Marketing & Comms
Tell CERT’s story and engage the community.
Training & Outreach
Deliver workshops and outreach initiatives.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”The CERT Volunteer Kaupapa
Two studies, grounded in Hamilton
Settlement & integration of international students
Exploring the settlement and integration challenges faced by international master’s students in Hamilton, to inform evidence-based community support programmes.
Migrant worker wellbeing & policy
Examining the problems migrant workers face in New Zealand, and analysing the socio-economic and policy impacts on the Government of New Zealand.
Governed by trustees, led by our team
CERT is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and led day-to-day by our team.
Liaquat Changezi
Hirosha Liyanage
Dr. Asanka Nilakshi Dissanayake
Dr. Lakshan Attanayake
Jitesh Khosla
Isanka Korala
Piyumdee Dihansa
Dr. Ranjith Dickwella
Madusha Hansini
Common questions about CERT
What is the Community Education & Research Trust (CERT)?
CERT is a registered New Zealand charitable trust (registration CC64550) based in Hamilton, Waikato. We turn evidence-based research into practical education and wellbeing programmes that help communities identify what they need and shape their own futures.
What does CERT do?
CERT works across three connected areas: community education (workshops, training and outreach), research (including studies on international student settlement and migrant worker wellbeing in New Zealand), and practical wellbeing support delivered by our volunteer team.
How can I volunteer with CERT?
Visit our Get Involved page or email admin@certnz.org. Volunteers contribute across research and projects, IT, marketing, administration and community outreach \u2014 no prior experience is required for most roles.
Is CERT a registered charity?
Yes. Community Education & Research Trust is registered with Charities Services New Zealand under registration number CC64550.
Where is CERT based?
CERT is based in Hamilton, Aotearoa New Zealand, and our research and programmes are designed to benefit communities across the country.
How do I contact CERT?
Email admin@certnz.org or use the contact form on our Contact page. We welcome enquiries from volunteers, research partners and sponsors.
Advancing education, capability and community wellbeing.
Whether you want to volunteer, partner on research, or support a programme — there’s a place for you at CERT.
