Gary Blick, Joanna Smith and Julie Artus from Sapere Research Group were engaged by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) to undertake an independent evaluation of the Institutional Linkage Programme between the Samoan National Health Service and Counties Manukau District Health Board, that was funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme. The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the effectiveness of support and determine whether a further phase of New Zealand Aid Programme support is necessary.