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Raising rural rainbows : how rural contexts shape caregiver wellbeing, responses, and youth wellbeing in Aotearoa : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Distance, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2025) Chapman, Tyler
Rainbow youth in Aotearoa New Zealand experience disproportionately high rates of mental distress compared to their non-rainbow peers. Emerging evidence highlights the decisive role of caregivers in shaping these outcomes through their wellbeing and responses in diverse sociocultural contexts. However, little research has examined how these family processes operate across rural and non-rural contexts. This quantitative cross-sectional study addressed this gap through a nationwide survey of 152 caregivers of rainbow youth under 30 years of age. Participants reported their own wellbeing, their young persons’ wellbeing, caregiving responses, experiences of affiliate stigma, and access to rainbow affirming resources. Analyses compared rural (n = 20) and non-rural (n = 132) caregivers. Although mean level differences between rural and non-rural caregivers were minimal, patterns of association revealed meaningful contextual variation. Across the sample, greater caregiver wellbeing was associated with greater youth wellbeing, with tentative evidence that this relationship was stronger in rural contexts. Greater caregiver wellbeing was associated with fewer negative caregiver responses across contexts and with more positive caregiver responses only in rural contexts. Negative caregiver responses were associated with lower youth wellbeing across rural and non-rural contexts, whereas positive caregiver responses were associated with greater youth wellbeing only in rural contexts. Affiliate stigma was associated with lower caregiver and youth wellbeing as well as fewer positive and more negative caregiver responses across both rural and non-rural contexts. Accessing rainbow affirming resources was associated with fewer negative caregiver responses in rural contexts only. This thesis provides one of the first quantitative comparisons between rural and non-rural caregivers of rainbow youth in Aotearoa. Findings position caregiver wellbeing as an important correlate of rainbow youth wellbeing and highlight caregiver responses as a potential mechanism through which rural contexts may enhance wellbeing outcomes for rainbow young people. While longitudinal research is needed to establish temporal relationships, findings extend minority stress theory by positioning caregivers as active agents that shape youth outcomes. Practically, this thesis underscores the need to strengthen caregiver wellbeing and ensure equitable access to affirming resources, particularly for rural families, where resources remain limited yet profoundly impactful.
Insights into the menstrual cycle : exploring menstrual cycle patterns in healthy New Zealand women : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2025) Bowler, Tyler
Background: Poor understandings of the female reproductive cycle and its variability within and between women have led to ambiguity when considering ‘normal’ characteristics and features of the menstrual cycle. While the evidence base in female reproductive health is growing, there is minimal research assessing the features and characteristics of the menstrual cycle in healthy, naturally menstruating, premenopausal women, particularly over numerous consecutive cycles. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the characteristics of the menstrual cycle in healthy New Zealand women across three to five cycles. A secondary aim was to determine the individual and lifestyle factors that may influence the presence of ovulatory disturbances. Methods: This prospective cohort study assessed 97 healthy females over three to five consecutive menstrual cycles. A three-step method was used to collect menstrual cycle data, and included calendar-based counting, urinary luteinising hormone (LH) testing and plasma steroid hormone measurement. Presence of subclinical ovulatory disturbances (SOD), including anovulation and luteal phase defects (LPD), was assessed and classed using mid-luteal plasma progesterone thresholds. Women were assigned an ovulatory status based on whether they experienced two or more ovulatory cycles (ovulatory status) or two or more SOD cycles (SOD status). Individual and lifestyle data were collected using demographic, menstrual cycle history and physical activity questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to determine menstrual cycle features (menstrual cycle, menses, ovulation, follicular and luteal phase length). A linear mixed model was used to determine the within-woman and between-women variability of phase lengths across ovulatory status. A logistic regression including gynaecological age, total metabolic equivalent physical activity and percentage body fat was used to establish demographic and anthropometric associations with SODs. Results: In this study, 74.1% of menstrual cycles were ovulatory, 13.5% were anovulatory, and 12.4% were LPD. In women who contributed at least two cycles of data, 34.9% experienced sporadic SOD cycles, and 8.1% experienced recurrent SOD cycles. In cycles in which ovulation occurred, the average day of ovulation was day 14, and day 13 for LPD cycles. The sporadic incidence of SOD cycles was found to be associated with age and gynaecological age, but not body composition, ethnicity, or level of physical activity. Within-woman variability of menstrual features was found to be greater in SOD women than in ovulatory women. Significant differences in menstrual cycle and luteal phase length between ovulatory and SOD cycles were detected. Conclusion: Overall, while the majority of menstrual cycles are ovulatory, the presence of SODs, including anovulatory and LPD cycles, are relatively common in healthy, naturally menstruating women. Of note, sporadic SOD cycles appear to be more common than recurrent SOD cycles. While ovulatory cycles tend to follow normative expectations of a menstrual cycle, women who frequently experience SOD cycles may experience more menstrual cycle variability. Future research should expand on the findings of the current study and examine the presence of SOD cycles within longitudinal studies in order to better capture the between-women and within woman variability.
A whole-body approach for social workers : integrating embodiment and body-mind resources to enhance wellbeing and practice : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2026) Collie, Katrina
This study explored how embodiment and body–mind resources support social workers’ wellbeing, particularly within contexts marked by high stress and burnout. Motivated by professional experiences and witnessing colleagues navigating similar challenges, the research explored whether embodiment practices could serve as a meaningful form of support. Using an action research methodology that intentionally incorporated embodiment into the research process, the study explored an embodiment program that consisted of four phases: a one-day experiential embodiment workshop, a five-week online extension to support ongoing practice, individual semi-structured interviews and a final phase in which participant insights informed the redevelopment of the embodiment program. Findings indicate that embodied awareness offered diverse support. Embodiment emerged as a practical resource that enhanced wellbeing, professional presence and grounded responsiveness when navigating complex and stressful situations. The collective nature of the program played a key role in supporting learning and integration. However, ongoing organisational pressures and limited structural support hindered the full realisation of the sense of embodiment. Highlighting the need for systemic rather than individualised approaches to wellbeing. The study recommends integrating embodiment within social work education and organisational frameworks to support a shift from self-care toward embodied collective-care, positioning wellbeing as a shared rather than solely personal responsibility. It also highlights the importance of developing a shared definition of embodied awareness to support continuity in future research, policy development and professional practice. Further research is recommended within organisational and educational settings to explore the impact of embodied collective-care on wellbeing, retention and sustainability across diverse groups of social workers.
Assessing soil physical properties for diverse and standard pastures under regenerative and contemporary grazing management : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, Agricultural Science at Massey University, Manawatū, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2025) Ma, Yuehui (Emily)
This thesis investigates the influence of pasture type and management practices on soil physical properties within New Zealand's agricultural systems, focusing on the Whenua Haumanu Programme (WHP) at Massey University's Dairy Farm One and Pasture Crop Research Unit (PCRU). WHP is a seven-year trial aiming to assess the suitability and relevance of regenerative agriculture to New Zealand, taking our climate, soils and management systems into consideration. WHP explores contemporary and regenerative farming practices across both standard (ryegrass and white clover) and diverse pastures (multi species of grasses, herbs and legumes). This master’s thesis presents two key research chapters. Chapter 3 outlines 2023-2024 baseline soil physics data for WHP, to support ongoing and future annual comparisons to test whether there are any differences in soil physical properties between standard and diverse pastures or contemporary and regenerative grazing managements. Results to date demonstrate that no statistically significant differences exist between the treatments. Significant differences are found between soil types, reflecting natural differences in soil texture. Differences are also observed between sampling years and can be attributed to changes in moisture content. Chapter 4 investigates the short-term impact of dairy cattle grazing on soil physical properties under two contrasting management systems at Massey University’s Dairy Farm One. Soil physical properties were measured for a regeneratively managed diverse pasture and a contemporary management standard pasture before and after a grazing event under saturated spring 2024 conditions. Both paddocks displayed compaction with distinct spatial patterns linked to daily rainfall and the location of water troughs and shelter belts. High pre grazing pasture covers also appear to be linked with less treading damage, however, further analyses is required to confirm any potential trends.
Whakapiki tūhono ki te whenua : exploring how reconnection to whenua enhances the oranga of te taiao and whānau : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science - Māori Health at Massey University, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Manawatū, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2025) Savage, Kaewa
In a time where the generational impacts on te taiao are felt worldwide through a rapidly changing climate, and associated extreme weather events, the magnitude of the issues can sometimes leave us feeling hopeless. In our corner of te ao (the world) here in Aotearoa, we have an opportunity to take a lead, healing our fauna and flora, healing our whakapapa (genealogy) connections and healing the mauri (life force) of te taiao and the oranga (thriving/ living) of our people in the process. This research explored the innate relationship between the oranga of te taiao and the oranga of tangata whenua (people of the land) using the case study of one whānau based at their papakāinga (homestead) in Edgecumbe, Aotearoa. The whānau utilised a memorandum of understanding (MOU) created by a whānau member before their passing, in the hopes that it will be honoured in due time. The MOU was the foundations of this kaupapa (topic), bringing forth whānau aspirations, values and tikanga (practices/ customs) in order to create re-alignment to a Māori way of healing and uplifting oranga through a place based whānau approach. The whānau kaupapa aligned with the Tīwaiwaka principles on how to improve the oranga of te taiao and thus the oranga of the people. This research supports the revitalisation of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) through rongoā Māori (ways of healing) and māra kai (gardening). The kaupapa incorporated the plantings of native trees, vegetables and fruit trees to create sustainable changes and promote oranga through connecting to te taiao. Identity and belonging are key elements to Māori whānau thriving, and this research kaupapa alludes to what could be achieved across the motu (country) pertaining to different whānau relevant to their contexts in their rohe (region). A collective approach such as the one utilised within this research promotes kotahitanga (unity), whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (respect) for a common goal. Rather than our differences being hindrances, we identified them as the gifts we bring.