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Massey Research Online


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    Menstrual cleaning : an easy and convenient solution for menstrual cup sterilisation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025) West, Sophie
    Periods are a monthly occurrence for people with menstrual cycles, causing the need for period products which create large amounts of waste annually and cost an exorbitant amount. As a result, reusable period products have been designed to reduce annual product waste and create more eco-friendly products. These products are more environmentally conscious and cost less than disposable products like tampons and pads. There are a range of reusable products available, but the research and design focus is on the cleaning and sterilising of menstrual cups and discs. Cleaning and sterilising is essential to the use of these products, because of bacteria growth and potential health risks to the user, if left unsanitised. The aim of this practiced-based design research project is to develop a cleaning product for menstrual cups and discs that improves current user experiences, encouraging the use of these reusable products. Ease of use, convenience, and comfort provides the focus for elevated user experience, aligned with achieving sanitary performance. Users can dread the cleaning tasks associated with menstrual products, and it is this aspect of product design and experience that needs to be addressed, if the benefits of reusable menstrual products is to be realised. The convenience, ease of use and sanitary performance, will change the outlook on these tasks and encourage people to regularly sterilise. Development of this product will provide opportunity to encourage discussions and provide solutions for a better and more sustainable way to manage menstruation.
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    Conceptualizing indigenous food sovereignty in Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Oxford Academic, 2026-04-02) Renall N; Te Morenga L
    Objectives To explore how revitalization of mahinga kai practices (traditional foodways) in Aotearoa New Zealand can advance wellbeing, socioeconomic equity, and food sovereignty for Māori (the indigenous peoples). Background Food sovereignty resonates strongly with many indigenous peoples, including Māori, yet its meaning is not always clear. This research sought to understand aspirations for indigenous food sovereignty and identify actionable strategies that can be supported through research, policy, and tribal initiatives. Methods Guided by Kaupapa Māori research principles, the study comprised two phases. Phase 1 involved a focus group exploring whānau Māori experiences of a māra kai (community garden) initiative in relation to wellbeing. Phase 2 examined perspectives and values concerning mahinga kai and food sovereignty. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify shared meanings and practices. Results Three themes identified explained how mahinga kai advances Māori wellbeing: Reclaiming mātauranga (restoring food knowledge and practices disrupted by colonization), Reconnection to ancestral whenua (strengthening whakapapa links between people, ancestors, and land), and Restoration of Papatūānuku (nurturing the earth mother to sustain current and future generations). Food sovereignty was understood not as a return to pre‑European diets, but as an adaptive system that honors tikanga Māori while embracing contemporary realities. Traditional foods remain culturally significant, yet mahinga kai also incorporates introduced species, reflecting that cultural meaning lies in how food is produced, shared, and sustained within Māori values and knowledge systems. The Mahinga Kai Framework: Enacting Food Sovereignty was developed, which organizes principles and outcomes into four interconnected domains: cultural identity, environmental stewardship, system‑level participation, and healthy everyday lifestyles. Together, these domains illustrate how mahinga kai sustains oranga (health and wellbeing). Conclusions Mahinga kai emerged as a living expression of food sovereignty, deeply grounded in cultural values yet responsive to contemporary realities. The framework demonstrates its potential to advance wellbeing and equity.
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    Genomic epidemiology reveals transmission patterns and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Aotearoa New Zealand
    (2020-08-20) Geoghegan JL; Ren X; Storey M; Hadfield J; Jelley L; Jefferies S; Sherwood J; Paine S; Huang S; Douglas J; Mendes F; Sporle A; Baker MG; Murdoch DR; French N; Simpson CR; Welch D; Drummond AJ; Holmes EC; Duchêne S; de Ligt J
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