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- ItemA study of the taxonomic diversity and a phylogenetic assessment of New Zealand Sun Orchids (Thelymitra) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Biological Sciences at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 9th April 2027(Massey University, 2025) Jones, Hayden RhysThe sun orchids, otherwise known as Thelymitra, are a diverse genus of terrestrial orchids found in the South Pacific. Within New Zealand they are represented by approximately 15 species, although there has long been debate on the exact number, due to the existence of species complexes and suspected undescribed taxa, some of conservation concern. Historically taxonomists have struggled to accurately document diversity of this genus in NZ, and recent and rapid taxonomic revision of Australian species has left the taxonomy of NZ sun orchids lagging behind, and in desperate need of an update. In this thesis I present the most complete plastid marker-based phylogeny of New Zealand sun orchids to date, comprising 15 species and six entities known informally by tag names and thought to be undescribed species. This is paired with a nuclear marker phylogeny, with sequences obtained through a novel application of Oxford Nanopore Sequencing that has enabled the identification of putative allopolyploid species which had previously only been hypothesised. Finally, I present an analysis of the T. longifolia complex, investigating nuclear and chloroplast genome variations within it, and how those relate to the forms commonly reported in the national botanical literature. The findings of this work support the existence of new species of Thelymitra within NZ, although further morphological study is needed to circumscribe these. Evidence suggesting an allopolyploid origin for at least four species present in NZ, which had previously only been hypothesised, was detected in nuclear sequence data. Suggestions for future work is also made, particularly with regard to filling the gaps in understanding still remaining for the undescribed forms in this genus.
- ItemAssessing diverse swards and regenerative management for mitigating nitrous oxide emissions from urine patches : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Animal Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 31st March 2027(Massey University, 2025) Qiao, XiaonanNitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas and is a significant driver of climate change. Grazing systems are geographically extensive and a major contributor to rising N₂O levels, due to their reliance on synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilisers to meet production goals. Increasing regulation and public scrutiny are currently driving a re-evaluation of N use in agricultural systems. The adoption of regenerative farming practices for livestock production, represents a potential management strategy for the reduction of N₂O emissions from grazing systems. Regenerative grazing systems are typically characterised by reduced N inputs, use of diverse pastures (i.e., grasses, legumes, and herbs), longer grazing rotations, and higher post-grazing residuals, which are expected to impact plant growth and soil function/health, potentially increase N use efficiency and biodiversity, and thus affect N₂O emissions. This study site was located at Massey University's Dairy No.1 Farm in Palmerston North, New Zealand (40°22'35"S, 175°36'49"E). Three adjacent paddocks were selected at this site, with similar soil type, classified as sandy loam soil. A total of 60 static chambers were used to measure N₂O emissions from 3 different pastures: i) perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) under contemporary management (Std-Con); ii) hyper-diverse pasture under regenerative management (Div-Reg); and iii) hyper-diverse pasture under contemporary management (Div-Con). Three months before the study commenced, grazing cows (Jerseys, Friesians and Crossbreds) were excluded from accessing the pastures. Static flux chambers (250 mm diameter × 200 mm height) were inserted 100 mm into the soil 2 weeks prior to the initial sampling. Soil samples (~10 cm) were taken adjacent to the chambers to assess nutrient content. Each pasture system had 24 dairy cows which only grazed that system. On day 0, fresh urine was collected opportunistically from each group of cows and was uniformly applied inside half of the chambers within each respective pasture at a rate of 10 L/m². Day 0 N₂O flux measurements were collected 4 hours after urine application, with measurement repeated at 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 13, 16, 20, 23, 28, 30, 38, 44, 55, 56, and 70 days. Data were analysed as repeated measurements and the area under the curve was computed by trapezoidal rule representing the cumulative emissions. The N concentration of applied urine was 0.3% in the Std-Con and Div-Reg, and 0.2% in the Div-Con. Nitrous oxide emissions in urine patch from the Std-Con and Div-Con pastures were both significantly (P<0.01) greater (55%), compared to Div-Reg pasture system. When urine was applied, cumulative N₂O emissions throughout the study period were 3.57, 3.44, and 1.56 kg N₂O-N/ha for Div-Con, Std-Con, and Div-Reg, respectively. These findings suggest a potential role for regenerative practices to mitigate N₂O emissions.
- ItemThe Carnegie factor : American philanthropic power in New Zealand (1928-1941) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master's in Arts in History at Massey University, Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 25th February 2027(Massey University, 2025) Latham, Ian RossIn 1928, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the philanthropic institution established by the U.S. billionaire industrialist Andrew Carnegie, sent an emissary to New Zealand to explore opportunities to expand his philanthropy in education and learning. The former head of Columbia Teachers College in New York, Dean James E. Russell, reported to Frederick Paul Keppel, the Carnegie president, that New Zealand’s university colleges were under developed, under-supported, and struggled to provide positive learning environments for undergraduate students. Following these discoveries, Carnegie invested almost $5 50,000 (approximately $1 8.3 million in New Zealand dollars today) in educational research, library development, and travel to the United States for promising New Zealand professionals and academics. But the grants were not scholarships or endowments. With insights provided by trusted advisors, Keppel developed his initiatives entirely in New York. To implement them in New Zealand, he worked with university leaders, administrators, librarians, government officials, and other contacts. If New Zealanders agreed to the conditions and mandates that Carnegie imposed, funding likely would be provided. This expression of philanthropic power, carefully controlled by Carnegie, was welcomed in New Zealand: philanthropy of this kind – and on this scale – had not been experienced before, and it arrived unexpectedly at a difficult time in New Zealand’s history, made worse by the Depression. But while officials welcomed Carnegie’s interventions and much-needed funds, they did not do so unconditionally, pointedly resisting conditions they could not accept, or meet. Nonetheless, Carnegie created change that persists in New Zealand today. This study of that history was developed through primary source, archival records in New York and New Zealand, which documented the relationships that Keppel and his colleagues established with New Zealand’s educational, library, and governmental leaders.
- ItemConversing and conforming : small business owners’ lived experiences of family communication patterns in their youth : a reflexive thematic analysis : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Business Studies in Communication at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Fordyce, NataliaSmall businesses are critical to the healthy functioning of the New Zealand economy. Due to the scale of these businesses, owners are typically heavily involved in the operations of their business. There is significant value in understanding the lived experiences of small New Zealand business owners during their forma.ve years, as this contributes greatly to how they perceive and interact with the world today. However, limited research to date has been concerned with the childhood experiences of small business owners, and even less exists in a New Zealand context. Using Family Communication Patterns (FCP) theory, this study aims to address this gap by asking how the family communication patterns experienced in early life may have impacted on the lived experiences of small New Zealand business owners. Taking a qualita.ve approach to this often quantitatively geared theory, a phenomenological theoretical framework was engaged while using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) to explore the lived experiences of eight small business owners. These business owners live and were raised in New Zealand, and now own businesses of less than 20 staff, placing this study in a uniquely New Zealand context. Through enac.ng RTA, six themes were generated from the small business owners’ experiences: (1) Independence from an Early Age, (2) Religiosity and Associated Values, (3) Nuanced Family Dynamics, (4) Conforming to Authority, (5) New Zealand: An Emotionally Guarded Culture, and (6) Rejec.ng or Emula.ng Family Practices. The findings depict the lived experiences of small business owners to be characterised by independence from an early age, which is tied into resilience built from overcoming adversity, as well as problem solving and self-efficacy. Also indicated in the findings is the important grounding of religiously oriented family communication, as well as the culturally situated discomfort individuals feel disclosing their feelings and emotions. Finally, it is evident that childhood experiences of family communication continue to have a great impact in the lives of the small business owners today.
- ItemLiving rivers : an ecopoetics of mutuality and flow : b a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Creative Writing at Massey University, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 2nd May 2028(Massey University, 2025) Water, EstherThis Master’s thesis examines relationships with rivers in order to explore the porosity between our shared, animate lifeworlds. It asks how language and the praxis of ecopoiesis can be used to acknowledge this relationship and explores how an ethic of care, gratitude, reciprocity and respect contributes to it. Situated within ecocriticism, and drawing on ecofeminist critical theory, this thesis uses both critical and creative enquiry to dwell in the following questions: What is my relationship with rivers? How can language and literature be used to reveal mutualities between rivers and humans? How does my desire for whitewater kayaking and re-creation help or hinder rivers? What do New Zealand’s laws and policies offer in the way of protecting the health of rivers? Is a rights-based framing of rivers enough? What does a kinship approach offer? What do rivers teach us? And importantly - what does a river want? The critical portion of the thesis uses a literature review to explore ecofeminist critical theory and embodied enquiry, and examines the interrelated theories of ecocriticism, ecopoetics and ecopoiesis. It delves into worlding and contrasts rights-based framings with a kinship approach. It investigates a grammar of animacy and enquires into the history and strengths of the lyric essay – the chosen form for five of the six creative pieces which follow the critical enquiry. Overall, I argue that the praxis of ecopoiesis - the conscious practice of being with and alongside the living world and beholding this through language - both illuminates and amplifies the value and importance of our relationships with the living world. In a time increasingly riven by difference, to be-held by and be-hold the living world, to re-cover and re-learn connections and to embrace a grammar of animacy is one way of building stories of care.
- ItemSacred spaces : a data-driven study of indoor environment quality, energy efficiency, and management practices in Sri Lankarama Temple, Otahuhu, New Zealand : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Construction (Research) in Construction Project Management, School of Built Environment, Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Warnasuriya, R.D.S.KTemples, such as Sri Lankarama Temple, situated at Otahuhu, New Zealand, are important for their cultural, spiritual, architectural, and communal significance. They act as hubs for cultural preservation, education, meditation, and social interaction. Because poor air quality can cause discomfort, decreased cognitive function, respiratory problems, and long-term degradation of temple materials, it is imperative that temples maintain a clean, stable, and healthy indoor environment. A careful and context-sensitive approach is needed to strike a balance between IEQ and energy efficiency. While minimizing energy use is essential, through avoiding excessive use of fans, air conditioning, and artificial lighting, inadequate ventilation and humidity control can result in poor IEQ while will negatively impact the building and it occupants. The aim of the study is to analyse the relationship between indoor Environment quality (IEQ), energy consumption, and building management practices across different spaces, identifying key inefficiencies and proposing data-driven strategies to optimise both occupant health and energy efficiency. As religious buildings are often overlooked in environmental and energy studies, this research aims to fill a critical gap by providing a data-driven analysis of how indoor conditions, energy usage, and operational practices interact in such settings. The temple comprises a range of diverse spaces, including prayer rooms, meditation halls, a kitchen, a library, and communal areas, each with different occupancy patterns and functional demands. The study was guided by five key objectives: to assess the compliance of IEQ with recommended international thresholds for temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide, to Compare IEQ performance across different rooms within the temple, to analyse energy building consumption and the contribution of IEQ appliances, to investigating current practices influences the temple’s energy efficiency and IEQ, recommend strategies to enhance IEQ while maintaining efficiency through synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data. A mixed-methods approach was used to accomplish these goals. Using Internet of Things (IoT)-based sensors (EnviroQ), environmental data was gathered continuously for 30 days during Aril 2025, measuring CO₂, temperature, and relative humidity in six indoor spaces using 8 sensors. As a result, more than 15,000 data points were obtained and subjected to statistical and descriptive analysis. An overview of the appliances in each room and the temple's monthly electricity bills were used to estimate energy consumption. The building manager was also interviewed in a semi-structured manner to evaluate the temple's maintenance procedures, equipment usage, and air circulation. The findings demonstrated that the temple's overall IEQ performance, recorded 70.88% of temperature readings falling within the comfortable 20–24°C range, the temperature levels were relatively well-controlled. Additionally, areas such as the kitchen and meditation hall showed improved thermal consistency. On the other hand, humidity was a consistent problem in almost every area, with over 96% of recorded values surpassing the suggested upper limit of 60%. The open living room, kitchen, and prayer rooms were especially troublesome because of the high moisture content. With regards to CO2 level, more than 90% of readings falling within acceptable range (below 1000 ppm). Prayer Room 2 showed alarming results, with over 54% of CO₂ readings above the above the acceptable threshold, suggesting insufficient ventilation during periods of high occupancy. It was specially the case during certain occasional and cultural activities. On the other hand, open living room and library maintained excellent air quality with regards to CO2 level due to natural ventilation. High energy consumption did not always translate into better IEQ, according to energy analysis. Even though they consumed the most electricity, the kitchen, prayer rooms, and meditation halls continued to have high humidity and occasionally poor air quality. Conversely, low-energy areas like the library demonstrated strong IEQ results, indicating that well-planned, passively ventilated areas can sustain comfort levels without consuming a lot of energy. The majority of management practices were found to be reactive. The main source of ventilation was natural; mechanical systems were only employed for special occasions. Decisions were typically made based on observation rather than data, and there were no real-time monitoring systems in place. Building operators, who are mostly volunteers lacked environmental control and energy efficiency training, and there were no specific rules in place to control the use of, HVAC, lights, or other equipment in different rooms. The results led to specific room-specific recommendations, such as adding CO₂-triggered ventilation systems in high-occupancy rooms, installing dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and putting smart controls and thermal curtains into place. To promote responsive, data-driven environmental management, it was also suggested that volunteers receive basic training and a real-time IEQ dashboard. The study makes significant contributions in spite of these limitations. It illustrates the importance of implementing energy audits, qualitative interviews, and quantitative sensor data to create a comprehensive picture of building performance. It also shows how modern environmental monitoring and energy optimisation techniques can greatly benefit sacred spaces, even though they are traditionally run. By implementing these suggestions, Sri Lankarama Temple could enhancing occupants/visitors comfort, safeguarding health, while cutting down on energy waste. By doing so, it can become a model for sustainable architecture of spiritual spaces, contributing to preservation of its cultural and spiritual mission. The impact and applicability of this approach will be expanded through future research that includes integrated energy and IEQ metering, long-term monitoring, and comparative studies across multiple heritage sites.
- ItemA behavioural analysis of contest and predation performance in the Australian bronze jumping spider (Helpis minitabunda) (Koch, 1880) (Araneae: Salticidae) : a thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biological Science at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Cox, DabriaWhole-organism performance encompasses the ability of an individual to perform ecologically significant tasks, including foraging, competition and reproduction. Performance is shaped by environmental influences, physiology, morphology, and behaviour. While there has been a lot of research into individual components of performance, fewer studies have investigated how components of performance might interact. In my thesis, I test whether predation and contest performance interact in the jumping spider Helpis minitabunda (Koch, 1880) (Araneae, Salticidae). In Chapter Two, I quantified the contest behaviour of H. minitabunda, examining juvenile-juvenile, female-female and male-male contest performance in controlled conditions. I identified patterns in contest escalation and tested how size influences contest outcomes. I found that contests in H. minitabunda consist of three escalating phases: the assessment, display and contact phase. I found that juveniles, females and males were equally likely to start the assessment phase. However, males were more likely to escalate into the display phase than females or juveniles, and both females and males were more likely to initiate the contact phase than juveniles. Size differences between opponents did not influence contest outcome. Juvenile assessment strategies most closely match the mutual assessment strategy. However, the assessment strategies of males and females did not match any traditional assessment model. My results suggest that there are differences in agonistic behaviour at different developmental stages in H. minitabunda. In Chapter Three, I assessed the predation behaviour of H. minitabunda in a standardised model prey assay and a voracity assay to quantify predation performance. I found a correlation between latency for the spider to emerge and prey capture success. However, there was no relationship between latency to first prey capture and the number of prey caught. This suggests that predatory traits are shaped by both personality traits and contextual cues. In iii Chapter Four, I tested whether predation and contest performance is correlated in H. minitabunda. I assayed predatory behaviour using a voracity assay, and contest behaviour using a mirror assay, both of which can be used as measures of aggression. I found no direct correlation between predation and contest performance. However, body condition strongly influenced voracity, despite controlling recent feeding history. This suggests that predation and contest performance rely on different traits for performance success. My results offer insights into how behaviour, physiology and morphology interact to shape performance in different ecological tasks in the jumping spider H. minitabunda.
- ItemHow farm input sales representatives inform their advice and interactions with farmers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Simpson, LauraEmbedded advisors, such as farm input sales representatives (FISRs), are part of a network of rural professionals who have a fundamental role in supporting on-farm decision making and innovation. The role of the embedded advisor is to provide advice on products and services the company they work for provides. Research into agricultural advisory has identified the knowledge gap in how embedded advisors gain their knowledge and expertise through their interactions. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the interactions within embedded advisor networks, the information which these advisors seek, and the actors who provide this information to the embedded advisor. Using two case studies, data is gathered through semi-structured interviews of two FISRs who work for the same input supply company. Interview questions enquired about how these FISRs build their networks, the actors they interact with, the knowledge shared through their networks, and their opinions on the important factors of the role. The results confirm the importance of networks to an advisor. These networks are a combination of actors who are either internal or external to the company which employs them and provide knowledge that is relevant to the products the FISR sells to farmers. The internal actors include their FISR colleagues and members from the inhouse agronomy team. External actors include farmers, and actors from supplier companies, market supply companies, local agricultural contractors, and from industry good organisations. FISRs will go to different actors within their network to gain technical product knowledge, information on practical use of products, and for a sounding board on advice, interactions, and emotional support. The focus of the FISRs is to provide relevant advice to farmers, which challenges the view from previous studies that implies embedded advisors show sale target bias. FISRs are in a constant state of learning through non-formal learning practices with other actors in their networks. This study contributes to the knowledge in the interactions within agricultural advisory networks by focusing on the role of the embedded advisor.
- ItemForgotten aviators : the journey, experiences and contributions of Māori airmen to 75 (NZ) Squadron during the Second World War : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (History), College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University. EMBARGOED until 11th July 2026(Massey University, 2025) Harvey, TaineThis thesis examines the journeys, experiences and contributions of a group of 29 Māori airmen who flew in various capacities with 75 (NZ) Squadron. It first explores Māori enlistment in the military prior to the Second World War. It looks at the early Māori pioneers in aviation and how they paved the way for Māori airmen joining at the beginning of the Second World War. It argues that the Māori War Effort Organisation played a critical role in Māori recruitment at the dawn of the Second World War, but much of the focus lay in recruiting men into the 28th (Māori) Battalion. While the ranks of the battalion began to fill, a small group of Māori men chose to begin the long journey towards joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force. This thesis follows their experiences at various training schools in Canada and New Zealand, where they became skilled in their respective trades. After training, the airmen moved to the United Kingdom to begin preparations for joining an operational squadron. These men would join 75 (NZ) Squadron at various times throughout the Second World War. This thesis details their operational sorties with the squadron and their experiences while on base. It explores the broader picture of the European theatre. It will also examine their post-war lives and reintegration into civilian life and argues that policies concerning returned servicemen were applied unevenly and did not honour the contributions of these Māori airmen.
- ItemBuilding a dynasty : the familial politics of Augustus, 44 BC – AD 14 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History at Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) McRae, Tayla AshleeThe first princeps, Augustus, used a range of strategic familial tools to consolidate his power and create a dynasty which would rule the Roman Empire until AD 68. He orchestrated a series of marriages that strengthened his own family unit with the hopes of children with powerful ancestry and lineage. Adoption was another vital tool, as it legally gave Augustus sons to whom he could pass on his wealth, power, and legacy. This was a tool with which he was very familiar, having been adopted posthumously by his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, which significantly advanced his political standing. He also ensured that men from within the domus Augusta were given significant political and military roles which ensured that Augustus’ influence throughout the Empire was widespread. This thesis explores these methods used by Augustus to solidify and strengthen his unprecedented levels of power and examines the roles of key figures from within the family – such as Livia, Octavia, Julia, Agrippa, Tiberius, and Gaius and Lucius Caesar – who were central to the princeps’ dynastic plans. By intertwining personal familial relationships with political strategy, Augustus not only secured his own position but also set a precedent for the dynastic nature of Roman imperial rule.
