Research Reports
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/924
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Item Ka Hura te Tai (The Tides of Transition) : former refugees finding a sense of belonging within Kaupapa Māori organisations : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development at Massey University, Manawatū, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Gisa, KimRefugees experience stressful, dangerous and overall life-changing events from the cause of their flight from home to their transit, and even through till their (re)settlement. It is through their difficult journeys where their sense of belonging needs to be renegotiated, even when they may be perceived as ‘safe’ and out of danger within their new place of settlement, and a sense of belonging may not occur automatically. With New Zealand taking in 1500 quota refugees annually through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the country seeks to help these refugees (re)settle and make Aotearoa New Zealand their new home and regain a sense of belonging. Within the context of New Zealand, while there are various organisations involved in refugee (re)settlement this research focuses on Kaupapa Māori organisations that have set out to support former refugees to eventually lead healthier, happier and self-sufficient lives within their communities. Therefore, the aim of this research is to explore whether, and how former refugees’ sense of belonging is supported by interacting with Kaupapa Māori led organisations. Through this research, qualitative approaches were utilised by way of one-on-one interviews with staff members that work with former refugees from a Kaupapa Māori organisation based in Auckland, New Zealand called Kahui Tū Kāha. Through application of a value-based approach and belonging conceptual lens, this research highlights the various cross-cultural connections that can be seen between the diverse cultures of former refugees and how these then intersect with Kaupapa Māori framings. These findings support the idea that Kaupapa Māori values and cultural factors help refugees better connect to a new country and respective community, while also highlighting the role of belonging as a key contributor to positive well-being outcomesItem Helping or hindering solo mothers in need? A rapid realist review of Aotearoa New Zealand’s welfare state and support for solo mothers : a research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Policy at Massey University, Wellington(Massey University, 2025) Hooper-Smith, RyanSolo mothers are some of the most vulnerable people in Aotearoa New Zealand. They face a suite of complex, intertwined hardships exacerbated by the housing they live in (Pehi et al., 2025; Stanley & Monod de Froideville, 2020), the employment they can access and the wages they are paid (Campbell et al., 2016; Martin et al., 2024), the food they can afford (Macaulay et al., 2023; Riol & Connelly, 2023), and the way they are treated by the very people employed to help them (Cram et al., 2020, Gray, 2019). The welfare state, a web of services and support designed to be a safety-net for the most vulnerable, is built into the foundations of most Western countries (Flora & Heidenheimer, 1981; Kuhnle & Sander, 2021). Yet, in many, poverty rates are stubbornly high (Horemans & Marx, 2018; Pérez-Corral & Moreno-Mínguez, 2025), including in Aotearoa (Dwyer, 2015; Madden, 2016). The research used a critical realist theoretical position, executed through a rapid realist review, to explore the extent that Aotearoa’s welfare state supports solo mothers in the context of these complex, intertwined hardships. The research examined three types of policy interventions: cash transfers, in-kind benefits, and Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs). A de-facto best-practice model was developed, setting out how welfare states support solo mothers across these intervention types using international and local evidence, and was then tested against Aotearoa’s suite of welfare policies. The research found that a welfare state that supports solo mothers is generous, universal but with tailored targeting of some services, flexible to changing circumstances, and with a broad-spectrum of in-kind and cash support. In Aotearoa, there are a number of gaps and opportunities to address the differential between the current provision of welfare and this ideal model for solo mothers, and a long way to go to establish a welfare state that fundamentally helps, not hinders, their success. While the research does not set out explicit recommendations for change, it presents a suite of potential pathways for future research to determine how Aotearoa can develop a welfare state that truly supports solo mothers.Item Exploring the role of mobile internet in the capability expansion of Nepalese farmers : a research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of International Development, Massey University(Massey University, 2025-02) Ban, BikasThis research report aims to improve the understanding of the role mobile Internet plays in expanding the capabilities of Nepalese farmers. A notable gap is evident in the existing research literature regarding the value added by mobile Internet in enhancing farming and agricultural productivity in Nepal. Given the widespread adoption of the mobile Internet and its instrumental roles, a comprehensive study is needed to address this gap. This research report makes an initial exploration in that direction. Apart from the immediate impacts of mobile Internet in farming, the results and findings are also analysed using Sen’s Capability Approach to understand the role of mobile Internet technology in the capability expansion of the farmers. A sample of five farmers was selected using purposive sampling gain some initial insights. A qualitative data analysis method is used to codify and categorise the accumulated data into separate themes. The results showed a positive relationship between mobile Internet use and farmers' productivity and income. An expansion in their capabilities is also observed due to the benefits received using mobile Internet. However, specific barriers and challenges also remain that prohibit the benefits from being achieved to a greater extent. Suggestions received from farmers during the interview and policy recommendations formulated through the data analysis have been incorporated in the report to extend its potential benefits.Item The mana of the Pacific youth voice in climate action : exploring the impact of human rights-based approaches on the operations of Pacific youth-led organisations and the empowerment of their members : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) West, EmmaAnthropogenic climate change is considered to be the defining challenge of our time (United Nations, n.d.). Perturbed by the threat of climate impacts, youth around the world have been mobilising to demand stronger action from political bodies and polluting industries and have taken on leadership roles aiming to influence climate policies (Mutiarini, 2025, p.125). Pacific youth activists are particularly prominent champions of this cause, injecting a renewed momentum into the global climate effort. Their advocacy for more rapid progression towards a sustainable future for people and planet has led to climate action by political bodies at the national, regional, and international levels. Previous research has found that climate-focused youth organisations around the world have placed human rights at the heart of their endeavours, “pioneering a rights-based approach to climate change” (Gasparri et al, 2021, p.105). As the lands and livelihoods of Pacific youth are set to be among the most negatively impacted by climate change (UN Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, n.d.), this report aims to contribute to the literature by specifically spotlighting three Pacific climate-focused youth-led organisations. It seeks to understand the extent to which they have adopted human rights-based approaches, and the extent to which this has impacted their operations in national, regional, and/or global political fora, as well as the empowerment of their members. This research foregrounds the uniquely Pacific perspectives and understandings of human rights-based approaches held by these organisations, which offer both an invaluable contribution, and challenge to, dominant Western human rights approaches. It also elucidates the complexity and contentious nature of the concept of youth empowerment in the Pacific context, and throws into sharp relief the alternative value proposition that Pacific youth bring to the global climate conversation — one that is rooted in the protection of the rights of present and future generations, their lands, cultures, and traditional knowledges. Also reflected upon are the emerging and salient themes, namely the power of the Pacific youth voice which is grounded in local perspectives and cultural identities, the reclaiming of narratives, and the ability of a human rights focus to bring about change. Further research undertaken with a greater number of Pacific youth-led organisations would be advantageous to build upon these findings, and to contribute a richer understanding of Pacific perspectives to these domains of knowledge.Item 'Land blong iumi' : the rise of Solomon Island women combating unsustainable logging practices and fostering environmental protection : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development, Development Studies, Massey University Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-06) Afeau, Maria QwarongaThis research examines the significant role of a group of self-appointed women rangers (Iqwa Women Rangers, IWR) in Iqwa, Malaita, Solomon Islands, in addressing the detrimental impacts of unsustainable logging practices. Key to their success in promoting environmental protection was their transition from a grassroots informal environmental movement to a formalised community-based organisation named the Leileigela Conservation Group (LCG). The study aims to understand how this women-led initiative challenged traditional gender norms and roles, engaged male allyship, and fostered community resilience. By employing qualitative research methods, primarily 'Tok stori' and observational and reflective techniques, the research provides an in-depth look at the dynamics of women's empowerment and leadership in environmental protection, in the face of economic, social, cultural, psychological and political challenges. The research findings reveal that the pressure exerted by the IWR/LCG led to the cessation of harmful logging operations in a major area of customary/tribal land surrounding Iqwa, and the exploration of alternative livelihood options. This shift not only halted environmental degradation but also promoted sustainable economic activities, enhancing community resilience. Significantly, the inclusion of male rangers and community-wide support further amplified the movement's impact, showcasing a powerful model of collective environmental guardianship. These research findings are significant as they highlight the transformative power of gender-inclusive and community-led conservation efforts, whilst demonstrating that women's leadership and empowerment plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development. Critically, a conservation-only approach is not feasible in cash-poor societies; people absolutely need to know there are alternative livelihood options as well. Furthermore, this research emphasises the importance of an integrated approach to environmental protection activities that incorporates a gender-sensitive lens, particularly in patriarchal societies to ensure equitable and effective conservation efforts. It is this approach that contributes to a broader understanding of how women's empowerment and environmental activism intersect to champion sustainable development.Item How indigenous systems and emergent leadership in the tourism sector in Vanuatu contribute to resilience in the face of shocks : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of International Development at Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-03-10) Gadsby, WadeThe Covid-19 pandemic severely challenged the tourism-dependent economies of Small Island States. Vanuatu’s international borders were closed for two years and, with tourism income making up almost half of the country's GDP, the people of Vanuatu had to adapt to survive. Historically, Pacific Island nations have adapted and worked well through crisis events, and this study examines how Pacific people have utilised Indigenous resilience systems to respond to recent shocks. In particular, it examines how ‘emergent leadership’, defined in the literature as managing uncertainty and mitigating crisis factors (Hunt, 2019), can help to achieve resilience in the face of crises. The research sought to define key components of both emergent leadership and resilience in the tourism sphere in Vanuatu, and it highlighted the role that emergent leadership plays within the Tourism Resilience Framework – a novel approach to operationalising an Indigenous values set in the tourism sphere. This research found that there were certain key factors that contributed to resilience in Pacific contexts, specifically: traditional knowledge (kastom nolej); the informal economy (kastom ekonomi); and Plan B (vanua). These factors have been central to past adaptation in the face of crises and could inform future responses to shocks and stressors. It also found that emergent leadership materialises in a crisis, showcasing the traits of a comprehensive understanding of the situation, adaptability, passion, and also through the use of storytelling as a means to convey change – particularly in the instances of slow-burn crises. The interaction of emergent leadership's traits and key factors of resilience are portrayed through a pawpaw tree metaphor, illustrating how they inform the necessary elements of effective adaptation in the face of shocks and stressorsItem Red flags in recruitment : communicative impacts of ambivalent sexism on women in a simulated recruitment scenario : a research project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Communication at Massey University, Albany Campus, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Robertson, StephanieThis paper explores the communicative impacts of ambivalently sexist communication on self-identified women with varying strengths of gender identity through the vignette of a simulated recruitment scenario. 90 participants completed an online survey assessing their strength of gender identity before watching a video of a recruiter containing no sexist communication, hostilely sexist communication, or benevolently sexist communication (using Glick and Fiske’s 1996 theory of ambivalent sexism). They then completed assessments around their anticipations of contact quality and reluctant accommodation with the recruiter and their trust in the recruiter based on the video they watched. The results were analysed in SPSS using the PROCESS macro. Both hostilely sexist communication and benevolently sexist communication yielded significant decreases in anticipated contact quality and trust when compared to the control (no sexism) group. Both sexism conditions also resulted in significant increases in expectation of the need for reluctantly accommodating behaviour. No significant effect was found for strength of gender identity as a moderating variable. These results are broadly consistent with other research into ambivalent sexism, but provide a unique communications-based lens through which to view its impacts.Item Neurodivergence and marginalised gender - a thematic analysis of womens’ and gender-diverse peoples’ experiences of ASD and ADHD : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2023) Goodman, Jessica MayIt is widely known that women are diagnosed with ADHD and ASD at much lower rates than men – however, this may not be due to actual differences in prevalence rates. One suggested way of tackling this issue, is by looking at neurodevelopmental disorders through a neurodiversity lens, rather than simply a bio-medical lens, and normalising self-identification and more collaborative, bottom-up approaches to creating clinical knowledge and diagnostic criteria. Neurodiversity is a fairly new and rapidly developing concept, and there are wide-ranging interpretations of what it exactly refers to. The aim of this research project was to conduct a thematic media analysis of mainstream online media content (blogs and news articles) created by or about people of marginalised genders (women and gender-diverse people) with ADHD and/or ASD and looking at their perspectives and experiences of neurodivergence. This project takes a Social Constructionist approach and is aligned with the values of Neurodiversity Paradigm and the Social Model of Disability. The findings of the project included the following themes: ‘Gendered Differences – Experiences of Neurodivergent Women and Gender-Diverse People’; ‘Education and Awareness’; ‘Intersectional Inequity’; and ‘Neurodivergent Identity’. There is significant value to this online media content: gives a sense of community, helps increase awareness and decrease stigma, gives lived experiences a platform. The implications of this research are that it becomes clear the value of Walker’s (2021) Neurodiversity Paradigm and the value of the ‘neurodivergent’ self-identity label for many NDMG. Until DSM criteria of ADHD and ASD better reflect the experiences of ADHD and ASD women and gender-diverse people, and until society treats such people more equitably and kindly, it is unsurprising that these people are seeking out their own strengths-based identity.Item Em-power lifting : a case study of women’s weightlifting in Aotearoa : a research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of International Development, Institute of Development Studies, School of People, Environment and Planning, Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2022) Ogilvy, Jamie R. I.Through application of an Indigenous (Māori) informed theoretical framing, articulated as Mana Wāhine values, this research report explores the phenomenon of weightlifting with Indigenous (Māori) women from Aotearoa New Zealand, as a vehicle for empowerment. The research project was guided by two main research questions, firstly, what is the role of weightlifting in developing personal, relational, and collective empowerment for Aotearoa New Zealand Indigenous (Māori) women? Secondly, how does this empowerment align with strengthening the values, understood as Mana Wāhine values, of Indigenous (Māori) women? Data was collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews, nine wāhine (female) participants and one tane (male) participant. All participants were aged between 20 – 50 years old and had been participating in strength sports as an athlete or coach or both; six female and one male who were current or past Olympic weightlifters, two female strong women competitors and one power lifter. All participants were of Māori decent or coached wāhine Māori or were allies/accomplices (Whitinui, 2021) of Māori women in strength sport. Findings suggest that weightlifting and strength-based training enhanced the development of the self, increased body satisfaction thus positivity towards body image because women identifying as feeling physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually strong and thus powerful. Their ability to set and achieve goals was enhanced and this carried over into other areas of life. While seemingly an individual sport, feelings of belonging and camaraderie indicated better relational empowerment, as well as collective empowerment due to being part of the lifting community and subscribing to a similar kaupapa. In terms of how these changes aligned with Mana Wāhine values, wāhine spoke about having a sense of authority, notions of manaakitanga and giving back to others and the kaupapa of strong wāhine. Overall, this research highlights that strength-based sport like weightlifting can be a vehicle for personal, relational, and collective empowerment with these elements lending themselves towards strengthening Mana Wāhine values. Of great importance here was the transformative implications noted for women. However, any broader transformative impacts beyond the individuals will require the ongoing challenges of predetermined ideologies i.e., stereotypes of women not being strong, or norms, rules, exclusionary practices and under resourcing, for example, which sees women’s lifting to be situated at the margins. Empowerment of the individual is all well and good, but the individual can only go so far. “Empowerment requires changes to systems, rules, and norms, which undermine large groups of people [Māori women], as well as changes at the level of the individual” (Scheyvens, 2020, p. 120).Item A soil-landscape model of Blind River/Otuwhero, Marlborough : a case study(Massey University, 2024) Oliver, MattSoils form in complex, four-dimensional, dynamic systems across landscapes. The role of a pedologist is to explore and describe the complexity and variability of soils within that landscape. The most common method used to document soils in the landscape is the soil map. Modern soil mapping has migrated to digital platforms where a much greater range of soil attribute information can be delivered at more appropriate scales. However, often soil mapping projects are carried out without specific reference to the landforms that the studied soils lie upon, in other words a soil-landscape model (S-LM) is often not included with the finished mapping outputs. The inclusion of an explicit soil-landscape model alongside a soil map is important for several reasons such as prediction of variability in soils across a landscape, reduction is survey costs, maintenance of an historic record and development of soil attribute mapping that allows interpolation of soil properties across the landscape rather than confining and defining soils into ‘crisp’ soil polygons. Map users who understand the S-LM can apply its principles across the wider landscape and to smaller landforms than would otherwise be captured on a broader-scale soil map. This study reviews soil-landscape modelling literature then combines Geographic Information System analysis with field work to establish a S-LM for the Blind River / Otuwhero region of Marlborough, New Zealand.
