Research Reports

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    E Hāpai Ana i ā Mātou Uara mā roto i Te Mana Whakahaere Raraunga hei Whakapūmau i te Mana Motuhake = Utilising our values through Te Mana Whakahaere Raraunga to enact Māori data sovereignty : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science (Māori Health) at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2022) Te Whata, Felicity Jayne
    Whānau Ora has evolved from a policy position to a practice that provides pathways for whānau to achieve their own moemoeā. Across multiple projects and programmes Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance (Te Tihi) capture large amounts of whānau data. As kaitiaki within our data environment, it is crucial that we ensure the understanding of Māori data sovereignty, actualise it into usable tools, maintain a strength-based approach to data analysis, and implement robust security protocols. Additionally, maintaining the rights of whānau (those whom the data is about) regarding use, access, and dissemination is essential to Māori data sovereignty. This research project seeks to understand Māori data sovereignty through the experience of a Whānau Ora provider by exploring the development of our data governance and management framework, Te Mana Whakahaere Raraunga, and its impact within Te Tihi as well as the wider mahi we engage with. Interviews from key informants who hold expertise in the unique knowledge of Te Tihi and/or Māori data sovereignty were thematically analysed with a deductive approach based on our organisation’s values. The key findings of this research will be illustrated by examples of Māori data sovereignty such as within Kāinga Whānau Ora and Āta - our (data and communications) COVID-19 response, demonstrating how Te Mana Whakahaere Raraunga assists Te Tihi in upholding our organisational values that support our hapori and whānau.
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    Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamase (AmpC) producing Escherichia coli in dairy calves from the Canterbury region : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Veterinary Studies in Veterinary Public Health at Massey University, Manawatū Campus Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Mwenifumbo, Merning
    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global public health concern threatening current effective prevention and treatment options. Infections caused by antimicrobial resistance strains are costly, often harder to treat and sometimes fatal. One group of bacteria that contributes to AMR are the extended beta lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC beta lactamase (AmpC) producing E. coli. These are on the critical list of important antibiotic-resistant bacteria of human importance compiled by the World Health Organisation and are a public health concern due to their resistance to an extended range of beta lactams. The main driver for the spread of AMR is the use of antimicrobials in both human and animals. One potential spread is by the feeding of waste milk to calves. Waste milk is the milk that contains antibiotics or other drugs. Waste milk is not recommended as feed for calves due to its association with the development of antibiotic resistance bacteria. Using the culture depended methods and whole genome sequencing, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL and AmpC producing E. coli isolated from recto-anal mucosal swabs (RAMS) from waste milk fed dairy calves, and to phenotypically and genotypically characterise ESBL and AmpC producing isolates. Recto-anal mucosal swabs samples (n = 40) from waste milk fed dairy calves collected from Canterbury region, New Zealand were screened for antimicrobial resistant E. coli. Fifty-eight percent (23/40) of the calves harboured antibiotic resistant E. coli. 25% (10/40) calves were positive for AmpC producing E. coli and none of the calves were positive for ESBL producing E. coli. The highest prevalence of resistance was observed for tetracycline. PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that all the AmpC positive E. coli were chromosomal mediated with four mutations in the promoter region of the ampC gene. Whole genome sequencing of eight isolates resistant to both tetracycline and streptomycin revealed additional resistance genes that were not tested phenotypically. Using the Clermont phylogrouping method of E. coli, the AmpC positive, the tetracycline and streptomycin resistant E. coli isolates were distributed among phylogroups B1, C and D. In conclusion, this study revealed the presence of AmpC producing E. coli and other resistance genes in E. coli isolated from waste milk fed calves. Further epidemiological studies are required to determine whether these antibiotic resistant E. coli are associated with waste milk.
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    Para Kore : an alternative voice for a zero waste world : a research project presented to Massey University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute of Development Studies, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Banfield, Jane
    Issues of solid waste pollution are viewed as a serious threat to the global Sustainable Development Goals. Waste minimisation in New Zealand centres around a loose government policy framework underpinned by a neoliberal belief in market-driven solutions from the business sector. The traditional ‘waste hierarchy’ model (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Recover) remains at the core of legislation, while the more recently developed ‘Circular Economy’ model is increasingly viewed by both state and business sector as offering new hope. However, strategies for waste minimisation in New Zealand are still failing to reduce waste, as exemplified by the annual growth in waste-to-landfill rates. Given the failures mentioned above, this research looked to investigate the merits of an alternative indigenous approach to waste minimisation based upon a different epistemology. Framed by a hope-filled post-development outlook, an in-depth critique of current literature regarding mainstream waste minimisation strategies was undertaken alongside a qualitative case study with Para Kore Marae Inc., a Māori not-for-profit organisation active in 12 regions of New Zealand. The study revealed there are contradictions within mainstream waste minimisation strategies. Resolution of waste issues is constrained by political adherence to neoliberal economic theory which promotes continuous growth in production and consumption. A dominant metanarrative around waste has developed allowing the collective impact of factors incompatible with waste eradication to remain unacknowledged and unaddressed by state actors. The Para Kore model contrasts significantly with technocentric state-led approaches. Para Kore Marae Inc. views solid waste issues through the spiritual lens of kaitiakitanga, the relationship and consequent responsibility of each person to the natural world. For participants adopting a Para Kore approach, intrinsic motivation developed to align waste reduction behaviours with personal values and cultural principles. In addition to reducing waste-to-landfill, the Para Kore approach resulted in holistic improvements to individual and community wellbeing. Cost and time constraints to waste reduction were not found to be an issue. The most significant challenge to the model was ‘burnout’ experienced by the ‘champion’ facilitators. The Para Kore approach is identified as reflecting the emergent post-neoliberal political framework, the ‘Politics of Belonging’. It is concluded that Para Kore’s approach has significant value not only in engendering waste reduction behaviours within organisations and households but also in reinvigorating individual and community wellbeing.
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    At loggerheads : an examination of afforestation as a climate change prevention tool and environmental policy : a 60-credit Journalism project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Journalism at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Schwanecke, Gianina
    This project examines the impacts of afforestation as a policy tool for mitigating climate change. Additionally, it examines the New Zealand media coverage of the One Billion Trees programme, and how this is influenced by access to sources and the use of framing. It will explore the programme’s tensions between farming and forestry, and native versus exotic tree planting and its implications as a policy to address climate change.
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    A period of change : menstruation in the media : a 60-credit Journalism project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Journalism at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Bhamidipati, Soumya
    This project examines the portrayal of menstruation in news and other media. It provides an in-depth examination of New Zealand media coverage of the ‘Positive Periods’ petition for government funding of menstrual products in schools and explores how news coverage of issues can lead to social change movements. Additionally, it examines the use of framing, news values, as well as the practical limitations of journalists who have covered menstruation stories in New Zealand media.
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    It is not rocket science : a sharper focus is required for New Zealand’s road bridges : a 60-credit Journalism project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Journalism at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Scannell, Mazz
    Bridge collapses due to age and external events occur all over the world, and New Zealand is no exception. Two recent bridge collapses in New Zealand have been attributed to adverse weather events. The ability of bridges to withstand environmental events is based on the quality of the bridge inspection regime and the resulting repairs and maintenance. This research aims to investigate the inspection regime of road bridges in New Zealand. Using case studies, it analyses how bridges are inspected, data is managed and the role of the asset manager in determining repair and maintenance programmes. Influencing factors including bridge age and the inspection practices and procedures of councils are compared to the bridge inspection guidelines published by the New Zealand Transport Agency. This paper will also investigate if New Zealand is ready to address the large number of bridges that are nearing the end of their useful life and will soon either require replacement or substantial remediation. The results show that local authorities are using the official guidelines as a guide rather than a minimum standard. The research and its findings are expected to allow for a better insight into decision making and priority setting for asset managers working in bridge management.
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    The representation of cults / new religious movements in the media : a 60-credit Journalism project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Journalism at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Burmeister, Hope
    This project aimed to discover how cults were represented in the New Zealand media by comparing what was found in international media about cults. It analysed how Gloriavale Christian Community and Shincheonji 2019 news articles were written through themes, sources and language. The accuracy of cult stereotypes was challenged through interviewing people who were part of Gloriavale and Shincheonji. It concludes there were similar features throughout the personal stories. However, the stereotypes are often more simplified or exaggerated than what people have experienced.
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    At war on Twitter? : the impact of gendered harassment across digital platforms on high-profile women in broadcast journalism : a 60-credit Journalism project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Journalism at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Graham-McLay, Charlotte
    This research project explores the impact of gendered harassment across digital platforms on high-profile women in broadcast journalism. The journalistic feature article collated stories of gendered harassment that women journalists had experienced online, most of which they had not spoken publicly about before. The interviews conducted for this feature found a lack of policy in newsrooms to address gendered harassment, and no strong awareness or understanding of the issue in other places journalists might expect to be able to seek redress, such as ACC, counselling services, or their union. Scholarly research into the effects of repeated exposure to trauma on journalists is a fledgling field, and journalists’ exposure to trauma in digital spaces is even less examined or understood. This leaves a broad scope for further research. This project found, through a content analysis, evidence that women broadcasters were subject to more gendered feedback than men. While women broadcasters interviewed said they could weather abuse, most acknowledged that gendered harassment took some form of toll, and that they had been forced to develop mechanisms to cope with it. In keeping with global trends, this project found most New Zealand newsrooms surveyed are not proactively addressing the problem.
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    Moving beyond 'a hierarchy of pecs and penises' : how gay and queer men contest, resist, negotiate, and perform masculinity : 219855 research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements to the degree of Master of Communication at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Kaulback, Martin
    This narrative inquiry examines the identities and lives of nine gay and queer men living in Wellington, New Zealand as narrated and performed in hour-long semi-structured interviews. Viewing identities as social constructions that are generated through people’s interactions within specific physical and temporal contexts, this research project examines the performative construction of gay and queer masculinity, and the effects of gender and sexuality in the participants’ lives. Through the perspective of a queer male researcher, this project locates gay and queer men within their wider struggles with heteronormativity, and gives voice and privilege to their minority identities and experiences. Narrative analysis of the participants’ stories focuses on how gay and queer individuals navigate their lives as non-normative men who are Othered by traditional, hegemonic and hierarchical masculinity. Viewing identities as unstable and requiring of endless (re)negotiation and (re)performance, this research also examines the complex hierarchical construction of hegemonic homomasculinity by some straight-acting gay men who bolster their own gender performances by Othering femme-presenting individuals. It explores how heteronormative gender constructs and hypermasculine, hypersexual stereotypes affect the lives of the participants, identifying poor self-image, feelings of shameful and inadequate masculinity, and the need for secrecy about their sexuality as key drivers in homomasculine identity development. Additionally, media, pornography and violence are examined as significant in the generation and delayed performance of homomasculine identities. Finally, this research also analyses how some takatāpui and queer-identifying participants negotiate Self with high agency, and perform their identities free of the homohierarchy of traditional, hegemonic gender constructs. By integrating aspects of their gendered, sexual Selves within their identities, queer and takatāpui participants make clear the means by which people with non-normative homomasculine identities may be empowered, liberated and validated as people like all others.
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    Fruits of the Fig-Tree. A Counsellor’s Role in Assisting Gifted and Talented Adolescents to Address Their Multipotentiality : research project completed in partial fulfilment of the Master of Counselling degree
    (Massey University, 2013) Hurst, Nicola
    Multipotentiality in gifted and talented adolescents refers to the idea that these individuals have numerous and diverse abilities and interests that can have an impact on career choice. To help these children achieve their potential a broad understanding of the issue of multipotentiality is crucial, as is emotional support and advocacy from counsellors – with school guidance counsellors ideally placed to assist. This article provides information and ideas from academic literature and research to facilitate understanding of the broader concepts and introduce suggested interventions for use with multipotentialed gifted and talented individuals. The principal findings from the review of literature suggest differentiation of counselling, a holistic, values-based and lifespan approach to career planning, mentoring, experiential learning and early intervention, coupled with long-term planning and broad academic study are useful. It has also become clear that much more research is required, particularly from the New Zealand viewpoint.