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    A decade of shaking in the Garden City: the dynamics of preparedness, perceptions, and beliefs in Canterbury, New Zealand, and implications for earthquake information
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2024-11-11) Becker JS; Vinnell LJ; Doyle EEH; McBride SK; Paton D; Johnston DM; Fallou L
    Introduction: This study explored earthquake preparedness over time—before, during, and 10 years after the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence (CES) in New Zealand (NZ; known as Aotearoa in te ao Māori). Method: Surveys of Canterbury residents were conducted in 2009, 2013, and 2021, using variables derived from Community Engagement Theory (CET). The surveys measured earthquake perceptions and beliefs, participation and engagement, and preparedness actions. Results were compared across the three samples. Results: Findings indicate that perceptions and beliefs (e.g., risk perception, outcome expectancy beliefs), and types of preparedness actions taken (e.g., collection of survival items, structural preparedness, community and/or agency relationships), differed over time, depending on people's experiences before, during, and after the CES. For example, during and after the CES, people were more likely to believe that preparing provided a benefit to daily life, but less likely to think it could reduce property damage, perhaps due to people's experiences of disruption and damage during the earthquakes. Discussion: An understanding of such dynamics can assist with the provision and timing of risk and preparedness information. This study highlights the importance of providing applicable and actionable preparedness information, that is relevant to people's experiences, throughout an earthquake sequence. Such information might evolve and change in focus over time depending on risks and needs. Focus could also be given to information that builds peoples beliefs and capacities to undertake preparedness in evolving situations. Understanding preparedness in the context of different experiences and timeframes is useful in helping update models such as the CET, where the dynamics of time might be better incorporated.
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    Planning in the front end of flagship projects post-disaster : a Canterbury earthquake study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Management at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2022) Rodrigo, Witharanage Lourdes Niransha
    In the recent past, governments around the world have been using large public-funded projects to rebuild their disaster-stricken cities. Large public-builds, better known as flagship projects, have come under scrutiny due to unfavourable project outcomes. The continuity to under-deliver expected outcomes leaves a question about the relevance of flagship projects. Governments around the world continue to invest millions of taxpayer money into large builds. Marysville - a rural town in Victoria, Australia, spent a similar proportion on flagship projects to Christchurch following the Black-Saturday bushfires. Flagship projects post-disaster rarely attract favourable attention. There has been no previous research that explores the outcomes or the root cause of the negative impacts of flagship projects. Ten years post-disaster Marysville flagship projects have not been assessed to check the outcomes against objectives. Driven by the lack of research into flagship project outcomes and their causes, the researcher intends to understand how planning in the front end affects flagship projects in post-disaster rebuilding. The findings will be used to produce a set of guidelines for the planning of future post-disaster flagship projects. The researcher intends to assist government planners in determining if flagship projects would support rebuilding post-disaster by following the guidelines generated using the data of this study. The researcher used a case study approach to fulfill the research aim. A pilot study in Marysville, Australia, using a Grounded Theory approach, revealed that most factors that cause adverse project outcomes are linked to the planning in the front end. The study findings showed that top-level governance arrangements, early planning, and stakeholder management in Front-End Planning have a significant impact on project outcomes. A data-driven model obtained through the analysis formed the basis of the main study. The main literature study was conducted in phases to eliminate bias that could potentially affect Grounded Theory data analysis. The process revealed that pilot study data influenced a revision to the traditional Font-End Planning process. Marysville pilot study revealed that government project planning officials spent time understanding the situation created by the disaster. This activity appeared ahead of the feasibility phase. A modified version of the model included pre-feasibility, feasibility, concept, and detailed scope stages as phases of the Front-End Planning process. The findings informed the differences between routine and post-disaster public projects in the Front end Planning process. The data suggested that Stakeholder Management is a cross-phase activity starting at inception and continues right through to the detailed scope stage and beyond. The main research study was focused on three flagship projects in the Central Business District of Christchurch. The city faced a devastating sequence of earthquakes in 2010-2011 that had scrapped the city of its key buildings. The government planning officials put in place a strategy to rebuild through 17 flagship projects. The researcher adopted a qualitative method that used face-to-face interviewer data to explore three projects to achieve research objectives. The FEP process criteria identified through the pilot study and the previous literature were then applied to the case studies. The researcher adopted a qualitative study approach to construct the theory and used semi-structured face-to-face interviews as the data collection method. Thirty-four expert respondents were interviewed. The interviewees covered all major stakeholder categories for flagship projects in Christchurch, and they belonged to the highest level of decision-makers in their organisations, except for the frequent users of the public facilities in question. The data gathered through the case studies revealed that the projects that more or less followed all of the proposed steps in the front-end planning process had better project outcomes. Some of the adverse outcomes of the projects that followed the FEP process thoroughly still had some negative impacts. The negative impacts were caused by external factors outside of the control of the project owners. Governance at the portfolio level seems to have a lesser effect on projects that were fully Crown-funded. Large projects that allow sufficient time for FEP, specifically in the Pre-feasibility phase, feasibility phase, concept phase, and detailed scope phase seem to avoid detrimental project outcomes. A set of planning guidelines for future government planning officials has been formulated based on the evidence of the case studies. The guidelines address all four areas of the FEP process and follow the process revealed within the study. The research fills the gap where Emergency management frameworks/guidelines only consider immediate recovery following large-scale disasters. Unlike other planning guidelines, the guidelines produced as the output of this study appreciates the effect different governance arrangements may have on the planning of large public projects. With an understanding of governance arrangements post-disaster, the guidelines can be altered and used as a guide to inform better decision-making regarding large public builds post-disaster.
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    The present as the past's future : the heritage significance of foundation deposits and time capsules in Christchurch : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Museum Studies at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Adamski, Maria Ann
    Foundation deposits and time capsules (collectively deposits) are hidden vessels containing purposefully gathered objects to be opened in the future. This thesis examines the importance of this type of artefact within a heritage significance evaluation methodology. Deposits are of interest as they are a representative record of their time selected by communities for preservation. They have not been thematically identified or considered for protection by territorial authorities and therefore are not listed in District Plans. This thesis focuses on deposits at two different locations, the Godley Statue and the Sumner Borough Council Chambers, which were exposed as a result of the Canterbury Earthquakes 2010-11. It also focuses on the modern deposits that were subsequently placed at these sites. In considering these objects this research asks how are these deposits valued and how does this contribute to their significance. The aims of this study are to determine the values associated with these deposits and critically appraise the effectiveness of a territorial heritage assessment method. The research is based on reviewing archival documents, historic records and ceremonial speeches along with an examination and assessment of the objects. The contemporary importance of the object’s is understood through interviewing individuals who had experiential knowledge. The ceremonial speeches and interviews are analysed using an inductive reasoning and adapted grounded theory approach to elicit a core value. This research demonstrates that a participatory process contributes to a greater understanding of New Zealand’s heritage that may not be immediately obvious. It establishes that deposits are valorised and justify increased attention as they have the potential to afford insight into the past, the present and the future. As a result it is essential that they are understood before they are responded to. Further it was found deposits challenge traditional heritage practice. This research suggests increased attention is required towards assessing social values and to evaluating them as a separate criterion.
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    Refugee resettlement and ways forward : a dissertation submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2004) Ibrahim, Hassan Haji
    New Zealand has hosted refugees since World War II and is currently one of only ten countries in the world with a refugee resettlement programme, yet little is known about the experiences and unique needs of new refugees who are culturally, racially and ethnically extremely different from New Zealand mainstream society. The focus of this research is to provide an overview of the experiences the Afghan and Somali refugees have undergone prior to resettlement in New Zealand and the hindrances to realising their dreams in New Zealand as their country of resettlement. The structure and aims of the research were guided by Alternative Development theory which focuses on eliminating injustice being done to a particular group on the basis of their race, colour, religion or gender and addressing the priority needs of people to achieve sustainable society. To achieve the research objectives, the research has applied participatory methods (individual in-depth interviews, focus groups with interactive activities and discussion and document review). The research findings indicate that resettlement is a continuum process in which the new refugees are making effort to move away from situation of under-development to a favourable situation of development worthy of decent human life. The research findings also suggest that refugee resettlement, having links with Alternative Development and Human Rights, goes beyond meeting physical needs of refugees. It also covers the restoration and sustainability of people's capabilities. Finally, the research presents practical ways to empower refugees and foster opportunities to develop their own livelihoods and integrate with structures and systems of New Zealand society.
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    Roads and residents : measurement and mitigation of psychological stress : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Environmental and Resource Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1997) Clare, Michelle Lisa
    Psychological stress, suffered by property owners who are forced to relinquish land for roading development, is difficult to quantify. However, psychological stress can have a significant adverse impact on affected home and business owners. Currently, evaluations of roading projects only include a cursory assessment of psychological stress in the planning balance sheet. The aim of this thesis was to measure psychological stress suffered as a result of the imposition of roading designations and forced property purchases. The main research objectives were to examine whether it was possible to directly quantify the level of psychological stress suffered, and to identify mitigating factors that would reduce the impact of psychological stress. Forty-four residential and business property owners affected by four roading projects in Hastings and Christchurch completed a questionnaire and face-to-face interview on their personal experience of stress as a result of the roading development. A possible method of measuring stress symptoms and the impact of life changes was tested, based on the Holmes and Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale. Almost all interviewees acknowledged that they had experienced some degree of stress because of the roading development. However, results of the stress symptoms and life impact surveys varied and appeared to be more dependent on the individual's circumstances than on the impact of the roading project. Eighty-five percent of interviewees believed that communication between roading authorities and property owners could be improved. It appears that stress can be significantly mitigated by providing affected owners with more direct contact with roading representatives and regular information updates on the development's progress. The issue of compensation also requires addressing in order to reduce the amount of stress suffered. Currently property owners receive the market value for any land and improvements lost but no other compensation is provided. All interviewees believed that they were financially worse off regardless of whether they were losing all or part of their property. However, where an independent negotiator had been employed to finalise the property purchases, interviewees were more positive and acknowledged that this had helped achieve a win-win solution and a reduction in the level of stress they had suffered.
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    A SUPERHOME in Christchurch under winter conditions : real performance through post-occupancy evaluation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Management at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Armiento, Bramantino
    The profile of energy-efficient, high performing, ‘sustainable’ buildings have greatly increased in recent years in response to the need for change in design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment. Residential buildings in particular have been in the spotlight when it comes to the application of ‘green’ building concept. Although it is generally understood that a ‘green’ home provides a healthier and more comfortable housing environment to its occupants aside from generating energy efficiency, little is known about the extent to which such a home actually performs while in use. In New Zealand, a nationwide industry led initiative, known as the ‘Superhome Movement’, was established to promote the designing and building of environmentally sound, healthier, more energy-efficient and overall high-performing homes known as SUPERHOMEs. This research investigated the post-occupancy performance and indoor environment quality of a SUPERHOME under winter conditions. This study incorporated the analysis of energy use, monitoring of IEQ, and the surveying of building occupants. Results suggest that (1) the study building has not achieved its design potential with regards to electricity use in the first winter that it is occupied; (2) a SUPERHOME achieves a high level of thermal performance and provides adequate IAQ in winter conditions; and, (3) occupants’ overall perceptions towards the postoccupancy and winter performance of a SUPERHOME are positive. These findings lead to a realization that the ‘green’ status of a build should not be limited to ratings by thirdparty certification.
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    The affective resonance of personal narratives : creating a deeper experience of identity, empathy and historical understanding : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Museum Studies, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Roland, Zoë Gabrielle
    As the world plunges into the depths of a modern state of ‘anti-tradition’ (Trueman, 1998), there is a pervasive fear of a future void of empathy (Manney, 2008). The latter, believed to be partially propagated by a decline in exposure to diverse narratives, can be ameliorated through the identification and dissemination of genres which generate affect and humility (Berlant, 2008). The key question this thesis aims to address is; how do personal narratives create affective resonance which encourages the propagation of advantageous outcomes. I argue that personal narratives have the capacity to generate strong affective resonance within their recipients and tellers. Affective resonance, born from universality which create ‘intimate publics spheres’ (Berlant, 2008), has a potent ability for self-reflection and identity growth (Abrams, 2010, Sklar, 2009), empathic responses and action (Gallese & Wojciehowski, 2011; Fiske, 2008), and for developing rich multi-dimensional landscapes of historical understanding (Kosyaeva, Rowe and Wertsch, 2002). The research is based, firstly, on a broad transdisciplinary theoretical framework which comprises literature from diverse disciplines: oral history (Thompson, 2009), literary theory (Weinstein, 2007), philosophy (Benjamin, 1936; de Certeau, 1984) and neuroscience (Gallese & Wojciehowski, 2011). Secondly, Heritage New Zealand’s storytelling website High Street Stories provides the case study through which to investigate participant responses of affect, self-reflection and historical understanding. Through synthesis and analysis of the framework, in conjunction with the case study, a rich expository illustration of personal narratives and their cache of positive outcomes is presented. This dissertation is located in Museum Studies opening a space for the consideration of this multi-disciplinary literature and its connection to affect theory. Furthermore, as a crucial tool for museological practice, personal narratives, through their ‘germinative powers’ (Benjamin, 1936), have the propensity to impart a holistic, multi-dimensional understanding of history, rendering ordinary people as agents and subjects.
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    Teenagers' perspectives on the Canterbury earthquakes : an insight into their needs and experiences : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Pine, Nicola Stacey
    Natural disasters inflict physical, psychosocial, and economic impacts on individuals and their communities. Although a substantial number of disaster survivors are teenagers (13-19 years), this population group has not been widely investigated, especially regarding their views on their post-disaster needs and received supports. Such information would be important when planning post-disaster supports for current and future disaster-exposed teenagers. The aim of this research therefore, was to explore teenagers’ experiences and retrospective views of their needs, supports, and recovery following the Canterbury, New Zealand earthquakes. The first study surveyed 398 Christchurch secondary school students (aged 16-18 years [male = 169; female = 229]) who had experienced at least one of the major Canterbury earthquakes between September 2010 and June 2011. The survey’s purpose was to obtain an overview of teenagers’ experiences (including their needs and supports received), using both qualitative and quantitative data. Content analysis of this data revealed nine overall themes, including: physical basics, secondary stressors, social support, psychological impact, coping, school, support figures, gender, and recovery. Decile 2 school participants reported a need for physical basics significantly more than deciles 3, 9 and 10, and decile 10 reported a need for social support significantly more than decile 2. With gender, females reported a need for social support significantly more than males, and males reported a need for physical basics significantly more than females. Also, participants reported that their parents/caregivers understood their needs better than their siblings and friends, and their teachers were of greater help to them following the earthquakes compared to other students in their class. The second study extended the enquiry and involved six focus groups, each containing three to six students aged 16-18 years (male = 13; female = 18). Findings from the first study informed these focus group discussions, the aims of which were to gain deeper insights into disaster-exposed teenagers’ experiences, needs, and supports. The discussions were transcribed and analysed via thematic analysis. This analysis revealed seven major areas of importance, including participants’ advice for future planning and six others: individual, family, school, community, national and international. The latter six areas were incorporated into an ecological model combined with a timeline spanning from 2010 till 2013. The model demonstrated a number of notable points - for instance, immediately after the earthquakes many of the participants’ most important needs was to be in the presence of family, to know that family members were safe, and to receive comfort from them; however, three years later, participants’ concern had shifted to the rebuild of their city and their need for not only the pace to quicken, but also for youthfocused areas to be built (e.g., for recreational and leisure activities). The main recommendations from the research include: addressing acute post-disaster psychological responses early on and arranging preventative interventions; incorporating parental mental health support into youth-focused interventions; individually tailoring supports that address differences in gender, living conditions, and damage; encouraging youth to talk but not forcing them; having schools resume structured routines as soon as possible; providing psychoeducation to teachers, parents and guardians regarding typical disaster reactions and coping strategies for youth; and providing teenagers with accurate information. It is also recommended that communities provide or facilitate entertainment for youth post-disaster; that they organise youth-focused volunteer groups; involve youth in rebuild consultations; commence the rebuild of a disaster-struck city as soon as possible, and maintain gains in progress; distribute important information in multiple languages; and try to ensure that media coverage maintains a balance between both positive and negative content. Possible areas for future research include a deeper investigation into the experiences of disaster-exposed international students, the impact of the duration and permanency of relocation, and longitudinal studies into the recovery and adaptation of youth.
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    The impact of an international unit on a school culture : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Educational Administration at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2002) Hegarty, Terrelle Ann
    This thesis presents a single site case study that investigates the impact of an international unit on the organisational culture of a Catholic Girls College in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Four main data collection procedures were employed in this study to obtain relevant material useful for describing the school culture and for identifying any apparent changes to the organisational culture between 1996-2002. Statistical searches, document searches, on-site observations, and interviews occurred at various times throughout the school year. Incoming data was analysed to search for emergent themes consistent with the literature. Results from the study relate to identifying demographic patterns, describing the school culture, examining and describing the cultural change process and describing the corresponding impact on the culture elements of this school community. Two basic directions underpin this study. One is concerned with the intangible and tangible manifestations within the school culture that have been subject to change, and the other with the implications of change on the members of the school community. The examination of cultural elements was aligned with the framework of school culture provided by Beare, Caldwell & MilliKen (1989). A school culture model is provided to give insight into the main cultural characteristics of Villa Maria College. A second culture model, the Change Wave Process Model is introduced as an analysis framework for a selection of cultural change examples applicable to the development of the international unit at this school. This study has revealed that a school is a culturally unique learning organisation that is directly, indirectly or unconsciously changed by people for the purpose of providing positive impacts on the people and the organisation as a whole. The major outcomes from this study indicate that the development of a new international unit at Villa Maria College has produced a number of positive and negative interactive forces that have in various ways impacted on the organisational culture. The changes that have occurred since 1996 as the international unit has grown and became established have affected the composition of a number of cultural elements that lie at different levels within the school organisation. The surface manifestations that are obvious in physical features or human interaction patterns have been further enhanced as new staff roles and responsibilities, rituals, ceremonies and symbols have been introduced with the formation of the international unit. The subsurface manifestations such as the values and the underlying assumptions of the school have also been subjected to change though to a lesser degree. A broadening assumption base has appeared in the most recent decade as the school has introduced new policies and programmes in an attempt to meet the standards set down in the national policy and curriculum frameworks relating to the education of international students. As a result key values such as equality, social justice, appreciation, tolerance and respect have been openly expressed and accentuated with the introduction of this new group to the school. The study concludes with an action-based model that encourages members of the various cultural units of this organisation to be involved in ongoing critical cultural evaluation activities that enable members of the school to inspect cultural change processes in the future.
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    From demi-mondes to slaveys : a study of the Te Oranga Reformatory for Delinquent Women, 1900-1918 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1987) Dalley, Bronwyn
    This thesis examines the management of the Te Oranga reformatory for delinquent women, from its inception in 1900 until its closure in 1918. The institution was supervised by the Education Department, a body which, it is suggested, did not have firm ideas on the functions of the reformatory. The Department's ambivalence over the role of the institution, in addition to such other problems as limited facilities and poor staff, created a number of difficulties in the administration of Te Oranga. The study also examines Te Oranga's role in the wider society. It is argued that the committal of young women to, and treatment in, the reformatory was based on accepted and stereotypical views of women's "traditional" function in society.