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    Tree collections of Auckland : biodiversity and management : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Landscape Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2001) Cliffin, Penelope Frances
    Recent developments in New Zealand environmental legislation and government policies are based on an economic world-view where landscape is portrayed as a 'natural' resource. This paradigm largely ignores the human-made urban landscape where the highest proportion of population live. Our national legislation pays little attention to urban vegetation in general and exotic tree collections in particular. Research therefore has a vital role in highlighting the character and values of urban vegetation, and in analysing the current models used to manage its continued existence. This study examines the importance of charting and managing biodiversity and focuses on managed amenity and scientific tree collections in the Auckland region. This regional study seeks to characterise the biodiversity of tree collections in Auckland, and describe how landscape management can best contribute to their biological and human-use values. The literature review establishes the importance and values of trees and urban vegetation as critical to the fabric of human lifestyles and the ecology of the city. It then reviews the basis for the preservation of biodiversity in managed plant collections. Management principles and systems are reviewed along with the legislative context in Auckland. No mandate is established for exotic plant collection managment under the Resource Management Act, 1991 (RMA1991). Management of this resource is found to lack the focus and funding from which natural and rural biodiversity benefit under the RMA and other national legislation. A biodiversity survey of thirty-eight collections of trees characterises the biodiversity in the collections, and a survey of twelve tree collection managers provides data about the goals, practices and tools used in the management of those collections. Results reveal the diverse and unique flora of Auckland tree collections, and establish a baseline for comparison over time. The regional mix of native and exotic species found in Auckland collections is compared with other national plant surveys, and demonstrates differences consistent with regional climatic character and a differing research focus. The largest collection of trees and the most specialist genera collections were found at the Auckland Regional Botanic Garden, while the university of Auckland provides the most extensive range of scientific plant-collection facilities. There is evidence of sequential open space acquisition for tree collections in the Auckland region. Comparison of best management practices put forward in current literature with current practices of collection managers in Auckland reveals some significant issues. There is little evidence found to suggest strategic plant acquisition goal setting. It is also of concern that only half the collection managers used computerised plant record systems such as inventories and specialised database systems. Only one third of the managers had management plans, and therefore documented collection goals. There was no significant difference in the use of best management practices between the private and publicly owned collections. Well-managed collections are characterised by high or specialist tree species diversity, clear strategic goal setting and management planning, computerised plant record systems, adequate resources, appropriate staffing and the use of monitoring tools. Discussion of these research results leads to three recommendations. Firstly, the management of specific sites is discussed in light of a proposed model for plant collection management. Secondly, management policy for the regional urban Forest is recommended. Lastly, the finding that Auckland's exotic tree collections are a valuable resource worthy of protection, currently having little status under the law, leads to the recommendation for the empowering of a national body (central agency) with a mandate for the national coordination of botanic gardens and plant collections. This research therefore charts aspects of Auckland's urban biodiversity with reference to current legislation and management models. Its findings and recommendations are of importance to reviewers of national environmental legislation, regional policymakers and tree collection managers.
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    Changing rooms in NICU : a comparative descriptive study of parental perceptions of the physical environment of neonatal intensive care units : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree in Master of Philosophy in Nursing at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2007) Wilkinson, Robyn Clare
    The physical environment of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is unique and can be challenging and stressful for families. As infant survival rates and technology improved, many NICUs became 'busy', overcrowded, noisy environments. New directions in the design of newborn nurseries highlight the potential for the physical environment to support parental needs and optimise the parenting experience. In October 2004 the NICU at National Women's Hospital (NWH) in Auckland (New Zealand), relocated to a new facility at Auckland City Hospital (ACH). A key principle in the design of the new NICU was improvement of family space at the cot side. This non-experimental study sought to describe and compare parental perceptions of the physical environment of a traditional NICU configuration with a new custom built NICU. A sample of parents with infants hospitalised in NICU from NWH (n = 30) and a different group of parents from ACH (n = 30) completed a self report Likert-type questionnaire (with a scale from 1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). Qualitative data was sought using open ended questions. Significant differences were found between the old NWH NICU and the newly designed ACH NICU. Parents perception of the space at the cot-side was more adequate (p = 0.001), lighting levels more comfortable (p = 0.002), the cot-side was quieter (p = 0.02) and technology less intrusive (p = 0.03) at ACH NICU when compared to NWH NICU. Impact of these design changes on privacy, sense of belonging, and socialisation of parents did not show significant differences. Lack of cot-side space for NWH parents was the predominate theme from the open-ended questions. Parents viewed the family space and aesthetics of the new ACH rooms positively. Providers of newborn services contemplating redesign need to consider that increasing cot side space and decreasing infant numbers in clinical rooms can significantly improve a parent's view of NICU and therefore provide an environment that is supportive to parent's needs.
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    Academic achievement and general well-being of undergraduate university students : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Seymour, Benjamin James
    This study investigated the academic achievement and general well-being of a sample of 107 students studying at the Albany campus of Massey University's College of Business. Relationships between academic achievement and general well-being, and the variables of English language ability, experienced difficulties, general self-efficacy, and received social support were investigated. To further understand these variables, demographic group differences including gender, age, ethnicity, residency status, country of birth, years enrolled at Massey University, proportion of life lived in New Zealand, years of secondary schooling in New Zealand, home environment, course of study, and major subject, were assessed. In addition, a Student Difficulties Scale is constructed to measure experienced difficulties and focus group transcripts were analysed to facilitate an enhanced understanding of the specific difficulties experienced by this student population. Positive correlations were identified between academic achievement and the variables of general well-being, English language ability, and general self-efficacy. A positive correlation was also identified between general well-being and general self-efficacy. Experienced difficulties was negatively related to all variables other than received social support. English language ability was identified as the best predictor of academic achievement and experienced difficulties as the best predictor of general well-being. Significant differences between demographic subgroups were found on all variables other than the 'positive social exchange' dimension of received social support. Recommendations were made as to how the overall academic achievement and well-being of this population of students may be enhanced.