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    Sustainable social work : a response to the climate emergency from social work education and practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Ellis, Lynsey
    Evidence of the climate emergency is apparent in changing weather systems, rising sea levels, temperature extremes and challenges to food, energy and water security. These physical impacts have health and social implications that increase resource pressures and exacerbate inequities across all social systems. Those tasked with supporting the most vulnerable in the community must plan to face these challenges. Social workers in practice and education across Aotearoa New Zealand need to better understand the relevance of climate change impacts on their practice and prepare for a resilient future. The climate emergency has arrived and the time for action is now. This educational action research, informed by Transformative learning theory and the Transtheoretical model of change, engages social workers, students and educators across Aotearoa New Zealand in a process of transformative learning about the climate change impacts on their work. Transformative learning theory informs the design and interpretation of qualitative data generated through three action research cycles. These include educational workshops, individual interviews and focus groups. Working in collaboration with key stakeholders this thesis identifies the educational and support needs of future social workers. From the findings emerge a working definition of Sustainable Social Work, an educational framework for the future social work curriculum and a Model of Sustainable Action. Each creates a practice-based response to the climate emergency underway in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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    How Māori precariat whānau navigate social services : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) King, Delta
    Rates of poverty and hardship are a persistent social concern in Aotearoa with far too many people, particularly Māori, vulnerable to insecurities in work, income, housing, food, and other essentials. In order to ‘make ends meet’, many people seek support from the welfare system, which has become less responsive to their needs. This has resulted in the need for advocates to support whānau to navigate services and access their entitlements for support. To understand such issues, it is useful to consider the concept of the ‘precariat’ or emerging social class of people who often find themselves rotating between insecure employment, unemployment and reliance on charity to survive. The purpose of this study was to investigate experiences of two precariat whānau in navigating welfare and social services in the context of the global rise of the precariat. I also explore the experiences of two service advocates who help precariat whānau in navigating the welfare system. The design and conduct of this study was guided by Kaupapa Māori Theory (KMT) and Kaupapa Māori Research (KMR) and utilized qualitative methods, including repeat semi-structured interviews. My approach enabled participants to share their experiences of how the present welfare system operates, their strategies for accessing resources, and the broader implications for precarity within everyday lives. Findings confirm the punitive nature of contemporary welfare provisions for whānau who find the system degrading and unresponsive. Despite the obstacles my participants face, they demonstrate considerable agency in navigating services themselves and in assisting others to access resources. In doing so, they demonstrate the enactment of core cultural values such as whanaungatanga and manaakitanga. The advocates in particular undertake their work in culturally-oriented ways as they support, teach, speak for, and protect whānau in navigating the welfare system. Such Kaupapa Māori-oriented support raises the possibilities of anti-oppressive welfare.
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    Sole father's experiences of accessing social services : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Manawatū
    (Massey University, 2017) Rushton, Jason Edward
    The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences and perspectives of sole fathers when accessing assistance and supports from statutory and non-government agencies. This will be achieved by addressing the experiences of men who undertook the role of sole fathers to support their family with the aid of statutory and non-government agencies. The research took a qualitative approach and utilised in-depth semi-structured interviews to gain insight into the experiences of the participants. Eight sole fathers were interviewed, four of the participants identified themselves as straight; while the remaining four participants were divided into two subsets from the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexed and Queer/Questioning (GLBTIQ) community namely, three being gay and one identified as bisexual. The study’s findings were congruent with existing literature on the experiences of fathers who accessed social services in the hope of supporting their family. The findings included factors contributing to the discourse fathers felt in accessing supports and their rationale for choosing not to engage with further supports. Furthermore, there were four key findings namely, (1). Men who assume gender reversal roles like that of sole parent, who experience discrimination and minimisation based on gender and sexual identity of their basic human rights as set out in legislation, religion and societies disposition towards men taking up this role. (2). There is still much work to be done to create truly inclusive support services, and an authentically respectful social consensus on issues like marriage equality and non-traditional family types. (3). How social workers can apply this knowledge when supporting and advocating for fathers who are experiencing institutional barriers to accessing social services. (4). The findings provided knowledge around the challenges sole fathers faced in Aotearoa New Zealand when accessing supports in the hope to support and care for their families. These include recommendations to establish a Ministry for Men that oversee men’s health, and the required changes to ensure that sole fathers can access social service supports. Therefore, it is the hope that research supports social workers when they apply this knowledge in supporting and advocating for fathers who are experiencing institutional barriers to accessing social services.
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    He kohinga kōrero ā ngā kaiarataki me ngā kaiako : student supervision : experiences and views of kaiarataki and kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Health) at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2016) Lipsham, Marjorie Jane Hera
    This thesis explores Kaiarataki (placement coordinators) and Kaiako (social work educators) experiences and views about the construction of student supervision for tauira (students) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWOA). This research focused on the programme, Te Tohu Paetahi ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga, the Bachelor of Social Work (Biculturalism in Practice). The supervision of students during Te Mahi Whakatau (Practice Based Learning) is the focus of this thesis. Te Mahi Whakatau (PBL) is the practice/practicum component of the student’s degree and is a central part of their learning. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the construction of placement at TWOA and strengthen the mauri ora or the wellbeing of the programme, TWOA, tauira and staff which will contribute positively to social work and its stakeholders. A Kaupapa Māori approach and my own Mātauranga ā Whānau formed the methodology. Hui was used to gather data in line with the methodology and three key themes were identified from the findings: The insufficient preparation of tauira, biculturalism – perpetuating the status quo, and relationships. The insufficient preparation of students for placement is highlighted in the findings and literature review for this thesis and this shows that there is a cycle of unpreparedness that affects the student supervisory context, from the teaching and assessment of supervision, to the supervisors and the field educators. The findings highlight the need to strengthen the teaching at TWOA in terms of student supervision, who delivers that teaching and when and what will be delivered. The incorporation of bicultural supervision for tauira whilst on Te Mahi Whakatau (PBL) needs further developing also through the incorporation of training, support, curriculum and policy development. Further research recommendations include the need to investigate relationships between the kaiarataki and other stakeholders of Te Mahi Whakatau (PBL) and how takepū (applied principles) is experienced in relationships within Te Mahi Whakatau (PBL).
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    Nonprofessional involvement in helping services in Palmerston North : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1974) Daniels, Kenneth Raymond
    Helping as it has been influenced by the development of a welfare state philosophy is examined. A review is made of the societal changes that have and are continuing to have a potent influence on the established networks of support, care and help. The results of these societal changes and consequent network changes are seen in the rapid increase in demands for professional helping services. These rapidly increased demands have been matched by a rapid increase in personnel in helping services. The contribution of the nonprofessional has been somewhat curtailed as a result of the emphasis on the growth of professional helpers. The literature from overseas records evidence of the re-emergence of the nonprofessional helper as a powerful contributor to meeting the needs of the community. In this respect the concept of 'community care' is becoming a reality. The literature reviewed points to the contribution the nonprofessional is and can be making and overwhelmingly supports the positive nature of this contribution. This study examined what happened in Palmerston North in terms of the nonprofessional contribution to helping services. All professional helpers (psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and social workers) in the city, were interviewed and a 20% sample of nonprofessional helpers drawn from selected helping agencies were interviewed. 75 professional helpers and 76 nonprofessional helpers were interviewed personally, two separate questionnaires being used. The results show that helpers were predominantly aged 31 to 60 (75%) and less than 2% were under 22. There were equal numbers of males and females. 81.4% of professional helpers worked in government or quasi-government services, while only 3.9% of nonprofessionals linked up with such services to make their contributions. Over half of the professional helpers are social workers and only 40% of all professional helpers have a professional qualification. Both professional and nonprofessional helpers feel overwhelmingly that the nonprofessional has a contribution to make. However 56.6% of nonprofessionals had never been asked for help by a professional. Those who had been asked, were most frequently asked to provide 'befriending/support'. This is what most nonprofessionals wanted to be asked to do and over half of the professionals felt this was the best contribution the nonprofessional could make. Almost 100% of nonprofessionals felt capable of offering 'material' help or 'befriending/support', while 77% felt capable of offering 'advice and guidance' and 51% 'counselling'. 42.6% of professionals had requested nonprofessional assistance in the past week, while 7.9% of nonprofessionals had received such a request in the same period. Overall, nonprofessionals felt that professionals understood them, but almost 20% felt they did not receive enough encouragement or support. The expectations each group had of the other were investigated and it was found that overall, both groups had similar expectations. The advantages and disadvantages each group had found of working with the other were explored. The results give a valuable insight into the positive and negative experiences helpers in each group have had of working with the other group. Three implications are drawn from the study, firstly concerning the utilization of resources, secondly, relationship factors and thirdly, differentiation of skills.
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    A model of social work practice in the New Zealand workplace : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master in Social Work, Massey University
    (Massey University, 1992) Handyside, Robert
    This thesis is about the provision of social work services in the New Zealand workplace. A central line of argument is taken which proposes that the workplace, which up to now has been neglected as a site for social work practice, can become an important site for the provision of services. The development of a comprehensive model for occupational social work is the central feature of this thesis. Following the development of the model it is field tested in a case study involving a large employer. Located in the context of the development of New Zealand industrial relations, this thesis reviews the objections which have been raised when social workers become involved with a profit making organisation. Future possibilities for a specialised field of practice are proposed, making this thesis an early contribution to an analysis of the social work role in this setting.
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    Contracting for care : constraints and opportunities : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Social Work) at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2000) Hay, Kathryn
    This thesis is a case study of the responses to changes in government funding by one branch of the Open Home Foundation, a Child and Family Support Service in Aotearoa/New Zealand, between 1989 and 1999. The research focuses on adaptations in its organisational structures and social work programmes and in its wider organisational context. During the last decade political and economic change in Aotearoa/New Zealand has affcctcd all sectors of society including the third sector. The third sector includes all organisations that are non-government and non-private. This definition is discussed further on P. 14 and its nonprofit organisations. Devolution of government responsibility and the introduction of contracting with nonprofit organisations are national and international trends. The research found that the branch studied was significantly affected by these changes. The branch adapted its organisational structure to meet the new legal, accountability and contracting requirements. An increasing emphasis on professionalism led to specialised roles for paid, qualified staff, with the role of the Director focusing more on management. The branch is part of a well-established national body with a reputation for delivering effective and professional social work services. Thus the organisation successfully competes against other nonprofit organisations for the limited pool of government funding. In part the reputation of the Open Home Foundation has also enabled it to maintain its original Christian value-base while becoming more professional in its business and social work practice. Contract requirements have influenced the type of social work programmes delivered by the branch. Government's specification of outcomes limits the range of service delivery and restricts preventative work. Maintaining non-governmental sources of funding has been essential for the branch in order to provide programmes not considered by the government as 'core services.' These sources of funding enable the branch to retain a degree of autonomy and to avoid becoming an 'agent of the state.' The branch of the Open Home Foundation has to a large extent adapted to meet the demands of government while still maintaining its Christian philosophy and integrity. It is argued that the changes in government funding over the past decade have, on the whole, positively affected the branch's professionalism, its efficient organisational structure and effective social work programmes.
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    Bringing practice into theory : social workers' experiences of bringing social work into attachment theory : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Philosophy, School of Social Work and Social Policy at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2007) Foley, Maree Anne
    Attachment theory and social work have sustained an ongoing relationship since the early work of John Bowlby in the 1940s through to the current day. This longstanding relationship provided a frame for this current study which: explored social workers' described experiences of using attachment theory as a social work practice theory and identified patterns of processing attachment theory for social work practice. This qualitative study was methodologically guided by a hermeneutic phenomenological paradigm based on the work of Max van Manen (1990). Data collection involved a review of relevant literature followed by semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data construction included the development and implementation of a "Letter of Understanding Process" in conjunction with the construction of transcripts. Data-analysis processes consistent with hermeneutic phenomenological methods were utilised. Review of the literature suggested that attachment theory, originally developed by Bowlby (1958) and Ainsworth (1963), emphasised a relational perspective inclusive of the attachment-caregiving-exploratory systems. However within the translation process of this theory and its developments over the decades into a social work practice theory, the focus shifted from one of relationships at times of high need to one where the client and their external world of events and happenings was emphasised. Findings from the interviews found social workers' experiences of the use of attachment theory, reflected identified shifts of focus within the literature. Also found was a theory-practice processing pattern identified as the social worker "bringing practice into theory". In light of these findings, the social worker was foregrounded as one who brings practice into the lived experience of theory. Issues of sustaining the coherence of attachment theory in practice and issues of context were explored as impacting on the lived experience of theory and practice. In response to these findings practice implications were considered resulting in the development of attachment theory informed social work practice principles. Finally based on the conclusions of this study an attachment theory informed model of reflective practice was recommended along with considerations for future research.
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    Out of the closet : experiences and expressions of spirituality in supervision : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2006) Simmons, Helen
    This research used a collaborative inquiry process approach to explore how spirituality is experienced and expressed in supervision. The inquiry involved an established professional development group of supervisors, of which the researcher was a member, and their associated supervisors in a four stage process of dialogue and reflection. From the data, experiences and expressions of spirituality in supervision were clustered under the themes of magical and memorable moments, ordinariness, connections within the supervision relationship, supervisor choice, strength-based practice, the use of ritual and ways of asking questions. These experiences and activities were believed important to practicing biculturally and holistically. They were found to provide benefits not just in supervision but also in work with clients and in the practitioner's wider life and self-care. Conscious practice and the use of supervisee-appropriate language and questions was a consequence of participant research involvement. Ethical cautions regarding spirituality in supervision are identified and ways of advancing these are discussed. Recommendations for future debates, training, emphases in supervision and supervisor choice are proposed.
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    Altruistic leaders : voices of women in voluntary organizations : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Massey University
    (Massey University, 2002) Hanlen, Patricia Anne
    This thesis is a study of four women leaders of large voluntary social service organizations in Aotearoa New Zealand. The key research question in this study centered around their leadership role in these non-profit making organizations. This research was approached from a feminist perspective. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. Person-centered questions explored their leadership pathway, the skills needed, leadership style, views on their unpaid status and how gender impacted on their role. Organization-centered questions explored the participant's views on leading a volunteer workforce and the impact of organizational and community trends. The results of the research revealed a pathway to leadership which involved broad community group experience, an accumulation of wide ranging skills and a knowledge-base drawn mainly from family responsibilities. These women were motivated to undertake their role for reasons of community enhancement and personal satisfaction. They valued workable partnerships, participation, sociability and flexibility in their unpaid work. The ability to listen, understand, predict and influence behavior, were identified as important leadership behaviors, similar to a transformational leadership style. Their inclusive, conciliatory, visionary style included a commitment towards democratic decision- making and consultation in a pragmatic way. The results suggest the participants linked leadership and organizational effectiveness to a learning culture, understanding of governance roles and the needs of volunteers. They felt privileged to be able to view the 'big picture' of organizational, community and political systems and structures. The role of mentor in leadership succession was identified as important to their organization's continued well being. As these women walked along a finite mosaic pathway of personal and organizational networks, themes of challenge, change and self-education emerged. This limited study concluded that these leaders were confident in a role they enjoyed, in organizations they were totally committed to and understood.