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Item Surveying pet owners’ attitudes towards roaming cats in Aotearoa New Zealand(Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, 2025-08-24) Awawdeh L; Waran N; Pearson M; Forrest RHAim: To examine the attitudes of pet owners towards roaming cats in New Zealand. Materials and methods: Data was used from a survey of New Zealand residents aged over 18 conducted online between January and March 2019. Along with demographic questions, the respondents were asked, “Do you think that roaming pet dogs and cats are a problem?” (yes, no, never thought about it) and if they answered “yes”, were invited to explain their answers. Thematic analysis was applied to open-text responses focused on cats, while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of a total of 2,744 participants, 2,292 answered the question regarding roaming pets, with 72% (n = 1,654) viewing roaming pets as problematic. While gender, ethnicity, and rural upbringing showed no significant association with this view, age, education level, place of residence, and pet ownership did. Explanations for their choice of answer were given by 1,479 respondents and highlighted key concerns about free-roaming pets including cats: compromised animal welfare due to risks and neglect; the need for more responsible pet ownership and owner education; calls for stricter regulations and enforcement, including mandatory microchipping and desexing, and regulating cats similarly to dogs; the negative influence of social media; the importance of desexing to control populations and improve behaviour; increased risks to the roaming animals themselves, other animals, humans, and the environment; nuisance behaviours; and differing opinions on whether roaming cats or dogs are more of an issue. Conclusion: The findings align with previous research indicating a growing but inconsistent public awareness of animal welfare and environmental impacts associated with free-roaming cats. They highlight the need for education and targeted policy to address inconsistencies in attitudes and promote responsible cat ownership. Clinical relevance: Addressing these issues through enhanced public education and policy measures will help to balance animal welfare with community safety and environmental protection.Item A new species of Celatoblatta cockroach that coincides with the distribution of kauri forests in New Zealand(Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 2025-07-16) Morgan-Richards M; Trewick SAA new species of Blattidae cockroach is described from northern Aotearoa New Zealand. Celatoblatta kauri sp. nov. can be distinguished from similar conspecific species by its distinctive facial markings. The recorded distribution of Celatoblatta kauri sp. nov. matches that of the historic distribution of kauri forest (Agathis australis) in northern New Zealand. Zoobank LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:93794424-1A7B-4CCA-A7A1-A303BCE8EACA.Item An exploration into the use of galactagogues among breastfeeding women in Aotearoa and the factors associated with use : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Auckland(Massey University, 2024) Gash, Madeline CaitBackground: Galactagogues are herbal, food, or pharmaceutical substances increasingly used to enhance breast milk production in breastfeeding women. Despite limited evidence on galactagogue efficacy and use generally, literature has reported use of G associated use with perceived insufficient milk; a mother’s belief that their quality or quantity is insufficient to meet infant needs. This thesis aims to describe the type, duration, and purpose of galactagogue use by breastfeeding women in Aotearoa. Additionally, this study will identify factors associated with galactagogue use and explore associations with perceived insufficient milk supply. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional online survey was distributed via study advertisements on Facebook, the Le Leche League, Lactation Consultants, or by word of mouth. Women currently breastfeeding, or who breastfed in the past year, aged 16+ in Aotearoa, were eligible. The 58 question survey included demographics, birth characteristics, breastfeeding practices and galactagogue behaviours. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and bivariate and logistic analyses. Results: In total, 763 women were included in this study. More than half the participants (63.8%) reported using a galactagogue. The most commonly reported galactagogues were oats (71.1%), followed by lactation cookies (59.3%) and nuts and seeds (42.1%). Bivariate analyses found galactagogue use was higher among primiparous women (68.8% vs 57.6%, p=0.001), those with caesarean births (70.4% vs 60.4%, p=0.010), having previously used galactagogues (yes=69% vs no=30.3%, p=<0.001), those concerned with perceived insufficient milk quantity (44% vs 78%, p=<0.001). Multivariate analysis found perceived insufficient milk quantity was the only predictor of galactagogue use. Many women who never reported perceived insufficient milk quantity (54%) or quality (44%) still reported galactagogue use. The most common reason for using galactagogues was to increase milk supply (47.9%). Nearly two-thirds of women (60.5%) commenced galactagogue use within the first four weeks postpartum. Using a galactagogue for less than one week was uncommon (<13%). Conclusion: This study revealed that galactagogue use was high among breastfeeding women in Aotearoa. Mothers concerned about perceived insufficient milk quantity or quality were more likely to use galactagogues, yet a significant proportion of mothers who never questioned these aspects were also users. Qualitative research is needed to clarify decision making processes and influences.Item Potential Owner-Related Risk Factors That May Contribute to Obesity in Companion Dogs in Aotearoa New Zealand.(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-01-21) Forrest R; Awawdeh L; Esam F; Pearson M; Waran N; Paterson M; Crupi R; Gugliandolo EApproximately a third of all Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) households include a dog, with 28% of these dogs being overweight or obese, conditions that are associated with many serious health issues. Therefore, healthy weight interventions that focus on the owner's role are of great importance to companion animal welfare in NZ. Accordingly, the present study explores the feeding practices associated with NZ dogs and identifies potential owner-related risk factors contributing to these animals being overweight or obese. The current study used data collected from a survey conducted online in 2019 between January and March of NZ residents over 18. Along with demographic questions, the respondents were asked questions regarding their dog's body condition and diet questions related to the body. Nearly a quarter (26%, n = 609) of the survey participants (n = 2358) owned at least one dog. The current study reported that increasing age range, household income and the number of children increased the likelihood of having a dog while increasing qualification level and living in a town/city decreased the likelihood. The majority of the respondents fed their dog(s) treats (59%) and 85% fed them specialised food bought from a pet shop, veterinary clinic and/or different online sources. Just over a third of the participant (39%) reported that they fed their dog(s) biscuits from the supermarket, 36% fed their dog(s) raw meat, and 34% of respondents fee their dog(s) table scraps/human food. These results suggest that many dog owners feed their dog(s) various food types, making it a challenging task to determine the exact amount required from each type in order not to exceed caloric intake. Disagreement regarding the correct body condition were reported among twenty per cent of the respondents. This finding indicates a knowledge gap among the NZ dog-owning population that may negatively affect their dogs' welfare and wellbeing. Future research into pro-equity approaches to address these issues is needed so that dogs in NZ can live not only a good life but also their best life.Item Pet Ownership in Aotearoa New Zealand: A National Survey of Cat and Dog Owner Practices.(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-02-11) Forrest R; Awawdeh L; Pearson M; Waran N; Paterson MThis study used an online survey distributed between January and March 2019 to adults residing in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) to investigate cat and dog owner practices. Of the 2385 respondents, 885 (37%) owned both cat/s and dog/s, while 652 (28%) and 609 (26%) owned cat/s only or dog/s only, respectively. Nine percent of respondents (n = 212) did not own a cat or dog when the survey was administered. Gaps were identified in the practices of NZ pet owners with regard to regular grooming, immunizations, and deworming treatments. It was also found that many pets, especially cats, were allowed to wander freely both inside and outside the house. Collectively, these gaps in practice raise parasitology and infection concerns which may impact negatively on animal welfare and may increase the prevalence of zoonotic diseases. This study also revealed the need to improve desexing practices, particularly in dogs. Respondents in the survey expressed the wish to have pets regardless of the financial strain they may impose, indicating that future research should focus on reducing the financial burden of pet ownership along with promoting positive pet ownership practices. Our findings suggest the need for better education resources about pet ownership which are easily accessible and target diverse populations. The findings of this study will aid in developing appropriate educational resources to promote animal welfare and increase pet-related knowledge among the NZ populace.Item Pet Owners' Attitudes and Opinions towards Cat and Dog Care Practices in Aotearoa New Zealand.(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-10-04) Forrest R; Pearson M; Awawdeh L; Cordoni GThis research aimed to explore cat and dog owners' attitudes and opinions towards various pet care practices in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), and determine what factors were associated with them. An online survey composed of both closed and open-ended questions was administered from January to March 2019. A total of 2358 respondents answered the questions on pet care practices. Of these, 37.5 percent (n = 885) were both dog and cat owners, 28.0 percent (n = 652) were cat owners, and 26.0 percent (n = 609) were dog owners, while 9% (n = 212) of respondents did not own a cat or dog at the time of taking the survey. The study revealed that most respondents (>90%) acknowledge the importance of providing adequate housing, regular worming and flea treatments, microchipping, and vaccinations for their pets. Notably, demographic factors such as gender, ethnicity, age range, having children, having a rural upbringing, and place of residence influenced owners' attitudes, with those towards cat care practices varying more than those for dogs. The study highlights the need for responsible pet ownership interventions considering these demographic factors. The study identifies a knowledge gap among pet owners concerning the importance of regular veterinary visits and the impact of breeding for certain looks on animal welfare. The use of shock collar devices provoked varying opinions on their usage for training and behavior modification. The study suggests that enhancing pet owners' knowledge is pivotal for responsible pet ownership. Overall, the findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions that account for demographic variations for promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. The findings underscore the importance of improving access to veterinary health care teams, especially in rural areas, and of providing culturally appropriate education resources for both pet owners and veterinary health care teams.Item Insect Freeze-Tolerance Downunder: The Microbial Connection(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-01-13) Morgan-Richards M; Marshall CJ; Biggs PJ; Trewick SA; Hoffmann KHInsects that are freeze-tolerant start freezing at high sub-zero temperatures and produce small ice crystals. They do this using ice-nucleating agents that facilitate intercellular ice growth and prevent formation of large crystals where they can damage tissues. In Aotearoa/New Zealand the majority of cold adapted invertebrates studied survive freezing at any time of year, with ice formation beginning in the rich microbiome of the gut. Some freeze-tolerant insects are known to host symbiotic bacteria and/or fungi that produce ice-nucleating agents and we speculate that gut microbes of many New Zealand insects may provide ice-nucleating active compounds that moderate freezing. We consider too the possibility that evolutionary disparate freeze-tolerant insect species share gut microbes that are a source of ice-nucleating agents and so we describe potential transmission pathways of shared gut fauna. Despite more than 30 years of research into the freeze-tolerant mechanisms of Southern Hemisphere insects, the role of exogenous ice-nucleating agents has been neglected. Key traits of three New Zealand freeze-tolerant lineages are considered in light of the supercooling point (temperature of ice crystal formation) of microbial ice-nucleating particles, the initiation site of freezing, and the implications for invertebrate parasites. We outline approaches that could be used to investigate potential sources of ice-nucleating agents in freeze-tolerant insects and the tools employed to study insect microbiomes.Item Rainbow youth experiences of mental health services in the Nelson/Tasman region : a mixed-method analysis : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, distance, New Zealand(Massey University, 2023) Goodman, Meagan E.Rainbow young people (defined as 16–24-year-old people that hold diverse sexualities, genders, and sex characteristics) in Aotearoa New Zealand disproportionately experience higher rates of mental distress and adverse mental health outcomes compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. However, little is known about the experiences of rainbow young people who attempt to access mental health support in rural and semi-rural regions. To address this gap, I conducted a mixed-methods, community-based research project in the rural/semi-rural Nelson/Tasman region. My aim was to elucidate rainbow youth experiences of mental health support in this area and identify recommendations that would improve the provision of mental health care for rainbow youth in Aotearoa. I designed and distributed two online surveys to potential participants in the Nelson/Tasman region — one for health professionals working with young people (n = 44) and the other for rainbow young people who had sought mental health support (n = 81) — as well as conducted 10 semi-structured interviews with rainbow young people. Surveys and interviews assessed rainbow youth's experiences with mental health services, perceived and actual barriers to receiving care, and recommendations for improving the provision of mental health care to rainbow young people. Rainbow young people in Nelson/Tasman reported mixed experiences with mental health services; however, all participants experienced structural barriers to accessing appropriate support, such as lack of availability from health professionals, high cost for services, and fears about confidentiality and identity being misunderstood. Rainbow youth and health professionals made numerous recommendations to improve access and quality of mental health services for rainbow young people. Overall, my research demonstrates the structural barriers that exist for rainbow youth accessing mental health support, and highlights the need to develop rainbow cultural competency among healthcare professionals working with young people in Aotearoa. Knowledge from this thesis can be used to improve the provision of healthcare for rainbow youth in the Nelson/Tasman region and beyond.Item Tackling plastic pollution in New Zealand’s fin fishing industry Case study: Moana NZ(Association of Commonwealth Universities, 2021-05-01) Croft F; Farrelly TThis study aims to seek ways to prevent marine plastic pollution leakage in New Zealand’s commercial fin fishing industry supply chains. Drawing on a case study approach, this research investigates how sea and land-based plastic material flows are perceived by those working for commercial fishing company Moana NZ. It considers current global, regional and national policies, as well as current initiatives that seek to minimise marine plastic pollution and considers the potential for their implementation in this context. This study also acknowledges the significant role that industry can play in implementing best practice guided by the top of the zero waste hierarchy.Item Studies of how to improve translocation outcomes of Apteryx mantelli focusing on breeding, hybrids, diversity, and telomeres : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology at Massey University - Te Kunenga Ki Purehuroa, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Undin, MalinGenetic diversity contributes to the resilience of populations and, thus, to their potential to adapt to change and rebound after episodes of population decline. At the same time, many threatened species are confined to small populations with severely reduced access to gene flow. Since lost connectivity can result in inbreeding, translocations have become an increasingly important tool used by conservationists. However, the relative risks associated with inbreeding are difficult to weigh against potential negative fitness effects of outcrossing and hybridization. North Island brown kiwi, Apteryx mantelli, have a long, documented history of management and many severely isolated populations. The goal of this thesis was to determine current gaps in knowledge for successful genetic management of A. mantelli, explore closing those gaps using established hybrid populations and make recommendations for future translocations. First, information from past studies of Apteryx genetics was synthesised, which drew attention to the fact that available genetic data are insufficient for informing genetic management, predicting translocation outcomes, and linking genetic diversity to population fitness and local adaptation. Genome science combined with a strategic sampling regime was identified as crucial for acquiring the missing data. Second, an in-depth theoretical and empirical analysis of A. mantelli breeding behaviour was conducted. The results of this analysis showed that A. mantelli have the potential for polygamy, shows no signs of assortative mating, and breed in groups in certain conditions. These features of A. mantelli behaviour increase the likelihood of successful genetic rescue after reinforcement translocations. Next, the genetic diversity of the mixed-origin A. mantelli population on Ponui Island was investigated. Genotyping-by-sequencing analyses showed that this population constitutes a hybrid swarm in which founding parental genomes remain represented and levels of diversity are high compared to reference mainland populations. In addition to these studies, I conducted the first investigation of Apteryx telomeres. My theoretical analyses and empirical findings showed that telomere analyses of as long-lived species as A. mantelli are challenging and that telomere length is unlikely to be a suitable marker for determining Apteryx age and viability. Taken together, I suggest that the success of the hybrid population on Ponui Island indicates that mixed origin translocations should be considered as part of Apteryx management. However, I stress the need to (1) determine the role of local adaptation in Apteryx diversification, (2) study the impact of inbreeding, and (3) undertake investigations into informative markers of age and fitness on the individual and population-level. Investigation of epigenetic regulation of gene expression will be highly interesting for both these quests.