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Corporate labour practices and fintech development : evidence from China : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Finance at Massey University, Manawatu campus, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2025) Chen, Junshi
This thesis studies corporate labour practices and financial technology (Fintech) development in China and contains six chapters. Chapter one introduces my PhD thesis. It discusses the motivation and contribution for each chapter. Chapter two contains a comprehensive literature review, which systematically reviews the current state of knowledge related to the theory, impact and determinants of employee treatment in the firms, based on a review of 150 research papers. We observe a growing trend of firms enhancing employee treatment, suggesting that employee treatment functions as an important mechanism that enhances firm value. Chapter three investigates the impact of employee medical welfare on firm productivity. We find that such welfare significantly enhances firm performance by improving employees’ psychological security, which increases work efficiency. This effect is more pronounced in non-state-owned firms, firms with a higher proportion of low-skilled employees and lower R&D intensity. Additionally, firms offering better medical welfare demonstrate stronger resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results underscore the role of organizational caregiving (Vijayasingham et al., 2018) and stakeholder theory (Titman, 1984) in shaping firm outcomes. Chapter four investigates the relationship between new financial technology, digital finance (DF), and corporate employee treatment. We find that DF enhances employee conditions through corporate digital transformation and increased demand for skilled labour. This effect is stronger in regions with lower marketization and severe pollution, where disadvantaged firms leverage DF to attract talent. Moreover, government support, corporate governance, and financial flexibility amplify DF’s positive impact. DF also contributes to workforce expansion and long-term firm performance, reinforcing its role in shaping corporate labour strategies in line with human capital theory (Sweetland, 1996). Chapter five presents the last essay focusing on how DF affects people’s fertility behaviour. We find that DF negatively influences birth rates by increasing investment opportunities, promoting consumption-driven individualism, and raising women’s economic independence and opportunity cost of fertility. Notably, only DF coverage significantly reduces birth rates, whereas its depth and digitalization have weaker effects. More importantly, government’s support in education, healthcare, and religious policies can mitigate DF’s adverse impact on fertility. Chapter six concludes by outlining the main findings, the implications of each essay, the limitations of the thesis, and potential avenues for future research.
Neurobiological impacts of kiwifruit consumption in a pig model and its effects on sleep and mood in young adults : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2024) Kanon, Alexander Putra
Kiwifruit (KF) positively impacts gut health, specifically in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving laxation. Emerging evidence also suggests that consuming KF influences sleep and mood, with most studies indicating improvements in subjective measures of these attributes. Previous research has explored the mechanisms behind these effects using in vitro and rodent models, which have considerable differences to human physiology. This study explores the impact of New Zealand KF on various brain physiological aspects in animal models and humans. It explores the antioxidant neuroprotective potential of KF, examines alterations in the gut microbiome composition and bioamine concentrations, analyses temporal bioamine concentration effects in plasma and brain regions, and assesses the acute effects on human sleep quality and mood. Findings reveal that in one week, consumption of both green and gold KF reduced oxidative potential in plasma, increased concentrations of 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5HIAA, a serotonin metabolite), and induced changes in the abundance of specific microbial genera along the colon of adult pigs, a more representative model of human physiology. Furthermore, green KF enhances antioxidant protective potential in plasma and various brain regions, while gold KF elevates plasma vitamin C levels and tends to reduce acetylcholinesterase activity across the entire brain. Temporal effects highlight distinct patterns in metabolite concentrations between green and gold KF, with γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and serotonin exhibiting notable interactions in different brain regions. Good and poor sleepers consuming KF before sleep had improved sleep quality and mood. Fresh KF facilitates easier sleep onset for good sleepers, while freeze-dried KF leads to increased ease of awakening in the morning for poor sleepers. Notably, both forms of KF increase the urinary excretion of 5HIAA and reduce feelings of sleepiness while increasing alertness. The inclusion of the fruit skin appears to increase improvements in sleep quality, suggesting a more noticeable effect. These studies provide valuable insights into the neurobiological effects of KF and support its potential as a functional food to improve sleep in humans.
What goes on TOA : lessons from Tāne Ora o Aotearoa (TOA) in high-performance : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, School of Māori Knowledge, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. EMBARGOED to 2 October 2026.
(Massey University, 2023-12-01) Rowe, Luke
Disproportionately high burden of disease, social exclusion and deprivation among Māori men are well documented across most health and social indices, and they are reflected within a broad range of policy, strategy, and service delivery initiatives. The reasons underpinning these inequities are certainly complex though clear, as they are connected to a suite of social, cultural, environmental, historical, and structural factors that each coalesce to undermine the overall health status of Māori men. Despite this, there is a growing population of tāne (Māori men) who continue to buck these trends. They are referred to in this thesis as, “tāne ora.” The focus on tāne ora, rather than on Māori men’s health, is deliberate and emphasises the fact that while these two concepts share similar goals and objectives, they are founded on different principles and philosophies. Like the renowned Gould et al (2002) study which interviewed 10 Olympic gold medallists revealing a number of common characteristics between them, this research is about What Drives Tāne Ora focusing on a specific subset of tāne who operate within high-performance environments. Grounded in Kaupapa Māori and Mana Tāne theories, a phenomenological and qualitative research design provided the framework for exploring the journeys of eight tāne within professional rugby aged between 20 and 36 years old. This thesis presents findings of the relationship between high-performance (one phenomena) and tāne ora (another phenomena). By taking this approach, these tāne offer insights into their childhood through to their present-day high-performance endeavours as current All Blacks and/or Māori All Blacks. Three seminal findings were established from this research. Firstly, research into the health and wellbeing of tāne requires broader emphases and attention. Not to simply perpetuate health disparities and deprivation, but to cast a light on where opportunities for gains exist and how more bespoke solutions can be developed. Secondly, health and wellbeing of tāne should be informed by research methodologies which are equally as nuanced and framed. The need for a Mana Tāne Research methodology is overdue if not desirable. Lastly, what drives tāne ora involves a complex interplay of conditions referred to in an acronym format as, MANA TANE. Notably, that any pursuits related to tāne ora needed to be mātauranga-informed, and activated by mana in the first instance. MANA TANE highlights that while all conditions are important, there are some (i.e., MANA) that are essential and others (TANE) that are complimentary. These illustrate the convergence of the conditions as an alternative pathway towards achieving tāne ora. One in which the rules of the sporting and Māori worlds are different with one being more transient and the other, enduring. And that those who are most successful are likely to be those that can have a positive relationship with both modes seamlessly.
What are the effects of Ngā Kōti Rangatahi on the health and wellbeing of rangatahi and their whānau who enter this system? : a thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2024-07-28) Findlay, Eru
In the last two decades, Aotearoa New Zealand has established a judicial system in Māori communities. These establishments are termed Ngā Kōti Rangatahi (NKR), also known as Marae Youth Courts. The primary role of the establishment is to arrest the increase in crime by creating an environment that leads to a decrease in Māori youth reoffending nationally (The Justice and Electoral Committee, 2017). Rangatahi, youth aged 14 to 16 years of Māori ethnicity, are currently appearing in the New Zealand justice system more than any other ethnic group – and this is increasing (Ministry of Justice, 2017). There are many reasons why this is occurring, and the reasons can be broad and range from the individual experience to social conditions, or universal trends. The objective of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of NKR on the health and well-being of rangatahi and their whānau (families that take care of the wellbeing of Māori youth). This research also explored the relationship between youth offending and contemporary Māori socialization processes to identify customary approaches in Te Ao Māori and their relevance to contemporary views on what counts as justice for Māori. It looked at the theoretical perspectives which underpin NKR and examined the involved processes and their effects on rangatahi and their whānau. In doing so, this research assessed the potential of NKR to impact wellbeing as an alternative to the mainstream youth court system via the implementation of Durie's (1984) Te Whare Tapa Whā model as a holistic approach to NKR. Drawing on a mixed methods qualitative approach this study was conducted with NKR professionals, NKR youth, and their whānau. The research found that rangatahi and their whānau experienced health outcomes that corresponded with the four dimensions of Te Whare Tapa Whā model; physical, psychological, spiritual, and familial.
He Hauora! He Hauoro! : the use of taonga pūoro in hauora Māori : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023-11-05) Solly, Ruby
Taonga pūoro, often referred to as the traditional musical instruments of the Māori, hold a deeper significance beyond their musicality. Before colonisation, taonga pūoro were integral to Māori wellbeing and health practices. However, during the period of the Tohunga Suppression Act from 1907 to 1962, taonga pūoro were banned and forced underground. The 1980s saw a revival of taonga pūoro, marking the beginning of a renaissance phase. This resurgence has increased their use by clinicians without whakapapa Māori or those with limited experience in their use. This research aims to explore these factors in greater depth, recognising the dangers associated with the professionalisation of taonga pūoro in the context of hauora. A kaupapa Māori approach was used to examine the uses, philosophies, histories, and practitioners of taonga pūoro within hauora to create a framework of models for Māori hauora practitioners and relevant groups. This qualitative design utilised mātauranga Māori as epistemology and whakapapa as ontology, acknowledging the interconnected nature of te ao Māori and the discipline. The first study, ‘Ngā Pou o Pūoro,’ involved interviews with important figures within taonga pūoro ki hauora. Key themes from this study were te taiao (the environment), pūoro as a means of communication, the role of wāhine as kaitiaki pūoro, and the significance of tīpuna and whakapapa. The findings from this study were translated into the ‘He Hauora! He Hauoro!’ framework for taonga pūoro ki hauora. This framework consists of five models, each focusing on different knowledge areas within taonga pūoro ki hauora, such as practitioner safety, mana wāhine, environment, and experimentation. The framework was then applied in the second study, ‘Taonga Pūoro ki Waihao,’ within a marae-based community context during a wānanga series for whānau. Themes of mana wāhine and wāhine as kaitiaki of taonga pūoro were found to be crucial, along with the relationship with the environment and Indigenous joy. Implications of this research include the use of the ‘He Hauora! He Hauoro!’ framework by Māori and Māori health organisations, including the inclusion of taonga pūoro ki hauora practitioners within hospitals and other public health services as part of the integration of rongoā Māori into healthcare. Recommendations include further research to explore how taonga pūoro can support those with specific health conditions and better enhance overall hauora needs. The research also advocates for increased measures to safeguard taonga pūoro practices for Māori. It is suggested that a form of school or kura be developed to assist with disseminating this knowledge for all Māori, focusing on wāhine, and assisting practitioner development.
Complementary feeding practices, nutrient intake, and iron status of Māori, Pasifika, and other infants in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science, Massey University, Albany, Aotearoa New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023-09-09) Casale, Maria
Background: The period of transition from a solely milk-based diet to sharing family foods at around 12 months of age is a critical time for infants. Complementary feeding practices, from the age of introduction to complementary foods, method of feeding (baby-led weaning vs. traditional spoon-feeding), use of the novel baby food pouches, use of traditional cultural foods and practices, and the characteristics and nutrient density of first foods offered support the healthy growth and development of the infant, as well as shape long term dietary patters and food preferences. Additionally, iron status is crucial for healthy infant growth and development, and while this is impacted by myriad maternal, genetic, and environmental factors, complementary feeding practices and the characteristics of foods offered are key modifiable practices that influence infant iron status. Aims and objectives: The overall aim of this study was to investigate and describe early infant feeding practices, key nutrient intake and density, and the iron status of Māori, Pasifika and other infants living in Aotearoa New Zealand, using an observational cross-sectional study design. The primary objective was to conduct an intra-ethnic analysis of infant complementary feeding practices, nutrient intake and density from complementary foods, and iron status between Māori, Pasifika, and ‘other’ infants. ‘Other’ refers to any infants who were not self-identified by the adult respondent as Māori or Pasifika. Methods: Infants aged 7.0–10.0 months along with their primary caregiver participated in an observational cross-sectional study, with 625 infant–caregiver dyads recruited from Auckland and Dunedin, New Zealand. Participants were recruited from a range of ethnic groups and deprivation statuses. Infants were stratified by ethnicity using total response for Māori and Pasifika, with all non-Māori, non-Pasifika infants categorised into a single ‘others’ group. Demographic and feeding practices data were collected via questionnaire. Nutrient intake from complementary food was measured using the multiple-source method from two multiple-pass 24-hour diet recalls. Nutrient density of complementary food was calculated as the concentration of selected nutrients per 418 kJ (100 kcal) of energy. For iron status, haemoglobin, plasma ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, C-Reactive protein, and alpha-glycoprotein were obtained from a venous blood sample. Inflammation was adjusted for using the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anaemia (BRINDA) method. Body iron concentration (mg/kg body weight) was calculated using the ratio of sTfR and ferritin. Results: A total of 1424 infant-caregiver dyads were assessed for eligibility, and 625 eligible dyads were enrolled in the study, all of whom provided written consent. Data for complementary feeding practices and nutrient intake were analysed for all 625 infants, with blood samples obtained from 365 of these infants for the assessment of iron status. Within the cohort 131 infants were identified by their caregiver as Māori, and 82 as Pasifika. The remaining infants are allocated into a single ‘others’ group as the primary focus of this manuscript is Māori and Pasifika infants. The mean (SD) infant age was 8.4 (0.8) months for Māori, 8.5 (0.9) months for Pasifika, and 8.4 (0.8) months for ‘other’ infants. Over half of all ethnicities introduced CF at around six months of age (56.5% of Māori, 62.2% of Pasifika, and 80.9% of ‘others’). BLW prevalence increased from 11.5% of Māori, 3.7% of Pasifika, and 12.4% of ‘other’ infants at the time of introducing CF to 29.2% of Māori, 17.1% of Pasifika, and 27.3% of ‘others’ currently. Baby food pouches were used at least once by 89.3% of Māori, 85.4% of Pasifika, and 75.6% of ‘other’ infants. Of those who always or frequently were fed pouches, 27.1% of Māori, 25% of Pasifika, and 12% of ‘other’ infants always or mostly sucked directly from the nozzle. Vegetables and ‘pureed’ were the most common first food and texture offered, respectively, for all ethnic groups. At six months red meat was consumed by 54.6% of Māori infants, 63.4% of Pasifika infants, and 61.8% of ‘other’ infants, and approximately half had iron-fortified baby rice (Māori 57.3%, Pasifika 56.1%, ‘other’ 48.7%). Age-inappropriate drinks were currently given to 17.6% of Māori, 20.7% of Pasifika, and 3.8% of ‘other’ infants. In total, 9.1% of Māori and 20.7% of Pasifika respondents reported offering traditional cultural foods to their infants. Energy intake increased with age for all ethnic groups and was higher for boys than girls. Protein as a percentage of energy intake from CF was significantly lower for Māori compared to ‘others’. Fat as a percentage of energy intake from CF was significantly lower for both Māori and Pasifika than ‘others’, whereas carbohydrate as a percentage of energy intake from CF was significantly higher. Sugar intake in grams from CF was significantly higher for Pasifika when compared to ‘others’, and sugar as a percentage of energy intake from CF was significantly higher for Māori than ‘others’. Iron, zinc, and calcium density of the complementary diet was inadequate for all groups: Māori and ‘others’ had an iron density of 0.8 mg/418 kJ, and Pasifika 0.9 mg/418 kJ. Zinc density was 0.5 mg/418 kJ for all groups. Calcium density was 37 mg/418 kJ for Māori, 40 mg/418 kJ for Pasifika, and 38 mg/418 kJ for ‘others’. In total, 96.4% of Pasifika infants were iron sufficient, compared to 82.5% of Māori and 76% of ‘other’ infants. ‘Other’ infants had the highest prevalence of iron deficiency overall, with 3% categorised with iron-deficiency anaemia, 12% with early functional iron deficiency, and 9% with iron depletion. For Māori infants, 4.7% had iron-deficiency anaemia and early functional iron deficiency, respectively, and 8% were iron depleted. One (3.6%) Pasifika infant was iron depleted, and the remainder were iron sufficient. Mediation analysis suggested that the difference in body iron concentration between Pasifika and ‘others’ was partially explained by the frequency of their higher consumption of baby food pouches. Conclusions: The high prevalence of Māori and Pasifika infants feeding directly from baby food pouch nozzles is concerning in light of the increasing popularity and prevalence of this novel feeding device, with concerns for both the safety and impact on development of this way of feeding. The low density of iron, zinc, and calcium in the complementary diet warrants further investigation into feeding and fortification strategies, due to the key role these nutrients play in the growth and development of infants. The rate of iron deficiency was very low for Pasifika infants despite little iron intake from complementary food, indicating non-dietary factors as the likely cause for this group.
Co-designing a community-based intervention for prediabetes among Tongan youths in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at Massey University, Wellington Campus, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023) Pulu, Veisinia
The Tongan population is the second largest Pacific ethnic group in New Zealand, and they have a high rate of prediabetes, characterised by high obesity, hypertension, sedentary behaviours, and unhealthy diets. Addressing this condition through a Tongan community centred based programme, the progression of type 2 diabetes and future health complications can be prevented. Aim: The overall objective of this study was to investigate the Tongan youths and adults’ understanding of prediabetes by mobilising them into collective actions to lead healthier lives. Methods: There were three phases of this study. Phase one explored the perception and understanding of prediabetes and its impact on health and well-being among 8 youth and 11 adults. Phase two applied the Bratteteig co-design methodology to co-develop and implement a community-based intervention called Polokalama mo’ui lelei to address the main characteristics of prediabetes (diet, physical activity, weight management and enhanced knowledge about prediabetes). Phase three involved two online focus groups (youth group=4, adult group = 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Polokalama mo’ui lelei. Findings: Phase one findings highlighted that the Tongan youth and adults have limited knowledge of prediabetes which was attributed to the lack of understanding and access to health promotion services. This was compounded by generational health information that had been conceptualized within families, further enhancing their limited understanding. Phase two of the co-designed program showed improvements in weight management measurements; however, the number of participants was too small (n=10) to infer meaningful findings. Phase three findings highlighted key barriers for accessing the program, such as household income, education and motivation factors, and socio-cultural and economic factors. Conclusion: Education and knowledge about prediabetes was viewed as a major issue for the Tongan community members when they had learnt about it. The co-design approach in phase two was demonstrably a socially relevant approach to undertake with the Tongan community, but the method used was not a culturally relevant approach. As a result, a major development from this study was the establishment of the Fengaueaki Fakataha model, a new Tongan model of health. This model provides Tongan cultural insights and protocols which help explain the findings, and it could be used as a guide for conducting future research when working with Tongan communities.
Drivers of obesity : associations of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and diet on metabolic health and the gut microbiota : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science at Massey University, Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023) Slater, Joanne
Background: Regular physical activity (PA) and limited time spent sedentary are important for almost all aspects of health, including prevention and treatment of obesity. Aim: To describe the PA and sedentary behaviour (SB) of healthy, lean and obese, Pacific and NZE women, aged 18-45 years; and to explore the associations of PA and SB with diet, BF%, biomarkers of metabolic health, and gut microbiota composition. Methods: Pacific (n = 142) or NZE (n = 162) women aged 18–45 years with a self- reported body mass index of either 18.5–25.0 kg/m2 or ≥30.0 kg/m2 were recruited. Whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to subsequently stratify participants as either low (<35%) or high (≥35%) BF%. Eight-day accelerometery assessed PA and SB levels. Meeting the PA guidelines was defined as accumulation of ≥ 30 minutes of moderate or greater intensity activity on ≥ 5 days per week OR 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) per week. Dietary intake was assessed using a 5-day food record. Fasting blood was analysed for biomarkers of metabolic health, and whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to estimate body composition. Bulk DNA was extracted from faecal samples and the metagenomic sequences associated with the microbiota were analysed using MetaPhlAN and QIIME2 software. Adjusted multivariate regression models were conducted to explore the associations between PA, SB and diet, body composition and biomarkers of metabolic health, and between PA, SB and gut microbiota composition. Results: Less than half Pacific women were meeting the PA guidelines (high-BF%; 39% and low-BF%; 47%) versus 81% of low-BF% and 65% of high-BF% NZE women. Low-BF% Pacific women were more sedentary than all other women (p<0.05): Pacific low- 10.4 and high-BF% 9.93 and NZE low- 9.69 and high-BF% 9.96 hours/day. Every additional 10-minutes spent in MVPA was associated with 0.9% lower total and trunk fat and 0.7% lower gynoid fat in all women (p<0.05). Among Pacific women; every 100 cpm increase in total PA was associated with 6% lower fasting plasma insulin. Every 10-minute increase in MVPA was associated with 8% lower fasting plasma insulin in both ethnic groups (p<0.05). Among NZE women, every one-hour increase in sedentary time was associated with 0.8% higher gynoid fat (p<0.05), and longer weighted median sedentary bout length was associated with higher BF% (gynoid fat 0.3%, total body 0.4%, trunk 0.4%, android 0.4% and visceral fat 0.4% (p<0.05)) and 14% higher C-reactive protein (CRP) (p<0.05). No associations between SB and body composition or metabolic markers were found among Pacific women. There was no significant difference in average total energy intake between Pacific and NZE women or BF% groups. No women were consuming more than the carbohydrate AMDR (>65% total energy). Pacific women’s mean daily starch intake was significantly higher than NZE women (g/day, and % total energy intake). Only the NZE low-BF% groups mean fibre intake was above the recommended daily intake of ≥25g/day. All the women that were in the lowest quartile of fibre intake, and particularly the NZE women, had a lower odds of meeting the PA guidelines (OR 0.72 (p=0.008) and OR 0.66 (p=0.021) respectively) compared to women in the top three quartiles of fibre intake. All the women that were in the lowest quartile of polyunsaturated fat intake, especially Pacific women had a lower odds of meeting the PA guidelines compared women in the top three quartiles (0.76, p=0.027 and OR 0.67, p=0.030 respectively). Among NZE women, every one SD increase in total PA (197 cpm/day) was associated with 36.3% higher relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae (p=0.031) and 37.9% lower relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiaceae (p=0.029). Every one SD increase in SB (1.45 hours/day) was associated with a 28% lower relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae (p=0.030). Every one SD increase in NZE women’s total PA was associated with 23.1% higher Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio (p=0.031), whereas among Pacific women, every 1 SD increase in MVPA was associated with 22.8% lower (p=0.034) Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio. Conclusion: Increased time spent in PA of all intensities and breaking-up prolonged SB was associated with healthier body composition and lower metabolic disease risk in Pacific and NZE women. Compared to NZE, the impact of increased total PA on fasting insulin may be greater in Pacific women and inflammation may be a pathway through which SB impacts cardiovascular risk, especially for NZE women. Although higher total PA and lower SB was associated with some aspects of the gut microbiota composition, more needs to be known about the mechanisms driving associations between PA SB and the gut microbiota to enable these findings to be interpreted.
The impact of chronotype on obesity-related outcomes : diet, behaviour and metabolic health : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences at Massey University Auckland, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023) van der Merwe, Carlien
Background: Describing the effect of the diet on obesity risk as simply excessive energy intake, does not factor in the patterning (spacing, skipping and timing), or format (food combinations and nutrient content) of meals consumed or the specific eating behaviours that contribute to weight gain. In addition to this, chronotype, may also play a role in the complex aetiology of obesity. Being a very late (=evening type, ET) or early chronotype (=morning type, MT) not only determine preferred sleep- and wake-times but may also influence mealtimes, nutritional composition of meals and eating behaviour. This may impact the circadian timing system and in the long-term, result in weight gain, obesity, and poor metabolic function. Aims: To explore the diet in-depth (eating patterns and eating behaviours) as it relates to different chronotypes and metabolic health markers of New Zealand (NZ) European and Pacific women with different body fat profiles and varied metabolic disease risk factors. Methods: This research formed part of the PRedictors linking Obesity and gut Microbiome (PROMIsE) cross-sectional study that was conducted at the Massey University in Auckland, NZ. Healthy women, between the ages of 18 and 45 years were recruited based on healthy BMI (18.5 -24.9 kg/m²) and obese BMI (≥30 kg/m²) within NZ European (n = 162) and Pacific (n = 142) ethnic groups. Chronotype, was assessed using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. Fasting venous blood samples were collected to assess metabolic biomarkers (hormones, lipid profile and glucose homeostasis). Anthropometrical measurements included, body mass index (BMI), and whole-body total fat percentage (BF%), android-and gynoid- fat mass were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Five-day food records were used to assess dietary intake. The Three Factor Eating Questionnaire and the Eating Attitude Test -26 was used to assess eating behaviour and - attitudes. Results: Half of participants were intermediate type (IT; n = 155, 54%) followed by ET (n = 97, 34%) and MT (n = 35, 12%), with most Pacific women being ET (n = 83, 86%) and most NZ Europeans being IT (n = 115, 65%). Due to low sample size, the MT and IT were combined as MT-IT, for some analyses. The MT-IT women had lower BMI, BF% and android to gynoid fat percentage (AG) ratio, lower concentrations of triglycerides, insulin, leptin, LDL-cholesterol, HbA1c and higher HDL-cholesterol and ghrelin in comparison with ET. Total daily energy and macronutrient intakes were similar across the chronotype groups. Women classified as MT-IT vs ET had higher intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat in the morning (by 10:00). Conversely at night (after 20:00) the ET had a higher energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake. The ET in the high BF% as well as high AG ratio group predicted lower energy, protein and carbohydrate intakes in the morning, and predicted higher energy, carbohydrate and fat intake at night compared with MT-IT. Women with an earlier chronotype (MT-IT) followed dietary patterns that consisted of high micronutrients, protein, fat and fibre, namely, the Healthy food pattern, Animal Products food pattern and the High Protein-Fat-Fibre nutrient pattern. The ET women followed the High Carbohydrate nutrient pattern high in poor quality carbohydrates. Eating behaviour was associated with chronotype. The ET had higher scores for unfavourable eating behaviours such as lower restraint scores (conscious restriction of food intake to control body weight), while having higher hunger scores in comparison with the MT-IT. In the high BMI group, ET predicted lower restraint, rigid control, but higher perceived hunger, internal locus for hunger, habitual disinhibition (loss of control of food intake) and bulimia & food preoccupation, compared with MT-IT. Conclusion: This PhD thesis found that ET when compared to MT were more likely to have a higher body composition and an unhealthy metabolic biomarker profile. This chronotype-body composition relationship may be linked to the ET’s irregular eating patterns and unhealthy eating behaviours that may contribute to the circadian misalignment. Although the chronotype groups had similar nutrient intakes, clear differences were noticeable regarding the types and combinations of foods consumed together as well as the distribution of food intake throughout the 24-hour day. The ET distributed their nutrient intake towards the night, the circadian phase of the day that is metabolically more suited to fasting in comparison with the MT-IT that had a higher nutrient intake during the morning, the feeding phase of the day. This PhD thesis showed that consuming a higher amount of nutrients in the morning and during the early part of the day, seemed to be protective against developing obesity. These findings give further insight into the differences in eating patterns and eating behaviours between non-obese and obese individuals, placing an individual’s chronotype at the center.
Theorising Māori health and wellbeing in a whakapapa paradigm : voices from the margins : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Communication and Journalism at Massey University, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Center for Culture-Centered Approach to Research and Evaluation (CARE)
(Massey University, 2022) Elers, Christine
This thesis explores communication infrastructures at the margins of Indigeneity to understand Māori health and wellbeing meanings, challenges, strategies and solutions, articulated by whānau whose voices have been ignored, or not sought. Māori health and wellbeing understandings, forged amidst ongoing colonial processes of socioeconomic and health inequities, are best articulated by Māori with these lived experiences. The communication platforms established by the settler colonial state are infused with power dynamics that determine the communication rules including who can speak, what can be said and how that should be delivered. The privileging of communicative spaces to experts, leaders, and community champions, shaped by the underlying ideology of whiteness that organises the settler colonial state, forecloses the space to those not fitting these categories. Māori health and wellbeing meanings emphasise the totality of Whakapapa as a basis for communicating health and wellbeing. Kaupapa Māori theory, and Whakapapa as a super-connector of relationships both in the spiritual and physical domains, anchored the research. Rooted in Māori epistemology, the enduring intergenerational relationship between health and land formed the basis for the participants’ understandings of health and wellbeing. Positioned also in dialogue with the Culture-Centered Approach (CCA), we foreground whānau voices through the co-creation of voice infrastructures at the margins of Indigeneity, with whānau members candidly sharing lived experiences navigating health and wellbeing through the establishment of the Feilding advisory group. The interplay of land, rivers and health is a dominant theme. Strategies for improving health and wellbeing include co-creating communicative infrastructures, such as platforms for voices to emerge at the margins of Indigeneity. The campaigns documented buttress the importance of regaining stolen land, (re)connecting to land through the collective establishment of māra kai with the advisory group. Indigenous communication infrastructures disrupt hegemonic, top-down configurations of health and wellbeing campaigns, providing the impetus for localised strategies to emerge into mainstream communicative spaces. Voice and the right for the “margins of the margins” to be listened to by the Crown are also included as taonga in article two, Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The co-creation, resource sharing and decision-making about communicative infrastructures can be harnessed to drive health equity.

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