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    Exploring 'nature' conceptualisations and 'connections' : a case study in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Management, Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2022) Fehnker-Heather, Lissy
    Human actions and activities, particularly in urban Western countries, are degrading ‘nature’ at an unprecedented rate. As a result, the global environmental scientific community stress the urgent need to shift behavioural actions to more sustainable ones, for example actions that are respectful toward ‘nature’ and other species. To shift actions, it is crucial to understand what underpins them. As it is largely suggested that beliefs about ‘nature’ inform subsequent actions toward ‘nature’, the interest for environmental managers should be understanding what underpins these beliefs to initiate change. Research exploring the beliefs that people hold about ‘nature’ is growing but is still scarce in environmental management as most research is initiated from the psychological discipline. This means that the findings from such studies struggle to make their way into environmental management and therefore the implications are not translated into practical outcomes which are relevant to environmental managers active in the field. Consequently, the research in this thesis explored four facets of beliefs relating to ‘nature’ to contribute to environmental management literature and aimed to situate the findings into environmental management outcomes. The four research areas investigated were conceptualisations of ‘nature’, conceptualisations of ‘connections to ‘nature’’, what the self-perceived pathways or barriers to ‘connections to ‘nature’’ are, and how respondents view themselves in relation to ‘nature’ along with examining whether this influences their pro-‘nature’ beliefs. These avenues of research were investigated with between 960 and 997 respondents from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand via a cross-sectional, qualitative online survey and interviews. The findings suggested that most of the respondents conceptualise ‘nature’ as being something that neither humans nor human activities are a part and similarly mostly view ‘nature’ as separate from themselves. The research further uncovered that common associations of ‘nature’ are related to flora and fauna, and that there are several ways in which ‘connections to ‘nature’’ are conceptualised, but most commonly, they are perceived as being cognitive, affective, or experiential connections. The research has shown that respondents commonly perceive modern societal factors as a barrier to their connection to ‘nature’ but on the contrary perceive exposure to ‘nature’ as being a key pathway to their connections. Lastly, the findings highlighted that interconnectedness with ‘nature’ correlated with higher pro-‘nature’ beliefs across the respondent group. The research and its findings make an important contribution to the limited environmental management empirical research on ‘nature’ conceptualisations and ‘connections’ available internationally. This research also provides empirical insights into the population of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, which can be used to provide practical interventions and initiatives to facilitate stronger connections and relationships to ‘nature’. These can be implemented in practice, policy/strategy, and planning. Recommendations are made to assist with this.
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    Flight of the Kiwi : New Zealanders experiences of cannabis in Amsterdam while on their overseas experience (OE) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Health Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Colley, Gabrielle Margaret
    Cannabis consumption and travelling share a number of similarities, such as evoking pleasure or anxiety and, like in the title used to reflect this thesis, represent the experience of “flight” for the “Kiwi” (New Zealander). This thesis therefore explores both the experiences of cannabis consumption, a flight of the mind and travelling a flight of the body. The aim was to understand how New Zealanders experience cannabis in Amsterdam while they are undertaking a working holiday based in the United Kingdom (UK), known within Aotearoa New Zealand as an Overseas Experience (OE). Given Aotearoa New Zealand’s current political debates on cannabis control and the upcoming 2020 public referendum on legalising the substance, this thesis provides an opportunity to explore how New Zealanders experience cannabis within a liberal country that tolerates the sale of soft drugs in licensed premises, while growing up in a country that enforces cannabis prohibition. Statistics on cannabis use illustrate a steady rise in global consumption, however majority of countries still implement prohibition as a method of control, therefore choosing to study New Zealanders use of cannabis in a country without any legal ramification or stigmatisation for personal consumption allowed for greater transparency and in depth exploration. Nine, one-­‐on-­‐one, in-­‐depth interviews were undertaken with New Zealanders, aged between 18-­‐30 who were living and working in London. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using Interpretive Phenomenology Analysis (IPA). Four subordinate themes were identified within the data, along with ten sub-­‐themes. The results illustrate the sensible and structured nature cannabis was consumed and enacted abroad. Cannabis was not the sole motivator for the trip to Amsterdam however consuming cannabis to reach a pleasurable level of intoxication was intentionally pursued by all participants whilst in Amsterdam. In order to reach the desired state participants often drew from previous experiences or shared knowledge on the effects of cannabis and would implement certain techniques and practices to ensure they did not reach an undesired level of cannabis intoxication. Future research, with a diverse and larger sample would provide additional insights and could possibly assist in the potential policy change and implementation within the country.
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    Interrogating Antipodean angst : New Zealand's non-Muslim majority talk about Muslims : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Ash, Eileen Jayne
    This study sought to address Douglas Pratt’s (2010) claim that New Zealand’s non-Muslim majority are experiencing “angst” in relation to a growing Muslim population. To explore this, a discourse analysis was conducted using 12 interviews with non-Muslim New Zealanders to identify how participants construct and maintain ideas surrounding Muslims. Results indicated two discourses, namely, constructing New Zealand society and constructing Muslims. Within constructions of New Zealand society, patterns of talk highlighted that New Zealand was established as a “safe haven”, as well as being tolerant and accepting of different religions and cultures. Tolerance and acceptance were conditional on whether Muslims assimilated, and on participants’ own security and safety. Within constructions of Muslims, gender-based oppression was created as a problematic difference compared with non-Muslims. Further, Muslims were constructed as “not terrorists, mostly” which suggests that there is a default link between Islam and terrorism. Media was also significant in talk, constructed as intentionally presenting a distorted view of Muslims. Also, in relation to media, participants constructed themselves as ignorant. Overall, the major finding of this research was a lack of angst in talk relating to Muslims. Rather, what was found were minor concerns relating to Muslim dress and some concern about safety, as well as conditional acceptance and a desire to retain social and cultural norms of what is considered “Kiwi”. The concept of national identity was used to maintain power relations between those considered New Zealanders, largely Pākehā or New Zealand European, and Muslims. Covert racism, as part of a much broader pattern of talk and not specific to Muslims, was identified in this study.
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    A strength-based approach to develop Pāsifika students' cultural identites and mathematical dispositions : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Educational Psychology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Curwen, Rosemary
    This study examines cultural identity and mathematical disposition development of Pāsifika students aged 11-13 years from a strengths-based perspective. It builds on previous work that advocates for culturally responsive mathematics teaching in collaborative learning environments built around Pāsifika values. Current research also urges pedagogical actions of promoting students’ use of home languages and connecting students’ “lived” lives to the mathematics classroom. These teaching practices have been described to affirm student identities as well as foster stronger relationships with mathematics. A case study approach utilizing qualitative design from a socio-cultural perspective was implemented. Data was collected through group interviews with students and individual interviews with students and teachers. The Year 8 students and their teachers within the study were from two urban Auckland schools that have participated in professional development and learning opportunities focused on culturally responsive inquiry classrooms. Coded analysis of interview transcripts was used to uncover the perspectives of students and teachers and formulated the findings of this research. Findings revealed that home language use, connecting cultural contexts to the mathematics class, drawing on Pāsifika values to promote mathematical practices and social norms, and the role of the responsive and caring teacher validated students’ cultural identities and supported the development of positive mathematical dispositions. The findings provide insights into how culturally responsive mathematics teaching can draw upon the cultural languages and values of Pāsifika students to affirm their identities and mathematical dispositions.
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    Returning to the familiar, or the foreign? : expectations and experiences of self-initiating repatriate New Zealanders : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Ellis, David Robert
    This study explores the expectations and experiences of self-initiating repatriate (SIR) New Zealanders. It builds theory based on empirical data from distinct ‘before’ and ‘after’ repatriation phases. This research has particular relevance to the contemporary context due to the pace and scale of international mobility, the competition for skilled labour, and the high volume of New Zealanders returning home to live and work. The SIR field remains not only under-researched, but also insufficiently scoped, demanding further exploratory work. This study responds to this, utilising a qualitative, interpretivist approach. This is characterised by semi-structured interviews with 32 participants and analysis of their narrative fragments, to explore their pre-move motives and expectations, their post-move experiences, and the level of congruence between them. In relation to repatriation motivation, the study identified a difficult and frail decision to repatriate, incorporating frustration, relationship conflict, and reconciliation of positive and negative expectations. Participants formed expectations through an unbroken connection with New Zealand during expatriation, including maintaining social ties and remaining current in events. This continuous connection was enabled by visits to New Zealand, social media, and news feeds. Additionally, participants took proactive steps to further inform themselves about work and life in New Zealand before repatriating, resulting in a relatively high level of congruence between participants’ expectations and their experiences, in both work and personal domains. Where misalignment did occur, some represented positive surprises, such as the ease of securing employment, while others represented negative surprises, such as the exceptionally high cost of living relative to incomes. In addition, participants contributed perceived reasons for the relative ease of their repatriation experiences, including attributing it to luck. The primary theoretical contribution of this study is that traditional reentry theory is not applicable to the contemporary SIR New Zealand context. The social information age now enables expatriates to remain better connected with their home countries. The effect of this is that many of the theory-posited ‘unexpected’ elements of home country life are no longer unexpected. The study therefore provides a necessary revision to reentry theory, which takes account of this technological age, and identifies that surprises and shocks occur much earlier in the repatriation process, often before the move home itself. This suggests a consequent reduction in repatriation adjustment difficulties. Further, it is likely that the continued rise of the information age is such a significant development that it necessitates a revision of international mobility theory.
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    'Been there-- done that' : identity and the overseas experience of young Pakeha New Zealanders : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Social Anthropology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1996) Jamieson, Kristina Lynn
    Tourism has become, in recent decades, a pertinent, though contentious area of social scientific inquiry. Anthropological and sociological studies have tended to favour an impact analysis approach, choosing 'Third World' 'host' communities as research sites. This study asserts that tourism research must also consider tourists. It calls for analysis of tourists' practices from the perspectives of tourists. Specifically, it suggests that in examining tourists' practices, researchers must consider the socio-cultural and historical contexts from which these practices are constructed. The particular tourist practice with which this thesis is concerned is the Overseas Experience of young Pakeha New Zealanders. Interviews with a research cohort of twenty participants who undertook an Overseas Experience during the time from the late 1950s to the mid-1990s form the primary data. Interpretive analysis has been based on situating this data in the context of the literature of the anthropology and sociology of tourism, pilgrimage and ritual. The thesis explores issues associated with identity and establishes in what sense Overseas Experience participants can be conceived of as 'tourists'. Rejecting approaches which attempt to define tourists and their practices according to type, this study favours the application of rite of passage in understanding the meaning of an Overseas Experience for Pakeha New Zealanders. Rite of passage lends a processual approach, which when complemented by an emic perspective, allows for a more holistic analysis of this tourist practice. Drawing on the specificities of each participant's Overseas Experience has enabled a detailed examination of what I have termed the 'liminoid' episodes of this tourist practice. While the participants recalled that they had 'out of the ordinary' experiences as part of their Overseas Experiences, the study concludes that an Overseas Experience for Pakeha New Zealanders is strongly connected to concerns associated with the home context. Tourists' practices are shaped by perceptions about personal, cultural and national identity.
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    Utopian ingredients : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design, Massey University College of Creative Arts, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2014) Stowers, Kieran
    A Utopia is a symbolic better world, an imagined future society (Portolano, 2012, p119). Visual Communication Design is able to bring food and people to the table of discussion about themselves, New Zealand’s history, its future and what values or principles should guide New Zealand society in the 21st Century. Food is a great conduit for any community engagement and plays a central role in New Zealand society as a catalyst for communion – anywhere from the family to fale, from the marae to Parliament and beyond. Utopian Ingredients is a designed potluck dinner party toolkit. By adapting tikanga Maori engagement principles, Western dinner customs and incorporating Pasifika design elements, the unique functional quality of the toolkit is to augment national identity and investigate what values should shape the future of New Zealand and explore what place it holds in the world. Currently, a governmental review of New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements examines the possibility of drafting a single codified constitution, with a preamble that outlines the core tenets and characteristics that guide our society. Using food as a conduit for community engagement, the designed dinner set questions, provokes, engages and guides participants to establish their own preamble concepts by sharing memories, feelings, thoughts, beliefs and desires they hold. As New Zealand’s increasingly diverse population grows, Utopian Ingredients facilitates robust discussion about how and what New Zealand’s constitutional preamble could express both visually and experientially. The transaction of values can be a messy business – however, civic ompetencies are enhanced when participants are encouraged to ‘play with their food’ and engage with difficult and often emotionally undeclared values, while collaborating to establish multiple enduring constitutional preambles that imaginatively depict participant’s aspirations for New Zealand’s future and identity.
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    Negotiating biculturalism : deconstructing pākehā subjectivity : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Turitea Campus, Aotearoa/New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2005) Campbell, Bronwyn Margaret
    This thesis engages social constructionist epistemology, deconstruction and discourse analysis to constitute a reading of bicultural relations between māori and pākehā in Aotearoa/New Zealand. In the opening chapters, the theoretical and political framework of the project is developed and a critique of race/ethnicity/culture unfolds psychology as replete with eurocentrisms. Practices of biculturalism become increasingly challenging for mental health professionals (psychologists) in this context. For the most part, bicultural dialogue struggles to have an audience with pākehā. In Royal's (1998) terms, this implies that the meeting house for biculturalism is empty. pākehā mental health practitioners who were considered to be engaging in bicultural practices were interviewed about cultural identity, the meanings and practices of biculturalism, and their personal experiences of engaging in bicultural practices. The texts of these conversations were read through deconstructive discourse analysis to articulate the implications of their accounts for the future of bicultural practice in psychology. These readings consider how the kaikōorero negotiate being pākehā both within available pākehā (colonial) positions and beyond into new (postcolonial) subject positions. Taking up a postcolonial subject position puts kaikōrero in the uncomfortable and unfamiliar place of acknowledging their power. Negotiating pākehā subjectivity with a colonial past, a contemporary (pākehā) mainstream, and exploring new relationships with māori is a difficult and complicated process. In recognising the privileges of being pākehā the marginalisation of māori is mutually constructed. Some of the kaikōrero used the repertoire/metaphor of a journey when they talked of their bicultural development. Others talked of a distinct/discrete transformation of subjective experience/understanding. Discontent with the present state of biculturalism was mediated by positive aspirations for future relationships that were consultative, collaborative and collegial.
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    Flight of the kiwi : an exploration of motives and behaviours of self-initiated mobility : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2008) Thorn, Kaye Jennifer
    The primary aim of this study was to identify the motives for self-initiated mobility of highly educated New Zealanders across national boundaries. It further seeks to identify the relative importance of these motives and to explore relationships between motivation and mobility behaviour. This study on self-initiated mobility is opportune as an increasingly globalised market place and a demand for the skills of the highly educated result in competition for workers. Most literature concerning mobility focuses on expatriate assignment. By comparison, self-initiated movers remain an under-researched group. Moreover, of the limited research on self-initiated mobility, most have used interviewing and narrative methods, so that the available information is detailed but restricted to individual experiences. This study used a self-report survey via the internet to collect both quantitative and qualitative data and yielded 2,608 useable responses from New Zalanders living and working throughout the world. It was highly exploratory, using the analytical marketing tool CHAID to show linkages between subjective attitudinal motives and objective measures of moility behaviours. The desire for cultural and travel opportunities was the dominant subjective motive, being the best predictor for the objective mobility behaviours of establishment, current spatiality and return propensity and being a secondary predictor for restlessness. Other associations were evident between the quality of life motive and the behaviour of restlessness, the career motive and cultural globalism and the relationships motive and the behaviour of latent transience. Economics and the political environment motives were not found to be significant predictors of any behaviour. The subjective data reinforced the importance of the cultural and travel opportunities and career motives, ranking these the most important motives in a decision to be mobile. Within these motives, opportunities for travel and adventure and for career development were central. Economics was ranked as the third most important motive, contrary to extant literature, followed by relationships, quality of life and the political environment. The priority accorded to each of these six motives varies according to gender, location and life stage, creating different equations of motivation.