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Item Pasifika practitioners' experiences : working with people engaged in harmful sexual behaviour : a thesis submitted to Massey University in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2022) Gojak, NatasjaPacific peoples in Aotearoa continue to be over-represented amongst those who demonstrate harmful sexual behaviour (HSB). Given the stigma that often coincides with this behaviour, there is a paucity in existing literature that considers the experiences of those providing treatment for HSB, particularly among Pasifika communities. This becomes even more of a concern for Pasifika people providing treatment to Pasifika with HSB, given the hierarchies, protocols and boundaries that exist within Pasifika communities. This study posed the question; what is the experience of Pasifika practitioners’ working with Pasifika who have demonstrated HSB? The aim of this research was to provide insight into the experience of Pasifika practitioners in this space in the endeavour to provide an exploratory. The objective was threefold; (i) Establish a basis of knowledge that can be built on through future study to support the professional development of Pasifika and non-Pasifika practitioners working with HSB, (ii) Create greater awareness and support within the community for Pasifika practitioners working within the space of HSB, (iii) Determine recommendations for developing culturally appropriate treatment for working with HSB so practitioners can engage in evidence-based practice that is culturally safe. A Pasifika-appropriate Talanoa methodology was employed to navigate data collection with the participation from five Pasifika practitioners who include social workers and psychologists. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. In response to the research question, four overarching themes were identified to depict the experience of Pasifika practitioners; the centrality of the Vā, integrating culture into practice, service to the community and navigating heterogeneity. This study identified the need for future research to focus on a professional development framework for Pasifika practitioners working with HSB. It also highlights that efforts should be made to improve guidelines and supports for Pasifika practitioners working with HSB. Moreover, in the endeavour to create infrastructure and policy that further perpetuates appropriate methodologies, these goals should sought to be achieved in a way that is Pacific by Pacific for Pacific.Item Navigating the values of Siapo: Through identity, Le Va and textile design: : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M.Des. at Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2014) Withers, Sonya ElspethIntroduction: Growing up as a child of mixed race, I was never aware of the major influences my ethnic identity would play upon my existence as a designer today Looking back now I have seen how important the teachings of my elders and Samoan relatives have become in providing me with a sense of respect for tradition, Samoan culture and faith. Yet, I am always reminded of my European and Scottish heritage when encountering differences. From the experiences I have attained through my involvement in the Pasifika Arts community, my professional role in high-end menswear, and a daughter to a father of European Scottish heritage, I have begun to question where these values around tradition and culture will lie in the future. The interconnected culture of Siapo has been a prominent medium in navigating this journey. About this Exegesis This exegesis is constructed through five main parts and a progressive conclusion. Each part consists of a short film and supporting text as an attempt to provide a glimpse in to the experiences and context gained throughout the project. It should also be noted that the use of Talanoa has been a prominent research methodology throughout this journey ( 1) ( 1) Talanoa - a tong an term meaning "a personal encounter where people story their issues, their realities and aspirations" (Vaioleti, 1999-2003). Several talanoa with Rev. S.L. Vaioleti, Head of the Church of Tonga, USA, in Palo Alto, Oakland, San Francisco.Item The South Pacific Islands Resist Diabetes With Intense Training (SPIRIT) Study : investigation of obesity markers and morphological, functional and genetic changes in the skeletal muscle : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, College of Health, Massey University at Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2013) Hayat, IrumThe skeletal muscle (SM), the major tissue for disposal of excess blood glucose, plays a big role in development of insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Lipid accumulation and decline in mitochondrial activity in SM has been observed in people with T2DM. Several studies have demonstrated that exercise has the ability to increase SM lipid oxidation and mitochondrial activity and hence is effective as a treatment strategy for people with T2DM for improving blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity. The SPIRIT study was the first clinical randomised exercise trial involving a cohort of Polynesian New Zealanders with T2DM. The uniqueness of this study is that it is the first clinical trial in Polynesian population with grade 3 obesity (n=18; BMI 43.8 ± 9.5 kg/m2) and T2DM. The SPIRIT cohort underwent 16 weeks of progressive resistance training (PRT) or aerobic exercise (AER) training. The cohort showed no changes in HbA1c levels after 16 weeks of exercise and hence no improvement in their blood glucose control. This was an unexpected result and led to the following hypothesis which underlines this PhD study – ?In skeletal muscle of SPIRIT cohort, metabolic adaptation to exercise is delayed due to metabolic inflexibility?. To investigate this hypothesis, mitochondrial function and morphology, lipid droplet content and changes in gene expression pre and post exercise intervention were examined in the SM. Since the SPIRIT cohort showed no changes in weight, waist circumference and BMI, examination of the concentration of specific obesity markers pre and post exercise training also occurred. Mitochondrial function was examined pre and post 16 weeks exercise intervention by measuring the SM activity of three key mitochondrial enzymes; citrate synthase (CS) involved in Krebs cycle, beta-hydrxoyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (BHAD) involved in fat oxidation and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) involved in electron transport chain. The PRT cohort showed statistically significant increases in activity for COX (P=0.005) and CS (P=0.007) with very large effect size (2.3 ± 1.3 and 1.8 ± 1.3 respectively). AER exercise led to significant increases in the activity for all three enzymes COX (P=0.01), CS (P=0.03), BHAD (P=0.03) with moderate effect size for both COX and CS activity but very large effect for BHAD (6.7 ± 1.2). For all three enzymes there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between the AER and PRT groups. These results demonstrate increased mitochondrial activity and functioning after 16 weeks of PRT or AER exercise.
