http://hdl.handle.net/10179/4763 2018-01-23T17:18:15Z 2018-01-23T17:18:15Z Faletau, Siosaia Tupou http://hdl.handle.net/10179/12342 2017-11-09T19:24:24Z 1999-01-01T00:00:00Z

An econometric analysis of the determinants of growth in the Kingdom of Tonga, 1970-1998 : a research thesis submitted in partial requirement for the degree of Master of Applied and International Economics at Massey University Faletau, Siosaia Tupou The importance of determining the factors that contribute to economic growth is vital in the case of Tonga because of the benefits and advantages it provides for the people and their future development. The main objective of this study is to analyse and investigate empirically the macroeconomic factors that promote economic growth and development in Tonga. Economic theories and various studies have presented the variables that may affect growth. These include investment (domestic and foreign), labour force, exports and imports, fiscal policies, tourism receipts, private remittances, foreign aid and its various components. Foreign resources such as aid and private remittances play an important role in the development of small island economies and Tonga's heavy reliance on these factors may also explain their contribution to growth. The study uses a neoclassical production function to examine the relationships between economic growth in Tonga and the proposed determinants listed above. The cointegration method of Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag is utilised in the analysis. The empirical evidence indicates that factors making a positive contribution to economic growth in Tonga are the growth in exports, tourism receipts, openness to trade, government consumption expenditure, bilateral aid, grant aid and imports. The loan aid, multilateral aid, technical co-operation grants and private remittances, while significant in most cases, show a decline over time. Natural disasters and external market shocks have a strong adverse effect on Tonga's growth rate. The issue of macroeconomic management is stressed in this study as the key role to be played by the government in order for the available resources to be allocated to the productive sectors of the economy. This can be undertaken through setting stable macroeconomic environment, introducing and maintaining growth-oriented policies and structural reforms in some of the key sectors of the economy. Research should be concentrated on high value niche products and promoting technological development to support the diversification in the export and tourism sectors. Measures should also be adopted to monitor the effectiveness of utilising foreign aid projects, as current aid flows show a decline.

1999-01-01T00:00:00Z Saafi, Elizabeth Patisepa Kiteau http://hdl.handle.net/10179/12329 2017-11-08T21:20:47Z 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z

Ecology and conservation of koki (Prosopeia tabuensis) in Tonga : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Saafi, Elizabeth Patisepa Kiteau The population of Koki Prosopeia tabuensis on 'Eua, Tonga, was studied from August 1999 - November 2000. Line Transect and Point Count methods were used to estimate Koki density and abundance in 'Eua Plantation Forest and analyzed by distance sampling techniques. The density estimates derived by the two methods were compared. Population estimates along six transect lines established in different forest types showed that the Point Count method tended to overestimate Koki density compared with the Line Transect method. Highest Koki density was 0.193 per hectare, and the average density was 0.153 per hectare, suggesting about 1 Koki per 6 hectares in 'Eua Plantation Forest. The 'Eua Plantation forest was divided into four principal forest types and Koki density in each forest types was estimated using the Line Transect and the Point Count methods. Again, the Line Transect method better represented Koki density in these four forest types. Highest Koki density and abundance was associated with Native Forest, closely followed by Pinus caribaea Forest. It is estimated that there were approximately 620 Koki in the 'Eua Plantation Forest in 1999 - 2000. Thirteen other birds were present at the 'Eua Plantation and they did not appear compete with Koki for the same food sources. Koki flying over the 'Eua National Park were calling when flying longer distances. The mean interval between calls for Koki calling while flying was 6.79 (95% C.I = 5.78 - 7.99) seconds. The mean distance travelled by Koki flying and calling over the National Park was 134.50 (95% C.I. = 96.73 - 187.02) meters. Koki fed on a variety of wild fruits and seeds including pinecones and pawpaw. Pinecones appeared to be a major food item in Koki diet at the 'Eua Plantation Forest. Eight Koki nests were found in the year 2000 breeding season. The eight nest trees suffered considerable damage by locals, removing the Koki chicks for sale. The implications of the research findings for future monitoring and conservation of Koki are discussed.

2002-01-01T00:00:00Z Lee, Julian http://hdl.handle.net/10179/12304 2017-11-07T19:36:51Z 1974-01-01T00:00:00Z

Biogeochemical studies on some nickel accumulating plants from New Zealand and New Caledonian serpentine areas : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry at Massey University Lee, Julian Serpentine areas in New Zealand and New Caledonia are described. A study was made of soil factors controlling the distribution of five species from a serpentine flora in the Dun Mountain area, South Island, New Zealand. Samples of soil were taken from sites of each of the species, and each sample was analysed for calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium and zinc. On the basis of the species growing on them, the soil samples were divided into five groups: group 1, Pimelea suteri; group 2, Myosotis monroi; group 3, Lebe odora; group 4, Cassinia vauvilliersii; group 5, Leptospermum scoparium. Discriminant analysis was used to characterise each group of soils on the basis of chemical composition. The results showed that the two endemic plants (P. suteri and M. monroi) were much more commonly found in localities of highest magnesium concentration. These two species were strongly differentiated by the potassium and copper levels in their soils. No strong elemental discrimination was found among the non-endemic species. Correlation coefficients were calculated for the relationships between pairs of elements and highly-significant correlations (P 0.001) are reported. A nickel accumulating species from New Caledonia, Homalium kanaliense is compared with the New Zealand nickel accumulator, Pimelea suteri. The very high accumulation of nickel in the New Caledonian species, presents interesting questions in plant physiology. Purification of nickel complexes from an aqueous extract of B. kanaliense leaves was achieved and preliminary identification methods employed. None of the nickel was associated with amino acids and the present evidence suggested possible complexing of the nickel to simple carboxyllic sugars.

1974-01-01T00:00:00Z Chinula, Tione E http://hdl.handle.net/10179/12213 2017-11-01T02:29:42Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Gender and governance in the Pacific media : media representation of women in politics in New Caledonia : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in International Development at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand Chinula, Tione E The Pacific region ranks lowest in the world in terms of the proportion of female representatives in national legislative bodies. The media, amongst other factors, plays a role in women’s political representation. This thesis focuses on the relationship between the media and women’s political representation in the Pacific. Research identifies the media as a key factor in the formulation of public opinion. Genderrelated aspects of media political coverage can influence gender equality in the political sphere. My research contributes to the discussion on gender and politics by exploring how female politicians in New Caledonia perceive media portrayals of women in politics, and how these perceptions influence their approach to politics. My study applies a feminist theoretical framework and uses qualitative research methods. Through semi-structured interviews I undertook a thematic analysis of the perceptions of female members of the New Caledonian Government and Congress regarding their portrayal by the media and the influence this has on them. The findings of my research indicate that in New Caledonia women in politics lack visibility in the media. Female politicians who took part in the research observed that this poor media visibility was exacerbated by political structures which do not encourage women’s access to decision-making roles. In general, the media accepts the status quo regarding gender equality in the political sphere, which results in the reinforcing of masculine dominance of the political sector through the media. The interviews further indicated that, while most female politicians recognise the potential of the media for gender equality in politics, their position on the significance of the media is not homogenous. Loyalist politicians maintained that the media is a critical element in politics, whereas proindependence politicians downplayed its importance. Highly-ranked politicians also noted a greater degree of gender stereotyping than junior politicians. My research concludes that political affiliation and experience are two key elements that affect the media’s influence on female politicians in New Caledonia. However, generally, the media appears to have limited influence on female politicians.

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z