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- ItemGood m(others) : re-storying narratives on abortion together : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Malkin, SachaStatistical reports on women who access abortion in Aotearoa are produced within a context that refuses to acknowledge that mothers represent the largest group of women accessing abortions. The same lack of recognition permeates the academic and clinical health care research, where the dominant narrative produces a stereotype of abortion with little focus on the everyday conditions of mothers. The aim of this research was to hear and affirm the stories of mothers who have had abortions, so that in and through their locations as mothers we could emerge knowledge that had transformational potential. I drew on the concept of women’s stories as gifts, which enabled me to develop an ethically responsible methodology through which to hear stories response-ably. The reflexive process of hearing enabled me to listen for and respond ethically and relationally to stories of pain, and through our collaboration we reimagined a figure of the (m)other who has an abortion, understood through the multiplicity and partiality of our everyday lives. The research itself tells a narrative of the re-storying of the singular figure of abortion. Listening in ways that are response-able and affirmative facilitated a shift, where stories of pain moved and there was a reimagining of our subjectivities, and new stories of difference and resistance were produced. Through my analysis, potentials emerge, opening space for us to understand differently, through stories of motherhood, abortion, and affirmation, producing a new figure – multiple and partial and moving, M(other).
- ItemEffect of basil seed gum and its hydrolyzed oligosaccharides on yogurt culture growth and yogurt quality : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Food Technology, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Liu, NinghuiBasil seeds are surrounded with a mucilage layer that has a remarkable swelling index in water and a high-water holding capacity. Basil seed gum (BSG) from this mucilage layer is a potential novel stabilizer for the food industry. The heterogeneous structure of BSG can affect digestibility in the body but it brings health benefits, such as balancing blood sugar levels, blood cholesterol and weight management, and is a good source of dietary fibre. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of basil seed gum (BSG) extracted from RO water in yogurt production. Secondly, it aimed to investigate the influence of enzyme-hydrolyzed BSG oligosaccharides on yogurt cultures and yogurt quality. Additionally, the study explored the use of erythritol as a sucrose replacement in yogurt production and its potential effects. Overall, this research examines the potential of BSG and its oligosaccharides as functional ingredients for enhancing yogurt production. The gum layer was successfully extracted in RO water instead of alkaline water, with a dry gum yield of 24.27 ± 0.64% at 50ºC, 1000 rpm for 2 h. BSG added at 0.06% to yogurt fermentation improved gel stability and water-holding capacity in yogurt samples but did not enhance the growth of YO-MIX® 726 yogurt cultures. BSG-oligosaccharides obtained through hydrolysis with xylanase in RO water under optimal conditions (E/S 2, 4 h, 65ºC) significantly improved the growth parameters of YO-MIX® 726 Lactobacillus acidophilus. The highest cell density (Max) of 1.02 OD₅₉₅ₙₘ was observed at 4% BSG-Oligosaccharides with maximum growth rate (µMax) at 0.10 h⁻¹ , compared to the control with 0.29 OD595nm and 0.06 h⁻¹, respectively. However, the highest prebiotic score (0.53) was observed at 3% of BSG-Oligosaccharides obtained from xylanase hydrolysis in RO water. BSG-Oligosaccharides enhanced the growth of YO-MIX® 726 probiotics at a concentration 1.5% and strongly protected cell survival after 21-Day shelf-life storage at 4ºC. Meanwhile, erythritol had no significant effect on yogurt quality or the yogurt cultures at ≤ 8%. A novel yogurt formulation containing 0.03% water-extracted BSG, 1.5% BSG Oligosaccharides from xylanase-hydrolyzed BSG in water, and 4% erythritol as a sugar substitute demonstrated reduced whey separation, improved bacterial growth, and enhanced probiotic survival. This product shows promise as a low-glycaemic, probiotic functional food with potential prebiotic benefits.
- ItemMe aro koe ki te hā o Hineahuone : pay heed to the dignity of Māori women : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Social Work degree at Massey University(Massey University, 2025) Haimona, Sharna-LeeThis research explored Rongoā Māori as a traditional knowledge system of healing and wellbeing as a means by which to locate culturally defined frameworks as a basis to adequately understand and respond to sexual violence in Aotearoa. Current definitions of sexual violence are located within Western frameworks that do not adequately understand the context of sexual violence for Māori and have significant implications for their subsequent healing journeys. A qualitative research approach was used to explore the understandings and experiences of seven wāhine Māori Rongoā Māori practitioners. This research also drew on aspects of wairuatanga, Kaupapa Māori, and Mana Wahine research approaches which provided a foundation for their experiences to be acknowledged, their understandings to be valued and their voices to be heard. The findings in this research demonstrated that sexual violence is an epidemic because of the magnitude and serious nature of it for Māori. It is imperative that Māori can access services that align with their Māori worldview and include tikanga based processes that can adapt and address whānau needs. This research concluded that Rongoā Māori understands the context of sexual violence for Māori and is a specialised field of Indigenous tradition and practice that heals the impacts of sexual violence and promotes holistic health and wellbeing.
- ItemRisk and protective factors of alcohol misuse : in the New Zealand defence force : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Harris, Julia IringaThis study contributes to the scientific literature and is committed to increasing the knowledge of the risk and protective factors for alcohol misuse within a sample group of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel. The present study investigated these factors from a New Zealand perspective, as existing literature is predominantly centred around the United States and British Forces. This study utilised data from NZDF military personnel who completed a Health and Wellbeing Survey at two time points: 1) in 2016 and 2) in 2019. Potential risk and protective factors were analysed using t-tests, ANCOVA tests, hierarchical regression, and moderation analyses. Several key findings were obtained. First, demographic variables such as male gender, single relationship status, Navy service, Junior Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) rank, younger age, and minority ethnic status were associated with greater alcohol use. In addition, psychological distress and trauma exposure at Time 1 were associated with alcohol misuse at Time 1, and PTS and loneliness at Time 1 predicted alcohol misuse at Time 2. The study also revealed direct associations between social support, unit cohesion, and alcohol misuse. Moderation analyses revealed that social support, leadership perception, and unit cohesion exacerbated the association between psychological distress and alcohol misuse. Similarly, moderation analysis revealed that resilience exacerbated the association between trauma exposure and alcohol misuse. The study underscores the importance of targeting alcohol misuse, as participants appear to be using alcohol to cope; therefore, prevention and intervention efforts should prioritise mitigating trauma exposure, PTS, loneliness, and psychological distress alongside initiatives to enhance adaptive coping among NZDF personnel.
- ItemCoal miners and farmers : a social history of the Te Akatea rural farming settlement and its ‘Scots’ mining village of Glen Massey, 1900-1945 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Stone, DouglasThis thesis examines the early 20th century development of Glen Massey within the late 19th century settlement of Te Akatea The more financially secure settlers in the isolated and topologically challenging settlement of Te Akatea, west of Ngāruawāhia were farmer entrepreneurs who viewed themselves as a leading ‘class’ by virtue of their imperial military service and the amount of land they had accrued and cleared. They not only sought to exploit the coal resources on their land, but were significant movers in the creation of commercial entities and infrastructure to do so. These efforts led to the opening of the Waipā mine and its private railway to Ngāruawāhia and the construction of the mining village of Glen Massey and an influx of mining immigrants, predominantly highly unionized Northern English in 1914. On the face of it, these immigrants represented a direct threat to the conservative social values that had hitherto obtained in Te Akatea, although in fact, miners shared the farmer ethos of ‘getting on’ by dint of hard work. The new village was effectively run by a loose cabal of company, union and church laymen. The coincidence of the start of the village and the outbreak of World War One induced issues around conscription and sedition which also incidentally flagged the ongoing issue of how media controlled the narrative of Glen Massey’s story at various stages. The construction of sport and leisure facilities and subsequent participation manifests both traditional mining, farming and gender cultures and some seminal indications of cultural shift. There were struggles for the provision of adequate housing, health and secondary education in the context of both a steadily declining mine output, shorter hours and lower wages towards the end of the 1920s. The Wilton Mine, which opened after the closure of the Waipā mine, did not really live up to employment and wage-paying expectations for the next decade. In the context of falling demand and reduced hours caused by the Depression, Glen Massey was torn by contending forces of the broader national agenda of the mining union agenda and local imperatives, particularly around home ownership. They finally opted for the latter, which entailed an enormous cost in terms of wider mining bonds. This had a complementary, if not causative disintegrating impact on the activity of the Church congregations, in particular the Methodist Church. Local economic hardship provided an opportunity for the farming community to reassert a degree of control after fifteen years of relative insularity through various, ostensibly unrelated events: a School Committee coup; discontinuance of the highly successful school Soccer team in favour of Rugby Union and a serious attempt to establish an adult Rugby Union team. Strategic withdrawal into an ‘invented past’ with Glen Massey being retroactively constructed as a ‘Scots Village’ was one avenue explored to counter the perceived threat to traditional social patterns. The breaking of the traditional ‘ties that bind’ also stimulated a search for alternative agents of social change within the community as a whole. However, there is evidence that for at least a significant segment of the farming community, local society continued to be constructed around a ‘class’ mindset which posited themselves at the apex and miners at the base.
- ItemNavigating precarity : Korean migrants’ experiences and resilience within formal and informal systems in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Shin, Eun-HyeMigration has occurred throughout human history for a range of reasons. Today, various cultures and persons continue to come into closer proximity with one another through their migratory journeys; and the resulting complexities of resettlement warrant further investigation. This thesis explores the lived experiences of precariat Korean migrants in Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on how participants navigate formal (government) and informal (community) support systems to obtain necessities of life. Drawing insights from Narrative Psychology, I investigate how Korean migrants story cultural values and systemic barriers that inform their strategies for addressing the socioeconomic adversities they face as members of the emergent precariat class. This study documents the experiences of three cases from Korean migrant women who were engaged through four waves of semi-structured enhanced interviews (n=12) using drawing and photo-elicitation exercises. Key findings reveal that barriers related to government policies and systems, such as visa restrictions, precarious employment, and limited access to welfare services can exacerbate settlement challenges. Although the extent of participant engagements with Korean community support systems varied, all articulated these cultural support systems as a key source of resources for their obtaining necessities of successful resettlement. This study contributes to knowledge regarding the nuances of migrant precarity by documenting how households obtained employment, housing, food and emotional support through the re-articulation of core Confucian and Christian cultural principles, 관계 (gwangye; 關係 guanxi; relationship or connections); 인 (in; 仁 ren; benevolence); 체면 (chemyeon; 臉 lian; face); 예 (ye; 禮 li; ritual propriety); 효 (hyo; 孝 xiao; filial piety); 충 (chung; 忠 zhong; allegiance); 정 (jeong; affection and attachment); 양심 (yangshim; moral conscience) and 자비심 (jabishim; merciful heart). The informal system formed within the Korean community emerged as a source for material, psychological, spiritual and cultural buffers against precarity, underscoring the significance of re-articulations of Korean cultural values and relational practices of mutual support in diaspora. Cumulatively, insights generated from research such as this can inform future research and policy developments to enhance support for Korean and other migrant communities navigating precarity in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- ItemThe relationship between income adequacy and cognitive function : an Aotearoa New Zealand lens : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science of Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Sinclair, BaileyBackground Globally, ageing populations have increased health concerns for cognitive decline. International and local studies have extensively documented the influence of modifiable factors such as socioeconomic status on cognitive functioning. However, there has been limited research specifically on the association of income adequacy and cognitive functioning in Aotearoa New Zealand. Income adequacy is the self-perception that an individual is able to meet their everyday needs through their current income. This thesis aims to address this gap. Methods A cross-sectional study was completed with 970 participants from around Aotearoa New Zealand as part of the New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement (NZHWR) cohort study of ageing. Recruitment for NZHWR involved random sampling from the electoral roll and over-sampling of those identifying themselves as a person of Māori descent for adequate representation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Indigenous population. This study consists of a survey, administered in 2010, which includes self-report questionnaires that comprise the assessment of income adequacy, and face-to-face assessments which have informed the cognitive functioning of the study population. Furthermore, the self-reported questionnaires were utilised to collect sociodemographic characteristics and information on living conditions of participants. Linear regression was used to assess the association between income adequacy and cognitive functioning. Further testing was completed to understand the relationship between age, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, employment, area-based socioeconomic deprivation, and area of residence with income adequacy. Results The results indicated there was an association between higher levels of income adequacy and higher cognitive functioning. The findings also highlighted gender, ethnicity, education level, and area-based socioeconomic deprivation levels to be associated with cognitive functioning. Low area-based deprived living conditions were also found to be associated with higher cognitive functioning. Further ingroup testing revealed the distribution of levels of income adequacy amongst sociodemographic characteristics and living conditions. Conclusions This thesis provides insight into the importance of an adequate income for cognitive functioning in older adults. It reveals higher adequate income is associated with higher cognitive functioning among older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand. Furthermore, findings showed important differences in the distribution of adequate income levels with age, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, employment, area-based socioeconomic deprivation levels, and area of residence. The findings and derived recommendations of this thesis seek to contribute to informing Aotearoa New Zealand policies and systemic reform, suggesting that adequate income may be an important factor for good cognitive functioning. Further research is required to understand the longitudinal effects of income adequacy on cognitive functioning.
- ItemMaking a case for national policy direction on the protection of built heritage : examining approaches to heritage protection in district plans produced by territorial authorities in the Otago region under the Resource Management Act 1991 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Travis, Lucy CharlotteHeritage conservation has many justifications. Most notably, built heritage has sociocultural value as a tangible symbol of our history and culture. As a result, the conservation of built heritage has long been recognised as important, although its protection in planning is a relatively recent phenomenon. In this context, the theoretical foundations of heritage conservation have rapidly evolved over time, creating multiple different conceptualisations of how heritage should be protected. In Aotearoa New Zealand, district plans produced by territorial authorities under the Resource Management Act 1991 play a key role in the protection of built heritage. Focusing on the Otago region, this research examines how territorial authorities implement heritage conservation in district plans to protect built heritage. It explores the international evolution of heritage conservation and its application in planning, identifying what heritage protection should look and highlighting tensions between the competing discourses that shape its implementation within planning. Through a case study approach, this research identifies and compares protection methods implemented in the district plans of five territorial authorities in the Otago region. This examination reveals varied approaches to the protection of built heritage in the Otago region and identifies an opportunity to align local practice with international developments. This research asserts that stronger policy guidance is needed, focusing on the potential of a National Policy Statement to provide a more cohesive direction for heritage protection.
- ItemIron-containing supplement use from preconception to six weeks postpartum : a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional survey among postpartum women in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Dai, YuanBackground: The increased iron intake requirement during pregnancy makes it a more vulnerable time for women to become iron deficient, and oral iron supplement (FeS) is often needed to prevent iron deficiency (ID) and treat ID or iron deficiency anaemia. In New Zealand, the Ministry of Health does not routinely recommend taking oral iron-containing supplements during pregnancy and lactation unless clinically indicated. Limited studies have examined iron containing supplements use in New Zealand. This study aimed to investigate oral iron containing supplements usage before, during, and after pregnancy among a cohort of postpartum women in New Zealand. Methods: This secondary data analysis used data from an anonymous online questionnaire completed by women within six months postpartum, recruited between February and mid-August 2022. This study examined data from demographic and maternal information, and oral FeS and multivitamin supplement (MMNS) use. The formulation and number of women using the different brands of oral FeS and iron-containing MMNS were reported. The average daily elemental iron intake was calculated and categorised into five dose levels: low dose (200 mg/day). Descriptive statistics were reported, including frequencies, percentages, and median (25th, 75th). Results: Of the 863 women who completed the questionnaire, 600 were included in this analysis. Forty-seven oral iron-containing supplements, including 17 types of oral FeS and 30 types of iron-containing MMNS, were reported taken, with an elemental iron dosage between 5-105 mg per tablet/capsule. Six types of iron-containing MMNS were general MMNS, potentially unsuitable for preconception, pregnant and postpartum women to use. Seventy-five percent of women (n=600) took oral FeS, 43.8% (n=569) used iron-containing MMNS at some stage of preconception, during pregnancy and postpartum, with 30.1% using both and 12% using neither. More women used oral iron-containing supplements with higher dosages during pregnancy than postpartum and preconception. The median (25th, 75th) daily dosage was 21.4 (4.6, 60.4) mg in preconception, 39.5 (7.0, 60.4) mg in the first trimester, 60.4 (18.6, 60.4) mg in the second trimester, 60.4 (29.8, 65) mg in the third trimester, and 20.9 (6.3, 60.4) mg in postpartum. Around half of women during pregnancy (42.9% in the first, 48.5% in the second and 50.5% in the third trimester), 34% in postpartum, and 38% in preconception used preventative dosage. The treatment dosage was mainly taken in the second (10.1%) and the third trimester (12.4%), and less than 1% reported high dosage intake (>200 mg). Almost all (90%) oral FeS used were prescribed, while all MMNS were self-purchased, predominately (82%) based on women’s general knowledge either alone (49.5%) or in combination with other reasons such as information from the internet, books or newspapers; or it was recommended by family or friends or a nutritionist (32.5%).Conclusion: Oral iron-containing supplements were frequently used around pregnancy. Women took a wide range/array of brands of oral iron-containing supplements, which varied markedly in the amount of elemental iron they contained. The number of women who used oral iron-containing supplements and their dosage align with the increased iron requirement during pregnancy and decreased needs for postpartum. The Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) played an important role in influencing the decision to use and purchase oral FeS. However, most women who took an iron-containing MMNS did so independently of their LMC. This may have resulted in them selecting a supplement containing a level of elemental iron unsuitable for their requirements. Given that an increasing number of women are choosing to take an MMNS, more research is needed to explore what factors women consider when purchasing a supplement and if it even includes elemental iron content so that they can be better informed when it comes to selecting one that will help meet their iron needs and allow them to achieve optimal iron levels around pregnancy.
- ItemThe role of sustainable human resource management practices in achieving gender equality : a case study of a New Zealand electricity distribution business : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Human Resource Management at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Winniastri, LukiSustainable human resource management (SHRM) practices played a crucial role in addressing global sustainable development challenges, particularly in the context of complicated gender equality issues. As a result, these practices had garnered significant academic interest. Nevertheless, there was a scarcity of research about the impact of SHRM practices on achieving gender equality in the engineering industry, particularly in the electricity distribution business (EDB) in New Zealand. This research sought to examine the extent to which an EDB in North Island, New Zealand had carried out SHRM practices in line with the characteristics outlined by Mariappanadar (2020). Additionally, it aimed to examine the engineers' awareness of the existence of SHRM practices within the company. Furthermore, it aimed to assess the impact of implementing SHRM practices on promoting gender equality. This study employed semi-structured interviews with a total of 8 engineers, consisting of 3 female engineers and 5 male engineers, to gather data on the implementation of SHRM practices by EDB owners and managers in order to promote gender equality. The collected data was then subjected to thematic analysis for qualitative analysis. The empirical findings of this research indicated that the EDB had shown a dedication to implementing policies related to work-family balance, flexibility, and worker health. Moreover, the findings showed that all participants had stated that the EDB had shown its commitment to promoting SHRM by providing technical training and soft skills training to most engineers, regardless of gender. Unfortunately, none of the engineers reported receiving any environmental training or training focused on green competency and social awareness training. This study also found that the GM and manager's method for compensation and reward practices is not well communicated with employees or engineers. Moreover, there were no incentives, whether monetary or non-monetary, for employees who demonstrated environmentally conscious behaviour. Consequently, the company's compensation and reward policies were developed in a manner that may potentially put female engineers at a disadvantage, due to the ongoing existence of the gender pay gap in New Zealand. Furthermore, the compensation policies were not aligned with the company's sustainability strategy. This study also contributes to knowledge by providing an innovative perspective on the relationship between SHRM practices and gender equality, highlighting the robust connection between these two elements that might be unfamiliar to some individuals. This study expands our understanding of the fact that some SHRM practices in the EDB are not in line with the characteristics of SHRM practices outlined by Mariappanadar (2020). These practices include technical and non-technical skills training, empowered decision-making, and company’s compensation and reward systems. The findings of this study are also valuable to managers, experienced professionals, and newcomers to the engineering industry or EDB in New Zealand.
