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- ItemUsing latent profile analysis to understand caregiver response to their rainbow children in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Distance, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Westerbaan, Andrina AnneParent and primary caregiver acceptance, rejection or a combination of acceptance and rejection of a child with a rainbow/LGBTQIA+ identity is influential in either reducing or contributing to poor health and well-being outcomes experienced by young rainbow people. Considering the persistent health and well-being disparities experienced by rainbow people and the influence of parent and caregiver response on their rainbow children, there is a need to better understand this nuanced group of parents and caregivers. This cross-sectional study replicated the work of Clark et al. (2022) who proposed that parents with rainbow children could be classified into three groups based on response to their rainbow child. It is unclear if the same classifications apply to Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique cultural context. Online survey responses from parents and caregivers (N = 140) living in Aotearoa New Zealand, with at least one rainbow identifying child under 30 years of age, was collected to clarify whether the same three classes exist. Descriptive statistics were run using SPSS. Latent profile analysis was run using tidyLPA and mclust in R Studio to identify parent and caregiver response classes, of which two were found: positive (n = 120, 85.71%) and mixed (n = 20, 14.29%). An examination of the differences between response class, demographics, time since and age at initial rainbow identity disclosure, caregiver attachment style, parenting style, religiosity and ethnic group acceptance were conducted using SPSS. Significant differences were detected between response classes based on participant gender identity, ethnicity, relationship to their rainbow child, parenting style, and religiosity. Results indicate that there is a distinct group of parents and caregivers in Aotearoa New Zealand who may benefit from additional support in addressing conflicting responses towards their rainbow child so that they can become a safer and more encouraging support for their rainbow child.
- ItemCulture and economics : do Māori cultural values affect firm performance? : evidence from the business operations survey : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Business Studies in Economics at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Karl, CeliaThis study utilises microdata from the Longitudinal Business Database (LBD) to examine the relationship between Māori firm ownership and firm performance in Aotearoa New Zealand. It seeks to determine if Māori firms have different economic outcomes to non-Māori firms, and if differences exist, can they be explained by the practice of Māori cultural values and beliefs? Or can they be, at least partially, explained by the relative prevalence of constraints in the external business environment? To isolate the effect of culture on firm performance, this study uses data from the Business Operations Survey (BOS) to distinguish between firms that employ tikanga Māori and/or Māori management practices. It then uses a two-step approach to estimate the effect of firm ownership on multifactor productivity (MFP). MFP is first estimated via a translog gross output production function, and then regressed on firm type. Logistic regression is used to analyse the relative prevalence of barriers in the external business environment (e.g., access to infrastructure), factors that hamper innovation (e.g., costs) and the relative ease of hiring labour. The results of this study suggest that Māori firms face significant inequities in accessing physical infrastructure - particularly in transport and water and waste services - and that Māori firms are more likely to report costs as a significant barrier to innovation. Contrary to existing literature, this study finds no statistically significant difference in MFP between Māori and non-Māori firms. It also finds that firms that employ tikanga Māori and/or Māori management practices find it relatively easier to recruit workers from certain occupational groups. This suggests that there are benefits from the use of tikanga Māori and/or Māori management practices in recruitment. Additionally, these results highlight the need for researchers to consider the particular definition of a Māori firm employed in research but to also consider consistency of self-identification. This research contributes to our understanding of how indigenous cultural values influence business operations and it challenges assumptions about the inverse relationship between collectivist cultures and economic performance. It adds to the literature on the Māori economy, Māori firms and productivity in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- ItemFrom film tourism to sustainable contents tourism in New Zealand : the essential role of stakeholder collaboration : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Management at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Zhu, HaohanContents tourism refers to the tourism generated by stimulating tourists through media works, which is an innovative form of tourism that can enhance tourism attractiveness and increase the number of off-season tourists, in line with New Zealand's tourism strategy. From the perspective of sustainable tourism and based on stakeholder theory, this study aims to identify the status of contents tourism in New Zealand and analyse its feasibility for further development. While contents tourism has begun to emerge in New Zealand, it has received little academic or industry attention, mainly focusing on film tourism. Through semi structured interviews, the researcher highlighted that New Zealand has abundant potential contents tourism resources and advantages, which have yet to be developed and recognised by stakeholders. Meanwhile, most of the current contents tourism destinations lack competitiveness and are unsustainable. Therefore, this study attempts to extend New Zealand's film tourism research to the field of contents tourism and provide insights into exploring sustainable forms of contents tourism by identifying the four components of sustainable contents tourism. Finally, this study suggests the core role of stakeholder collaboration in sustainable contents tourism, divided 16 types of stakeholders, and designed a process diagram of co-development for sustainable contents tourism to provide reference for tourism practices.
- Item'Just a life' : a feminist posthuman reading, thinking and hearing practice with displaced women’s struggles and transformation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Kramnaimuang King, DolruedeeThe lived stories of displaced English-language schoolmate peers inspired me to read and interrogate the literature on trauma, particularly in relation to trauma-informed mental health disorders and interventions. Through a critical, posthumanist feminist approach, I explored how the process of knowledge production in relation to social power relations and responsibility is conceptualised. I found that the current ontological-epistemological process reflects a dominant, dualistic, Eurocentric approach with universal pretensions that circumscribes the meaningful figuration of subject, trauma and transformation. This problem of framing prompted my initial research question: What women’s struggle and transformation assemblages might exist in relation to women’s situated-embodied-embedded experiences and contexts? I conversed with five displaced women, also sharing photos and recollections. A posthuman relational ethics was enacted including a reflexive hearing practice to advance understandings of subject, trauma, and transformation. This practice, including Braidotti’s (2010) ‘by heart and by memory’, and continued engagement with literature and theory, evolved throughout the research process, shifting my research question to: How do displaced women experience and transform their situated struggles through both relational disruptions and capacities and what relational contexts are involved? In effect, I was enabled to hear displaced women’s stories differently, as we made meaning together. Hearing their stories encouraged me to shift away from normative-stereotypical understanding towards multiple-dynamic ways of knowing through the process of becoming. Through our discussion and my analysis, we co-created knowledge that shifted us from ‘assumed’ trauma associated with victimised subjects to engagement with the Deleuzian (1997) concept of ‘just a life’. The displaced women affirmed that they were positioned as less than human at times throughout their journeys, within the complexities of their multi constituent lived experiences associated with gender, history, religion, culture, context, their categorisation and subsequent treatment as ‘refugees’. Their gifted stories challenged the normalisation of trauma discourse and suggested that as subjects, they were multiple, relational and embraced change through more than human, interdependent relations, involving everyday negotiation and resistance. Their ongoing lived stories and experiences present different ontologies, knowledges and practices which substantively, ethically and politically confront and potentially help address imbalance in social power and justice.
- ItemIntraspecific and interspecific interactions between Argyrodes antipodianus, a kleptoparasitic spider, and its New Zealand hosts : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Zoology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Cooper, DanielKleptoparasitism is a common foraging strategy in which one animal steals resources from another. Kleptoparasitism is therefore an important but often overlooked aspect of ecosystem dynamics. Ecosystem processes can be impacted by the interactions between invertebrate kleptoparasites and their hosts. One such interaction is that of the kleptoparasitic spider, Argyrodes antipodianus, common name “The Dew Drop spider” is native to Australia and introduced to New Zealand, which kleptoparasitises several species of web-building spiders. In my thesis, I test how A. antipodianus interacts with its New Zealand hosts and conspecifics. Firstly, I conducted a natural history survey to determine which hosts A. antipodianus commonly kleptoparasitise and how many A. antipodianus can kleptoparasitise a single host. I also tested whether the presence of A. antipodianus influenced the likelihood of a host abandoning its web and identified factors that influence kleptoparasitism by A. antipodianus (Chapter Two). I then investigated whether A. antipodianus can detect, recognise and are attracted to chemical cues from potential hosts and conspecifics (Chapter Three). Finally, I investigated the effects of kleptoparasitism by A. antipodianus on the fitness of their hosts and conspecifics (Chapter Four). I found that A. antipodianus kleptoparasitises the knobbled orb weaver Socca pustulosa more often than the New Zealand sheet web spider Cambridgea foliata. I also found that A. antipodianus tended to kleptoparasitise hosts alone, rather than in groups. Large host webs and host site fidelity both positively correlated with the presence of A. antipodianus in host webs. I did not find evidence that A. antipodianus responded to airborne chemical cues released by potential hosts or conspecifics. My results indicate that while A. antipodianus do not kleptoparasitise C. foliata well under lab conditions, there is little evidence to date that the presence of A. antipodianus negatively affect the foraging success of C. foliata. This suggests that interactions between A. antipodianus and its hosts differ with host species. I suggest that further research is needed to determine whether the relationship between A. antipodianus and C. foliata is kleptoparasitic, kleptobiotic or commensal.
- ItemA study of the taxonomic diversity and a phylogenetic assessment of New Zealand Sun Orchids (Thelymitra) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Biological Sciences at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 9th April 2027(Massey University, 2025) Jones, Hayden RhysThe sun orchids, otherwise known as Thelymitra, are a diverse genus of terrestrial orchids found in the South Pacific. Within New Zealand they are represented by approximately 15 species, although there has long been debate on the exact number, due to the existence of species complexes and suspected undescribed taxa, some of conservation concern. Historically taxonomists have struggled to accurately document diversity of this genus in NZ, and recent and rapid taxonomic revision of Australian species has left the taxonomy of NZ sun orchids lagging behind, and in desperate need of an update. In this thesis I present the most complete plastid marker-based phylogeny of New Zealand sun orchids to date, comprising 15 species and six entities known informally by tag names and thought to be undescribed species. This is paired with a nuclear marker phylogeny, with sequences obtained through a novel application of Oxford Nanopore Sequencing that has enabled the identification of putative allopolyploid species which had previously only been hypothesised. Finally, I present an analysis of the T. longifolia complex, investigating nuclear and chloroplast genome variations within it, and how those relate to the forms commonly reported in the national botanical literature. The findings of this work support the existence of new species of Thelymitra within NZ, although further morphological study is needed to circumscribe these. Evidence suggesting an allopolyploid origin for at least four species present in NZ, which had previously only been hypothesised, was detected in nuclear sequence data. Suggestions for future work is also made, particularly with regard to filling the gaps in understanding still remaining for the undescribed forms in this genus.
- ItemAssessing diverse swards and regenerative management for mitigating nitrous oxide emissions from urine patches : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Animal Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 31st March 2027(Massey University, 2025) Qiao, XiaonanNitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas and is a significant driver of climate change. Grazing systems are geographically extensive and a major contributor to rising N₂O levels, due to their reliance on synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilisers to meet production goals. Increasing regulation and public scrutiny are currently driving a re-evaluation of N use in agricultural systems. The adoption of regenerative farming practices for livestock production, represents a potential management strategy for the reduction of N₂O emissions from grazing systems. Regenerative grazing systems are typically characterised by reduced N inputs, use of diverse pastures (i.e., grasses, legumes, and herbs), longer grazing rotations, and higher post-grazing residuals, which are expected to impact plant growth and soil function/health, potentially increase N use efficiency and biodiversity, and thus affect N₂O emissions. This study site was located at Massey University's Dairy No.1 Farm in Palmerston North, New Zealand (40°22'35"S, 175°36'49"E). Three adjacent paddocks were selected at this site, with similar soil type, classified as sandy loam soil. A total of 60 static chambers were used to measure N₂O emissions from 3 different pastures: i) perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) under contemporary management (Std-Con); ii) hyper-diverse pasture under regenerative management (Div-Reg); and iii) hyper-diverse pasture under contemporary management (Div-Con). Three months before the study commenced, grazing cows (Jerseys, Friesians and Crossbreds) were excluded from accessing the pastures. Static flux chambers (250 mm diameter × 200 mm height) were inserted 100 mm into the soil 2 weeks prior to the initial sampling. Soil samples (~10 cm) were taken adjacent to the chambers to assess nutrient content. Each pasture system had 24 dairy cows which only grazed that system. On day 0, fresh urine was collected opportunistically from each group of cows and was uniformly applied inside half of the chambers within each respective pasture at a rate of 10 L/m². Day 0 N₂O flux measurements were collected 4 hours after urine application, with measurement repeated at 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 13, 16, 20, 23, 28, 30, 38, 44, 55, 56, and 70 days. Data were analysed as repeated measurements and the area under the curve was computed by trapezoidal rule representing the cumulative emissions. The N concentration of applied urine was 0.3% in the Std-Con and Div-Reg, and 0.2% in the Div-Con. Nitrous oxide emissions in urine patch from the Std-Con and Div-Con pastures were both significantly (P<0.01) greater (55%), compared to Div-Reg pasture system. When urine was applied, cumulative N₂O emissions throughout the study period were 3.57, 3.44, and 1.56 kg N₂O-N/ha for Div-Con, Std-Con, and Div-Reg, respectively. These findings suggest a potential role for regenerative practices to mitigate N₂O emissions.
- ItemThe Carnegie factor : American philanthropic power in New Zealand (1928-1941) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master's in Arts in History at Massey University, Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 25th February 2027(Massey University, 2025) Latham, Ian RossIn 1928, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the philanthropic institution established by the U.S. billionaire industrialist Andrew Carnegie, sent an emissary to New Zealand to explore opportunities to expand his philanthropy in education and learning. The former head of Columbia Teachers College in New York, Dean James E. Russell, reported to Frederick Paul Keppel, the Carnegie president, that New Zealand’s university colleges were under developed, under-supported, and struggled to provide positive learning environments for undergraduate students. Following these discoveries, Carnegie invested almost $5 50,000 (approximately $1 8.3 million in New Zealand dollars today) in educational research, library development, and travel to the United States for promising New Zealand professionals and academics. But the grants were not scholarships or endowments. With insights provided by trusted advisors, Keppel developed his initiatives entirely in New York. To implement them in New Zealand, he worked with university leaders, administrators, librarians, government officials, and other contacts. If New Zealanders agreed to the conditions and mandates that Carnegie imposed, funding likely would be provided. This expression of philanthropic power, carefully controlled by Carnegie, was welcomed in New Zealand: philanthropy of this kind – and on this scale – had not been experienced before, and it arrived unexpectedly at a difficult time in New Zealand’s history, made worse by the Depression. But while officials welcomed Carnegie’s interventions and much-needed funds, they did not do so unconditionally, pointedly resisting conditions they could not accept, or meet. Nonetheless, Carnegie created change that persists in New Zealand today. This study of that history was developed through primary source, archival records in New York and New Zealand, which documented the relationships that Keppel and his colleagues established with New Zealand’s educational, library, and governmental leaders.
- ItemConversing and conforming : small business owners’ lived experiences of family communication patterns in their youth : a reflexive thematic analysis : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Business Studies in Communication at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Fordyce, NataliaSmall businesses are critical to the healthy functioning of the New Zealand economy. Due to the scale of these businesses, owners are typically heavily involved in the operations of their business. There is significant value in understanding the lived experiences of small New Zealand business owners during their forma.ve years, as this contributes greatly to how they perceive and interact with the world today. However, limited research to date has been concerned with the childhood experiences of small business owners, and even less exists in a New Zealand context. Using Family Communication Patterns (FCP) theory, this study aims to address this gap by asking how the family communication patterns experienced in early life may have impacted on the lived experiences of small New Zealand business owners. Taking a qualita.ve approach to this often quantitatively geared theory, a phenomenological theoretical framework was engaged while using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) to explore the lived experiences of eight small business owners. These business owners live and were raised in New Zealand, and now own businesses of less than 20 staff, placing this study in a uniquely New Zealand context. Through enac.ng RTA, six themes were generated from the small business owners’ experiences: (1) Independence from an Early Age, (2) Religiosity and Associated Values, (3) Nuanced Family Dynamics, (4) Conforming to Authority, (5) New Zealand: An Emotionally Guarded Culture, and (6) Rejec.ng or Emula.ng Family Practices. The findings depict the lived experiences of small business owners to be characterised by independence from an early age, which is tied into resilience built from overcoming adversity, as well as problem solving and self-efficacy. Also indicated in the findings is the important grounding of religiously oriented family communication, as well as the culturally situated discomfort individuals feel disclosing their feelings and emotions. Finally, it is evident that childhood experiences of family communication continue to have a great impact in the lives of the small business owners today.
- ItemLiving rivers : an ecopoetics of mutuality and flow : b a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Creative Writing at Massey University, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 2nd May 2028(Massey University, 2025) Water, EstherThis Master’s thesis examines relationships with rivers in order to explore the porosity between our shared, animate lifeworlds. It asks how language and the praxis of ecopoiesis can be used to acknowledge this relationship and explores how an ethic of care, gratitude, reciprocity and respect contributes to it. Situated within ecocriticism, and drawing on ecofeminist critical theory, this thesis uses both critical and creative enquiry to dwell in the following questions: What is my relationship with rivers? How can language and literature be used to reveal mutualities between rivers and humans? How does my desire for whitewater kayaking and re-creation help or hinder rivers? What do New Zealand’s laws and policies offer in the way of protecting the health of rivers? Is a rights-based framing of rivers enough? What does a kinship approach offer? What do rivers teach us? And importantly - what does a river want? The critical portion of the thesis uses a literature review to explore ecofeminist critical theory and embodied enquiry, and examines the interrelated theories of ecocriticism, ecopoetics and ecopoiesis. It delves into worlding and contrasts rights-based framings with a kinship approach. It investigates a grammar of animacy and enquires into the history and strengths of the lyric essay – the chosen form for five of the six creative pieces which follow the critical enquiry. Overall, I argue that the praxis of ecopoiesis - the conscious practice of being with and alongside the living world and beholding this through language - both illuminates and amplifies the value and importance of our relationships with the living world. In a time increasingly riven by difference, to be-held by and be-hold the living world, to re-cover and re-learn connections and to embrace a grammar of animacy is one way of building stories of care.
