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It’s not just about the destination, but also the journey: Reflections on research with Indigenous women food growers
Full text linkcultural values, aspirations, and tikanga (protocols). While the research explored how Māori women are reclaiming the food system and promoting agroecology, food self-reliance, and alternative visions based on Māori cultural values and traditions, this article is a reflective work based on my experiential learning through the process of utilizing a participatory methodology and kaupapa Māori. Nonetheless, I touch upon key research findings. The vastly opposing worldviews between Indigenous women promoting agroecological farming and the industrial model of food production are representative of the conflicting values of an Indigenous versus an academic worldview. In this paper, I set out a series of reflections on working with Indigenous Māori women within a research context; the challenges and tribulations that were overcome; as well as how kaupapa Māori, an Indigenous methodology, expands on participatory research
Speed the plough : an historical geography of New Zealand farming before the introduction of refrigeration.
Full text link[…] The present pattern of farming in New Zealand evolved through many changes which were in themselves
responses to the landscape found by the Europeans, based on the cultural background of the settlers, the
changing demands of markets both domestic and overseas, technological advances, and the development and
expansion of transportation facilities. The nineteenth century was one of experimentation and change in New
Zealand farming, whereas the present century, despite minor changes of emphasis, has been primarily a period of intensification of an already established basic pattern. What follows is an attempt to describe the geography of New Zealand farming - its characteristics, methods, and changes - from the time of Cook's arrival in 1769 until 1881, the year previous to the successful landing of frozen New Zealand meat and dairy produce in London. This thesis is an exercise in Historical Geography, a field which no longer needs to be defined, or a special plea made for its validity as part of the field of Geography. A word, however, may be noted about the element of change. Some geographers would suggest that changes in time belong only to history, but as Hartshorne notes the study of 'differences from
place to place changing through time' is validly part of historical geography. Thus the emphasis in respect to change in this thesis is where and why the changes took place. [Extract from Preface
Quaternary deformation at the leading edge of the Otago reverse fault province
Full text linkThe southeast Otago region forms the present leading edge of the outboard zone of continental collision between the Pacific and Australian plates. This study focuses on Quaternary motion of two northeast-striking, steeply southeast-dipping, reverse faults, the Akatore and Titri Faults, and subsidence of the Taieri Basin to the west.
The Akatore Fault (~65km long) alternates between onshore and offshore segments; maximum throw along the central onshore segment is 130m. Holocene fault scarps are well preserved along the central onshore segment. Buried peat and wood horizons in blocked swamps along the fault trace, and two marine terraces preserved along the seaward edge of the block, together record two uplift events post-loess deposition. Radiocarbon dating constrains these events to ~1.15 and ~3.8ka. Uplift per event averages 3m, but increases to a maximum of 4m near the south end of the central onshore segment. Evidence for Pleistocene motion is predominantly from marine terraces; two terraces (35 and 65m) restricted to the Akatore block are interpreted to be 105 and 125ka in age, and indicate a period of Akatore Fault uplift between 80-125ka. From 80-3.8ka, however, the fault appears to have undergone a period of quiescence.
The Titri Fault System is also ~65km long, but is probably linked at depth to the reverse Castle Hill Fault to the southwest. Structure contours drawn on basement of the coastal range indicates the "Titri Fault" is segmented; segment lengths range from 13-25km. Maximum total throw is ~650m. The fault system consists of a master fault and several frontal strands; the latter locally deform loess-covered alluvial fans. There is no evidence for Holocene
motion. Alluvial fans can be divided into four sets; the oldest two are everywhere deformed, whereas the second-youngest is locally deformed near Moneymore. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating provides some control on fan ages, as well as loess stratigraphy. These ages indicate that the last widespread deformation along the Titri Fault System was ~150-70ka, with localised deformation (Moneymore) occurring between 60 and 25ka. Uplift
of a marine terrace interpreted to be 80ka in age further constrains the last period of widespread motion to ~80-70ka. Uplift of higher marine terraces indicates earlier fault motion between 125 and 400ka, with evidence from deformed alluvial fans for a major period of deformation and erosion during 01 stage 7 (245-186ka).
The Taieri Basin is a tectonic depression on the downthrown side of the northern Titri Fault System. It is also faulted on its north-western margins by the west-dipping, reverse, Maungatua and North Taieri Faults. The latter faults have deformed alluvial fans of interpreted penultimate glacial and antepenultimate age, but not last glacial age, indicating
middle and late Quaternary activity. Water bore logs, drillhole logs, a high resolution seismic survey and gravity surveys indicate the basin is asymmetric, with maximum depths of ~200- 300m occurring adjacent to the Titri Fault System (southeast side), suggesting the Titri Fault System is controlling subsidence.
Synthesising the above evidence for timing of fault movement leads to the interpretation that the Akatore Fault and Titri Fault System are moving episodically, on the time scale of tens of thousands of years. Furthermore, there is some evidence for switching between the two. Episodic behaviour is also recognised in central Otago, and supports the interpretation that the Otago reverse faults are linked by a sub-horizontal, mid-crustal ductile shear zone. Episodic behaviour has significant implications for seismic hazard analysis, both in Otago and worldwide
ENTOMOPHAGY Understanding New Zealand Consumers’ Attitudes Toward Eating Insects
Full text linkWhile the ecological, economic, and social benefits of entomophagy are well documented, adoption of this food source in many Western countries has been slow. Understanding consumers’ attitudes towards entomophagy is important in determining if and how edible insects will be accepted as a food product in the future. This research determined the dominant discourses that exist towards entomophagy in New Zealand. Q methodology, which provides both a technique and philosophical principles for studying individuals’ judgments, attitudes, and points of view about a topic, was used to identify dominant consumer discourses. The objective of the study was to describe representations of different dominant participant viewpoints. Thirty-four participants living in Dunedin sorted a set of statements about entomophagy. The comparison of sorts across participants in a factor analysis enabled the identification of statistically similar participant viewpoints, which were then interpreted using the rich qualitative data obtained in interviews after card-sorting. Five different discourses were identified: ‘Enthusiastic adventurers’, ‘Benefit seekers’, ‘Disgusted disavowals’, ‘Tolerable but restrained’, and ‘Secure resolute’. In addition to practical insights about how insects could be positioned in the marketplace, the identification of these discourses adds to a limited literature on entomophagy attitudes. Future research that measures the prevalence of these discourses via a nation-wide representative survey would allow researchers to determine who holds these viewpoints, which would have useful implications for developing an insect industry
New Zealand’s Food Waste: Estimating the Tonnes, Value, Calories and Resources Wasted
Full text linkWe used macro-economic data and aggregated waste data to estimate that, in 2011, New Zealand households generated over 224,000 tonnes of food waste, and New Zealand industry generated over 103,000 tonnes of food waste. We split New Zealand’s food waste into 14 food-waste categories and found that 7% is related to “fresh” produce, and 93% “processed” food waste. The value of New Zealand’s food waste in 2011 is estimated to be NZ 131 per person. Furthermore, New Zealand’s food waste represents 163 ˆ 109 calories in total, and avoidable food waste would be able to feed between 50,000 and 80,000 people a year. New Zealand food waste embodies 4.2 ˆ 106 tonnes of CO2-e, 4.7 ˆ 109 m3 of water, and 29 ˆ 103 TJ of energy. Nonetheless, we find that, compared to other nations, New Zealanders waste less food per capita by weight, value and calorie
The stress of food allergy issues in daily life
Full text linkFood allergies are a growing health concern, but their implications for daily psychological functioning are unknown. This micro-longitudinal study investigated the daily frequency of food allergy issues and how this related to experiences of stress, mood and physical energy. One hundred and eight adults with physician-diagnosed food allergies completed an initial Internet survey followed by a 2-week Internet daily diary survey. The initial survey collected socio-demographic and food allergy information. The daily survey collected information about the participants’ experiences of stress, mood, physical energy and food allergy issues during that day. Commonly experienced allergy issues included negative physical symptoms, higher food prices, anxiety about safety of food, trouble maintaining a healthy diet and anxiety/stress at social occasions. Furthermore, multilevel modelling analyses showed that stress and negative mood were significantly higher on days with more allergy issues. Older adults experienced lower positive mood and physical energy on days with more issues. This is the first study to incorporate near to real-time tracking to examine the frequency of food allergy issues and the implications for daily psychological functioning. Targeting the issues we identified could reduce stress in patients with food allergies and improve their overall quality of life
An Exploratory Qualitative Exploration of the Personal Values Underpinning Taiwanese and Malaysians’ Wine Consumption Behaviors
Full text linkAugmented buying power of East Asian consumers has resulted in increased interest in these markets. Wine is a particularly promising sector to target as the number of East Asians choosing to drink wine rises. In order to serve these markets, companies must understand factors influencing consumers’ choices. The objective of this research was to understand how Taiwanese and Malaysian consumers’ personal values influenced their consumption decisions about wine. The means–end chain framework and associated semi-structured interview technique, value laddering, was used to elicit consumers’ preferred product attributes, the consequences of these attributes and the values that underpin these consequences. Data collection involved intercepting foreign travelers from Malaysia and Taiwan in New Zealand (20 Taiwanese and 20 Malaysian) to partake in a wine choice interview. The resulting findings are exploratory in nature. Analysis revealed the most preferred wine attributes for Taiwanese were “Price” and “Sensory Aspects”—that these attributes were linked to consequences “Financial Considerations” and “Satisfy Senses”—which in turn were linked to personal values “Self Direction” and “Achievement”. For the Malaysian participants, the attribute “Sensory Aspects” of wine was most important, as was the value “Hedonism”. This study adds to literature related to beverage consumption decision making by exploring cultural aspects. It also offers suggestions for practitioners interested in targeting these consumers
Patient perspectives on the causes and prevention of rehospitalisation for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative study
Full text linkBackground: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the umbrella term for a group of lung diseases which are degenerative and marked by progressively worsening symptoms including: breathlessness; fatigue; acute exacerbation; multiple comorbidities; and eventually death.
Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) resulting in hospitalisation may be responsible for up to 25 percent of reductions in lung function. In New Zealand an estimated 23% of those discharged from hospital after an initial episode of AECOPD are readmitted within 30 days, a situation which is both costly and disadvantageous to the patient.
Objective: The aim of this study was to understand patients’ perspectives on the causes and prevention of re-hospitalisation for AECOPD.
Method: Data for this study was collected from a subgroup of participants who had been recruited as part of a feasibility study using randomised controlled trial methods to explore the effectiveness of a novel self-management intervention, called “Taking Charge of COPD”. All participants were initially recruited in hospital after an episode of severe AECOPD. The subgroup of participants in this qualitative study were interviewed 12 months later and ask about their views and experiences regarding what had helped or hindered them to stay well and out of hospital. Grounded theory was used to analyse results and construct concept. Data were also collected on disease specific health status (using the Chronic COPD Questionnaire), depression and anxiety (using the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale), and number of moderate episodes (requiring antibiotics or steroids) or severe episodes of AECOPD (requiring hospitalisation) during the prior 12 months.
Results: Twelve participants were interviewed (mean age 69.3 years (SD 13.6); range 29 – 84; 6 female, 2 Māori, 2 Pacific, 7 New Zealand European). These participants had experienced between 0 and 7 episodes of moderate AECOPD (average 1.8) and 0 to 3 episodes of severe AECOPD (average 0.7) in the 12 months since their original hospitalisation. Three main concepts were identified to describe the participants’ views on what helped or hinder them to stay well and out of hospital: 1) Being Proactive – which encompasses practical steps participants took to reduce AECOPD; 2) Being Positive – which describes the importance of a positive mindset; and 3) Taking Charge – the concept of believing in oneself. Impacting on each of these was the influence of significant others, particularly family and friends.
Conclusion: This research expands our understanding of how patients manage COPD and adds a patient’s perspective to the current knowledge on how to prevent AECOPD. Programmes which promote self-efficacy and positive mental health would be beneficial additions to AECOPD prevention, as could the inclusion of family or significant others in health planning/treatment plans.
Public Participation in Conservation: The Taranaki Mounga Project
Full text linkThis research is focused on critically reviewing and examining the nature of public participation in conservation through the lens of a landscape-scale conservation project; the Taranaki Mounga Project (TMP). TMP’s goal is to restore the ecological vitality and mauri (life essence) of Mount Taranaki and the surrounding environment. This research takes a qualitative approach to answer the main research question how does TMP employ public participation in conservation? through asking key informants from four different aspects of public participation in conservation (iwi representatives, TMP employees, local authority employees and volunteers) about their perspectives and impressions of how TMP uses public participation, and what makes public participation successful.
Key areas explored by this research are: how Māori are engaged in conservation by TMP, how legislation impacts public participation in conservation, how conservation projects can act be a platform for personal and community benefits, and how conservation projects can achieve engagement with the public.
This research also provides implications for current or future conservation projects to use public participation successfully within the context of conservation