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Constructing gender identities on social media: A study of young adults in Aotearoa New Zealand
No full textAs social media use continues to rise, it becomes essential to explore the processes of identity creation and expression in digital spaces. This talk will specifically explore how young adults (aged 18-25) in Aotearoa New Zealand perform their gender identities on Facebook. The presentation will cover the findings of a study that employed a two-phase methodology to examine four main aspects of online gender differences: usage frequency and motives; language use; visual self-presentation; and perceived privacy and self-disclosure. The first research phase comprised 10 focus groups with 39 participants, prioritising young adults’ personal narratives. In the second phase, a multimodal critical discourse analysis (MCDA) was utilised to explore 160 public Facebook profiles of young adult users living in New Zealand. The findings suggest that normative gender performativity is prevalent, although some research subjects exhibited non stereotypical forms of self-presentation. While gender-related differences were observed, they were often less pronounced than what earlier studies had anticipated. Stereotypical self portrayals were most evident in photos, with both research phases revealing that many users had a likelihood to replicate traditional gender roles in images. The findings also highlight an empowering potential of Facebook for gender and sexuality diverse users, such as facilitating coming out, finding support, or socialising. This study makes several significant contributions to the body of scholarship. Primarily, it is the first to examine gender performativity on social media within the Aotearoa context. It also integrates the experiences of gender and sexuality diverse users into the discussion on identity performance online. Additionally, the study employs triangulation, emphasising the importance of emerging adults’ own voices and agency in narrating their experiences. This approach enhances the credibility, reliability, and comprehensiveness of the research
Establishing presence of soil transmitted helminths, Leptospirosis, and heartworm in the canine population of Tongatapu and Vava’u island, Kingdom of Tonga
No full textRecently published work (Harder et al, 2024, Journal of Parasitology) indicated a high hookworm prevalence in the canine population of Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga. This publication has led to a collaboration of four tertiary providers in a follow up project of Kate Harder (Unitec), Kristina Naden (Otago Polytechnic), Richard Bradbury (James Cook University), Carolynne Joones (James Cook University), and Vito Colella (Melbourne University). In October 2024, Kate, Kristina and Carolynne travelled to Tongatapu and Vava’u and collected approximately 200 blood and faecal samples from canines attending the Tongatapu and Vava’u veterinary clinics run by South Pacific Animal Welfare (SPAW). This presentation will discuss the expanded project and preliminary findings from the research trip. It will also mention further testing to be carried out at James Cook University and Melbourne University to evaluate the presence of soil transmitted helminths, Leptospirosis, and Heartworm in the canine population. The aim of this project is to determine the specific hookworm species present alongside any other zoonotic helminths and identify presence of leptospirosis in order to evaluate the possible implications of humans in regard to these zoonotic pathogens. It is hoped heart worm is not detected given its detrimental effects on dogs and the potential biosecurity risk to New Zealand
Revitalising Port of Suva, Fiji: Seaport infrastructure and urban waterfront development
No full textRESEARCH QUESTION
How can the Port of Suva address the need for a better arrival experience for cruise ship tourists and increase the cargo-carrying capacity of the port for economic growth? In addition, how can the port development enhance the urban waterfront for the residents of Suva and recognise the maritime voyaging legacy and architectonic culture of Oceania and Fiji?
ABSTRACT
This thesis focuses on developing the seaport infrastructure at the Port of Suva. The project proposes a cruise port that hosts a cruise terminal building, a tour, hospitality and office building, and a maritime museum building. In addition, an integrated urban waterfront is proposed that includes a promenade with waterfront parks and recreational facilities. This comes because of the current situation at the port of Suva, which faces significant challenges. Currently, the port cannot handle the growing demands of both cruise and cargo operations. Challenges include limited capacity, outdated and insufficient infrastructure for cruise tourists, and the shared port spaces between cargo and cruise operations affecting the efficiency and overall experience of cruise tourists.
The design proposal of the project focuses on developing waterfront spaces and buildings that enhance the arrival experience of tourists and reflect the maritime voyaging legacy and architectonic culture of Oceania and Fiji.
A comprehensive site analysis indicates the possibility of a port extension, and exploring Fiji's voyaging legacy and material culture suggests some key design drivers. Supporting analyses of international cruise terminals provide insights for creating vibrant public spaces and enhancing passenger experience. The project proposes a comprehensive redevelopment of the port of Suva, where the design showcases the architectonic culture of Fiji. Integrating cultural themes like traditional architectural forms, Fijian canoe elements, carvings, patterns, and materials creates a sense of place and connection to Fijian culture on arrival for tourists while connecting residents to their local cultural heritage. Ultimately, infrastructure development at the port of Suva is a transformative project that addresses cultural preservation, economic growth, and sustainable development
The perceptions of new mothers when returning to the workplace in New Zealand
No full textNew Zealand has experienced an increase in the percentage of working mothers in recent years, indicating an important change in society. This occurrence is accompanied by a range of difficulties that mothers have while attempting to manage their work and personal obligations. Despite the country's advancements in fostering work-life balance, there is a lack of comprehension regarding the experiences and requirements of women reentering the workforce after childbirth. This study aims to explore the experiences of new mothers when returning to the workplace in New Zealand. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach and semi-structured interviews with nine mothers who gave birth in the previous 3 years, nursed, and worked in New Zealand, this study seeks to enhance the current understanding of the difficulties encountered by employed mothers and the workplace policies that support the well-being and productivity of employees. The results illustrate the significance of assistance to mothers who return to work, particularly in terms of sleep and nursing. Employee flexibility and clear communication are essential for maintaining a good work-life balance. Furthermore, the establishment of social support networks can reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance the emotional well-being of mothers. These findings emphasise the need to implement workplace policies and practices that acknowledge and tackle the demands of working mothers, therefore promoting a work environment that is more inclusive and supportive of motherhood. This research contributes to the industry by suggesting that companies create inclusive work cultures that are supportive of mothers. It increases management's knowledge of the significance of creating customised work policies, leading to higher retention of talented individuals and improved organisational performance
Reshaping the learning and formative assessment processes of Master of Applied Professional Studies (MAPS) students in the age of AI.
No full textDespite the growing emphasis on technology-enhanced learning in tertiary education, a limited understanding remains of how students perceive and experience ethically adopting AI platforms for learning and assessment. This research adopted a case-study methodology to explore how Master of Applied Professional Studies (MAPS) students at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology respond to selected AI tools in learning and assessment processes in two single-semester courses. The study was guided by the 4E GenAI adoption framework developed by Shailendra et al. (2024) to examine students’ experiences and perceptions. The findings informed GenAI adoption within the MAPS programme and can support the development of related policies and procedures at Toi Ohomai, and in other academic settings as set out by the 4E model. By employing a mixed-methods approach, which included a pre- and post-questionnaire and focus group discussions, the research captured students' evolving views on how they access information, engage with academic content, and build their knowledge and skills ethically using GenAI tools
Exploring the perceptions of Filipino mothers on working from home
No full textWorking from home is an alternative work arrangement to working in the traditional office settings. This work arrangement emerged during the time of the pandemic and continuously evolved as many companies/organisations have recognised this kind of work set up. The research seeks to explore the perceptions of Filipino mothers on working from home particularly those who have children between 0-12years of age and are currently employed in the Philippines. Through a survey design, collecting data through an online questionnaire explores the perceptions and personal experiences of Filipino mothers on working from home. The findings showed that the majority of the motivations of Filipino mothers for choosing to work from home is due to childcare and family responsibilities. Additionally, findings showed that the ability to focus while working from home is one of the challenges they faced, and having their own workspace is essential for them to focus and contributes to their productivity. Furthermore, the results also recognised the importance of family support which gives them the ability to effectively manage both their personal and work commitments. This paper contributes to the consideration of companies to provide this kind of job or work arrangement to provide employment, especially for mothers, and it also helps employers to identify the perception and preferences of women particularly mothers when considering employment
Exploring the current status of digital technologies implementation in New Zealand construction industry
No full textRESEARCH PROBLEMS
What digital technologies are currently being used by construction companies in New Zealand?
What are the main purposes for adopting these digital What benefits do construction companies perceive from using these technologies?
What barriers or challenges do construction companies face in adopting digital technologies
Educating for justice: Challenging neo-liberalism through relational social work education
No full textFreire’s (1972) insight of the potential for education to be either an act of domestication or one of liberation needs to be forefront in the minds of social work educators. The non-neutrality of education requires us be conscious of our current ideological context(s) and to hold firm to a vision of transformative and liberatory social work education, in curriculum and in pedagogical practice. The ascendancy of neoliberalism as the ideological hegemon of educational policy continues to drive managers of educational institutions to seek ways to maximise efficiency, to reduce cost (increasingly through technological means), to create uniformity and standardisation, and to focus on outputs and student numbers rather than the quality of the learning experience for our diverse cohort of learners. Within the Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics (ITP) sector the push for efficiency has been attempted through previous government directives to merge ‘business units’ into a mega structure; only to be now disestablished through the directives of the current government. Communication around both changes continue to frame education within a neoliberal discourse of education as a commodity, as a ‘product’ with a focus squarely on ‘financial viability’ and existing educational providers reified as ‘individual business divisions’. This presentation argues for the need for counter hegemonic strategies (strategies of resistance) that centre relational teaching and learning as foundational to quality social work education. Incorporating research undertaken with Pacific students around their success and retention in the Bachelor of Social Practice program at Unitec; it draws from the reflective practice and experience of two lecturers who teach in the first (and subsequent) years within the degree which is based in Tamaki Makaurau. The programme has akonga who come from marginalized communities at the intersection of social criteria such as class, ethnicity, gender, ability, nationality and sexuality. Many who themselves have experienced the effects of discrimination, colonisation, and globalisation (through migration) living in Aotearoa New Zealand. This presentation will highlight a range of hegemonic strategies used in the classroom, including akonga centred learning and relational teaching. Drawing from the principles of ako and narrative theory we explore how these approaches allow us to critique and challenge the political and economic system in which they live. Our learners are not commodities within a market; they are the future of social work practice. Social work education is not a product, rather it is education committed to recognising and addressing structural inequality and pursuing social justice. It is therefore our task to ensure that the education they receive is not driven by policies of eƯiciency but rather education that recognises and aƯirms their knowledge and lived experience within the current social context(s)
The architecture of W.H. Gummer
No full textIntroduction and framing for the Gummer and Ford Project
[Photographs]
NZI Building (Auckland, 1914-1917), Winter Gardens (Auckland, 1916-1928), Bridge of Remembrance (Christchurch, 1921), Remuera Library (Auckland, 1926), Dilworth Building (Auckland, 1926), Auckland Railway Station (Auckland, 1927), Mayfair Flats (Auckland, 1929), Carillion (Wellington, 1932), National Museum (Wellington, 1936), Auckland Domain Gates (Auckland, 1935), State Insurance Building (Wellington, 1938)
Academic foundation
Buildings
Gummer's writing
Gummer’s recommended design reading to student and architects
Edwin Lutyens’ architectural approach
Archival research
Outputs/Findings
Building case studies:
NZI, Dilworth, Mayfair Flats, Domain Winter Gardens
Pedagogy BAS Y2 Design Studio
William Henry (Bill) Gummer timelin
