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Rejuvenating culture: Enhancing cultural heritage at Rāmappa Temple
No full textContemporary conservation relies on new historical consciousness. There is more awareness and consideration for cultural identity in this age, especially due to the easy access to knowledge that the digital era provides.
This research investigates the concept of authenticity and cultural relevance in architectural conservation while also, more specifically, the social conservation of heritage spaces. Improving community life and interaction with heritage is the catalyst for the conservation efforts detailed in this research. An additional layer of this study is the impact of cultural routes and pilgrimage on the social significance of heritage. To better understand these ideas, the research utilises Rāmappa Temple Complex, in Pālampet, Telangana, India, as a case study. The 13th Century temple to Lord Rudreshwara (Shiva) built by the Kākatiya dynasty is regarded as one of the finest examples of Kākatiya art and architecture. However, its current physical and social state is no longer a true reflection of its impact on the Telugu (descendants of the Kākatiyas) people. While UNESCO has defined its physical conservation plan, its social conservation remains a question to be answered.
The research aims to generate critical values for the rejuvenation of culture at heritage spaces through four distinct phases.
1. Context Analysis: a collection of investigations into the physical, cultural and architectural contexts of the site.
2. Theoretical Background: a deeper study into literature to identify relevant arguments.
3. Value Generation: an evaluation of researched arguments to form key values.
4. Proposed Solution: a conceptual master plan for Rāmappa temple based on all findings. This framework has been formed as an exemplar to encourage further research into this field. It is the authors’ belief that this framework and the critical values generated can be utilised to investigate and develop other heritage sites across the globe
Window of Palestine: Performance number 7.
No full textThe "Window of Palestine" episode at Unitec offered a poignant exploration of Palestinian experiences through the lens of architecture, art, and storytelling. Held in the Event Kitchen at Te Puna, this performance transformed the space into a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. Through a captivating blend of poetry, music, and theatrical elements, the performance illuminated the resilience and struggles of the Palestinian people. Unitec has responded proactively by adopting Te Noho Kotahitanga and welcoming the 'Window of Palestine' performance in the Eid Celebration, demonstrating a commitment to fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity.
ROLES: Sameh Shamout was author director main perfromer and singer & Abigail Spence was co-author
From shadow to streets: The rise of Chinese cultural visibility in Auckland
No full textThe context of Moon Festival
The concept of visibility from social work perspective
Immigrants’ visibility & integration
Methodology – mixed qualitative method
Mitigation of contamination and health risk: asbestos management and regulatory practices.
No full textAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral renowned for its exceptional tensile strength, chemical resistance, and low thermal and electrical conductivity. Due to these properties, it has been widely used in various industries. However, asbestos exposure is strongly linked to severe health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Although over 70 countries have banned asbestos-containing materials, significant health risks persist due to ongoing use and poor management practices in many regions. To mitigate these risks, robust occupational health measures are essential. These include safe removal protocols, comprehensive worker training, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular exposure monitoring, rigorous compliance checks, and severe penalties for non-compliance. Moreover, effective asbestos waste management and the development of advanced disposal technologies are essential to reducing risks. Public awareness campaigns, regulatory enforcement, and a global ban on asbestos production, use, and export are also necessary, particularly in countries where asbestos is still in use. Lessons from asbestos management in Australia and New Zealand provide valuable insights for nations currently dealing with asbestos issues. This paper reviews current practices in asbestos surveying, removal, and disposal, comparing them to the stringent regulatory frameworks in Australia and New Zealand. It highlights strategies that can be adopted globally to ensure safer management and complete elimination of asbestos
The Modernist dream of livability (California + Titirangi)
No full textINTRODUCTION
Modernism significantly altered women's traditional roles as homemakers, transforming domestic spaces. Modernist architecture elevated women's profiles from isolated kitchens to open-plan environments, reflecting changing societal attitudes. Julius Schulman’s iconic 1960 photograph “Case Study House #22 (Two Girls)” by Pierre Koenig shows two women in a modernist interior with floor to-ceiling windows overlooking Los Angeles. Despite the glamorous setting, the women appear isolated, indicating disconnection. The composition of Schulman’s photograph, driven by the male gaze, frames the women as passive subjects within an architectural showcase, highlighting their ornamental presence rather than agency.
Conversely, the portrayal of the Rigby. Mullan’s Greer/Frith House in Titirangi, Aotearoa, emphasizes openness and connection with the landscape. The empty seats suggest potential for social interaction, contrasting Schulman's isolation. Rigby. Mullan’s Greer/Frith Housework, less influenced by the male gaze, presents the domestic space as an active participant in social engagement. This paper examines these images’ eclecticism, comparing Schulman’s and Rigby.Mullan’s works through Walter Benjamin’s notion of aura highlight the interplay between architecture, gender, and societal values in the Modernist era
Canine hookworm presence in Tongatapu, Tonga
No full textDogs are common in Tonga, where they exist in a close relationship with humans as pets and guard dogs and often are free-roaming due to limited property fencing and the need to scavenge for food. Little is known about the health status of these dogs and the type and level of pathogens carried by them. In this study, blood and fecal samples were analyzed to identify the presence of endoparasites and determine packed cell volume (PCV) values for dogs in Tonga. The current data deficit in this area made it necessary to develop a methodology and collect preliminary data to assist with future research in Tonga. Fecal analysis revealed hookworm in 73% of dogs, primarily those 4–12 mo old. Hematologic evaluation revealed low to borderline low PCV in 87% of dogs. The zoonotic nature of some of the pathogens identified poses a public health risk, with a particular risk for children
Exploring the influence of management practices in retaining nurses in Dunedin's elderly care facilities
No full textThe New Zealand healthcare sector, particularly aged care, faces significant challenges due to an ageing population and a shortage of healthcare personnel. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilising semi-structured interviews and interpretive analysis, to examine the impact of management practices on nurse retention within aged care facilities in Dunedin, New Zealand. Key factors influencing nurse retention include workload management, mentorship, professional development, leadership practices, and organisational culture.
The findings suggest that transformational leadership—characterised by effective communication, empathy, and staff engagement—is essential for enhancing nurse retention and job satisfaction. The provision of professional support through mentorship programmes fosters nurses’ confidence and resilience. Additionally, effective workload management and structured pathways for professional growth play a crucial role in mitigating burnout and enhancing overall job satisfaction.
This research employs Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Organisational Commitment Theory (OCT) to investigate how supportive management practices foster reciprocal commitment, job satisfaction, and the intention to remain within the aged care sector. The study further underscores the necessity for policy interventions to improve nursing working conditions in aged care and to establish a sustainable, high-quality workforce. Three critical areas requiring attention include leadership effectiveness, burnout mitigation, and professional development opportunities.
The findings indicate that transformational leadership enhances organisational commitment by providing emotional support, professional recognition, and career advancement opportunities, aligning with SET and OCT. Examining these factors enables healthcare administrators to develop actionable strategies for nurse retention, ultimately improving the quality of care provided in aged care facilities.
This study contributes to existing knowledge by offering empirical insights into the specific leadership traits and organisational strategies that enhance nurse retention in aged care. By addressing gaps in current research, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how supportive management practices influence job satisfaction and workforce stability, thereby improving nurse retention in elderly care settings in New Zealand
The impact of working capital management on firm performance before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from New Zealand-listed companies
No full textRESEARCH PROBLEM
This research aims to investigate the impact of WCM on the firm performance of New Zealand-listed companies during different stages of the pandemic: pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic.
By focusing on New Zealand-listed companies, the study sheds light on how WCM has adapted to these pandemic challenges and how these challenges have influenced the firm's performance.
Author note: Lakshan Attanayake on Unitec staff directory; and A.M.I. Lakshan on pape
Heritage conservation at Unitec School of Architecture Unitec Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka – Te Pūkenga
No full textUnitec School of Architecture is dedicated to embedding heritage topics and key learnings about heritage conservation throughout the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) and Master of Architecture (Professional) (MARCP) curricula.
Rather than relegating these crucial subjects to specialised programs offered later in the academic journey, we integrate them across all strands of our curriculum. This approach is actively implemented in the Critical Studies, Architectural Technology, and Design Studio strands of both BAS and MARCP.
By weaving heritage conservation into our educational framework, we aim to foster a deeper interest in tangible and intangible heritage among our students and ensure they are well-prepared to contribute to the preservation of our cultural heritage after graduation
Assessment of affective state for horses engaged in therapeutic riding
No full textThe ability to recognise and understand horse behaviour is important to ensure accurate assessments, that can impact equine welfare in New Zealand. This is an important consideration in the management of New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association’s (NZRDA) horses used for therapeutic riding. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the ability of NZRDA volunteers, the general public with equine experience, and a panel of equine behaviour experts to identify behaviours and attribute them to an assessment of welfare. Respondents were presented with a selection from 13 videos showing horses engaged in therapeutic riding, and also in a paddock or yard situation, and were asked to select terms that described the affective state of the animal. The videos were scored on a scale ranging from positive to negative affective state. Overall agreement was moderate for videos assessed within the behaviour expert group, but weak between NZRDA volunteers, the general public, and the experts. Agreement was more likely for horses in a paddock/yard context compared to a therapeutic riding context. The low levels of agreement between NZRDA volunteers, the general public, and experts indicate serious concerns for recognising horse behaviours and affective state which, if missed, ignored, or misread could result in serious injury for riders or horses. It is evident that the assessment of equine behaviour as it relates to ‘mood’ is in need of systematic analysis. This would increase the information available to those involved in horse-related activities to be aware of stressors and behavioural indicators that impact horse and rider