bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Watchman
Authors:   , Scott-Towers Rhidian
Published: December 2021

Over the course of the last five years, the female prison population in New Zealand has risen more than 56%. As these numbers remain exponentially increasing, the ability to uphold successful facilitation for each and every inmate is weakening. This is largely a result of poor and incorrect implementation of criminal rehabilitation schemes. Upon release, confusion, fear, and the sheer overwhelm of exposure to the culture contained within modern day society gives appeal to recidivism, and leads to the escalation of the prison population crisis.  In response to this escalating crisis — advancing the search for alternative means of successful criminal rehabilitation — this research explores the enablement of architecture to have a rehabilitative function within a prison environment, as well as the reduction of recidivism through didactic architectural experience.  This research proposes that the decommissioned Mount Crawford Prison in Wellington New Zealand can be redesigned to test this opportunity. As a research site, it can be used to test how design can enhance the rehabilitation process of a prisoner in the cultural transition from incarceration to society.  The research approach integrates Michel Foucault’s theory “Of Other Spaces” to address the first principle objective of this research investigation, and develop architecture that encourages prison inhabitants to reinterpret dystopian experience through the lens of heterotopia; Cathy Ganoe’s theory “Design as Narrative: A theory of inhabiting space” to address the second principle objective of this research investigation, and develop architecture that establishes a spatial experiential narrative about a person’s transforming interpretation of their surroundings; Daniel Merritt Hewett’s theory “Architecture and the Productive Implications of Pause” to address the third principle objective of this research investigation, as a means of establishing strategic points of pause along the journey of the spatial experiential narrative, that enable enhanced understanding of heterotopia. Kalervo Oberg’s theory of culture shock is also integrated as a means of developing an understanding of the cultural transition from incarceration to liberation.
Localising urbanism
Authors:   , Jackson Alexandra Ione
Published: December 2021

This research began as a personal dissatisfaction with how the notion of indeterminacy very commonly gets used in contemporary landscape architectural design discourse and practice, most strongly associated with but not limited to what gets termed ‘landscape urbanism’. The dominant use of this notion is associated with design preoccupations such as change over time, bodily movement, the inability to predict, allowing for change and ecological growth or succession - and uses of representation related to these ideas. Peter Connolly has termed this conception the ‘abstract’ notion of indeterminacy. This notion was inspired by the writings of Deleuze and Guattari, however Connolly’s examination of the literature, and my field studies and design investigations point to an alternative version, a ‘concrete’ notion of indeterminacy¹ as being more relevant to designers. The abstract version will only ever be indirectly relevant to the human involvement in landscape. The ‘concrete’ is affectual and intensive and is directly relevant to human spatiality and life. Instead of change in space or over time, the concrete version is, in contrast, about the liveliness and shiftiness of affect (the shiftiness of affects / affordances, / propensities / capabilities…)—the shiftiness of powers. This research attempts to move beyond the attractive ambiguity and confusion associated with the abstract version and engage with the concrete ‘indeterminacy-of-affect’ by focusing on a very restricted realm of small urban spaces, which might be considered incidental spaces, in Wellington city. Through this intentionally limited attempt to directly engage with concrete indeterminacy there emerged, a way to engage with a type of localness associated with these spaces. This process has involved the development of aesthetic and representational techniques and it is suggested that this work is not just relevant to the question of indeterminacy and the local, but is very relevant to the newly emergent interest by landscape architects in design aesthetics².
The Matter of Early Modern Female Melancholy
Authors:   , Rayner Emma
Published: December 2021

The Renaissance is often touted as the age of melancholy. For fictional personages like Hamlet as well as for writers like Robert Burton, melancholy served both as a burden and a blessing, facilitating intellectual activity at the expense of psychological and bodily comfort. Precisely because of its Aristotelean associations with brilliance, melancholy was off-limits to early modern women, who were afforded a pathology different not merely in degree but in kind to that of the male melancholic. Female melancholy was understood as an entirely corporeal illness, lacking any semblance of the creative or intellectual fecundity which its male sufferers enjoyed.  Literary critics and cultural historians have long taken the authors of early modern medical treatises at their word, and because of this, the extant scholarship on melancholy projects an overwhelmingly masculinist history of the emotion. Those scholars who have addressed the subterraneous literature of women’s emotion in the Renaissance, moreover, have commonly understood female-voiced articulations of negative affect through the lens of “grief” or “sorrow”. A poetics of female melancholy in the English Renaissance is thus still awaiting formulation, and it is this critical absence that I move to redress.  Putting male-authored, canonical works of literature in dialogue with the poetry of three seventeenth-century women writers, this thesis pursues the topic of a literary melancholy that is specifically female, or female-voiced. Chapter One explores the shape of female melancholic discourse in two Shakespearean texts – Hamlet and The Two Noble Kinsmen – and in the poetry of devotional poet An Collins. Chapter Two considers the telos of self-marmorisation (the female melancholic’s turn to stone) first in Webster’s Duchess of Malfi, Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, and Milton’s Comus, and then in the verse of Hester Pulter. Finally, Chapter Three discusses the presence of postlapsarian melancholy in the elegies of Lucy Hutchinson. All three chapters argue for the significance, the matter, of artistic representations of women’s affect in a period which has traditionally seen male expressions of melancholy raised above female expressions of the same.
Design for the Future: Creating a Champion
Authors:   , Moos Mendel
Published: December 2021

The goal of sports protective wear is to maintain safety and reduce the risk of injury, especially in areas of the body most vulnerable during contact. Furthermore, playing an essential role in preserving the longevity and performance quality of athletes. This thesis proposes that the security provided by protective sports performance can also effectively contribute to the confidence and motivation to perform. Thus ‘Creating a Champion’ is an exploration into what performance and protection could look like in the future, employing contemporary technologies creatively, for a speculative design outcome.   Employing 3d scanning, 3d modelling and 3d printing, an effective design approach was developed responding to the design challenge in a practical and appropriate manner. Furthermore, the 3d printed concepts served as a protector as well as a sports performance enhancing stimulator. With the application of research through design playing a fundamental role in the design development of the resolved model, the 3d printed skin was evaluated and reflected upon.   The thesis was concluded with the 3d printed skin performing in new and novel ways. While, providing compelling functionality, and an ergonomic fit to the body the skin was provocative and visually compelling.With minor alterations, the composed design may become a product relevant in the future of 3d printed sports protective wear. Where protection is a visual and an emotional perception.
A framework for young people with neurodisability who engage in antisocial behaviour: Introducing the PAM-NEXT
Authors:   , Collin-Smyth Sebastian
Published: December 2021

In recent times there has been greater recognition of the over representation of young people with neurodisability within youth justice systems worldwide. This poses a problem for practitioners and suggests that current treatments based on addressing dynamic risk factors may be inadequate for addressing the needs of this group. This thesis elucidates these challenges and extends the Predictive Agency Model (PAM; Heffernan & Ward, 2017) into the Predictive Agency Model-Neurodisability Extension (PAM-NEXT). This extension considers how neurodisability can contribute to a maladaptive developmental history for young people which, in some cases, can lead to exposure to dynamic risk factors. The PAM-NEXT provides a framework to consider how these factors can be operationalised within the process of antisocial behaviour for young people with neurodisabilities. The PAM-NEXT is then applied to composite cases of young people who have engaged in antisocial behaviour to demonstrate its utility. Lastly the PAM-NEXT is evaluated and future directions discussed. The PAM-NEXT can provide practitioners options to adequately target treatment for young people with neurodisability who engage in antisocial behaviour.
Building information modelling for asset and facilities management
Authors:   , Haddock Amber
Published: December 2021

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an expanding knowledge field driven as a design process within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry (AEC). Building Information Models have been predominately used in pre-construction for clash detection and modelling benefits as a collaborative tool. Confusion and false interpretation are common amongst many interested parties, as BIM is often spoken about as a design tool, be it Revit or similar, but not its purpose, as a process. A commonly understood language throughout the construction industry is referred to as model development in BIM, reported as Level of Development Stages. Currently 6 stages are developed (LOD 100, 200, 300, 350, 400, 500). With this in mind, Building Information Modelling has been used in the construction industry commonly at a stage of development (LOD 300), components are modelled to enable enough data for the model to be used in the construction phase of a project, and often only theoretical research of BIM to the operational and maintenance lifecycle of a building is acknowledged (LOD 500). This study explores the use of Building Information Modelling as a digital process to understand the necessary inputs (in specific elements) of data for outputs of a BIM process to the stage of model development at a buildings operational and maintenance platform. A comprehensive literature review, a study of companies “traditional approach” to managing their assets and facilities, as well as a “new approach” study of Building Information Modelling, to manage assets was undertaken within the context of New Zealand.  The expected approach for the future of managing assets from this research suggests a positive opportunity to raise the profile of Building Information Modelling in the asset and facilities space to manage assets and facilities better. For the past generation, technological inventions have been introduced every week, with the trend guaranteed to continue, there is a resilience for change as well as an appreciation for change. It is suggested that as the global construction industry matures in BIM so will the use of BIM in Asset and Facilities Management. There are few software applications developed for the Building Information Modelling Asset/Facilities Management space, the case studies presented in this research paper have implemented Autodesk’s Building Ops application as well as a unique tailored approach. Both New Zealand case studies have shown a positive/beneficial use in Building Information Modelling in Asset and Facilities Management. As the construction industry matures we expect to see BIM AM/FM used more frequently, especially for asset owners.
Exploring different approaches utilized in music therapy practice with a wide range of clients in various clinical settings
Authors:   , Shyu Wei-Kai
Published: December 2021

Diversity of practice demands diversity in approaches. This explorative qualitative research study was conducted to help me understand and improve my practice with a wide range of client populations in various clinical settings. Clinical work took place over eight months at a specialized clinic working with mainly young children and adolescents with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Clinical work also took place as part of an outreach service at a healthcare facility for young adults with various neurological disabilities. Music-centered music therapy, humanistic music therapy, behavioural music therapy, and psychodynamic music therapy approaches influenced this work. The methodology I employed for the research was secondary analysis of data. This involved thematic analysis (both inductive and deductive) of my clinical notes and reflective journal, to identify and draw out themes pertaining to my research question. Clinical data has been used to illustrate the findings, and a clinical vignette is included to illustrate the approaches utilized in clinical practice. The data revealed underlying humanistic frameworks in most of my clinical practice, but also indicated that I draw on other approaches in certain contexts. This research provides a descriptive qualitative account of one student’s music therapy practice in New Zealand. The example may provide some insight into the potential benefits of utilizing various approaches when working with clients with varying needs.
Building Relationships in a Youth Justice Residence in Aotearoa New Zealand: Experiences of a Music Therapy Student
Authors:   , Stone Meg
Published: December 2021

Using Action Research, I explored my experience as a music therapy student in the process of developing relationships in a Youth Justice Residence in Aotearoa New Zealand. I reviewed a body of literature on therapeutic relationships within arts therapies and broader therapeutic traditions, music therapy with at-risk-youth, and social-justice perspectives in music therapy. Data was generated by means of journals and supervision notes and was analysed using thematic analysis through three cycles of action research. All names of the young people were changed to protect their anonymity. Findings showed that building relationships in this context involved having knowledge about the context and the population, self-knowledge and reflexivity, an ability to work across difference, and shared music-making.  While the research was primarily being undertaken to improve practice, student research can offer a valuable addition to the field of music therapy, which is a relatively new field that requires more research to fully understand its benefits and challenges in various contexts and with different populations. This study may support other practitioners in their own process of relationships building with youth-at-risk within the local context of Aotearoa New Zealand, and may illustrate strategies that support this within the context of youth justice residence, as well as barriers and challenges involved.
The Third Epidemic: Finding our Voice in the Culture of Silence that Surrounds HIV and AIDS
Authors:   , Mulholland Catriana
Published: December 2021

The third epidemic: that of the social reprecussions and the fear of AIDS, continues to generate the myths, prejudice and stigma, so inaccurately associated with HIV and AIDS, often silencing those trying to live so positively with the virus and syndrome.  This paper looks to the development of HIV/ AIDS education praxis, from London, New York and Aotearoa/New Zealand perspectives; emphasising the need for all of us to question the culture of silence that surrounds the epidemic[s], while acknowledging the fact that we are all affected by the present pandemic, whether we are living with the virus, educating as to the realities of the virus, or simply choosing to believe that it does not exist. It is in developing our own critical-reflection praxis, (whether we be parents, students or teachers), that we will begin to develop more appropriate and culturally sensitive HIV health education praxis within our schools; along with the voice and infused ability to lobby for policy development that will determine its long-term effectiveness.
How a stream can change a city
Authors:   , Stone Matthew James
Published: December 2021

The motivation of this thesis is to generate an understanding of how cities can begin to shift towards pedestrian friendly centres for activity. Introducing streams into urban environments through the process of daylighting can generate public life, improve sustainability, and enable growth. Daylighting is the process of bringing a stream back to the surface into a more natural state. By ensuring the stream is used as the core driver for strategic change, development can occur on the edges of the stream as a decentralised hub for activity and movement within the public realm. The stream as a public element can connect people and create active stakeholders within urban communities as the contributors to the vibrancy of the city.  Daylighting can be the catalyst to revitalise Wellington and demonstrate that urban environments are not confined to the existing structure of the city when reintegrating natural elements. Pedestrian activity along stream edges can act as a central mode of urban life, complementing Wellington’s existing waterfront. Generating public space around water as a central hub can connect people to social spaces that the city has previously turned from in favour of roads. Establishing dominant pedestrian areas located around a daylighted stream enables public space to prioritise activity over movement and allows infrastructure to prioritise people over vehicles. From hills to harbour, water can be used as a design tool, generating a language that can activate urban environments.  In developing the stream’s framework, it is important that the first considerations take regard of the direction and flow of the water’s path. The directionality of the stream should have the greatest benefit to the affected stakeholders to ensure the stream positively contributes to the qualities of the city. This contribution is essential for the people that work or live adjacent to the new infrastructure, as they will occupy the new space most frequently. Viability of the stream is dependent on the path it takes through the city, as this affects which landowners will be included in the project. Old or small structures, empty sites such as car parks, or roadways with limited vehicle movement could provide the greatest opportunity for development within the city. These should be considered fundamental to the implementation of the stream as they mitigate the changes to the affected stakeholders and benefit other members within the adjacent area.
An Acoustic Analysis of New Zealand English Vowels in Auckland
Authors:   , Ross Brooke
Published: December 2021

This study presents an acoustic analysis looking at phonetic diversity in Auckland. New Zealand English is often characterized by a lack of regional variation; however, this claim has been made without considering Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Over the last 30 years there has been increased migration to New Zealand, specifically to Auckland. In 35% of Auckland’s suburbs, no ethnic group represents more than 50% of the population. In addition, many speakers were born overseas, and many more have grown up using different varieties of English as the spoken norm. In this study, 40 New Zealand English speakers from three suburbs in Auckland (Mt. Roskill n= 14, Papatoetoe, n=13, Titirangi, n=13) were recorded. For our young group (n=33) the participants were aged between 18 and 25 years, and each suburb was evenly split between male and female participants. Speakers were either New Zealand born or arrived in the country under the age of seven. Our older group (n=7) were female speakers, all New Zealand born, and aged between 40 and 70 yrs. Vowels which had sentence stress were identified and extracted, and formant values were calculated at the vowel target. All formant tracks were hand checked. Over 8000 monophthong tokens and 4000 diphthongs were analysed in this study. Whilst no differences were found between young speakers from different suburbs, there were age effects. Further, speech from the young Auckland speakers was noticeably different to findings from other studies on New Zealand English. Most notably monophthongs TRAP and DRESS were lower than expected. In addition the first targets of the diphthongs FACE and GOAT have risen, and PRICE has fronted, for younger speakers from all suburbs. The thesis concludes discussing the implications of the results.
The REDD+ Readiness Stage in Myanmar: Stakeholder Perspectives in Bago Region and Shan State
Authors:   , Han Thi Thi
Published: December 2021

REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is a UN initiative, originally introduced in 2005. The initiative seeks to decrease losses to remaining global forests and other carbon stocks by providing financial incentives to various stakeholder groups in developing countries. The initiative has been controversial, with a wide range of different perspectives on the programme and its implications for forest governance and climate change mitigation. Nonetheless, international and local actors are optimistic about REDD+ as a means to reduce carbon emissions. The Government of Myanmar introduced the initiative to the country in 2011. Myanmar is currently in the readiness phase of REDD+ and, because there are issues surrounding its implication for forest governance, this thesis explores how this phase is playing out in the country. The overarching research objective of this thesis is to explore how Myanmar is approaching the readiness phase of REDD+, and how different stakeholders engage with the readiness activities.  This study adopts a post-structuralist political ecology approach for two reasons. Firstly, it enabled a broad and nuanced exploration of political, social, economic and cultural factors that shape readiness activities, and forest management in Myanmar. As Myanmar is democratising and liberalising its economy, the country’s unique political and economic situation provides context on how these factors shape the initial stage of the REDD+ implementation process. Secondly, post-structuralist political ecology examines meaning making and thus sheds light on how individuals perceive the REDD+ initiative in Myanmar.  The findings from 11 semi-structured interviews and participant-observations show that people are optimistic and enthusiastic about REDD+ implementation but perceive and understand the initiative differently. There are many challenges to introducing REDD+ in Myanmar. This study highlights some issues including stakeholders’ awareness, poor coordination among stakeholders – especially between government agencies – and general issues of transparency. One of the central findings that has pervaded all themes discussed is a lack of transparency in relation to governance arrangements, land tenure, and relationships between stakeholders. If REDD+ is to progress successfully beyond the readiness phase in Myanmar, significant changes need to be made by the central government to ensure clear lines of communication and transparency of information.
The Impact of Indoor Environment Quality on People on the Autism Spectrum
Authors:   , Noble Beth
Published: December 2021

People on the autism spectrum are widely reported to have differences in how they process sensory information compared to people not on the autism spectrum (neurotypical). These differences in sensory processing are prevalent regardless of age or IQ level. All people are affected by the built environment, with indoor environment quality (IEQ) linked to comfort, productivity, health and wellbeing. However, there is little research about the direct impact of the built environment on autistic adults.  This study investigates whether differences in sensory processing impact how autistic people experience the built environment, and whether there were patterns in the effects of different IEQ factors. Adults on the autism spectrum (n=83), neurotypical control adults (n=134), and adults with other conditions affecting sensory processing or who were closely related to someone on the autism spectrum (n=59) participated in an anonymous online survey. Participants were asked about their home and workplace, experiences of the general built environment, and general sensory sensitivity.  Autistic participants, who reported significantly higher sensory processing scores than Control participants, consistently reported higher levels of discomfort in both their home and workplace environments, feeling more overwhelming, stressed, and distracted, and less safe than the Control group in both environments. Though shopping malls, supermarkets, other retail and medical buildings are all essential buildings that people need to frequent to meet material needs and stay healthy, they all caused greater discomfort and distress for Autistic participants, who also avoided them more often. The odds of an Autistic participant avoiding buildings was 8.8 times greater than the Control group. Higher discomfort and distress reported by Autistic participants in office buildings may affects the low employment rates in this population.  People and People Noise were the IEQ factors that, across multiple environments, were rated as highest as a cause of discomfort and avoidance and had the largest difference between Autistic and Control participants, followed by Glare and Electric Light. Meanwhile, Temperature was rated equally highly by both groups, having a large effect but no difference between groups, with a similar trend seen in Air Quality and Air Movement.  Autistic people already struggle with social isolation, early mortality, and low employment rates, which are likely compounded by greater sensory stress from the built environment. Further research into understanding the relationship between the effects of the indoor environment and the differences in sensory processing in people on the autism spectrum is essential to creating solutions for a more accessible built environment.
The Suitable Machine: Exploring style through storytelling to inform design
Authors:   , Kennedy Ashleigh
Published: December 2021

The Suitable machine demonstrates how aesthetic change can be made to a Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) device, allowing it to suit the visual style of a specified bedroom environment that has been described. Digital data (3D scans) of the CPAP device provided specific measurements allowing a wide variety of aesthetically styled outputs that were tailored to fit. Each suitable to the people, home and machine they are designed for. CPAP devices that are used to treat patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are considered strongly driven by a medical aesthetic. The Suitable Machine explores how CPAP devices, hoses and masks can be housed within these bedroom settings, producing designs to personalise the domestic environment and reduce stigma through the improvement of aesthetic qualities. The research uses Research Through Design (RtD) as a methodology. Background Research, Design Audits and Narratives are used to define the scope and criteria, providing parameters for the research and design outputs. Background research shows both knowledge gaps and bias to a growing dilemma; suitability. Development of the designed outputs makes use of Sketching, 3D Scanning, CAD Modelling, digital Rendering and 3D Printing as methods; producing an experimental indication of what could be possible for the personalisation of medical devices through aesthetic change in domestic environments.
Designed Ecologies: Breaking away from islandised conservation
Authors:   , Quartermain Elvina
Published: December 2021

This research investigates the role of designed ecologies in the management of our ecosystems and natural resources. It argues that society has adopted a ‘protectionist’ approach toward the planning of our landscapes which in turn has had a detrimental effect on the integration between conservation and occupation. The topic of diminishing landscapes has become increasingly more apparent within recent years and has had a significant contribution toward such approach. With concerns around global warming, climate change and an increase in population, methods of counteraction toward the decline of our native species has become of fundamental importance. It is evident that ecosystems and natural resources provide a vital component toward our livability and therefore planning their resilience is crucial. Various policies have been established to constrain and restrict development in order to protect these ecologies, often within areas of national significance e.g. national parks. These implications have proven to be successful in their intention however, the focus of concern lies in the lack of integral thinking on approach to these spaces. Conservation, as it stands, is weighted significantly toward the islandisation of areas with little to no interaction or benefit to those who are expected to protect them. Looking toward theories centered around productive landscapes and the balance of untouched nature verse those that are interpreted, this research seeks understanding of compromise and compliment. It aims to define a new design approach which 1) engages with traditional aims to ensure our enjoyment of these ecologies is sustained for future generations, and 2) makes more efficient use of such asset in the way these spaces are utilised on a day to day basis. Four different approach methods have been tested and are outlined as follows in an attempt to determine a framework for integration. Though the following was formulated from a design perspective, the critique should not be constricted to simply one discipline but instigate a dialogue of discussion between architects, planners, ecologists, environmentalists, politicians and so forth. These methods should be critiqued on the success of integration between conservation and occupation in order to establish a design process which enables hybridised ecologies to coexist and function simultaneously. Successful implications of such model will use landscape architecture as a means to breathe new life back into these spaces, breaking away from islandised conservation and into a new era of dual functioning resilient outcomes.
Simple Steps For Successful Ageing
Authors:   , Lim Yu Han Geline
Published: December 2021

This was a self-directed project inspired by personal concerns of ageing family members attempting to access high spaces at home, set in a wider context of a country, New Zealand, which has a rapidly ageing population. This is a research report on developing and commercialising innovations to enable safety and independence for ageing consumers, with a specific focus on safer access to high places at home. In essence, the purpose of the project was to identify a product concept or concepts based on consumer needs and preferences, which could be realistically developed and commercialised, in the context of the New Zealand market. Due to time and resource constraints, the scope of the research was focused on identifying potential commercially viable opportunities and setting the foundation for future business development after the thesis, and did not aim to produce any physical product prototypes for testing. To embark on this project was important as it sought to recognise needs desired by seniors that may have been neglected and to advocate a more inclusive design in home tools.  The methodology employed was based on social constructionism, underpinned by grounded theory, and thus, was mainly qualitative in the form of semi-structured interviews. However, some minor quantitative components were included such as a final online survey consisting of closed questions. The research design was also influenced by the Business Canvas Model framework, in which theories on ageing and concepts from Consumer Behaviour and business strategy were integrated. 40 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from different stakeholder categories. A final online survey was administered with 21 responses from the initial 40 participants. All research data were then further analysed based on the Business Model Canvas framework to assess potential innovation and commercialisation opportunities in New Zealand.  The key findings were that an improved step ladder offered as a modular system where additional features could be added on was desired. The research highlighted the importance of developing a collaborative business model focusing on co-creating solutions for older consumers, with consumers. A step ladder concept titled Simple Steps and a new brand called HOMFI (Home Objects Made for Independence) was proposed. More research should be conducted with a larger group of participants to obtain a stronger quantifiable validations for a business case before actual resource investments. More developmental work has to be done, such as developing a functioning product prototype to be tested. A major implication for this project is the need to develop tools with the needs of older people in mind. This project could also set the foundation for potential future research in a global context, possibly enabling a similar study to be replicated in another country for the purpose of pursuing a global business strategy.
From street-level to screen-level bureaucracy: Front-line public servants’ recordkeeping behaviours in ICT-enabled agencies
Authors:   , Rapson Anita
Published: December 2021

Recordkeeping is a ubiquitous task within the public sector: public agencies rely on evidence of activities, in the form of public records, to coordinate activities, track resources, establish precedents, monitor performance as well as maintain consistency and continuity. Many public servants are responsible for recordkeeping; however, to date, little is known about the recordkeeping behaviours of these individuals, particularly about the recordkeeping behaviours of public servants who interact with members of the public on a daily basis.  The purpose of this study is to explore the recordkeeping behaviours of New Zealand front-line public servants within ICT-enabled state sector agencies to understand these behaviours and their associated governance implications. This inductive study began with multiple case studies that sought to explore the recordkeeping behaviours of front-line public servants. The second data collection phase involved a series of qualitative focus group interviews that explored the wider implications of the case studies, with the specific focus on understanding the governance implications. The empirical data was reviewed, drawing on the three theoretical concepts that established the analytical lens for this study: recordkeeping informatics, personal information management strategies, and the influencing factors on front-line public servants’ decision-making behaviours.  Findings from this study suggest that front-line public servants have varying degrees of discretion to perform recordkeeping behaviours. A key outcome of this research is the identification of factors that influence the recordkeeping behaviours of front-line public servants: personal characteristics, organisational characteristics and the broader community.
The First-Class, the Familiar and the Forgettable: An analysis of Prime Ministerial performance in New Zealand
Authors:   , Smith Katherine
Published: December 2021

Within the literature associated with political leadership, scholarship directly focused upon political performance in office is thinly conducted, both in New Zealand and in other areas across the world. This thesis aims to greater understand political leadership and performance in New Zealand, and address the gaps in the literature correlated with Prime Ministerial performance. To do this, this thesis provides a current list of rankings of former Premiers and Prime Ministers in New Zealand and identifies the dimensions that one must fulfil to display exceptional performance in office. To undertake this research, this thesis uses a series of surveys – distributed to students at Victoria University of Wellington, and to other individuals with a professional interest in politics and history in New Zealand – to best assess public perceptions towards political performance. Building upon the path dependency created by former exercises of the same nature in New Zealand (conducted by Simon Sheppard in 1998, and by Jon Johansson and Stephen Levine in 2011), this thesis provides a snapshot of the current public perceptions of outstanding political performance. In a similar nature to the earlier studies, this thesis identifies the dimensions of longevity, death in office, and being a ‘big change’ or crisis Prime Minister as being directly correlated with elevated performance in office. Additionally, this thesis investigates whether a series of variables – namely time between exercises in New Zealand, and the appearance of a possible recency effect– provide any influence or change over results. Additionally, this thesis moves outside the scope of exercises conducted previously in New Zealand, by ranking Prime Ministerial performance using a series of different methodologies. In conjunction with a replication of the exercises already conducted in New Zealand, this survey also assesses Prime Ministerial performance by using a survey based upon the well-cited Schlesinger ranking studies in the United States, and a third survey aimed to assess political shifts and levels of knowledge and recall rates amongst university students. Regardless of such factors, the results of this thesis remain consistent with previous exercises, with Michael Savage, Richard Seddon, Helen Clark and Peter Fraser being regarded by the political and academic elite across all surveys as embodying the highest qualities of successful political leadership in New Zealand.
Robotic Spatial Printing For Designers
Authors:   , Gilbertson Liam
Published: December 2021

This research developed a fully-integrated robotic printing system, using new methods of additive manufacture (AM) that enables users to explore spatially printed structures with increased freedom of geometric complexity.  Current AM technologies, such as Fusion Deposition Modelling (FDM), can rapidly translate design ideations into solid forms by precisely depositing consecutive layers of material in coordination with the movements of a robotic platform. Using this method, solid objects are digitally deconstructed into linear toolpaths and physically reconstituted with thermoplastic extrusion equipment; the toolpath becomes the form.  Spatial printing, using methods such as those demonstrated in this research, offers a new way of building 3D forms. By harnessing the potential of FDM equipment and materials for generating self-supporting structures, the user can create complex free-standing structures unshackled from the layered constraints of typical additive manufacturing processes. Here, the user acts as an informed negotiator between digital form and physical manifestation where movement realises form.  A complete spatial printing system was built that harnesses the complexity of robotic movements and responds to the needs of printing materials through a feedback loop that draws from the results of experimentation. Bespoke printing equipment and computational processes strive to improve the craft qualities and printability of input materials with a specific focus on compatibility with co-extrusion biopolymer filaments developed by Scion. This thesis illustrates the development of a versatile spatial printing system and subsequent investigations into the craft qualities and freedom of complexity that this system offers to designers and architects.
The Experiences of Development Practitioners and Challenges in Community Engagement in Laos
Authors:   , Chanthavilay Phothong
Published: December 2021

Poverty alleviation is a top priority of the global development agenda. Laos is still on the list of Least Developed Countries as measured by the United Nations. Poverty in the Lao context is socially and culturally unique. The Government of Laos works collaboratively with development partners and non-governmental organisations to overcome poverty through development programmes throughout the country. However, the universal development and poverty definitions, including the development and poverty interventions which are influenced by such definitions, do not necessarily match the local contexts and practices.  This thesis examines development practice and community engagement in the Lao context through exploring experiences and perspectives of development practitioners who have worked in and engaged with community development in Laos. The thesis adopts a qualitative approach, drawing upon a social constructivist epistemology and a postcolonial framework. Semi-structured interviews, a form of qualitative methodologies, were employed for data collection. The interviews involved thirteen participants from both governmental and non-governmental organisations, and included both local development workers and expatriates. The focus of interviews was to investigate experiences of and opinions about their development practice and community engagement in Laos.  The findings reveal that development practice in Laos requires sufficient time to understand and learn about communities and their actual problems. Development discourses have conceptualised understandings associated with development and this has shaped how governments, donors, development partners, policymakers and development practitioners perceive mainstream development. The conceptualisation was mainly influenced by Western ideologies and was undeniably a legacy of colonialism. Participatory development approaches have been recommended by all research participants as one of the most effective approaches to bring about success and long-term sustainability. The findings also suggest that participation is required from the beginning of the development process, including in problem analysis, planning, monitoring and evaluating stages. In short, a sense of belonging and ownership needs to be present throughout the entire process of development. Furthermore, it is important for development practitioners to thoughtfully recognise and reflect critically on their roles as to whether they are insiders or outsiders when working on the ground. This can determine development outcomes. This research recommends local people be employed more to work as part of development projects in their own communities. By using these approaches, community development can be more effective and meaningful in a sustainable manner and truly respond to the real needs of communities. This can also contribute to a new phase of participatory development practice.
The development of a liquid cooling test system for the analysis of porous surfaces
Authors:   , Sherson Benjamin
Published: December 2021

Closed-loop liquid cooling systems are used in a wide variety of high temperature environments, as liquids tend a higher thermal conductivity than air. Microchannels and porous microstructures have proved to be useful in improving the cooling capabilities of cooling systems, due to their increased surface area in contact with the cooling fluid. This thesis describes the design, development, and evaluation of a closed-loop liquid cooling test system. This system was utilised in analysing the thermal properties of porous microstructures for use in improving cooling capabilities. Flow rate and pressure sensors were fitted onto a standard closed loop liquid cooling system design, and thermocouples were attached to the system to measure the temperature at various points, as well as measure heat flux. Using these measurements, the thermal and hydraulic resistances of the system could be calculated. Various substrates were fabricated using both freeze casting and other techniques, and the thermal and hydraulic resistances of these substrates were characterized using the test system. The test system performed very well, with results matching the trends as expected from theory. However, no improvement in heat transfer was observed from microstructured silver surfaces compared to a solid copper reference surface. This may be due to the formation of oxides and/or sulphides on these silver surfaces, resulting in a reduction in the convective heat transfer from these layers.
Architectural Design Management in Wellington - Attitudes and Behaviours of Architects Towards Construction Waste
Authors:   , Bhagwat Tanvi
Published: December 2021

Previous New Zealand waste management studies have focused on the waste generated from construction activities. However, international research suggests about a third of the overall waste generated originates in the design phase. Internationally, lean design management claims to reduce the waste produced by inefficient design practices. In New Zealand, the literature reveals that the application of lean principles is still in a fledgling state, and even where they are used, waste minimization is not a business priority. This leads to the question: can lean design management be used by construction projects in New Zealand to reduce waste in the design phase? This paper investigates the attitudes, experiences and expectations towards construction waste minimization of a selection of architects using a semi-structured questionnaire. It was found that Wellington-based architects can be broadly classified into 3 categories of lean awareness—high, medium, and low. The medium group, largest in number, comprised architects who identified waste as a problem, but cited post-construction recycling and reuse as their preferred approach to waste minimization. This group notably had 20-25 years of experience in the industry, and related material reuse to residential construction only.
Detecting High and Low Intensity Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
Authors:   , Koay Abigail
Published: December 2021

High and low-intensity attacks are two common Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that disrupt Internet users and their daily operations. Detecting these attacks is important to ensure that communication, business operations, and education facilities can run smoothly. Many DDoS attack detection systems have been proposed in the past but still lack performance, scalability, and information sharing ability to detect both high and low-intensity DDoS attacks accurately and early. To combat these issues, this thesis studies the use of Software-Defined Networking technology, entropy-based features, and machine learning classifiers to develop three useful components, namely a good system architecture, a useful set of features, and an accurate and generalised traffic classification scheme. The findings from the experimental analysis and evaluation results of the three components provide important insights for researchers to improve the overall performance, scalability, and information sharing ability for building an accurate and early DDoS attack detection system.