title: Editorial: Congresses, commissions and change

authors: Chalmers, Lex

subjects: Commission on Geographical Education

abstract: I am pleased to have the opportunity to write what will be a valedictory editorial for IRGEE in terms of the 2008–2012 Commission on Geographical Education. As most will know, the Commission on Geographical Education is one of about 40 such bodies that carry out the work of the International Geographical Union.

text: Editorial: Congresses, commissions and change I am pleased to have the opportunity to write what will be a valedictory editorial for IRGEE in terms of the 2008–2012 Commission on Geographical Education. As most will know, the Commission on Geographical Education is one of about 40 such bodies that carry out the work of the International Geographical Union.

year: 2012

title: Corporate governance practices in Fiji: An empirical investigation

authors: Reddy, Krishna

subjects: Corporate governance

abstract: This study investigates the nature and extent of compliance to the principle-based corporate governance initiatives by the listed companies in the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPSE) in Fiji. Three important questions are addressed: (i) whether listed companies in Fiji have complied with the principle-based governance practices: (ii) did compliance with principle based recommendations lead to an improvement in the listed  company‟s financial performance? and (iii) how the institutional factors  have contributed towards corporate governance practices in Fiji?
Panel data for the SPSE companies over the period 2008-2010 are analysed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Tobin‟s Q, Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Earnings  Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation to Total Revenue (EBITDA2REV) metrics are used as dependent variables.  Findings indicate that listed companies have adopted the Capital Market Development Authority‟s (CMDA) recommendations, establishing subcommittees for audit and remuneration, and having nonexecutive/ independent directors on the board. The result supports the view that the CMDA recommendations  of board sub-committees (Audit and Remuneration)  have had positive influence on company performance measured by Tobin‟s Q. The findings of this study give support to the principle-based corporate governance practices adopted in Fiji.  The results of this study provide useful insights to both regulators and policy analysts (in Fiji and internationally) seeking to enhance both governance and firm performance in their own jurisdiction.

text: Corporate governance practices in Fiji: An empirical investigation This study investigates the nature and extent of compliance to the principle-based corporate governance initiatives by the listed companies in the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPSE) in Fiji. Three important questions are addressed: (i) whether listed companies in Fiji have complied with the principle-based governance practices: (ii) did compliance with principle based recommendations lead to an improvement in the listed  company‟s financial performance? and (iii) how the institutional factors  have contributed towards corporate governance practices in Fiji?
Panel data for the SPSE companies over the period 2008-2010 are analysed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Tobin‟s Q, Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Earnings  Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation to Total Revenue (EBITDA2REV) metrics are used as dependent variables.  Findings indicate that listed companies have adopted the Capital Market Development Authority‟s (CMDA) recommendations, establishing subcommittees for audit and remuneration, and having nonexecutive/ independent directors on the board. The result supports the view that the CMDA recommendations  of board sub-committees (Audit and Remuneration)  have had positive influence on company performance measured by Tobin‟s Q. The findings of this study give support to the principle-based corporate governance practices adopted in Fiji.  The results of this study provide useful insights to both regulators and policy analysts (in Fiji and internationally) seeking to enhance both governance and firm performance in their own jurisdiction.

year: 2011

title: Oranga whānau, oranga niho: The oral health status of 5-year-old Māori children. A case study

authors: Te Amo, Kirstin Mei

subjects: Maori health

abstract: Research has shown that the oral health of Māori is far worse than non-Māori across all
age groups. The objective of this research study was to assess the dental wellbeing of
5-year olds with a specific focus on Māori children currently residing in the Hamilton City
region. In addition, this research focused on the impact that social, economic, cultural
and environmental factors have on oral health. A total of 32 participants were invited to
take part in this research: 15 5-year-old children from three selected schools, 15 (of the
children's) caregivers and 2 dental therapists who work in the Hamilton City region.
The findings indicated that overall Māori children and children of lower socio-economic
status had a much higher prevalence of dental caries (tooth decay) than non-Māori
children and children of higher socio-economic status. A number of contributing factors
were shown to be responsible for this disparity including the cultural inappropriateness
of oral health services and resources, affordability, role-modelling, parental awareness
and education, and the transient nature of families.
It was found that no one strategy or intervention will achieve dramatic improvements in
Māori oral health as a concerted effort is required by Local and Central Government, the
Health Sector and Māori communities.

text: Oranga whānau, oranga niho: The oral health status of 5-year-old Māori children. A case study Research has shown that the oral health of Māori is far worse than non-Māori across all
age groups. The objective of this research study was to assess the dental wellbeing of
5-year olds with a specific focus on Māori children currently residing in the Hamilton City
region. In addition, this research focused on the impact that social, economic, cultural
and environmental factors have on oral health. A total of 32 participants were invited to
take part in this research: 15 5-year-old children from three selected schools, 15 (of the
children's) caregivers and 2 dental therapists who work in the Hamilton City region.
The findings indicated that overall Māori children and children of lower socio-economic
status had a much higher prevalence of dental caries (tooth decay) than non-Māori
children and children of higher socio-economic status. A number of contributing factors
were shown to be responsible for this disparity including the cultural inappropriateness
of oral health services and resources, affordability, role-modelling, parental awareness
and education, and the transient nature of families.
It was found that no one strategy or intervention will achieve dramatic improvements in
Māori oral health as a concerted effort is required by Local and Central Government, the
Health Sector and Māori communities.

year: 2007