title: Motel accommodation: trigger points to guest accommodation selection

authors: Lockyer, Tim

subjects: consumer behaviour

abstract: Purpose – The understanding of the factors that influence the selection of accommodation by guests is an important issue for international accommodation providers. The purpose of this research is to gain a greater understanding not only of the factors that influence the selection of motel accommodation by guests, but also of when and under which situations these factors become trigger points for decision making, focusing in particular on the influence that the length of stay has on the trigger points that impacted the selection process. 

Design/methodology/approach – To undertake this research, five focus groups were conducted, involving participants who had previous experience in staying in motel accommodation either for business, on vacation or a combination of the two. Participants were selected and invited from a large variety of occupations and backgrounds. 

Findings – Three levels of trigger points were identified for different lengths of stay. For overnight stays requirements were “minimalist”, convenience being the prime trigger point, and visitors felt they could tolerate most situations. For stays of two-four nights there were certain requirements, “essentials”, that provided the necessary requirements for sleeping, eating and relaxation, while for stays longer than four nights, additional requirements that enhanced the stay, “enhancers”, were sought, raising the provision of the “essentials” to a higher level of sophistication and comfort. 

Originality/value – This research, although conducted in New Zealand and in a specific part of a market, illustrates how complex the process of accommodation selection is by guests and in particular how the trigger points for selection change with the length of stay. It indicates how the physical facilities provided need to be tailored to the market in relation to the length of the visitor's stay.

text: Motel accommodation: trigger points to guest accommodation selection Purpose – The understanding of the factors that influence the selection of accommodation by guests is an important issue for international accommodation providers. The purpose of this research is to gain a greater understanding not only of the factors that influence the selection of motel accommodation by guests, but also of when and under which situations these factors become trigger points for decision making, focusing in particular on the influence that the length of stay has on the trigger points that impacted the selection process. 

Design/methodology/approach – To undertake this research, five focus groups were conducted, involving participants who had previous experience in staying in motel accommodation either for business, on vacation or a combination of the two. Participants were selected and invited from a large variety of occupations and backgrounds. 

Findings – Three levels of trigger points were identified for different lengths of stay. For overnight stays requirements were “minimalist”, convenience being the prime trigger point, and visitors felt they could tolerate most situations. For stays of two-four nights there were certain requirements, “essentials”, that provided the necessary requirements for sleeping, eating and relaxation, while for stays longer than four nights, additional requirements that enhanced the stay, “enhancers”, were sought, raising the provision of the “essentials” to a higher level of sophistication and comfort. 

Originality/value – This research, although conducted in New Zealand and in a specific part of a market, illustrates how complex the process of accommodation selection is by guests and in particular how the trigger points for selection change with the length of stay. It indicates how the physical facilities provided need to be tailored to the market in relation to the length of the visitor's stay.

year: 2009

title: Evaluating the implications of recent filter-feeding Daphnia invasions for kākahi (Echyridella menziesii)

authors: Pearson, Anita Alice Christina

subjects: Freshwater

abstract: Freshwater mussels function as key ecosystem engineers due to their highly efficient filter feeding and bioturbating abilities, which enhance water clarity and promote nutrient cycling. Although they play a crucial role in facilitating these ecosystem services, freshwater mussels globally are in decline. New Zealand’s native freshwater mussels, traditionally referred to as kakahi or kaeo, are no exception. On a global scale, freshwater mussels are impacted by a suite of anthropogenic stressors, including pollution, habitat loss and the establishment of non-indigenous species. However, factors contributing to mussel declines in New Zealand are less understood. Recent studies have suggested that non-native species may be a key contributing factor. At present, one-third of non-native invertebrate species that have established in New Zealand’s freshwater lakes are zooplankton; two of these are highly efficient filter-feeding Daphnia species. Various studies have demonstrated that Daphnia invasions can have serious ecological impacts in their receiving environments, as these organisms are capable of modifying zooplankton communities and limiting the availability of algal food resources for other organisms. New Zealand studies are yet to explore the possibility of non- native Daphnia competing with freshwater mussels for algal food resources.

In response to this hypothesis, my research aimed to; i) examine the effects freshwater mussels have on Daphnia via predation and/ or interference competition, and ii) investigate the effect of non-native Daphnia on kakahi, through exploitative competition for algal food resources. Controlled tank experiments were used to investigate whether New Zealand’s most widespread kakahi species (Echyridella menziesii) could prey on zooplankton. Two-hour predation trials were undertaken on two small native zooplankton species (Brachionus calyciflorus and Bosmina meridionalis), and two non-native cladoceran species (Daphnia pulex and Daphnia galeata). Kakahi were only found to remove statistically significant numbers of the small rotifer species B. calyciflorus (30.2%) and the large cladoceran D. pulex (1.7%). These findings indicate that kakahi are unable to remove ecologically significant numbers of either non-native Daphnia. Thus, Echyridella menziesii is not suitable to be used as a biomanipulation tool to remove non-indigenous Daphnia species from shallow lakes and ponds. Kakahi could remove moderate quantities of the small native zooplankton species B. calyciflorus (30.2%) over the two-hour period. This suggested that small zooplankton, particularly rotifer species, may function as an important food source for kakahi. Additional laboratory experiments were undertaken to test the algal removal capabilities of D. pulex and of adult and juvenile E. menziesii over a three-hour period. Both kakahi life stages were found to consume a broad range of algal taxa, including diatoms, green algae, and filamentous algae, which ranged in size (between 33.6 and 348.0 μm). Comparatively, D. pulex was unable to consume statistically significant numbers of the same algal taxa. Instead, D. pulex consumed smaller algal species and microbes. As such, my findings suggest a limited niche overlap between the two grazers and, therefore, D. pulex is unlikely to reduce algal food availability for kakahi. Due to these differences in algal removal, it is possible that these grazers could be used together as a biomanipulation tool to remove a wide size range of algal biomass in shallow lake systems.

text: Evaluating the implications of recent filter-feeding Daphnia invasions for kākahi (Echyridella menziesii) Freshwater mussels function as key ecosystem engineers due to their highly efficient filter feeding and bioturbating abilities, which enhance water clarity and promote nutrient cycling. Although they play a crucial role in facilitating these ecosystem services, freshwater mussels globally are in decline. New Zealand’s native freshwater mussels, traditionally referred to as kakahi or kaeo, are no exception. On a global scale, freshwater mussels are impacted by a suite of anthropogenic stressors, including pollution, habitat loss and the establishment of non-indigenous species. However, factors contributing to mussel declines in New Zealand are less understood. Recent studies have suggested that non-native species may be a key contributing factor. At present, one-third of non-native invertebrate species that have established in New Zealand’s freshwater lakes are zooplankton; two of these are highly efficient filter-feeding Daphnia species. Various studies have demonstrated that Daphnia invasions can have serious ecological impacts in their receiving environments, as these organisms are capable of modifying zooplankton communities and limiting the availability of algal food resources for other organisms. New Zealand studies are yet to explore the possibility of non- native Daphnia competing with freshwater mussels for algal food resources.

In response to this hypothesis, my research aimed to; i) examine the effects freshwater mussels have on Daphnia via predation and/ or interference competition, and ii) investigate the effect of non-native Daphnia on kakahi, through exploitative competition for algal food resources. Controlled tank experiments were used to investigate whether New Zealand’s most widespread kakahi species (Echyridella menziesii) could prey on zooplankton. Two-hour predation trials were undertaken on two small native zooplankton species (Brachionus calyciflorus and Bosmina meridionalis), and two non-native cladoceran species (Daphnia pulex and Daphnia galeata). Kakahi were only found to remove statistically significant numbers of the small rotifer species B. calyciflorus (30.2%) and the large cladoceran D. pulex (1.7%). These findings indicate that kakahi are unable to remove ecologically significant numbers of either non-native Daphnia. Thus, Echyridella menziesii is not suitable to be used as a biomanipulation tool to remove non-indigenous Daphnia species from shallow lakes and ponds. Kakahi could remove moderate quantities of the small native zooplankton species B. calyciflorus (30.2%) over the two-hour period. This suggested that small zooplankton, particularly rotifer species, may function as an important food source for kakahi. Additional laboratory experiments were undertaken to test the algal removal capabilities of D. pulex and of adult and juvenile E. menziesii over a three-hour period. Both kakahi life stages were found to consume a broad range of algal taxa, including diatoms, green algae, and filamentous algae, which ranged in size (between 33.6 and 348.0 μm). Comparatively, D. pulex was unable to consume statistically significant numbers of the same algal taxa. Instead, D. pulex consumed smaller algal species and microbes. As such, my findings suggest a limited niche overlap between the two grazers and, therefore, D. pulex is unlikely to reduce algal food availability for kakahi. Due to these differences in algal removal, it is possible that these grazers could be used together as a biomanipulation tool to remove a wide size range of algal biomass in shallow lake systems.

year: 2019

title: I Muri i Te Ārai:  Ko Ngā Mōrehu Ka Toe: Healing processes in Tangihanga for Wāhine Māori

authors: Paterson, Keriata Jane

subjects: Tangihanga

abstract: This study involved a qualitative examination of the healing elements of tangihanga as described by eight female Māori respondents whose loss was not spousal but was dearly loved. Few substantive contemporary works on the subject of tangihanga experiences and processes existed (Nikora & Te Awekōtuku, 2013).

To contextualise, western society’s cultural death practices were explored from an interdisciplinary perspective. Literature on death and bereavement, the western contemporary funeral industry, the medicalisation of death, western gender roles in death and bereavement, hygiene and contamination issues, ethnicity and cross cultural studies were discussed. These provided an international background against which this study made explicit the cultural differences of death practice and grief in tangihanga for Māori.
Cultural issues for Māori were then discussed in terms of grief, literature on tangihanga, research about Māori women, women and death, issues for Māori women researching Māori women, and where colonization placed Māori women in society. I then described the traditional procedural processes which were sequentially carried out upon the death of a person. I noted the existence of modern variations in death practice, particularly among urban-based Māori. The diverse situations in which we as modern Māori have found ourselves were discussed with some historical context, however it was noted that despite change and diversity, we continued to share many experiences. The perpetuation of tangihanga has been important to the resilience and survival of Māori culture.

The methodology was described, including interview development and recruitment of respondents. The interview experiences, analysis of information provided, and the development of theory and identifying themes were described. The rationale for exploring the backgrounds of the respondents in terms of whānau upbringing, cultural values, and cultural identification over time were discussed. Specific tangihanga were explored in depth as case studies, with analysis and discussion throughout each korero. Key themes in the respondents’ accounts were identified, of the grief and healing processes, examining culturally defined gender contributors to recovery. Social structures and support, ritual, spiritual beliefs and grief practices were described. Aspects of modern life or even tradition which hindered the healing process were identified, as was the impact of grief on the life respondents lead subsequently.

The findings of the research were next discussed. The narratives supported existing literature that the tangihanga was an effective forum for sharing and expression of grief, honouring and farewelling the deceased, and ensuring that members of whānau pani were supported, protected and nurtured by others. Attending tangihanga from childhood allowed respondents to enjoy a sense of belonging and comfort. Two respondents whose childhoods had featured acculturation, felt confusion about their roles and expectations but overcame these feelings when they later learned more about their culture. By adulthood each of the respondents was in a position to control and influence choices made for the tangihanga, thus enabling them to grieve fully.

In the final discussion my theoretical model was presented, limitations of the research discussed, and future research recommendations made.

text: I Muri i Te Ārai:  Ko Ngā Mōrehu Ka Toe: Healing processes in Tangihanga for Wāhine Māori This study involved a qualitative examination of the healing elements of tangihanga as described by eight female Māori respondents whose loss was not spousal but was dearly loved. Few substantive contemporary works on the subject of tangihanga experiences and processes existed (Nikora & Te Awekōtuku, 2013).

To contextualise, western society’s cultural death practices were explored from an interdisciplinary perspective. Literature on death and bereavement, the western contemporary funeral industry, the medicalisation of death, western gender roles in death and bereavement, hygiene and contamination issues, ethnicity and cross cultural studies were discussed. These provided an international background against which this study made explicit the cultural differences of death practice and grief in tangihanga for Māori.
Cultural issues for Māori were then discussed in terms of grief, literature on tangihanga, research about Māori women, women and death, issues for Māori women researching Māori women, and where colonization placed Māori women in society. I then described the traditional procedural processes which were sequentially carried out upon the death of a person. I noted the existence of modern variations in death practice, particularly among urban-based Māori. The diverse situations in which we as modern Māori have found ourselves were discussed with some historical context, however it was noted that despite change and diversity, we continued to share many experiences. The perpetuation of tangihanga has been important to the resilience and survival of Māori culture.

The methodology was described, including interview development and recruitment of respondents. The interview experiences, analysis of information provided, and the development of theory and identifying themes were described. The rationale for exploring the backgrounds of the respondents in terms of whānau upbringing, cultural values, and cultural identification over time were discussed. Specific tangihanga were explored in depth as case studies, with analysis and discussion throughout each korero. Key themes in the respondents’ accounts were identified, of the grief and healing processes, examining culturally defined gender contributors to recovery. Social structures and support, ritual, spiritual beliefs and grief practices were described. Aspects of modern life or even tradition which hindered the healing process were identified, as was the impact of grief on the life respondents lead subsequently.

The findings of the research were next discussed. The narratives supported existing literature that the tangihanga was an effective forum for sharing and expression of grief, honouring and farewelling the deceased, and ensuring that members of whānau pani were supported, protected and nurtured by others. Attending tangihanga from childhood allowed respondents to enjoy a sense of belonging and comfort. Two respondents whose childhoods had featured acculturation, felt confusion about their roles and expectations but overcame these feelings when they later learned more about their culture. By adulthood each of the respondents was in a position to control and influence choices made for the tangihanga, thus enabling them to grieve fully.

In the final discussion my theoretical model was presented, limitations of the research discussed, and future research recommendations made.

year: 2015