title: A Study of Green Space Access in the Waikato Region

authors: Wackrow, Aidan

abstract: Access to green space provides a wide range of social, economic, health and environmental benefits. However, there are disparities in the ways that people access these benefits. This research aimed to examine how access to green space was spatially distributed across the Waikato region, whether a relationship existed between access to green space and socioeconomic deprivation, and what the planning and policy implications of this were.
In order to quantify access to green space, a Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis was undertaken using the Access to Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt) model, an English distance based accessibility measure. The ANGSt model measures how many people meet each of four standards based on travel distance to different sized green spaces. The results of this analysis were compared with New Zealand Deprivation (NZDep) index scores in order to determine if socioeconomic deprivation had any effect on access to green space. Semi- structured interviews were then undertaken in order to ground the results in current planning theory and practice.
The results of the GIS analysis showed that, generally, urban populations had better access to small green spaces within walking distance, while rural populations had better access to large green spaces. This study was unable to find evidence of a relationship between deprivation and green space access.
While most people in the region have access to a green space, there are still areas where access is lacking. Further study is needed in order to better understand the determinants of accessibility and how equitable access to the benefits of nature can be achieved.

text: A Study of Green Space Access in the Waikato Region Access to green space provides a wide range of social, economic, health and environmental benefits. However, there are disparities in the ways that people access these benefits. This research aimed to examine how access to green space was spatially distributed across the Waikato region, whether a relationship existed between access to green space and socioeconomic deprivation, and what the planning and policy implications of this were.
In order to quantify access to green space, a Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis was undertaken using the Access to Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt) model, an English distance based accessibility measure. The ANGSt model measures how many people meet each of four standards based on travel distance to different sized green spaces. The results of this analysis were compared with New Zealand Deprivation (NZDep) index scores in order to determine if socioeconomic deprivation had any effect on access to green space. Semi- structured interviews were then undertaken in order to ground the results in current planning theory and practice.
The results of the GIS analysis showed that, generally, urban populations had better access to small green spaces within walking distance, while rural populations had better access to large green spaces. This study was unable to find evidence of a relationship between deprivation and green space access.
While most people in the region have access to a green space, there are still areas where access is lacking. Further study is needed in order to better understand the determinants of accessibility and how equitable access to the benefits of nature can be achieved.

year: 2016

title: Disentangling the impacts of anxiety, stress and depression on immunity

authors: Catherine, Breeze

abstract: While immunity and psychological distress are strongly associated, studies seldom consider how different types of distress relate to immune functioning. The literature tends to emphasis the impact of stress on immunity. The present study estimated the unique contributions of stress, depression and anxiety on immune function in culturally diverse samples of adults from Italy, New Zealand and India. The participants were Italian (n = 1061), New Zealand (n = 1037), and Indian (n = 384) volunteers. Stepwise multiple linear regression and dominance analysis were used to analyse differences in immunity uniquely explained by anxiety, depression, and stress, with immune functioning defined by physical symptoms. While samples from the three countries differed significantly, anxiety consistently explained the greatest proportion of differences in immunity. After accounting for the effect of anxiety, stress and depression explained only small portion of variation in immune functioning, differing between countries. The association of anxiety with immune functioning was consistent across three different countries and the unique impact was further confirmed by the results of dominance analysis. These findings suggest a clear link between anxiety and immunity, when disentangling between distress types. This challenges the prevailing stress- disease model and calls for further research into the impact of anxiety on immunity. If future research supports a causal link where anxiety precedes immunity deficiency, interventions to reduce anxiety may improve immune functioning and health outcomes in the general population.

text: Disentangling the impacts of anxiety, stress and depression on immunity While immunity and psychological distress are strongly associated, studies seldom consider how different types of distress relate to immune functioning. The literature tends to emphasis the impact of stress on immunity. The present study estimated the unique contributions of stress, depression and anxiety on immune function in culturally diverse samples of adults from Italy, New Zealand and India. The participants were Italian (n = 1061), New Zealand (n = 1037), and Indian (n = 384) volunteers. Stepwise multiple linear regression and dominance analysis were used to analyse differences in immunity uniquely explained by anxiety, depression, and stress, with immune functioning defined by physical symptoms. While samples from the three countries differed significantly, anxiety consistently explained the greatest proportion of differences in immunity. After accounting for the effect of anxiety, stress and depression explained only small portion of variation in immune functioning, differing between countries. The association of anxiety with immune functioning was consistent across three different countries and the unique impact was further confirmed by the results of dominance analysis. These findings suggest a clear link between anxiety and immunity, when disentangling between distress types. This challenges the prevailing stress- disease model and calls for further research into the impact of anxiety on immunity. If future research supports a causal link where anxiety precedes immunity deficiency, interventions to reduce anxiety may improve immune functioning and health outcomes in the general population.

year: 2024-04-28

title: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2006

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Maori and Psychology Research Unit

abstract: Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2006. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

text: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2006 Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2006. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

year: 2006