title: Understanding the Happiness of Māori and the Role of Consumption: Experiences of the Millennial Generation

authors: de Thierry, Ebony

subjects: Māori Well-Being

abstract: Happiness is commonly perceived as the ideal state of being for  all of human kind. Although a universal definition of the term remains elusive, happiness is a goal that everybody wants to achieve. In understanding the different aspects that shape happiness, the literature has shown that this can vary depending on the cultural context. As such, this study investigates the essence of happiness as it is experienced by Māori. In understanding the experiences of the Millennial generation, the role that consumption plays is also explored. This group of young adults have been raised in an era when consumerism and cultural revitalisation are the norm.  

This investigation was guided by hermeneutic phenomenology using a kaupapa Māori research perspective. Through this, thirteen young Māori individuals were interviewed to gain their experiences of happiness. Photo elicitation techniques were utilised as a means to facilitate these interviews. Stories of the participants’ experiences of happiness were crafted and then analysed to explore the role of consumption.

Findings show that the happiness of Māori is shaped by the five themes of; sense of belonging, whānau and relationships, spirituality, achievement and success, and sense of freedom. These themes interrelate as they are underpinned by the collective values of Māori. In particular, the aspects of spirituality and sense of belonging appear to be specific to the Māori realm. These are based on customs, values and beliefs that are inherited from our ancestors yet are still prevalent today. In terms of consumption, happiness can be positively linked to experiential consumption. In this case, it can play three different roles on the happiness of Māori through either; a direct connection, an indirect connection, or a negative connection. For Māori, consumption is more likely to have an indirect connection. This implies that it is able to facilitate, maintain and enhance happiness, but is not essential to creating these feelings. This investigation contributes to the literature in four ways. First, this study serves as a starting point to developing a comprehensive framework of happiness that is specific to the culture, views and values of Māori. This will assist Māori through ensuring that they are accurately represented in policies, frameworks and statistics. Second, it proposes five guidelines for Māori which suggest how they can maximise happiness through consumption. Third, this study provides a more up-to-date understanding of the happiness of Māori at the individual level whilst incorporating the impact of collective values. Marketers, researchers and practitioners can utilise this information in an attempt to aid in improving the happiness of Māori society. Finally, it shows that consumption can continue to be positively related to happiness once basic needs have been met. The positive role that consumption can play on happiness is identified, showing that marketers and consumers can work together to achieve happiness.

text: Understanding the Happiness of Māori and the Role of Consumption: Experiences of the Millennial Generation Happiness is commonly perceived as the ideal state of being for  all of human kind. Although a universal definition of the term remains elusive, happiness is a goal that everybody wants to achieve. In understanding the different aspects that shape happiness, the literature has shown that this can vary depending on the cultural context. As such, this study investigates the essence of happiness as it is experienced by Māori. In understanding the experiences of the Millennial generation, the role that consumption plays is also explored. This group of young adults have been raised in an era when consumerism and cultural revitalisation are the norm.  

This investigation was guided by hermeneutic phenomenology using a kaupapa Māori research perspective. Through this, thirteen young Māori individuals were interviewed to gain their experiences of happiness. Photo elicitation techniques were utilised as a means to facilitate these interviews. Stories of the participants’ experiences of happiness were crafted and then analysed to explore the role of consumption.

Findings show that the happiness of Māori is shaped by the five themes of; sense of belonging, whānau and relationships, spirituality, achievement and success, and sense of freedom. These themes interrelate as they are underpinned by the collective values of Māori. In particular, the aspects of spirituality and sense of belonging appear to be specific to the Māori realm. These are based on customs, values and beliefs that are inherited from our ancestors yet are still prevalent today. In terms of consumption, happiness can be positively linked to experiential consumption. In this case, it can play three different roles on the happiness of Māori through either; a direct connection, an indirect connection, or a negative connection. For Māori, consumption is more likely to have an indirect connection. This implies that it is able to facilitate, maintain and enhance happiness, but is not essential to creating these feelings. This investigation contributes to the literature in four ways. First, this study serves as a starting point to developing a comprehensive framework of happiness that is specific to the culture, views and values of Māori. This will assist Māori through ensuring that they are accurately represented in policies, frameworks and statistics. Second, it proposes five guidelines for Māori which suggest how they can maximise happiness through consumption. Third, this study provides a more up-to-date understanding of the happiness of Māori at the individual level whilst incorporating the impact of collective values. Marketers, researchers and practitioners can utilise this information in an attempt to aid in improving the happiness of Māori society. Finally, it shows that consumption can continue to be positively related to happiness once basic needs have been met. The positive role that consumption can play on happiness is identified, showing that marketers and consumers can work together to achieve happiness.

year: 2012

title: Māori & Psychology Research Unit Annual Report 2015

authors: Waitoki, Waikaremoana

abstract: The Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) was established in August of 1997. The Unit acts as a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Māori 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 School of Psychology, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the wider University and general community.

text: Māori & Psychology Research Unit Annual Report 2015 The Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) was established in August of 1997. The Unit acts as a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Māori 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 School of Psychology, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the wider University and general community.

year: 2015

title: Automation of the landing error scoring system using inertial measurement units

authors: Hamilton, Zane

abstract: The quantification of biomechanics is important for making informed decisions when implementing appropriate training interventions for improving performance and reducing injury risk. This study evaluated the viability of movement data provided by wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) to automate the scoring of the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). The LESS is an assessment tool used for identifying high-risk movement patterns in a double leg jump landing; however, the LESS is scored by experts using 2D video recordings, which limits large-scale screening. Movement data provided by three IMUs were used to train several out-of-the-box machine learning models, aiming to predict the result of the 17 LESS scoring items individually. Raw movement data was processed and segmented into the key phases of the movement, where additional features were derived from these segments. A supervised learning approach was taken, using a dataset containing 218 LESS scores derived from 40 participants as the desired output for each model. Comparisons were made between various subsets of features, and the features with the greatest importance on accuracy in the best performing models were extracted. Results showed limited improvements to a ZeroR approach, and features with the greatest importance on the best performing models had minimal relevance to the movement involved. Performance of LESS scoring automation using IMU data may be improved with further developments on this approach.

text: Automation of the landing error scoring system using inertial measurement units The quantification of biomechanics is important for making informed decisions when implementing appropriate training interventions for improving performance and reducing injury risk. This study evaluated the viability of movement data provided by wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) to automate the scoring of the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). The LESS is an assessment tool used for identifying high-risk movement patterns in a double leg jump landing; however, the LESS is scored by experts using 2D video recordings, which limits large-scale screening. Movement data provided by three IMUs were used to train several out-of-the-box machine learning models, aiming to predict the result of the 17 LESS scoring items individually. Raw movement data was processed and segmented into the key phases of the movement, where additional features were derived from these segments. A supervised learning approach was taken, using a dataset containing 218 LESS scores derived from 40 participants as the desired output for each model. Comparisons were made between various subsets of features, and the features with the greatest importance on accuracy in the best performing models were extracted. Results showed limited improvements to a ZeroR approach, and features with the greatest importance on the best performing models had minimal relevance to the movement involved. Performance of LESS scoring automation using IMU data may be improved with further developments on this approach.

year: 2024-07-28