title: The impact of semi-automated tools and machines on the attraction and retention of the New Zealand fruit industry workforce

authors: Lowe, Rowan Alice

abstract: Semi-automation is being implemented by agricultural sectors globally in a bid to reap the many benefits of the automated world and alleviate labour crises. There is a lack of data on the impact of semi-automation on the New Zealand fruit industry workforce, particularly regarding attraction and retention. This thesis addresses the gap by exploring both the impact of semi-automation on attraction and retention, and how it is perceived by the on-orchard workforce within the New Zealand fruit industry. The research questions for this study are (1) what is the impact of semi-automation on the attraction of New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce? (2) what is the impact of semi-automation on the retention of the New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce? (3) how does the New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce perceive semi-automation?

Purposive (non-probabilistic) sampling was used to select 20 participants from 5 stakeholder/employee groups across seven New Zealand fruit sectors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using the General Inductive Approach. Four major themes emerged: (1) attraction and retention to the fruit industry, (2) the presence of semi-automation, (3) the impact of semi-automation, and (4) perception toward semi-automation.

The findings show that where semi-automation is applied and supported, it positively impacts attraction and retention to the industry through a widened labour pool, improved health and safety, better working conditions and improved efficiency of tasks and information. This research provides a useful resource for Human Resource Management that captures current industry realities and recommendations for responding to the agricultural revolution.

text: The impact of semi-automated tools and machines on the attraction and retention of the New Zealand fruit industry workforce Semi-automation is being implemented by agricultural sectors globally in a bid to reap the many benefits of the automated world and alleviate labour crises. There is a lack of data on the impact of semi-automation on the New Zealand fruit industry workforce, particularly regarding attraction and retention. This thesis addresses the gap by exploring both the impact of semi-automation on attraction and retention, and how it is perceived by the on-orchard workforce within the New Zealand fruit industry. The research questions for this study are (1) what is the impact of semi-automation on the attraction of New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce? (2) what is the impact of semi-automation on the retention of the New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce? (3) how does the New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce perceive semi-automation?

Purposive (non-probabilistic) sampling was used to select 20 participants from 5 stakeholder/employee groups across seven New Zealand fruit sectors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using the General Inductive Approach. Four major themes emerged: (1) attraction and retention to the fruit industry, (2) the presence of semi-automation, (3) the impact of semi-automation, and (4) perception toward semi-automation.

The findings show that where semi-automation is applied and supported, it positively impacts attraction and retention to the industry through a widened labour pool, improved health and safety, better working conditions and improved efficiency of tasks and information. This research provides a useful resource for Human Resource Management that captures current industry realities and recommendations for responding to the agricultural revolution.

year: 2023

title: Exhibiting care in captivity: Charisma, design and animal welfare in visitor experience and education at Hamilton Zoo

authors: Clements, Aidan

abstract: As urban spaces grow, New Zealanders have become increasingly separated from nature. Zoos are locations where the public can interact with exotic animals, sometimes for the first time. Employing ethnographic research methods, this study investigates how conservation education opportunities are created by the Hamilton Zoo staff, and how the visitors to Hamilton Zoo engage with this education and messaging during their visits. This research found that the charisma of animals in zoos is one mediating factor in how visitors may become invested in conservation education. This research also found that the design of the enclosure, and other zoo spaces may also limit or enhance a visitor's educational experience in the zoo. This is both in terms of how accessible the animal is for viewing, and how visitors may understand welfare conditions at a zoo, potentially impacting their support for zoos and their conservation goals. These factors drive how zoo visitors perceive the zookeepers, and Hamilton Zoo more generally, in their position as experts. The education of visitors to Hamilton Zoo on local and global conservation issues is most effective in circumstances when these visitors are able to connect with the animals. This might be through behind-the-scenes encounters, conversations with keepers or when the animals in the enclosures are easily visible and active.

text: Exhibiting care in captivity: Charisma, design and animal welfare in visitor experience and education at Hamilton Zoo As urban spaces grow, New Zealanders have become increasingly separated from nature. Zoos are locations where the public can interact with exotic animals, sometimes for the first time. Employing ethnographic research methods, this study investigates how conservation education opportunities are created by the Hamilton Zoo staff, and how the visitors to Hamilton Zoo engage with this education and messaging during their visits. This research found that the charisma of animals in zoos is one mediating factor in how visitors may become invested in conservation education. This research also found that the design of the enclosure, and other zoo spaces may also limit or enhance a visitor's educational experience in the zoo. This is both in terms of how accessible the animal is for viewing, and how visitors may understand welfare conditions at a zoo, potentially impacting their support for zoos and their conservation goals. These factors drive how zoo visitors perceive the zookeepers, and Hamilton Zoo more generally, in their position as experts. The education of visitors to Hamilton Zoo on local and global conservation issues is most effective in circumstances when these visitors are able to connect with the animals. This might be through behind-the-scenes encounters, conversations with keepers or when the animals in the enclosures are easily visible and active.

year: 2025

title: Stemming the colonial environmental tide

authors: Joseph, Robert

subjects: human activities

abstract: Stemming the colonial environmental tide supports an Aotearoa New Zealand context that fundamentally acknowledges mātauranga and tikanga Māori law and shared co-governance and concurrent jurisdiction through 7 Aotearoa New Zealand EBM principles.

text: Stemming the colonial environmental tide Stemming the colonial environmental tide supports an Aotearoa New Zealand context that fundamentally acknowledges mātauranga and tikanga Māori law and shared co-governance and concurrent jurisdiction through 7 Aotearoa New Zealand EBM principles.

year: 2022-05