title: Understanding the transition to university

authors: Clifton, Katie Naomi

abstract: The current study aimed to provide an understanding of the transition to university for students and the factors that are associated with both positive and negative transitions. The research aimed to identify what coping strategies and resources students accessed during this time. Participants consisted of 135 first-year university students at the University of Waikato. Participants completed an online survey which included measures of change, psychological distress, significant life events, alcohol use, coping strategies, resource access and general demographics. 

The majority of students in the study were experiencing psychological distress that was considered within the normal range. However, approximately two in five students were experiencing distress above a normal range. Students who were living out of the family home for the first time, those who reported more significant life events, and those using avoidant emotion and active emotion coping were more likely to report higher levels of overall distress. However, avoidant emotion coping was the only factor that significantly predicted distress. Students self identified overall level of change was related to overall distress, which suggests that it may be students perceived overall level of change that impacts on their well-being rather than the specific changes itself.

Thirty percent of the students in the study identified alcohol use of a hazardous level. However, no relationship was seen between alcohol use and psychological distress. Instead, it appears that alcohol use in university consists of a social factor rather than a way of coping. 
Student reported low use of services and many students reported not knowing about the service they could access. Students who were experiencing psychological distress above a normal range were not more likely to access students support services than students who were reported in the normal range. 

The results of the study should be taken into account when considering transitioning students into university life and the services that are offered to students. Students need support during the transition to university. However, not all students are aware of or access the supports that are available. The consideration of students’ experience at only one point of their university journey was a limitation of the current study. Future research could examine the experience of university students over there time at university using a longitudinal approach. This would allow for an understanding of how distress and coping may change.

text: Understanding the transition to university The current study aimed to provide an understanding of the transition to university for students and the factors that are associated with both positive and negative transitions. The research aimed to identify what coping strategies and resources students accessed during this time. Participants consisted of 135 first-year university students at the University of Waikato. Participants completed an online survey which included measures of change, psychological distress, significant life events, alcohol use, coping strategies, resource access and general demographics. 

The majority of students in the study were experiencing psychological distress that was considered within the normal range. However, approximately two in five students were experiencing distress above a normal range. Students who were living out of the family home for the first time, those who reported more significant life events, and those using avoidant emotion and active emotion coping were more likely to report higher levels of overall distress. However, avoidant emotion coping was the only factor that significantly predicted distress. Students self identified overall level of change was related to overall distress, which suggests that it may be students perceived overall level of change that impacts on their well-being rather than the specific changes itself.

Thirty percent of the students in the study identified alcohol use of a hazardous level. However, no relationship was seen between alcohol use and psychological distress. Instead, it appears that alcohol use in university consists of a social factor rather than a way of coping. 
Student reported low use of services and many students reported not knowing about the service they could access. Students who were experiencing psychological distress above a normal range were not more likely to access students support services than students who were reported in the normal range. 

The results of the study should be taken into account when considering transitioning students into university life and the services that are offered to students. Students need support during the transition to university. However, not all students are aware of or access the supports that are available. The consideration of students’ experience at only one point of their university journey was a limitation of the current study. Future research could examine the experience of university students over there time at university using a longitudinal approach. This would allow for an understanding of how distress and coping may change.

year: 2017

title: Remediating small-scale migratory fish barriers with floating fish ramps

authors: Fake, Daniel Ryan

subjects: fish barriers

abstract: Instream barriers are a well-documented stressor for diadromous fish species, and can be numerous and costly to remediate. In New Zealand, previous experiments have investigated the swimming ability of indigenous migratory fish over small ramps, but this work has not led to the development of cost-effective ramps that can be deployed by river managers. This study built on previous research and investigated the effect of ramp surface type on the swimming ability of two species of diadromous fish; inanga (Galaxias maculatus) a weak swimmer, and redfin bully (Gobiomorphus huttoni) a moderate climber, in an effort to inform the design of a floating plastic ramp that could be installed at low head instream barriers. Three phases of tank trials in the Hawke’s Bay tested different ramp substrates, including rock climbing holds, and small and large raised Miradrain® cusps. The results indicated that a linear arrangement of small cusps provided an optimal surface for swimming species such as inanga while redfin bully passage rates did not differ between the surfaces tested. The addition of spat rope reduced velocities and increased depth on all surfaces, and increased passage rates for inanga on ramps with large cusps, and redfin bullies on both cusp sizes. Fish surveys were conducted at 4 lowland streams in Hawke’s Bay in order to characterise fish communities, investigate the impact of barriers on their distribution, and evaluate the success of ramp installations in facilitating passage. Fish communities were impacted by barriers to varying degrees depending on the climbing ability of different species present. Inanga and redfin bully abundances were lower above the barriers, whereas eel abundances were similar between upstream and downstream reaches. Rotomoulded plastic floating ramps lined with small cusps were installed at barriers on 2 streams, the Awanui and the Irongate. Inanga were found above the barrier in the Awanui Stream 12 months after a ramp was installed, but fish did not pass over the wooden weir on the Irongate Stream. Buoyancy issues with the Irongate ramp are thought to have reduced its utility and potentially hindered fish passage. The buoyancy issues have since been overcome, and further monitoring is required to assess whether fish passage is consequently improved. These results show that floating rotomoulded ramps can be an effective and cost-effective tool for remediating small scale instream barriers to migratory fish.

text: Remediating small-scale migratory fish barriers with floating fish ramps Instream barriers are a well-documented stressor for diadromous fish species, and can be numerous and costly to remediate. In New Zealand, previous experiments have investigated the swimming ability of indigenous migratory fish over small ramps, but this work has not led to the development of cost-effective ramps that can be deployed by river managers. This study built on previous research and investigated the effect of ramp surface type on the swimming ability of two species of diadromous fish; inanga (Galaxias maculatus) a weak swimmer, and redfin bully (Gobiomorphus huttoni) a moderate climber, in an effort to inform the design of a floating plastic ramp that could be installed at low head instream barriers. Three phases of tank trials in the Hawke’s Bay tested different ramp substrates, including rock climbing holds, and small and large raised Miradrain® cusps. The results indicated that a linear arrangement of small cusps provided an optimal surface for swimming species such as inanga while redfin bully passage rates did not differ between the surfaces tested. The addition of spat rope reduced velocities and increased depth on all surfaces, and increased passage rates for inanga on ramps with large cusps, and redfin bullies on both cusp sizes. Fish surveys were conducted at 4 lowland streams in Hawke’s Bay in order to characterise fish communities, investigate the impact of barriers on their distribution, and evaluate the success of ramp installations in facilitating passage. Fish communities were impacted by barriers to varying degrees depending on the climbing ability of different species present. Inanga and redfin bully abundances were lower above the barriers, whereas eel abundances were similar between upstream and downstream reaches. Rotomoulded plastic floating ramps lined with small cusps were installed at barriers on 2 streams, the Awanui and the Irongate. Inanga were found above the barrier in the Awanui Stream 12 months after a ramp was installed, but fish did not pass over the wooden weir on the Irongate Stream. Buoyancy issues with the Irongate ramp are thought to have reduced its utility and potentially hindered fish passage. The buoyancy issues have since been overcome, and further monitoring is required to assess whether fish passage is consequently improved. These results show that floating rotomoulded ramps can be an effective and cost-effective tool for remediating small scale instream barriers to migratory fish.

year: 2018

title: Waata Kukutai: Rangatira o Ngaati Tiipa 1822-1867

authors: Ewe, Denise Te Tuhi

subjects: Biography

abstract: This thesis examines the life of Ngaati Tiipa rangatira Waata Kukutai (1822-1867), and critiques historical perspectives that have narrowly identified him as merely a Kuupapa loyalist. This study argues that Kukutai’s choices and leadership were driven first and foremost by those things he viewed as crucial to Ngaati Tiipa autonomy and wellbeing. Kukutai was an articulate and well-educated leader of Ngaati Tiipa. Waata was governed by principles of rangatiratanga (chieftainship), mana motuhake (independence) and loyalty to Ngaati Tiipa and to the whenua. He was deeply religious and courageous and was an entrepreneur who sought to protect his people by securing economic independence. This thesis shows how he negotiated colonial structures by forming strategic alliances, and in the process led his people through one of the most turbulent periods in New Zealand history.  

Waata was an enigma shaped by loss, vision and hope for a new future in extraordinary times in New Zealand’s history. Waata was a polarising personality who held fast to his life principles. He withstood immense pressure from other Waikato chiefs during the Waikato invasion. During the Waikato War Waata was most active, carrying letters, food and supplies to colonial soldiers and earned himself and his tribe of Ngaati Tiipa the label of kuupapa. While Waata was not the only ‘friendly chief’ during colonial times he has been the most pillorised in Waikato. Seemingly ignored by many historians is at the same time Waata ensued that Ngaati Tiipa land was never invaded by the colonial troops. Waata’s actions protected his people and his land and maintained his mana motuhake, his sovereignty over his district.

text: Waata Kukutai: Rangatira o Ngaati Tiipa 1822-1867 This thesis examines the life of Ngaati Tiipa rangatira Waata Kukutai (1822-1867), and critiques historical perspectives that have narrowly identified him as merely a Kuupapa loyalist. This study argues that Kukutai’s choices and leadership were driven first and foremost by those things he viewed as crucial to Ngaati Tiipa autonomy and wellbeing. Kukutai was an articulate and well-educated leader of Ngaati Tiipa. Waata was governed by principles of rangatiratanga (chieftainship), mana motuhake (independence) and loyalty to Ngaati Tiipa and to the whenua. He was deeply religious and courageous and was an entrepreneur who sought to protect his people by securing economic independence. This thesis shows how he negotiated colonial structures by forming strategic alliances, and in the process led his people through one of the most turbulent periods in New Zealand history.  

Waata was an enigma shaped by loss, vision and hope for a new future in extraordinary times in New Zealand’s history. Waata was a polarising personality who held fast to his life principles. He withstood immense pressure from other Waikato chiefs during the Waikato invasion. During the Waikato War Waata was most active, carrying letters, food and supplies to colonial soldiers and earned himself and his tribe of Ngaati Tiipa the label of kuupapa. While Waata was not the only ‘friendly chief’ during colonial times he has been the most pillorised in Waikato. Seemingly ignored by many historians is at the same time Waata ensued that Ngaati Tiipa land was never invaded by the colonial troops. Waata’s actions protected his people and his land and maintained his mana motuhake, his sovereignty over his district.

year: 2020