title: Evaluation of Rongo Atea: Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Centre for Adolescents

authors: Paki, Helen Mary

subjects: Alcohol

abstract: Abstract Rongo Ātea is a residential abstinence-based Kaupapa Māori alcohol and other drug programme accommodating youth between the ages of 13 and 17. This evaluation investigates the role that staff play at Rongo Ātea along with a number of other factors including the physical environment; stages of change; programme implementation and aftercare. As a Kaupapa Māori programme, the role of how culture and identity can influence positive change is also explored along with the development of a youth-focused approach. I utilised a three phase framework borrowed from the work of Mason Durie (2008) to organise themes. These three phases, which Durie (2008) based on marae encounters, include Whakapiri (Engagement); Whakamarama (Enlightenment); and Whakamana (Empowerment) as they aptly reflect a three phase intervention approach: detoxification and early programme engagement; learning and development through ongoing programme commitment; and post treatment outcomes and aftercare. The data collection phase of this evaluation took place in 2006 and was initiated by the manager of Rongo Ātea who requested an evaluation to identify programme strengths and limitations from the perspectives of staff and students, and to make recommendations to Rongo Ātea that would assist with further programme developments. I utilised a collaborative and participatory approach (Bishop, 1996; Patton, 1990). Kaupapa Māori research principles were reflected in the use of ‘kanohi kitea’— face to face contact (Smith, 1999). With appropriate training and management support, staff could have a greater influence on programme outcomes. Evaluation findings suggest that drug and alcohol intervention and treatment for young people in New Zealand is significantly under-resourced, particularly in the areas of detoxification and aftercare. To be effective, residential treatment programmes should consist of a three stage programme covering detoxification; treatment; and aftercare incorporating an integrated approach. A greater emphasis on working with whānau alongside the young person is recommended.

text: Evaluation of Rongo Atea: Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Centre for Adolescents Abstract Rongo Ātea is a residential abstinence-based Kaupapa Māori alcohol and other drug programme accommodating youth between the ages of 13 and 17. This evaluation investigates the role that staff play at Rongo Ātea along with a number of other factors including the physical environment; stages of change; programme implementation and aftercare. As a Kaupapa Māori programme, the role of how culture and identity can influence positive change is also explored along with the development of a youth-focused approach. I utilised a three phase framework borrowed from the work of Mason Durie (2008) to organise themes. These three phases, which Durie (2008) based on marae encounters, include Whakapiri (Engagement); Whakamarama (Enlightenment); and Whakamana (Empowerment) as they aptly reflect a three phase intervention approach: detoxification and early programme engagement; learning and development through ongoing programme commitment; and post treatment outcomes and aftercare. The data collection phase of this evaluation took place in 2006 and was initiated by the manager of Rongo Ātea who requested an evaluation to identify programme strengths and limitations from the perspectives of staff and students, and to make recommendations to Rongo Ātea that would assist with further programme developments. I utilised a collaborative and participatory approach (Bishop, 1996; Patton, 1990). Kaupapa Māori research principles were reflected in the use of ‘kanohi kitea’— face to face contact (Smith, 1999). With appropriate training and management support, staff could have a greater influence on programme outcomes. Evaluation findings suggest that drug and alcohol intervention and treatment for young people in New Zealand is significantly under-resourced, particularly in the areas of detoxification and aftercare. To be effective, residential treatment programmes should consist of a three stage programme covering detoxification; treatment; and aftercare incorporating an integrated approach. A greater emphasis on working with whānau alongside the young person is recommended.

year: 2010

title: Hā Ora: secondary care barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer for Māori communities.

authors: Kidd, Jacquie

subjects: Barriers

abstract: BACKGROUND: Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Aotearoa New Zealand. Māori communities in particular have higher incidence and mortality rates from Lung Cancer. Diagnosis of lung cancer at an early stage can allow for curative treatment. This project aimed to document the barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in secondary care for Māori communities. 
METHODS: This project used a kaupapa Māori approach. Nine community hui (focus groups) and nine primary healthcare provider hui were carried out in five rural localities in the Midland region. Community hui included cancer patients, whānau (families), and other community members. Healthcare provider hui comprised staff members at the local primary healthcare centre, including General Practitioners and nurses. Hui data were thematically analysed. 
RESULTS: Barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer were categorised into two broad themes: Specialist services and treatment, and whānau journey. The barriers and enablers that participants experienced in specialist services and treatment related to access to care, engagement with specialists, communication with specialist services and cultural values and respect, whereas barriers and enablers relating to the whānau journey focused on agency and the impact on whānau. 
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted the need to improve communication within and across healthcare services, the importance of understanding the cultural needs of patients and whānau and a health system strategy that meets these needs. Findings also demonstrated the resilience of Māori and the active efforts of whānau as carers to foster health literacy in future generations.

text: Hā Ora: secondary care barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer for Māori communities. BACKGROUND: Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Aotearoa New Zealand. Māori communities in particular have higher incidence and mortality rates from Lung Cancer. Diagnosis of lung cancer at an early stage can allow for curative treatment. This project aimed to document the barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in secondary care for Māori communities. 
METHODS: This project used a kaupapa Māori approach. Nine community hui (focus groups) and nine primary healthcare provider hui were carried out in five rural localities in the Midland region. Community hui included cancer patients, whānau (families), and other community members. Healthcare provider hui comprised staff members at the local primary healthcare centre, including General Practitioners and nurses. Hui data were thematically analysed. 
RESULTS: Barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer were categorised into two broad themes: Specialist services and treatment, and whānau journey. The barriers and enablers that participants experienced in specialist services and treatment related to access to care, engagement with specialists, communication with specialist services and cultural values and respect, whereas barriers and enablers relating to the whānau journey focused on agency and the impact on whānau. 
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted the need to improve communication within and across healthcare services, the importance of understanding the cultural needs of patients and whānau and a health system strategy that meets these needs. Findings also demonstrated the resilience of Māori and the active efforts of whānau as carers to foster health literacy in future generations.

year: 2021

title: Development of an Ion Chromatography Method for the Analysis of Nitric Acid Oxidation Reactions of Common Sugars

authors: Davey, Cara-Lee

subjects: nitric acid oxidation

abstract: The large scale nitric acid oxidation of common sugars into their corresponding aldaric acids is being investigated as an important source of potentially useful components for industrial applications such as polymers. 

This thesis details the development of an Ion Chromatography (IC) method for the analysis of these oxidation mixtures and related samples from the work-up and purification processes. The method was developed for use with a Dionex ICS2000 IC system equipped with an AS11-HC column and utilising suppressed conductivity detection. IC proved to be a useful, versatile and straightforward method of studying the reactions and their products. 

The detected ions include but are not restricted to the anionic salt forms of: D-Glucaric acid, Xylaric acid, Mannaric acid,  D-gluconic acid and both keto forms of the same, D-xylonic acid, D-mannonic acid, glycolic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid and tartronic acid. Nitrate from the nitric acid used in the oxidation is often observed.  The results compare favorably to GC-MS and HPLC analysis of similar samples. An overview of the theory and operation of the instrument along with the method development and results from application to the oxidation mixtures and related samples are presented. 

As part of the investigation into the range of utility of IC for studying these reactions, a study was made of the retention behaviour of a large number of simple and low molecular weight (LMW) carboxylic acids eluted by the ion chromatography system in use. The results of this study are included with an explanation of the major factors affecting anion retention on the column

text: Development of an Ion Chromatography Method for the Analysis of Nitric Acid Oxidation Reactions of Common Sugars The large scale nitric acid oxidation of common sugars into their corresponding aldaric acids is being investigated as an important source of potentially useful components for industrial applications such as polymers. 

This thesis details the development of an Ion Chromatography (IC) method for the analysis of these oxidation mixtures and related samples from the work-up and purification processes. The method was developed for use with a Dionex ICS2000 IC system equipped with an AS11-HC column and utilising suppressed conductivity detection. IC proved to be a useful, versatile and straightforward method of studying the reactions and their products. 

The detected ions include but are not restricted to the anionic salt forms of: D-Glucaric acid, Xylaric acid, Mannaric acid,  D-gluconic acid and both keto forms of the same, D-xylonic acid, D-mannonic acid, glycolic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid and tartronic acid. Nitrate from the nitric acid used in the oxidation is often observed.  The results compare favorably to GC-MS and HPLC analysis of similar samples. An overview of the theory and operation of the instrument along with the method development and results from application to the oxidation mixtures and related samples are presented. 

As part of the investigation into the range of utility of IC for studying these reactions, a study was made of the retention behaviour of a large number of simple and low molecular weight (LMW) carboxylic acids eluted by the ion chromatography system in use. The results of this study are included with an explanation of the major factors affecting anion retention on the column

year: 2008