title: ‘Put that in your fucking research’: reflexivity, ethnography and disability sport coaching

authors: Townsend, Robert C.

abstract: Reflexivity is continually called for as a marker of quality ethnographic research. In this paper we put reflexivity to ‘work’, providing a critical commentary on data generated through ethnographic fieldwork in high-performance disability sport. Drawing on Bourdieu’s reflexive sociology, we situate the ethnographer in the field of disability sport, turning a reflexive lens onto the practices that are associated with occupying the role of coach and researcher simultaneously. We illustrate the centrality of researcher subjectivity – through the reflexive device of ‘crossing fields’ – as a productive resource for examining the social and intellectual unconscious embedded in the process of doing ethnographic research. In so doing, we provide a unique example of how reflexive practice can offer a rigorous, power-conscious reading of an ethnography of high-performance coaching in disability sport.

text: ‘Put that in your fucking research’: reflexivity, ethnography and disability sport coaching Reflexivity is continually called for as a marker of quality ethnographic research. In this paper we put reflexivity to ‘work’, providing a critical commentary on data generated through ethnographic fieldwork in high-performance disability sport. Drawing on Bourdieu’s reflexive sociology, we situate the ethnographer in the field of disability sport, turning a reflexive lens onto the practices that are associated with occupying the role of coach and researcher simultaneously. We illustrate the centrality of researcher subjectivity – through the reflexive device of ‘crossing fields’ – as a productive resource for examining the social and intellectual unconscious embedded in the process of doing ethnographic research. In so doing, we provide a unique example of how reflexive practice can offer a rigorous, power-conscious reading of an ethnography of high-performance coaching in disability sport.

year: 2020

title: The use of seagrass (Zostera muelleri) habitat by Canada geese (Branta canadensis) in Waikato estuaries.

authors: Ferries, Michal

subjects: Canada geese

abstract: Seagrass beds are highly biodiverse habitats delivering key ecosystem functions and services to mankind. Zostera muelleri is New Zealand’s single seagrass species, and occurs intertidally within several estuaries and sheltered harbours. However, these habitats are globally in decline due to the impacts of multiple stressors including eutrophication, turbidity, coastal urbanisation, sedimentation, and sea level rise. Herbivory by waterfowl is a relatively unknown biotic disturbance that may cause additional stress to these vulnerable seagrass habitats. Canada geese (Branta canadensis) were introduced to New Zealand in 1905, and have since been increasing in numbers since a change in species management. In response to increase in Canada geese populations and use of estuaries along the West coast, the Waikato Regional Council commissioned this MSc (Research) study to investigate the consumption of Zostera by Canada geese in Kawhia and Whāingaroa (Raglan) harbours, West coast of the North Island, New Zealand.

In order to better understand the grazing pressure placed on seagrass habitats, a three part investigation was conducted. Behaviours of Canada geese on Zostera beds were observed in January and February (2019), at two sites in Whāingaroa Harbour, with geese numbers varying between 8 to 200 at any one time. Observations indicated that foraging incorporated a large proportion of their behavioural budget (> 85%), and birds utilised several destructive methods to forage on both above and below-ground Zostera biomass. Foraging was significantly reduced by disturbance events less than 30 m away and was also influenced by group size. Repeat observations in June and July 2019, were not possible as geese were no longer present on the Zostera beds.

Canada geese samples were collected to investigate bird diet across a temporal scale; from Kawhia between July to November 2019 (n = 33), and from Raglan between August to September 2020 (n = 26). Gut contents analysis showed that more than 70% of specimens consumed solely pasture in the two hours prior to sampling. Bayesian mixing models in MixSIAR were used for δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C stable isotope analysis to evaluate the assimilated diet three to four days (plasma), three to four weeks (red blood cells) and several months (primary feathers) prior to sampling. Pasture was the dominant food source (75 to 93%) contributing to all three tissue types.

This study aimed to provide insight into the consumption of seagrass (Zostera muelleri) by Canada geese, and determine the proportion of their diet that came from Zostera relative to pasture grass. Although Canada geese were observed feeding on Zostera during the dry summer months, gut and isotope samples could not support this, as they were collected during the winter/spring months. This difference indicates that the period where Canada geese exploit seagrass was not captured in the isotope study. Post-moult gut and tissue sampling (from late January) would confirm if these birds use the more digestible Zostera to meet their nutritional demands during the dry summer season as pasture grass becomes less nutritious or digestible.

text: The use of seagrass (Zostera muelleri) habitat by Canada geese (Branta canadensis) in Waikato estuaries. Seagrass beds are highly biodiverse habitats delivering key ecosystem functions and services to mankind. Zostera muelleri is New Zealand’s single seagrass species, and occurs intertidally within several estuaries and sheltered harbours. However, these habitats are globally in decline due to the impacts of multiple stressors including eutrophication, turbidity, coastal urbanisation, sedimentation, and sea level rise. Herbivory by waterfowl is a relatively unknown biotic disturbance that may cause additional stress to these vulnerable seagrass habitats. Canada geese (Branta canadensis) were introduced to New Zealand in 1905, and have since been increasing in numbers since a change in species management. In response to increase in Canada geese populations and use of estuaries along the West coast, the Waikato Regional Council commissioned this MSc (Research) study to investigate the consumption of Zostera by Canada geese in Kawhia and Whāingaroa (Raglan) harbours, West coast of the North Island, New Zealand.

In order to better understand the grazing pressure placed on seagrass habitats, a three part investigation was conducted. Behaviours of Canada geese on Zostera beds were observed in January and February (2019), at two sites in Whāingaroa Harbour, with geese numbers varying between 8 to 200 at any one time. Observations indicated that foraging incorporated a large proportion of their behavioural budget (> 85%), and birds utilised several destructive methods to forage on both above and below-ground Zostera biomass. Foraging was significantly reduced by disturbance events less than 30 m away and was also influenced by group size. Repeat observations in June and July 2019, were not possible as geese were no longer present on the Zostera beds.

Canada geese samples were collected to investigate bird diet across a temporal scale; from Kawhia between July to November 2019 (n = 33), and from Raglan between August to September 2020 (n = 26). Gut contents analysis showed that more than 70% of specimens consumed solely pasture in the two hours prior to sampling. Bayesian mixing models in MixSIAR were used for δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C stable isotope analysis to evaluate the assimilated diet three to four days (plasma), three to four weeks (red blood cells) and several months (primary feathers) prior to sampling. Pasture was the dominant food source (75 to 93%) contributing to all three tissue types.

This study aimed to provide insight into the consumption of seagrass (Zostera muelleri) by Canada geese, and determine the proportion of their diet that came from Zostera relative to pasture grass. Although Canada geese were observed feeding on Zostera during the dry summer months, gut and isotope samples could not support this, as they were collected during the winter/spring months. This difference indicates that the period where Canada geese exploit seagrass was not captured in the isotope study. Post-moult gut and tissue sampling (from late January) would confirm if these birds use the more digestible Zostera to meet their nutritional demands during the dry summer season as pasture grass becomes less nutritious or digestible.

year: 2021

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