title: Homeownership, social capital and satisfaction with local government

authors: Roskruge, Matthew James

abstract: Prior studies suggest that homeownership positively impacts on social capital formation. However, many studies find it difficult to control adequately for selection effects in the form of factors, some of which may be unobserved, that encourage both homeownership and investment in social capital by households. A biennial survey conducted in New Zealand cities provides data that enable the control of such selection effects with propensity score matching methods, while also benchmarking the results by means of regression methods. The results confirm that homeownership exerts positive impacts on the formation of social capital. At the same time, homeownership demands greater accountability of local government and leads to reduced satisfaction with local government performance, thereby negatively impacting on community social capital. Hence these two dimensions of housing-related social capital work in opposite directions from each other, a finding which has not been previously observed.

text: Homeownership, social capital and satisfaction with local government Prior studies suggest that homeownership positively impacts on social capital formation. However, many studies find it difficult to control adequately for selection effects in the form of factors, some of which may be unobserved, that encourage both homeownership and investment in social capital by households. A biennial survey conducted in New Zealand cities provides data that enable the control of such selection effects with propensity score matching methods, while also benchmarking the results by means of regression methods. The results confirm that homeownership exerts positive impacts on the formation of social capital. At the same time, homeownership demands greater accountability of local government and leads to reduced satisfaction with local government performance, thereby negatively impacting on community social capital. Hence these two dimensions of housing-related social capital work in opposite directions from each other, a finding which has not been previously observed.

year: 2013

title: Biomedical Ti-Cu-Mn alloys with antibacterial capability

authors: Alqattan, M.

subjects: titanium alloys

abstract: This study aims to develop Ti–Cu–Mn alloys with antibacterial capability for reducing the possibility of bacterial infection during biomedical implant surgeries. Ternary alloys were designed to be manufactured via powder metallurgy, which has intrinsic manufacturing, economic, and environmental benefits. The amount of each of the alloying elements was limited to prevent the formation of brittle phases. It is found that the selected compositions of Cu (0.5-5 wt.%) plus Mn (0.25-2.5 Mn wt.%) can successfully be manufactured achieving microstructures, tensile properties and antibacterial capability performance comparable to those of other biomedical Ti alloys. Specifically, homogeneous compositions are achieved with the selected sintering parameters (1300 °C/120 min). The strength and hardness of the material increase proportionally with the addition rate of Cu and Mn, and antibacterial capability values were found to be above the 90% threshold required for antibacterial certification.

text: Biomedical Ti-Cu-Mn alloys with antibacterial capability This study aims to develop Ti–Cu–Mn alloys with antibacterial capability for reducing the possibility of bacterial infection during biomedical implant surgeries. Ternary alloys were designed to be manufactured via powder metallurgy, which has intrinsic manufacturing, economic, and environmental benefits. The amount of each of the alloying elements was limited to prevent the formation of brittle phases. It is found that the selected compositions of Cu (0.5-5 wt.%) plus Mn (0.25-2.5 Mn wt.%) can successfully be manufactured achieving microstructures, tensile properties and antibacterial capability performance comparable to those of other biomedical Ti alloys. Specifically, homogeneous compositions are achieved with the selected sintering parameters (1300 °C/120 min). The strength and hardness of the material increase proportionally with the addition rate of Cu and Mn, and antibacterial capability values were found to be above the 90% threshold required for antibacterial certification.

year: 2021

title: An evaluation of Kaupapa Māori in Psychology at the University of Waikato

authors: McAllister, Sue

abstract: The University of Waikato’s (UOW) reputation has been built on its unique commitment to Māori aspirations and the educational success of Māori students (The University of Waikato, n.d.-c). Kaupapa Māori has made a significant contribution to this commitment, including in the School of Psychology. Kaupapa Māori prioritises Māori values and a Māori worldview which is necessary in educating culturally aware practitioners. In addition, the inclusion of kaupapa Māori within the School ensures Māori psychology students are valued and their beliefs and worldviews are acknowledged and included. Through this evaluation we aspired to gain insight into how the UOW maintains its commitment to Māori aspirations and the educational success of Māori students.
This evaluation was conducted at the request of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU). The aim of this evaluation was to investigate the presence and practice of kaupapa Māori within the School of Psychology at the UOW. Presence and practice refers to the ways in which kaupapa Māori is included, and actively engaged in, within the School of Psychology. This might include, public notices in the School of Psychology, tutorials, workshops, laboratories, support programmes, training, or the inclusion of kaupapa Māori material in the teaching curriculum. The vision for this evaluation was to help assist in shaping practitioners who are able to engage with Māori clients in a culturally appropriate way.
Our evaluation was guided by three objectives:
(1) to consider the experiences of psychology staff in integrating kaupapa Māori into their teaching and administration,
(2) to explore the barriers experienced by Māori psychology students during their programmes of study (both undergraduate and graduate level), and
(3) to identify the practices and structures that support the implementation of kaupapa Māori in the School of Psychology, and ways of expanding these. This evaluation adds to three previous evaluations of kaupapa Māori within the School (Masters & Levy, 1995; Hunt, Morgan & Teddy, 2002; MacLennan, Namwinga, Taylor, & Theodorus, 2013). In this evaluation we investigated outcomes of the past evaluations while exploring ways to further develop kaupapa Māori within the School.
Drawing on the UOW’s Charter, Strategy, Investment Plan, and Māori Advancement Plan, which all set out specific goals and commitments to provide culturally responsive research and education that meets the needs of Māori communities, this evaluation investigates whether the goals and commitments outlined in these documents are being met. In order to do this, this evaluation has aspired to provide significant information regarding the importance and experiences of kaupapa Māori for staff and students (both current and former) within the School of Psychology.
The evaluators conducted four focus groups and 13 semi-structured qualitative interviews with current undergraduate and graduate Māori students, former Māori students, and current and former Māori and non-Māori UOW staff. In total, the voices of 23 participants are reflected in this report.
The analysis of our findings resulted in the following themes relating to staff experiences integrating kaupapa Māori into their teaching and administration: inconsistent integration of kaupapa Māori across the School, cultural incompetence, and harmful University politics. Barriers that were identified by our participants were: lack of kaupapa Māori visibility, navigating two worlds, and financial and practical barriers experienced by Māori students. Various supports for kaupapa Māori were identified and suggestions were given on ways of expanding these. These supports, which included structures and people, were: the MPRU, Te Aka Matua (a mentoring service within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS, now the DALPSS)), kaupapa Māori tutorials, specific staff in the School of Psychology, integration of kaupapa Māori into papers, support of Māori peers, the importance of role models, and the importance of kaupapa Māori in preparing students for the workforce. Ideas often overlapped due to the interrelated nature of experiences, barriers, and supports.
Overall, participants advocated their support for increasing kaupapa Māori support and content within the School of Psychology through the recognition of Māori worldviews. However, it is clear that there is room for development and expansion of the ways kaupapa Māori is currently supported.
Based on the evaluation findings, the recommendations are:
● Recruit more Māori staff
● Further develop kaupapa Māori Tutorials
● Re-establish the Kaupapa Māori Student Advisor position
● Implement discussion of psychology pathways
● Include more bicultural knowledge in paper content
● Include workforce preparation
● Implement kaupapa Māori training for staff
● Incorporate cultural practices into teaching
● Appoint a cultural advisor for staff
● Offer scholarships to alleviate financial barriers
● Invite a kaumatua on site
● Create a whānau space
● Increase the marketing of all Māori services within FASS (DALPSS) and the School of Psychology
● Allocate funding to all Māori support services
● Incorporate more Māori culture visually on campus

text: An evaluation of Kaupapa Māori in Psychology at the University of Waikato The University of Waikato’s (UOW) reputation has been built on its unique commitment to Māori aspirations and the educational success of Māori students (The University of Waikato, n.d.-c). Kaupapa Māori has made a significant contribution to this commitment, including in the School of Psychology. Kaupapa Māori prioritises Māori values and a Māori worldview which is necessary in educating culturally aware practitioners. In addition, the inclusion of kaupapa Māori within the School ensures Māori psychology students are valued and their beliefs and worldviews are acknowledged and included. Through this evaluation we aspired to gain insight into how the UOW maintains its commitment to Māori aspirations and the educational success of Māori students.
This evaluation was conducted at the request of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU). The aim of this evaluation was to investigate the presence and practice of kaupapa Māori within the School of Psychology at the UOW. Presence and practice refers to the ways in which kaupapa Māori is included, and actively engaged in, within the School of Psychology. This might include, public notices in the School of Psychology, tutorials, workshops, laboratories, support programmes, training, or the inclusion of kaupapa Māori material in the teaching curriculum. The vision for this evaluation was to help assist in shaping practitioners who are able to engage with Māori clients in a culturally appropriate way.
Our evaluation was guided by three objectives:
(1) to consider the experiences of psychology staff in integrating kaupapa Māori into their teaching and administration,
(2) to explore the barriers experienced by Māori psychology students during their programmes of study (both undergraduate and graduate level), and
(3) to identify the practices and structures that support the implementation of kaupapa Māori in the School of Psychology, and ways of expanding these. This evaluation adds to three previous evaluations of kaupapa Māori within the School (Masters & Levy, 1995; Hunt, Morgan & Teddy, 2002; MacLennan, Namwinga, Taylor, & Theodorus, 2013). In this evaluation we investigated outcomes of the past evaluations while exploring ways to further develop kaupapa Māori within the School.
Drawing on the UOW’s Charter, Strategy, Investment Plan, and Māori Advancement Plan, which all set out specific goals and commitments to provide culturally responsive research and education that meets the needs of Māori communities, this evaluation investigates whether the goals and commitments outlined in these documents are being met. In order to do this, this evaluation has aspired to provide significant information regarding the importance and experiences of kaupapa Māori for staff and students (both current and former) within the School of Psychology.
The evaluators conducted four focus groups and 13 semi-structured qualitative interviews with current undergraduate and graduate Māori students, former Māori students, and current and former Māori and non-Māori UOW staff. In total, the voices of 23 participants are reflected in this report.
The analysis of our findings resulted in the following themes relating to staff experiences integrating kaupapa Māori into their teaching and administration: inconsistent integration of kaupapa Māori across the School, cultural incompetence, and harmful University politics. Barriers that were identified by our participants were: lack of kaupapa Māori visibility, navigating two worlds, and financial and practical barriers experienced by Māori students. Various supports for kaupapa Māori were identified and suggestions were given on ways of expanding these. These supports, which included structures and people, were: the MPRU, Te Aka Matua (a mentoring service within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS, now the DALPSS)), kaupapa Māori tutorials, specific staff in the School of Psychology, integration of kaupapa Māori into papers, support of Māori peers, the importance of role models, and the importance of kaupapa Māori in preparing students for the workforce. Ideas often overlapped due to the interrelated nature of experiences, barriers, and supports.
Overall, participants advocated their support for increasing kaupapa Māori support and content within the School of Psychology through the recognition of Māori worldviews. However, it is clear that there is room for development and expansion of the ways kaupapa Māori is currently supported.
Based on the evaluation findings, the recommendations are:
● Recruit more Māori staff
● Further develop kaupapa Māori Tutorials
● Re-establish the Kaupapa Māori Student Advisor position
● Implement discussion of psychology pathways
● Include more bicultural knowledge in paper content
● Include workforce preparation
● Implement kaupapa Māori training for staff
● Incorporate cultural practices into teaching
● Appoint a cultural advisor for staff
● Offer scholarships to alleviate financial barriers
● Invite a kaumatua on site
● Create a whānau space
● Increase the marketing of all Māori services within FASS (DALPSS) and the School of Psychology
● Allocate funding to all Māori support services
● Incorporate more Māori culture visually on campus

year: 2018