title: A job, a dream or a trap? Multiple meanings for encore careers

authors: Simpson, Mary Louisa

subjects: aging

abstract: Governments and activists are interested in the ageing workforce, as both a problem and, 
potentially, an asset. Terms such as ‘positive ageing’ and ‘successful ageing’ are increasingly used rhetorically to (re)frame the working lives of elders, and demand careful examination. A recent entry in the discursive re-construction of work in later life is ‘encore careers’, which highlights retirement as a time when individuals choose to use their wealth of experience, engaging in  work that matters and makes meaningful contributions to society. This article reports on a study that used a multiple perspectives approach to analyse the discourse of elders engaged in encore  careers and managers who work with them.

text: A job, a dream or a trap? Multiple meanings for encore careers Governments and activists are interested in the ageing workforce, as both a problem and, 
potentially, an asset. Terms such as ‘positive ageing’ and ‘successful ageing’ are increasingly used rhetorically to (re)frame the working lives of elders, and demand careful examination. A recent entry in the discursive re-construction of work in later life is ‘encore careers’, which highlights retirement as a time when individuals choose to use their wealth of experience, engaging in  work that matters and makes meaningful contributions to society. This article reports on a study that used a multiple perspectives approach to analyse the discourse of elders engaged in encore  careers and managers who work with them.

year: 2012

title: Access to Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in New Zealand: A Matter of Human Rights

authors: Christie, Nigel

subjects: same-sex marriage

abstract: Scope of work undertaken:
This thesis focuses on access to marriage as a fundamental human right, and the premise that there is no justifiable reason, in terms of New Zealand law, why same-sex couples should be excluded from this right.
Method of investigation:
This thesis is the result of participatory action research and academic analysis.
I have been centrally involved with the issue of equal access to same-sex marriage and, therefore, this thesis has been an experiential exercise involving engagement with key protagonists in human rights issues in New Zealand - proponents and detractors.
However, I have also considered a great deal of primary and secondary material, particularly in relation to human rights law and family law, and have considered key developments regarding relationship recognition in a range of overseas jurisdictions.
Main divisions of the thesis:
Part I provides introductory information, setting the objectives and the parameters of the thesis. This part also includes the methodology used in the gathering and analysis of information in the writing of this thesis.
In Part II, I provide a range of information to set the context in which I have considered the issue of same-sex marriage. This includes a personal perspective, an analysis of the human rights imperatives, and a commentary on a range of issues relating to New Zealand's constitutional and social arrangements.
In Part III, I consider developments in the law in New Zealand and overseas. I examine the response of the New Zealand courts, the United Nations Human Rights Committee, and the Government and Parliament of New Zealand to the call for same-sex marriage in New Zealand. I also examine legislative initiatives and court challenges in a range of overseas jurisdictions and the extent to which these have been successful in providing equal access to marriage for same-sex couples and the impact these might have on future developments in New Zealand.
Finally, Part IV provides a summary of the key themes of the thesis, a consideration of options for possible future action, and suggestions with regard to ensuring future success.
Conclusions reached:
My conclusion is that there is no valid justification for denying full marriage equality to same-sex couples in New Zealand, and that there are steps that we can take to ensure the achievement of full and equal treatment under the law.
It is my thesis that there is no valid justification for denying full marriage equality to same-sex couples in New Zealand.
Contribution to knowledge of the subject
This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of law and historical fact relating to the recognition of lesbian and gay relationships in New Zealand, and in that sense, provides a cultural and historical tool for immediate use.
The thesis also, however, provides a platform for future progress. I consider that it will be able to be used as a reference to shift attitudes.
Much of the material in this thesis has been used already, both in New Zealand and internationally, in helping to bring about change.

text: Access to Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in New Zealand: A Matter of Human Rights Scope of work undertaken:
This thesis focuses on access to marriage as a fundamental human right, and the premise that there is no justifiable reason, in terms of New Zealand law, why same-sex couples should be excluded from this right.
Method of investigation:
This thesis is the result of participatory action research and academic analysis.
I have been centrally involved with the issue of equal access to same-sex marriage and, therefore, this thesis has been an experiential exercise involving engagement with key protagonists in human rights issues in New Zealand - proponents and detractors.
However, I have also considered a great deal of primary and secondary material, particularly in relation to human rights law and family law, and have considered key developments regarding relationship recognition in a range of overseas jurisdictions.
Main divisions of the thesis:
Part I provides introductory information, setting the objectives and the parameters of the thesis. This part also includes the methodology used in the gathering and analysis of information in the writing of this thesis.
In Part II, I provide a range of information to set the context in which I have considered the issue of same-sex marriage. This includes a personal perspective, an analysis of the human rights imperatives, and a commentary on a range of issues relating to New Zealand's constitutional and social arrangements.
In Part III, I consider developments in the law in New Zealand and overseas. I examine the response of the New Zealand courts, the United Nations Human Rights Committee, and the Government and Parliament of New Zealand to the call for same-sex marriage in New Zealand. I also examine legislative initiatives and court challenges in a range of overseas jurisdictions and the extent to which these have been successful in providing equal access to marriage for same-sex couples and the impact these might have on future developments in New Zealand.
Finally, Part IV provides a summary of the key themes of the thesis, a consideration of options for possible future action, and suggestions with regard to ensuring future success.
Conclusions reached:
My conclusion is that there is no valid justification for denying full marriage equality to same-sex couples in New Zealand, and that there are steps that we can take to ensure the achievement of full and equal treatment under the law.
It is my thesis that there is no valid justification for denying full marriage equality to same-sex couples in New Zealand.
Contribution to knowledge of the subject
This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of law and historical fact relating to the recognition of lesbian and gay relationships in New Zealand, and in that sense, provides a cultural and historical tool for immediate use.
The thesis also, however, provides a platform for future progress. I consider that it will be able to be used as a reference to shift attitudes.
Much of the material in this thesis has been used already, both in New Zealand and internationally, in helping to bring about change.

year: 2009

title: Ngā Hua a Tāne Rore: The Benefits of Kapa Haka.

authors: Pihama, Leonie

abstract: This report presentsthe findings of scoping research that is focused on developing a research agenda that will enable a greater understanding of the value and contribution of kapa haka to Aotearoa New Zealand society, and which explores the multiple ways in which we may view the value and contribution of kapa haka within cultural, social and economic contexts.
• There was a unanimous and resounding view that kapa haka does indeed make a valuable contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand society, but that its value is not fully understood or acknowledged within Aotearoa New Zealand.
• The most important components of kapa haka are its intrinsic link to culture and Māori identity, and the essential element of whanaungatanga, the importance of people and connectedness.
• Kapa haka has a dynamic role as a vehicle for the revitalisation and retention of te reo, tikanga, ritual processes and histories.
• It is perceived as a gateway into the culture for Māori who are disengaged from their marae/hapū/iwi, as well as as a safe, inclusive activity through which all New Zealanders can engage with Māori culture.
• Kapa haka is seen as a medium for fostering a richer, more cohesive and inclusive society in Aotearoa New Zealand. As such, it makes a major contribution to building and strengthening New Zealand’s nationhood.
• Kapa haka makes a significant contribution to New Zealand’s national identity and how we are represented and viewed internationally. It provides an effective platform for creating meaningful connections with other nations and peoples.
• Māori culture/kapa haka is increasingly utilised to add value to many forums, both formal and informal, within the public and government sectors. This was seen by some to reflect a more embracing attitude toward Māori cultural protocols as a normal part of New Zealand’s social fabric.
• Kapa haka is not, however, being given the status or respect it deserves as a cultural icon. Because its significance is not well understood by non-Māori, particularly at the level of government, it is often treated in a tokenistic way.
• A major component of kapa haka is its power to effect wellbeing, and to positively transform the lives of individuals and communities. A strength of the movement towards increased health and fitness within kapa haka is that it is achieved collectively.
• An important social benefit of kapa haka is that it provides a positive, disciplined, strength-based environment for rangatahi.
• Kapa haka is having a powerful, transformative impact on social outcomes through the BMPA (Māori performing arts degree), which enables people involved in kapa haka who would otherwise never have considered tertiary education as an option, to embark on that journey and exceed their
own expectations.
• An overall feeling of optimism about the future of kapa haka was tempered by the conviction that there was much more potential to be explored within the realm of kapa haka, particularly in terms of its social benefits.
• The myriad benefits of kapa haka within school environments, including improved learning outcomes, were clearly attested to. However, some barriers to realising those improved outcomes were also identified.
• Some participants were very sure ofthe economic value of kapa haka to Aotearoa. Whilemost of them were less able to articulate specific economic outcomes, they nonetheless had a definite sense of the link between the cultural, social and economic, and that that was ofsignificant value.
• The immense value of ‘culture-to-culture’ relationships was identified, with Maōri culture, including kapa haka, playing a significant role in laying the foundations for lasting trade relationships with other nations, and other cultures.
• Two significant and largely unacknowledged areas of economic contribution were identified: the ‘silent’ economy generated by kapa haka activities; and the extensive ‘productivity’ activity around voluntary workers involved in kapa haka.
• There was an overall view that the economic potential of kapa haka is underestimated and needs to be explored more fully, including the potential for engagement with New Zealand’s private sector.
• A recurrent theme that emerged around the value of kapa haka was to do with how we should go about measuring the value of culture, knowledge and art, and how ‘value’ itselfshould be defined and measured.
• Economic challenges were identified, especially in terms of financial hardship for those involved in kapa haka at the competitive level. It was also noted, however, that kapa haka communities are naturally adept and endlessly resourceful at generating funds.
• The issue of sustainability was raised by some participants who were concerned that kapa haka should be supported at every level into the future, and not just at the high-end competitive level.
• Of fundamental importance was that the growth and development of kapa haka should take place within the context of the acceptance and embracing of Māori culture as an integral component of New Zealand identity and nationhood.

text: Ngā Hua a Tāne Rore: The Benefits of Kapa Haka. This report presentsthe findings of scoping research that is focused on developing a research agenda that will enable a greater understanding of the value and contribution of kapa haka to Aotearoa New Zealand society, and which explores the multiple ways in which we may view the value and contribution of kapa haka within cultural, social and economic contexts.
• There was a unanimous and resounding view that kapa haka does indeed make a valuable contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand society, but that its value is not fully understood or acknowledged within Aotearoa New Zealand.
• The most important components of kapa haka are its intrinsic link to culture and Māori identity, and the essential element of whanaungatanga, the importance of people and connectedness.
• Kapa haka has a dynamic role as a vehicle for the revitalisation and retention of te reo, tikanga, ritual processes and histories.
• It is perceived as a gateway into the culture for Māori who are disengaged from their marae/hapū/iwi, as well as as a safe, inclusive activity through which all New Zealanders can engage with Māori culture.
• Kapa haka is seen as a medium for fostering a richer, more cohesive and inclusive society in Aotearoa New Zealand. As such, it makes a major contribution to building and strengthening New Zealand’s nationhood.
• Kapa haka makes a significant contribution to New Zealand’s national identity and how we are represented and viewed internationally. It provides an effective platform for creating meaningful connections with other nations and peoples.
• Māori culture/kapa haka is increasingly utilised to add value to many forums, both formal and informal, within the public and government sectors. This was seen by some to reflect a more embracing attitude toward Māori cultural protocols as a normal part of New Zealand’s social fabric.
• Kapa haka is not, however, being given the status or respect it deserves as a cultural icon. Because its significance is not well understood by non-Māori, particularly at the level of government, it is often treated in a tokenistic way.
• A major component of kapa haka is its power to effect wellbeing, and to positively transform the lives of individuals and communities. A strength of the movement towards increased health and fitness within kapa haka is that it is achieved collectively.
• An important social benefit of kapa haka is that it provides a positive, disciplined, strength-based environment for rangatahi.
• Kapa haka is having a powerful, transformative impact on social outcomes through the BMPA (Māori performing arts degree), which enables people involved in kapa haka who would otherwise never have considered tertiary education as an option, to embark on that journey and exceed their
own expectations.
• An overall feeling of optimism about the future of kapa haka was tempered by the conviction that there was much more potential to be explored within the realm of kapa haka, particularly in terms of its social benefits.
• The myriad benefits of kapa haka within school environments, including improved learning outcomes, were clearly attested to. However, some barriers to realising those improved outcomes were also identified.
• Some participants were very sure ofthe economic value of kapa haka to Aotearoa. Whilemost of them were less able to articulate specific economic outcomes, they nonetheless had a definite sense of the link between the cultural, social and economic, and that that was ofsignificant value.
• The immense value of ‘culture-to-culture’ relationships was identified, with Maōri culture, including kapa haka, playing a significant role in laying the foundations for lasting trade relationships with other nations, and other cultures.
• Two significant and largely unacknowledged areas of economic contribution were identified: the ‘silent’ economy generated by kapa haka activities; and the extensive ‘productivity’ activity around voluntary workers involved in kapa haka.
• There was an overall view that the economic potential of kapa haka is underestimated and needs to be explored more fully, including the potential for engagement with New Zealand’s private sector.
• A recurrent theme that emerged around the value of kapa haka was to do with how we should go about measuring the value of culture, knowledge and art, and how ‘value’ itselfshould be defined and measured.
• Economic challenges were identified, especially in terms of financial hardship for those involved in kapa haka at the competitive level. It was also noted, however, that kapa haka communities are naturally adept and endlessly resourceful at generating funds.
• The issue of sustainability was raised by some participants who were concerned that kapa haka should be supported at every level into the future, and not just at the high-end competitive level.
• Of fundamental importance was that the growth and development of kapa haka should take place within the context of the acceptance and embracing of Māori culture as an integral component of New Zealand identity and nationhood.

year: 2014