title: Framing New Zealand: How international media project the images of Aotearoa

authors: Pan, Steve

abstract: Travel stories (travelogues) are a potentially important source through which people can understand different cultures. They could be consulted as frames of reference for immediate or future travel decisions. Consequently, tourism organizations are keen to have their destinations introduced or described in media. It is also essential that 'positive images' of a destination be projected to potential visitors. As a result destination marketing organizations attempt to influence media and use visiting journalist programmes to generate favourable coverage in the travel columns of newspapers and magazines. In tum this demands publicity messages be critically analysed to check whether visiting travel journalists utilize the desired themes (frames). 
Accordingly, the purpose of this thesis is to examine the level of congruence between two sets of frames: those of tourism organizations and those of media. Creating a link between words and pictures, this research explores the possibility of creating interval and ordinal levels of measurement (level of interest and frames salience ranking of travelogues) from textual messages. These datasets are used (1) to measure the congruence level of frames, (2) to visually present frames perception (using Multidimensional Scaling), (3) to test factors that influence level of frames congruence, and (4) to examine variables that affect travelogues' 'level of interest' and the number of senses stimulated. Additionally, this thesis examines the similarities and differences in promotional and writing strategies respectively used by tourism organizations and travel writers. It is believed and hoped, with these analyses, that this thesis can contribute to an understanding of the relationship between the promotional material of tourism organizations and travelogues written by travel journalists. 
Results of the study show that female journalists are important in terms of accommodating frames nuanced differently from the promoted, salient ones. It also shows that itinerary design is essential in frames congruence, level of interest of a travelogue, and senses stimulated for visiting journalists. Moreover, results confirm that most travel journalists do not challenge the major frames promoted by tourism organizations, and nearly 45% of travelogues' editorial content can be traced back to destination promotional material. For a 'hot' destination like New Zealand, this representation cycle is even more consolidated and keeps reinforcing itself. Therefore, the success of tourism public relations campaign should not be measured entirely against the praises levelled upon such a destination that enjoys so much good publicity. Alternatively, it is the constructive criticism (critical evaluation) provided by visiting travel journalists that is 'beneficial' to a destination. The results also support the argument that good and sustained public relations start at home.

text: Framing New Zealand: How international media project the images of Aotearoa Travel stories (travelogues) are a potentially important source through which people can understand different cultures. They could be consulted as frames of reference for immediate or future travel decisions. Consequently, tourism organizations are keen to have their destinations introduced or described in media. It is also essential that 'positive images' of a destination be projected to potential visitors. As a result destination marketing organizations attempt to influence media and use visiting journalist programmes to generate favourable coverage in the travel columns of newspapers and magazines. In tum this demands publicity messages be critically analysed to check whether visiting travel journalists utilize the desired themes (frames). 
Accordingly, the purpose of this thesis is to examine the level of congruence between two sets of frames: those of tourism organizations and those of media. Creating a link between words and pictures, this research explores the possibility of creating interval and ordinal levels of measurement (level of interest and frames salience ranking of travelogues) from textual messages. These datasets are used (1) to measure the congruence level of frames, (2) to visually present frames perception (using Multidimensional Scaling), (3) to test factors that influence level of frames congruence, and (4) to examine variables that affect travelogues' 'level of interest' and the number of senses stimulated. Additionally, this thesis examines the similarities and differences in promotional and writing strategies respectively used by tourism organizations and travel writers. It is believed and hoped, with these analyses, that this thesis can contribute to an understanding of the relationship between the promotional material of tourism organizations and travelogues written by travel journalists. 
Results of the study show that female journalists are important in terms of accommodating frames nuanced differently from the promoted, salient ones. It also shows that itinerary design is essential in frames congruence, level of interest of a travelogue, and senses stimulated for visiting journalists. Moreover, results confirm that most travel journalists do not challenge the major frames promoted by tourism organizations, and nearly 45% of travelogues' editorial content can be traced back to destination promotional material. For a 'hot' destination like New Zealand, this representation cycle is even more consolidated and keeps reinforcing itself. Therefore, the success of tourism public relations campaign should not be measured entirely against the praises levelled upon such a destination that enjoys so much good publicity. Alternatively, it is the constructive criticism (critical evaluation) provided by visiting travel journalists that is 'beneficial' to a destination. The results also support the argument that good and sustained public relations start at home.

year: 2006

title: Effects of activator powders on hybrid binders based on volcanic ash and portalnd clinker based cement

authors: Hettiya Kandage, Havanjana Lanka Fernando

subjects: sustainable material

abstract: Concrete remains the most widely used construction material worldwide. However, the high energy consumption and CO₂ emissions associated with Portland cement production have driven the search for more sustainable alternatives. Volcanic ash (VA), a naturally occurring pozzolan found in abundance in regions such as Tauranga, New Zealand, presents promising potential as a partial replacement for cement. 

This thesis investigates the performance of value-added products from the Takitimu North Link (TNL) site, using chemical activation with sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) in hybrid binder systems. A central composite experimental design was employed to systematically vary the VA content and activator dosages. 
Mortar mixes with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% VA replacement were tested (Series A), with particular focus on the 25% blend. This composition underwent further testing with varying activator dosages to determine the optimal Na₂SO₄/Ca(OH)₂ (NS/CH) ratio (Series B). Compressive strength tests were conducted at 7, 28, and 90 days to assess mechanical performance. 

Additionally, microstructural characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to identify hydration products and evaluate binder densification. 

The results showed that a 25% replacement of Portland cement with VA, activated with 14% Na₂SO₄ at an NS/CH ratio of 1, delivered optimal compressive strength and microstructural development. While higher replacement levels generally reduced early-age strength due to weaker pozzolanic activity, appropriate activator dosages improved long-term performance significantly. 

Overall, the study demonstrates that chemically activated volcanic ash can substantially improve the sustainability profile of concrete by reducing Portland cement usage and its environmental impacts. The use of optimized hybrid binders incorporating volcanic ash offers a viable solution for developing sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective construction materials in New Zealand and other volcanic regions worldwide.

text: Effects of activator powders on hybrid binders based on volcanic ash and portalnd clinker based cement Concrete remains the most widely used construction material worldwide. However, the high energy consumption and CO₂ emissions associated with Portland cement production have driven the search for more sustainable alternatives. Volcanic ash (VA), a naturally occurring pozzolan found in abundance in regions such as Tauranga, New Zealand, presents promising potential as a partial replacement for cement. 

This thesis investigates the performance of value-added products from the Takitimu North Link (TNL) site, using chemical activation with sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) in hybrid binder systems. A central composite experimental design was employed to systematically vary the VA content and activator dosages. 
Mortar mixes with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% VA replacement were tested (Series A), with particular focus on the 25% blend. This composition underwent further testing with varying activator dosages to determine the optimal Na₂SO₄/Ca(OH)₂ (NS/CH) ratio (Series B). Compressive strength tests were conducted at 7, 28, and 90 days to assess mechanical performance. 

Additionally, microstructural characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to identify hydration products and evaluate binder densification. 

The results showed that a 25% replacement of Portland cement with VA, activated with 14% Na₂SO₄ at an NS/CH ratio of 1, delivered optimal compressive strength and microstructural development. While higher replacement levels generally reduced early-age strength due to weaker pozzolanic activity, appropriate activator dosages improved long-term performance significantly. 

Overall, the study demonstrates that chemically activated volcanic ash can substantially improve the sustainability profile of concrete by reducing Portland cement usage and its environmental impacts. The use of optimized hybrid binders incorporating volcanic ash offers a viable solution for developing sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective construction materials in New Zealand and other volcanic regions worldwide.

year: 2025-05-08

title: Ngā Ara Auaha  - Creative practice student showcase

authors: Hill, Rodrigo

abstract: Ngā Ara Auaha simply translated means 'creative pathways' and comprises a collective exhibition featuring creative works from last year's undergraduate and postgraduate students across the University and working with creative practice research and outputs.

Ngā Ara Auaha is an annual student showcase, exhibiting the creative works of University of Waikato students (both undergraduate and postgraduate). The exhibition’s title refers to the ‘creative pathways’ taken by these students who have drawn on their own various creative practices, modes, and methods to think through their respective research journeys.

The call for submissions was open to students across all faculties and divisions of the University and as such the variety of works is vast. Multiple artistic mediums are featured in the same space, including photography and film, toi Māori, augmented media, fine art, design, and creative writing.

This exhibition showcases both the artistic skill of our students and the potential of creative methodologies in research. Expanding the rigid boundaries of the academy and blurring the lines between the ‘creative and critical’, with contributors adding to an established legacy of creative practice at the University of Waikato.

text: Ngā Ara Auaha  - Creative practice student showcase Ngā Ara Auaha simply translated means 'creative pathways' and comprises a collective exhibition featuring creative works from last year's undergraduate and postgraduate students across the University and working with creative practice research and outputs.

Ngā Ara Auaha is an annual student showcase, exhibiting the creative works of University of Waikato students (both undergraduate and postgraduate). The exhibition’s title refers to the ‘creative pathways’ taken by these students who have drawn on their own various creative practices, modes, and methods to think through their respective research journeys.

The call for submissions was open to students across all faculties and divisions of the University and as such the variety of works is vast. Multiple artistic mediums are featured in the same space, including photography and film, toi Māori, augmented media, fine art, design, and creative writing.

This exhibition showcases both the artistic skill of our students and the potential of creative methodologies in research. Expanding the rigid boundaries of the academy and blurring the lines between the ‘creative and critical’, with contributors adding to an established legacy of creative practice at the University of Waikato.

year: 2024