title: The joy of childbirth: A mixed method exploration of positive birth experiences

authors: Nielsen, Ajay

abstract: The birth of a child is a significant event in a mother’s life and marks the start of many psychological, emotional and physical transitions. While negative birth experiences have been linked to poor psychological outcomes for mothers, positive birth experiences have been linked to increased self-esteem and confidence in parenting. Few studies have been conducted that explore the birth experience for New Zealand women, and this is particularly important due to the unique culture and maternity care system.
The aim of the current study was to identify factors associated with positive childbirth experiences for New Zealand women using a mixed methods approach. Recruitment for the current study was completed in the context of a pilot study for a mobile phone app for pregnant women. Survey data for 54 women were collected at four time points and included measures of emotional distress and, after delivery, subjective birth experiences and obstetric outcomes. Six women were interviewed and asked to share their birth narrative based on a positive appraisal of their birth experience.
The results of this study identified perceived control, midwifery support and the birthing environment as important factors associated with the birth experience. There was a weak non-significant correlation between pain and birth experience, supported by birth narratives that identified positive reframing of pain and a combination of the three factors above as mitigating factors. Emotional distress during pregnancy was not consistently associated with birth experience. Obstetric factors associated with birth experience included type of delivery, location of birth and presence of labour complications. 
This research highlights the importance of the maternity system and context of care for New Zealand women giving birth, a relevant finding given that during the time of the study, the midwifery profession was in the process of advocating to improve their working conditions and level of remuneration. Changes in maternity care and the midwifery profession, or lack of change, may have a considerable effect on the birth experience of New Zealand women.

text: The joy of childbirth: A mixed method exploration of positive birth experiences The birth of a child is a significant event in a mother’s life and marks the start of many psychological, emotional and physical transitions. While negative birth experiences have been linked to poor psychological outcomes for mothers, positive birth experiences have been linked to increased self-esteem and confidence in parenting. Few studies have been conducted that explore the birth experience for New Zealand women, and this is particularly important due to the unique culture and maternity care system.
The aim of the current study was to identify factors associated with positive childbirth experiences for New Zealand women using a mixed methods approach. Recruitment for the current study was completed in the context of a pilot study for a mobile phone app for pregnant women. Survey data for 54 women were collected at four time points and included measures of emotional distress and, after delivery, subjective birth experiences and obstetric outcomes. Six women were interviewed and asked to share their birth narrative based on a positive appraisal of their birth experience.
The results of this study identified perceived control, midwifery support and the birthing environment as important factors associated with the birth experience. There was a weak non-significant correlation between pain and birth experience, supported by birth narratives that identified positive reframing of pain and a combination of the three factors above as mitigating factors. Emotional distress during pregnancy was not consistently associated with birth experience. Obstetric factors associated with birth experience included type of delivery, location of birth and presence of labour complications. 
This research highlights the importance of the maternity system and context of care for New Zealand women giving birth, a relevant finding given that during the time of the study, the midwifery profession was in the process of advocating to improve their working conditions and level of remuneration. Changes in maternity care and the midwifery profession, or lack of change, may have a considerable effect on the birth experience of New Zealand women.

year: 2019

title: An examination of disciplinary culture: Two professional accounting associations in New Zealand

authors: Mataira, Kelvin

subjects: professions

abstract: The purpose of this project is to evaluate the disciplinary culture of two professional accounting associations. The study is concerned with teasing out distinctions between associations that are, in other and more apparent respects, quite similar. The contribution is in considering the implications of that which may be otherwise obscured within normative isomorphic practices. The associations – the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand (NZICA) and CPA Australia (CPAA) – both operate in New Zealand. Using a textual analysis, all text they publish pertaining to professional sanction is analysed and classified into social categories. This is made possible by using Hart's (2001) DICTION package which has been applied to similar purpose in studies primarily outside accounting. The years 1992–2002 are used to represent lesser-regulated eras. We look to the sociology of professions and to Fairclough's (1995) reflections on discourse and semiotics to derive cultural implications from the ‘tone’ and ‘force’ of language used. Conclusions are drawn as to the implications of distinctions found.

text: An examination of disciplinary culture: Two professional accounting associations in New Zealand The purpose of this project is to evaluate the disciplinary culture of two professional accounting associations. The study is concerned with teasing out distinctions between associations that are, in other and more apparent respects, quite similar. The contribution is in considering the implications of that which may be otherwise obscured within normative isomorphic practices. The associations – the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand (NZICA) and CPA Australia (CPAA) – both operate in New Zealand. Using a textual analysis, all text they publish pertaining to professional sanction is analysed and classified into social categories. This is made possible by using Hart's (2001) DICTION package which has been applied to similar purpose in studies primarily outside accounting. The years 1992–2002 are used to represent lesser-regulated eras. We look to the sociology of professions and to Fairclough's (1995) reflections on discourse and semiotics to derive cultural implications from the ‘tone’ and ‘force’ of language used. Conclusions are drawn as to the implications of distinctions found.

year: 2010

title: Mā ngā huruhuru ka rere te manu: Understanding leadership for critical educational reform in Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Anderson, Zac Kylie Elizabeth

subjects: educational leadership

abstract: The research project presented in this thesis explores the leadership journeys of four first-time principals engaging in Kia Eke Panuku, a professional development initiative in English-medium secondary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand.  It seeks to understand the role these first-time principals play in insitutionalising to depth, educational reform to enable Māori students to pursue their potential as Māori under the Ka Hikitia imperative.  This thesis investigates the type of leadership required to achieve educational reform for Māori learners in Aotearoa, embedded in the inherent promise of the Treaty of Waitangi.
  
This thesis contends these principals contribute to educational reform by bringing criticality to their leadership and embracing an ongoing and iterative process of conscientisation and resistance, leading to transformative praxis.  These principals recognised their role as educators leading pedagogical change in their schools, as well as leading others within their sphere of influence to ultimately change the fabric of society in Aotearoa.  They both learned and led alongside each other, displaying an openness to embracing multiple worldviews with a deeply held moral imperative to eradicate oppression of Māori students.  Such a stance actively creates bicultural spaces within schools, where both Treaty partners can benefit from the principles of the Treaty promises.

text: Mā ngā huruhuru ka rere te manu: Understanding leadership for critical educational reform in Aotearoa New Zealand The research project presented in this thesis explores the leadership journeys of four first-time principals engaging in Kia Eke Panuku, a professional development initiative in English-medium secondary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand.  It seeks to understand the role these first-time principals play in insitutionalising to depth, educational reform to enable Māori students to pursue their potential as Māori under the Ka Hikitia imperative.  This thesis investigates the type of leadership required to achieve educational reform for Māori learners in Aotearoa, embedded in the inherent promise of the Treaty of Waitangi.
  
This thesis contends these principals contribute to educational reform by bringing criticality to their leadership and embracing an ongoing and iterative process of conscientisation and resistance, leading to transformative praxis.  These principals recognised their role as educators leading pedagogical change in their schools, as well as leading others within their sphere of influence to ultimately change the fabric of society in Aotearoa.  They both learned and led alongside each other, displaying an openness to embracing multiple worldviews with a deeply held moral imperative to eradicate oppression of Māori students.  Such a stance actively creates bicultural spaces within schools, where both Treaty partners can benefit from the principles of the Treaty promises.

year: 2018