title: Strategy Formation in a Horticultural Advocacy Context: The Case of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers

authors: Longman, Katherine Victoria

subjects: Kiwifruit

abstract: This thesis presents a case study research on strategy reformation at New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated 2015-2016. The previous strategy of NZ Kiwifruit Growers had not changed since 2006 whilst the kiwifruit industry itself had grown and changed rapidly in the decade. The goal of the review included developing a strategic plan that lifted the performance of the organisation for the benefit of NZ kiwifruit growers. Literature on strategy formation, participatory research, and stakeholder theory, informed the methodology and research outcomes. The data was analysed by describing, classifying, and connecting data through the use of hierarchies, risk matrices, and a stakeholder model that led to the establishment of NZ Kiwifruit Growers strategic plan. Priorities for the organisation included increased monitoring of performance and enhanced communication. Targets were established to rectify a disconnection that was identified during the strategy formation process, between the organisations priorities and the strategic plan caused by ineffective teamwork. This thesis provides a framework for strategy formation that includes the stages of strategic analysis, strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring that can be applied by other industry - good organisations in the horticulture industry.

text: Strategy Formation in a Horticultural Advocacy Context: The Case of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers This thesis presents a case study research on strategy reformation at New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated 2015-2016. The previous strategy of NZ Kiwifruit Growers had not changed since 2006 whilst the kiwifruit industry itself had grown and changed rapidly in the decade. The goal of the review included developing a strategic plan that lifted the performance of the organisation for the benefit of NZ kiwifruit growers. Literature on strategy formation, participatory research, and stakeholder theory, informed the methodology and research outcomes. The data was analysed by describing, classifying, and connecting data through the use of hierarchies, risk matrices, and a stakeholder model that led to the establishment of NZ Kiwifruit Growers strategic plan. Priorities for the organisation included increased monitoring of performance and enhanced communication. Targets were established to rectify a disconnection that was identified during the strategy formation process, between the organisations priorities and the strategic plan caused by ineffective teamwork. This thesis provides a framework for strategy formation that includes the stages of strategic analysis, strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring that can be applied by other industry - good organisations in the horticulture industry.

year: 2016

title: Influence of “defects” on sorted bedform dynamics

authors: Huntley, David A.

subjects: sorted bedforms

abstract: Bedforms with plan-view patterns consisting of long crests interrupted by defects occur ubiquitously in subaqueous and subaerial environments where they strongly influence flows and sediment transport. We explore how such patterns adjust to changes in the external forcing. We utilize a numerical model of a wide-spread, large-scale seabed pattern, ‘sorted bedforms,’ examining their response to changes in wave forcing. Numerical experiments show that the pattern adjustment progresses through two stages characterized by defect propagation and defect creation, respectively, and that the rates of the initial stage, and therefore overall pattern adjustment, are determined by the initial defect density. All characteristics of the sorted bedforms are similarly influenced by the presence of defects. Although the processes of growth are likely to be different for other types of bedforms, it is reasonable to expect they will be similarly influenced by defects in pre-existing patterns.

text: Influence of “defects” on sorted bedform dynamics Bedforms with plan-view patterns consisting of long crests interrupted by defects occur ubiquitously in subaqueous and subaerial environments where they strongly influence flows and sediment transport. We explore how such patterns adjust to changes in the external forcing. We utilize a numerical model of a wide-spread, large-scale seabed pattern, ‘sorted bedforms,’ examining their response to changes in wave forcing. Numerical experiments show that the pattern adjustment progresses through two stages characterized by defect propagation and defect creation, respectively, and that the rates of the initial stage, and therefore overall pattern adjustment, are determined by the initial defect density. All characteristics of the sorted bedforms are similarly influenced by the presence of defects. Although the processes of growth are likely to be different for other types of bedforms, it is reasonable to expect they will be similarly influenced by defects in pre-existing patterns.

year: 2008

title: Mā te hangarau te oranga o te reo Māori e tautoko ai? Can technology support the long-term health of the Māori language?

authors: Mato, Paora James

subjects: Te reo Māori

abstract: Can contemporary technologies be used to support the ongoing health of an endangered language? Since the late twentieth century unprecedented and substantial social changes have been propelled by advances in contemporary technologies. Continuous connectivity harnessing digital communication, mass media and social networking has enabled instant diffusions of ideas, viewpoints and values. Unrestrained broadcasting and publishing by the general populace and the absence of the traditional media gatekeepers has been linked to the weakening of traditional cultural and linguistic ties as the private, more intimate oral domains inherent to minority indigenous cultures are being opened up to more public modes of consumption. Additionally, significant numbers of minority language speakers switch from the use of their own languages in digital environments to a language that is globally more recognisable. This type of digital language switching emulates the historical occurrence of language shift as minority language speakers opt to use a language that they perceive to be of more benefit to themselves and to their children.

Ironically, language revitalisation initiatives are embracing the ubiquitous attributes of digital technology. A joint venture between the Microsoft Corporation and the University of Waikato resulted in Māori-language interfaces for Microsoft Office and Windows. These and similar interfaces for a range of other applications were investigated. The testing groups were largely unaware the translated interfaces existed and expressed pleasure and pride to see te reo Māori within the various technologies. Following engagement the feedback was less positive. New words, unfamiliar uses of words and poor translations were cited as significant difficulties. Ensuing navigation was often hesitant and uncertain. Were the translations unsuitable? Is te reo Māori unusable within these technologies? The high incidence of task completion suggests difficulties may have arisen from a previous competence with the technologies in another language - English in this case. Future initiatives would do well to consider that perceived difficulties might arise from factors other than the design of the interfaces themselves.

 
Te reo Māori is being used on Twitter. Particular events significantly impacted the use of tweeting in te reo. During Māori Language Week the number of tweeters increased. During the Matatini Festival the volume of tweets increased. While creating an online Māori-language community, a range of strategies became necessary to maintain and prolong some conversations. At times, bilingual tweets extended faltering conversations. Sometimes forwarding tweets drew success. Furthermore, a significant number of people preferred to watch without engaging directly – perhaps a target area for future strategies.

Te reo Māori is a viable option within various technologies as evidenced by the increasing use of the language on a range of contemporary platforms. Translated interfaces provide opportunities for language promotion and extensive language visibility. The development of an online language forum has shown that conversations in te reo Māori can be successfully fostered using social media. Understanding the differences between the static visibility of translated interfaces and the dynamic nature of online conversations can be a huge asset for language strategies once issues of awareness, perception and extended engagement are successfully addressed.

text: Mā te hangarau te oranga o te reo Māori e tautoko ai? Can technology support the long-term health of the Māori language? Can contemporary technologies be used to support the ongoing health of an endangered language? Since the late twentieth century unprecedented and substantial social changes have been propelled by advances in contemporary technologies. Continuous connectivity harnessing digital communication, mass media and social networking has enabled instant diffusions of ideas, viewpoints and values. Unrestrained broadcasting and publishing by the general populace and the absence of the traditional media gatekeepers has been linked to the weakening of traditional cultural and linguistic ties as the private, more intimate oral domains inherent to minority indigenous cultures are being opened up to more public modes of consumption. Additionally, significant numbers of minority language speakers switch from the use of their own languages in digital environments to a language that is globally more recognisable. This type of digital language switching emulates the historical occurrence of language shift as minority language speakers opt to use a language that they perceive to be of more benefit to themselves and to their children.

Ironically, language revitalisation initiatives are embracing the ubiquitous attributes of digital technology. A joint venture between the Microsoft Corporation and the University of Waikato resulted in Māori-language interfaces for Microsoft Office and Windows. These and similar interfaces for a range of other applications were investigated. The testing groups were largely unaware the translated interfaces existed and expressed pleasure and pride to see te reo Māori within the various technologies. Following engagement the feedback was less positive. New words, unfamiliar uses of words and poor translations were cited as significant difficulties. Ensuing navigation was often hesitant and uncertain. Were the translations unsuitable? Is te reo Māori unusable within these technologies? The high incidence of task completion suggests difficulties may have arisen from a previous competence with the technologies in another language - English in this case. Future initiatives would do well to consider that perceived difficulties might arise from factors other than the design of the interfaces themselves.

 
Te reo Māori is being used on Twitter. Particular events significantly impacted the use of tweeting in te reo. During Māori Language Week the number of tweeters increased. During the Matatini Festival the volume of tweets increased. While creating an online Māori-language community, a range of strategies became necessary to maintain and prolong some conversations. At times, bilingual tweets extended faltering conversations. Sometimes forwarding tweets drew success. Furthermore, a significant number of people preferred to watch without engaging directly – perhaps a target area for future strategies.

Te reo Māori is a viable option within various technologies as evidenced by the increasing use of the language on a range of contemporary platforms. Translated interfaces provide opportunities for language promotion and extensive language visibility. The development of an online language forum has shown that conversations in te reo Māori can be successfully fostered using social media. Understanding the differences between the static visibility of translated interfaces and the dynamic nature of online conversations can be a huge asset for language strategies once issues of awareness, perception and extended engagement are successfully addressed.

year: 2018