title: The impact of semi-automated tools and machines on the attraction and retention of the New Zealand fruit industry workforce

authors: Lowe, Rowan Alice

abstract: Semi-automation is being implemented by agricultural sectors globally in a bid to reap the many benefits of the automated world and alleviate labour crises. There is a lack of data on the impact of semi-automation on the New Zealand fruit industry workforce, particularly regarding attraction and retention. This thesis addresses the gap by exploring both the impact of semi-automation on attraction and retention, and how it is perceived by the on-orchard workforce within the New Zealand fruit industry. The research questions for this study are (1) what is the impact of semi-automation on the attraction of New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce? (2) what is the impact of semi-automation on the retention of the New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce? (3) how does the New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce perceive semi-automation?

Purposive (non-probabilistic) sampling was used to select 20 participants from 5 stakeholder/employee groups across seven New Zealand fruit sectors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using the General Inductive Approach. Four major themes emerged: (1) attraction and retention to the fruit industry, (2) the presence of semi-automation, (3) the impact of semi-automation, and (4) perception toward semi-automation.

The findings show that where semi-automation is applied and supported, it positively impacts attraction and retention to the industry through a widened labour pool, improved health and safety, better working conditions and improved efficiency of tasks and information. This research provides a useful resource for Human Resource Management that captures current industry realities and recommendations for responding to the agricultural revolution.

text: The impact of semi-automated tools and machines on the attraction and retention of the New Zealand fruit industry workforce Semi-automation is being implemented by agricultural sectors globally in a bid to reap the many benefits of the automated world and alleviate labour crises. There is a lack of data on the impact of semi-automation on the New Zealand fruit industry workforce, particularly regarding attraction and retention. This thesis addresses the gap by exploring both the impact of semi-automation on attraction and retention, and how it is perceived by the on-orchard workforce within the New Zealand fruit industry. The research questions for this study are (1) what is the impact of semi-automation on the attraction of New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce? (2) what is the impact of semi-automation on the retention of the New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce? (3) how does the New Zealand fruit industry on-orchard workforce perceive semi-automation?

Purposive (non-probabilistic) sampling was used to select 20 participants from 5 stakeholder/employee groups across seven New Zealand fruit sectors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using the General Inductive Approach. Four major themes emerged: (1) attraction and retention to the fruit industry, (2) the presence of semi-automation, (3) the impact of semi-automation, and (4) perception toward semi-automation.

The findings show that where semi-automation is applied and supported, it positively impacts attraction and retention to the industry through a widened labour pool, improved health and safety, better working conditions and improved efficiency of tasks and information. This research provides a useful resource for Human Resource Management that captures current industry realities and recommendations for responding to the agricultural revolution.

year: 2023

title: The Social Relations and Interactions of a First Person Shooter (FPS) Gamer

authors: McQuarters, Glen Matthew

subjects: First person shooters

abstract: Video games have been part of society for over 40 years. During this period, a stereotypical image of a person who plays videogames has formed. Influenced by the stereotypical image (young, loner males, pale, socially inept, overweight, and possibly aggressive or violent), psychological research has focused on the possible negative effects of playing first person shooter video games. Contrary to the stereotype, first person shooter video games can be a medium in which social relationships are formed and maintained. This study aims to explored the social relationships and interactions of players of first person shooter video games in all locations of play, and how these relationships and interactions influenced the game experience, and how players managed these relationships and interactions. This research was done using qualitative interviews with 12 current first person shooter gamers. The study found that between non-persistent game worlds, technological advancements, and the potentially persistent social relationships, a large diversity of social relationships and interactions occur in and emerge from first person shooter video games. These social relationships and interactions play a central role in the enjoyment of playing first person shooter video games. The study found the interactions that are possible, happen in many different forms. The relationships found in the study developed from several different settings with playing together and friends’ friend being the most common start of a relationship. As well, the participants’ reported a level structure for the relationships that are part of their first person shooter gaming. The study also describes the interactions of players while gaming as being seen as mostly good, with a few antisocial acts committed. These findings are discussed in comparison with literature from other game genres on the social interactions and relationships of players. The seemingly “unsocial” and virtually violent first person shooter game world has been shown to encompass surprisingly rich and diverse social relationships.

text: The Social Relations and Interactions of a First Person Shooter (FPS) Gamer Video games have been part of society for over 40 years. During this period, a stereotypical image of a person who plays videogames has formed. Influenced by the stereotypical image (young, loner males, pale, socially inept, overweight, and possibly aggressive or violent), psychological research has focused on the possible negative effects of playing first person shooter video games. Contrary to the stereotype, first person shooter video games can be a medium in which social relationships are formed and maintained. This study aims to explored the social relationships and interactions of players of first person shooter video games in all locations of play, and how these relationships and interactions influenced the game experience, and how players managed these relationships and interactions. This research was done using qualitative interviews with 12 current first person shooter gamers. The study found that between non-persistent game worlds, technological advancements, and the potentially persistent social relationships, a large diversity of social relationships and interactions occur in and emerge from first person shooter video games. These social relationships and interactions play a central role in the enjoyment of playing first person shooter video games. The study found the interactions that are possible, happen in many different forms. The relationships found in the study developed from several different settings with playing together and friends’ friend being the most common start of a relationship. As well, the participants’ reported a level structure for the relationships that are part of their first person shooter gaming. The study also describes the interactions of players while gaming as being seen as mostly good, with a few antisocial acts committed. These findings are discussed in comparison with literature from other game genres on the social interactions and relationships of players. The seemingly “unsocial” and virtually violent first person shooter game world has been shown to encompass surprisingly rich and diverse social relationships.

year: 2013

title: Kōauau auē, e auau tō au e! The Kōauau in Te Ao Māori.

authors: Komene, Jo'el

subjects: Kōauau

abstract: In recent years there has been a revival of interest in traditional Māori musical instruments, including the kōauau. This thesis studies kōauau informed by a Māori framework, giving weight to traditional Māori knowledge and practices, emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of the instrument in its origins and its functions. The thesis defines the kōauau and how it is distinct from other taonga pūoro in its physical characteristics. It then presents the traditions associated with the kōauau which link its origins to the atua and their natural world, especially Raukatauri, together with other traditions from many rohe throughout Aotearoa.  The thesis describes the traditional tools and methods of construction, the role of atua in the construction process, materials used for kōauau, how they were embellished, and their use as adornments. The techniques for playing kōauau are analyzed, and there is a discussion of the occasions on which kōauau were played, and the purposes of performing on kōauau. The thesis also presents the texts of several traditional waiata kōauau. A number of traditional kōauau in storage at the Auckland Museum were able to be examined to confirm and extend documentary evidence about materials, construction methods, and embellishment. The discussion also comments on the quot;voicesquot; for those kōauau in the museum collection that could be sounded. The decline in kōauau performance during the twentieth century is outlined, and there is a summary of successful efforts in the later twentieth century to revive taonga pūoro, including kōauau. The thesis brings together in concise form much scattered information so that current and future performers with kōauau are able to give full consideration to its place in te ao Māori.

text: Kōauau auē, e auau tō au e! The Kōauau in Te Ao Māori. In recent years there has been a revival of interest in traditional Māori musical instruments, including the kōauau. This thesis studies kōauau informed by a Māori framework, giving weight to traditional Māori knowledge and practices, emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of the instrument in its origins and its functions. The thesis defines the kōauau and how it is distinct from other taonga pūoro in its physical characteristics. It then presents the traditions associated with the kōauau which link its origins to the atua and their natural world, especially Raukatauri, together with other traditions from many rohe throughout Aotearoa.  The thesis describes the traditional tools and methods of construction, the role of atua in the construction process, materials used for kōauau, how they were embellished, and their use as adornments. The techniques for playing kōauau are analyzed, and there is a discussion of the occasions on which kōauau were played, and the purposes of performing on kōauau. The thesis also presents the texts of several traditional waiata kōauau. A number of traditional kōauau in storage at the Auckland Museum were able to be examined to confirm and extend documentary evidence about materials, construction methods, and embellishment. The discussion also comments on the quot;voicesquot; for those kōauau in the museum collection that could be sounded. The decline in kōauau performance during the twentieth century is outlined, and there is a summary of successful efforts in the later twentieth century to revive taonga pūoro, including kōauau. The thesis brings together in concise form much scattered information so that current and future performers with kōauau are able to give full consideration to its place in te ao Māori.

year: 2009