title: A descriptive study exploring the potential benefits of a model train club community for children with developmental disabilities

authors: Geary, Tamara

subjects: Autistic people

abstract: Approximately 1 in 100 individuals in New Zealand are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), facing significant challenges in socialisation and communication. Identifying effective methods to enhance these skills is important, as difficulties can lead to adversity in independent living, employment, and relationships.
Research indicates that utilising items of interest can boost social interaction motivations in autistic individuals. For example, Le Goff’s study demonstrated how structured, interest-based activities like LEGO can promote social engagement.
Building on Le Goff’s (2004) findings, this study examined opportunities for facilitating social interactions and communication among autistic children through a model train club. A mixed-methods approach was applied, gathering data via observations, caregiver interviews, a volunteer focus group, and case studies. Observational data confirmed instances of social interaction and engagement with trains. Caregiver interviews revealed the club’s beneficial impact on their children and their reasons for ongoing involvement. The volunteer focus group expressed dedication to maintaining an inclusive and engaging atmosphere, emphasising the club's social value. Meanwhile, case studies showed that neurodivergent individuals participated in social interactions, joint attention, and engagement with trains within this environment. 
The findings indicate that the model train club is a valuable space for neurodivergent children, particularly those with milder autism, to practice and improve their social interaction skills in a supportive setting.

text: A descriptive study exploring the potential benefits of a model train club community for children with developmental disabilities Approximately 1 in 100 individuals in New Zealand are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), facing significant challenges in socialisation and communication. Identifying effective methods to enhance these skills is important, as difficulties can lead to adversity in independent living, employment, and relationships.
Research indicates that utilising items of interest can boost social interaction motivations in autistic individuals. For example, Le Goff’s study demonstrated how structured, interest-based activities like LEGO can promote social engagement.
Building on Le Goff’s (2004) findings, this study examined opportunities for facilitating social interactions and communication among autistic children through a model train club. A mixed-methods approach was applied, gathering data via observations, caregiver interviews, a volunteer focus group, and case studies. Observational data confirmed instances of social interaction and engagement with trains. Caregiver interviews revealed the club’s beneficial impact on their children and their reasons for ongoing involvement. The volunteer focus group expressed dedication to maintaining an inclusive and engaging atmosphere, emphasising the club's social value. Meanwhile, case studies showed that neurodivergent individuals participated in social interactions, joint attention, and engagement with trains within this environment. 
The findings indicate that the model train club is a valuable space for neurodivergent children, particularly those with milder autism, to practice and improve their social interaction skills in a supportive setting.

year: 2025-06-14

title: A process for melt grafting itaconic anhydride onto polyethylene

authors: Hanipah, Suhaiza Hanim

subjects: itaconic anhydride

abstract: Currently, extensive research in using bio‐derived polymers is being done, highlighting the
importance of sustainable, green polymeric materials. Some sustainable alternatives to
synthetic polymers include lignin, starch, cellulose or blends of these with petroleum‐based
polymers.
In New Zealand, large quantities of animal derived proteins are available at very low cost,
making it ideal as a sustainable alternative to petroleum‐derived polymers. However, the
processability of most proteins is very difficult, but can be improved by blending with synthetic
polymers, such as polyolefins. To improve, the compatibility between these substances, a
functional monomer could be grafted onto the polyolefin chain. Using an appropriate functional
group, the polyolefin could then react with certain amino acids residues in the protein. Lysine
and cystein are the two most appropriate amino acid residues because of their reactivity and
stability at a wide pH range.
In this study, free radical grafting of itaconic anhydride (IA) onto polyethylene was investigated.
IA was selected because it is capable of reacting with polyethylene and amino acid residues,
such as lysine. The objective of the research was to identify and investigate the effect of
reaction parameters on grafting. These were: residence time, temperature, initial monomer
concentration as well as peroxide concentration and type. Grafting was characterized in terms
of the degree of grafting (DOG), percentage reacted and the extent of side reactions.
The reaction temperature was taken above the melting point of the polyethylene, monomer
and decomposition temperature of the initiator. It was found that above 160 C polymer
degradation occurred, evident from sample discolouration. A higher degree of grafting can be
achieved by increasing the initial monomer concentration up to a limiting concentration. The
highest DOG achieved was about 1.2 mol IA per mol PE, using 2 wt% DCP. When using 2 wt %
peroxide, the limiting concentration was found to be 6 wt% IA, above which no improvement in
DOG was achieved. It was found that DCP is much more effective at grafting, compared to DTBP
because DTBP is more prone to lead to side reactions than DCP.
iv
It was found that a residence time of 168 seconds resulted in the highest DOG, corresponding to
4 extrusions in series. However, it was also found that an increase in residence time resulted in
an increase in polymer degradation. The tensile strength of PE decreased after two extrusions
when using DTBP, and three extrusions, when using DCP. Young's modulus decreased only
slightly, while all samples showed a dramatic decrease in ductility, even after one extrusion. It
was concluded that degradation had a more pronounced effect on mechanical properties than
cross‐linking, and residence time should therefore not exceed three extrusions in series, which
corresponded to about 126 seconds.
It can be concluded that a high reaction temperature and high initiator concentration lead to a
low degree of grafting, accompanied by high cross‐linking and increased degradation. On the
other hand, high monomer concentration and high residence time lead to a high degree of
grafting.
Optimising grafting is therefore a trade off between maximal DOG and minimising side reactions
such as cross‐linking and degradation and optimal conditions do not necessarily correspond to a
maximum DOG. Other factors, such as the use of additives to prevent degradation should also
be investigated and may lead to different optimum conditions.

text: A process for melt grafting itaconic anhydride onto polyethylene Currently, extensive research in using bio‐derived polymers is being done, highlighting the
importance of sustainable, green polymeric materials. Some sustainable alternatives to
synthetic polymers include lignin, starch, cellulose or blends of these with petroleum‐based
polymers.
In New Zealand, large quantities of animal derived proteins are available at very low cost,
making it ideal as a sustainable alternative to petroleum‐derived polymers. However, the
processability of most proteins is very difficult, but can be improved by blending with synthetic
polymers, such as polyolefins. To improve, the compatibility between these substances, a
functional monomer could be grafted onto the polyolefin chain. Using an appropriate functional
group, the polyolefin could then react with certain amino acids residues in the protein. Lysine
and cystein are the two most appropriate amino acid residues because of their reactivity and
stability at a wide pH range.
In this study, free radical grafting of itaconic anhydride (IA) onto polyethylene was investigated.
IA was selected because it is capable of reacting with polyethylene and amino acid residues,
such as lysine. The objective of the research was to identify and investigate the effect of
reaction parameters on grafting. These were: residence time, temperature, initial monomer
concentration as well as peroxide concentration and type. Grafting was characterized in terms
of the degree of grafting (DOG), percentage reacted and the extent of side reactions.
The reaction temperature was taken above the melting point of the polyethylene, monomer
and decomposition temperature of the initiator. It was found that above 160 C polymer
degradation occurred, evident from sample discolouration. A higher degree of grafting can be
achieved by increasing the initial monomer concentration up to a limiting concentration. The
highest DOG achieved was about 1.2 mol IA per mol PE, using 2 wt% DCP. When using 2 wt %
peroxide, the limiting concentration was found to be 6 wt% IA, above which no improvement in
DOG was achieved. It was found that DCP is much more effective at grafting, compared to DTBP
because DTBP is more prone to lead to side reactions than DCP.
iv
It was found that a residence time of 168 seconds resulted in the highest DOG, corresponding to
4 extrusions in series. However, it was also found that an increase in residence time resulted in
an increase in polymer degradation. The tensile strength of PE decreased after two extrusions
when using DTBP, and three extrusions, when using DCP. Young's modulus decreased only
slightly, while all samples showed a dramatic decrease in ductility, even after one extrusion. It
was concluded that degradation had a more pronounced effect on mechanical properties than
cross‐linking, and residence time should therefore not exceed three extrusions in series, which
corresponded to about 126 seconds.
It can be concluded that a high reaction temperature and high initiator concentration lead to a
low degree of grafting, accompanied by high cross‐linking and increased degradation. On the
other hand, high monomer concentration and high residence time lead to a high degree of
grafting.
Optimising grafting is therefore a trade off between maximal DOG and minimising side reactions
such as cross‐linking and degradation and optimal conditions do not necessarily correspond to a
maximum DOG. Other factors, such as the use of additives to prevent degradation should also
be investigated and may lead to different optimum conditions.

year: 2008

title: Ka moemoeā o koutou kaumatua...

authors: Whitiaua, Ropitini

subjects: Ruatāhuna

abstract: Founded by the spiritual leader and prophet Te Kooti Te Turuki Arikirangi, the Ringatū faith came into existence in the 1870s during a very turbulent time for Māori. Struggling for survival many Māori tribes and communities accepted the teachings of Te Kooti and the principles of the Ringatū church as a means of maintaining their independence, beliefs and culture. A truly syncretic religion, the Ringatū church combines traditional Māori customs and beliefs with Christian scriptures forming a religious institution that fits within Christian doctrine while maintaining many important Māori philosophies. 
Throughout the latter stages of the 19th century and into the 20th century the Ringatū faith found fertile soil in many regions and grew in popularity and strength. Areas like the Bay of Plenty and sections of the East Coast became strongholds of the church and to this present day the Ringatū faith still functions within these areas. Therefore it is not surprising that Ruatāhuna, a small and isolated community located in the centre of Te Urewera has been part of the Ringatū movement since its inception. This community sheltered Te Kooti while he was being hunted by government forces, and the people became devout followers of the Ringatū faith. Therefore the proficies of Te Kooti and the principles of the church have become central in the identity and cultural practises of Tūhoe and the community of Ruatāhuna. 
For generations the Ringatū church has been the main spiritual institution within Ruatāhuna, with its gatherings being attended by the vast majority of the community. Its influence has permeated throughout every facet of Ruatāhuna life including spirituality, politics, social controls and even cultural practise. However in the past 30 years there has been a significant decline in the influence and popularity of the Ringatū church, and its tenants are now maintained by just a few families. This decline is most evident during the monthly gatherings of the Ringatū community in Ruatāhuna on the 12 of each month, ‘tekau-mā-rua’, where there are now only about 20 regular attendees. 

This thesis explores the Ringatū faith within Ruatāhuna from its origin, its development through the decades and current position. It examines the changing dynamics of the church in recent times in order to understand why its popularity and influence has shifted. Finally this study seeks a path forward for the Ringatū church in a modern world, looking at how the faith can respond to the needs of a new generation and to find a purpose in a new age.

text: Ka moemoeā o koutou kaumatua... Founded by the spiritual leader and prophet Te Kooti Te Turuki Arikirangi, the Ringatū faith came into existence in the 1870s during a very turbulent time for Māori. Struggling for survival many Māori tribes and communities accepted the teachings of Te Kooti and the principles of the Ringatū church as a means of maintaining their independence, beliefs and culture. A truly syncretic religion, the Ringatū church combines traditional Māori customs and beliefs with Christian scriptures forming a religious institution that fits within Christian doctrine while maintaining many important Māori philosophies. 
Throughout the latter stages of the 19th century and into the 20th century the Ringatū faith found fertile soil in many regions and grew in popularity and strength. Areas like the Bay of Plenty and sections of the East Coast became strongholds of the church and to this present day the Ringatū faith still functions within these areas. Therefore it is not surprising that Ruatāhuna, a small and isolated community located in the centre of Te Urewera has been part of the Ringatū movement since its inception. This community sheltered Te Kooti while he was being hunted by government forces, and the people became devout followers of the Ringatū faith. Therefore the proficies of Te Kooti and the principles of the church have become central in the identity and cultural practises of Tūhoe and the community of Ruatāhuna. 
For generations the Ringatū church has been the main spiritual institution within Ruatāhuna, with its gatherings being attended by the vast majority of the community. Its influence has permeated throughout every facet of Ruatāhuna life including spirituality, politics, social controls and even cultural practise. However in the past 30 years there has been a significant decline in the influence and popularity of the Ringatū church, and its tenants are now maintained by just a few families. This decline is most evident during the monthly gatherings of the Ringatū community in Ruatāhuna on the 12 of each month, ‘tekau-mā-rua’, where there are now only about 20 regular attendees. 

This thesis explores the Ringatū faith within Ruatāhuna from its origin, its development through the decades and current position. It examines the changing dynamics of the church in recent times in order to understand why its popularity and influence has shifted. Finally this study seeks a path forward for the Ringatū church in a modern world, looking at how the faith can respond to the needs of a new generation and to find a purpose in a new age.

year: 2015