title: Learning discrete and Lipschitz representations

authors: Gouk, Henry

subjects: Machine Learning

abstract: Learning to embed data into a low dimensional vector space that is more useful for some downstream task is one of the most common problems addressed in the representation learning literature. Conventional approaches to solving this problem typically rely on training neural networks using labelled training data. In order to construct an accurate embedding function that will generalise to data not seen during training, one must either gather a very large training dataset, or adequately bias the learning process. This thesis focuses on the task of incorporating new inductive biases into the representation learning paradigm by constraining the set of functions that a learned feature extractor can come from.

The first part of this thesis investigates how one can learn a mapping that changes slowly with respect to its input. This is first addressed by deriving the Lipschitz constant of common feed-forward neural network architectures, and subsequently demonstrating how this constant can be constrained during training. Following this, it is investigated how a similar goal can be accomplished when one assumes that the inputs of interest lie near a low dimensional manifold embedded in a high dimensional vector space. This results in an algorithm that takes advantage of an empirical analog to the Lipschitz constant. Experimental results show that these methods have favourable performance compared to other methods commonly used for imposing inductive biases on neural network learning algorithms.

In the second part of this thesis, methods for extracting representations using decision tree models are developed. The first method presented is a problem transformation approach that allows one to reuse existing tree induction techniques. The second approach shows how one can incrementally construct decision trees using gradient information as the source of supervision, allowing one to use an ensemble of decision trees as a layer in a neural network. The experimental results indicate that these approaches improve the performance of representation learning on tabular data across multiple tasks.

text: Learning discrete and Lipschitz representations Learning to embed data into a low dimensional vector space that is more useful for some downstream task is one of the most common problems addressed in the representation learning literature. Conventional approaches to solving this problem typically rely on training neural networks using labelled training data. In order to construct an accurate embedding function that will generalise to data not seen during training, one must either gather a very large training dataset, or adequately bias the learning process. This thesis focuses on the task of incorporating new inductive biases into the representation learning paradigm by constraining the set of functions that a learned feature extractor can come from.

The first part of this thesis investigates how one can learn a mapping that changes slowly with respect to its input. This is first addressed by deriving the Lipschitz constant of common feed-forward neural network architectures, and subsequently demonstrating how this constant can be constrained during training. Following this, it is investigated how a similar goal can be accomplished when one assumes that the inputs of interest lie near a low dimensional manifold embedded in a high dimensional vector space. This results in an algorithm that takes advantage of an empirical analog to the Lipschitz constant. Experimental results show that these methods have favourable performance compared to other methods commonly used for imposing inductive biases on neural network learning algorithms.

In the second part of this thesis, methods for extracting representations using decision tree models are developed. The first method presented is a problem transformation approach that allows one to reuse existing tree induction techniques. The second approach shows how one can incrementally construct decision trees using gradient information as the source of supervision, allowing one to use an ensemble of decision trees as a layer in a neural network. The experimental results indicate that these approaches improve the performance of representation learning on tabular data across multiple tasks.

year: 2019

title: Examining participatory development in internationally funded climate adaptation programmes: Insights from the Marshall Islands

authors: Yamaguchi, Yoshiko

subjects: Adaptation

abstract: The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) faces threats from climate change, necessitating urgent and effective adaptation strategies. This research examines participatory development approaches in climate adaptation within the RMI, assessing their effectiveness, inclusivity, and alignment with local needs and cultural knowledge. Despite global recognition of the importance of participatory development, adaptation projects in the RMI remain largely donor-driven, often failing to integrate local perspectives. Existing literature highlights the theoretical benefits of participatory approaches, yet critiques indicate persistent power imbalances between international donors and local stakeholders. This study evaluates how participatory development principles are applied in RMI climate adaptation initiatives, determining the extent to which they empower local communities and enhance project sustainability.

Utilizing a qualitative methodology grounded in narrative inquiry, the research incorporates semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and an interpretive approach to data analysis. Respondents included RMI government officials, NGOs, development partners, and community members engaged in adaptation efforts. A key methodological feature is the use of Bwebwenato, a traditional Marshallese storytelling approach, to ensure culturally relevant data collection and analysis. 

Findings reveal that while participatory rhetoric is prevalent in adaptation discourse, implementation often falls short due to top-down decision-making, rigid funding structures, and limited local autonomy. Although national policies emphasize community involvement, international funding mechanisms frequently dictate project priorities, constraining meaningful local engagement. However, integrating traditional knowledge systems with participatory frameworks presents a viable pathway to more effective and contextually appropriate adaptation solutions. The findings emphasize the need for adaptation strategies that genuinely reflect Marshallese voices, prioritizing equitable stakeholder collaboration. By highlighting gaps in current participatory development practices, the research contributes to discussions on improving climate adaptation governance in the RMI. Its conclusions support advocacy for structural reforms in donor-recipient relationships to enhance the inclusivity and sustainability of adaptation efforts in the RMI and beyond.

text: Examining participatory development in internationally funded climate adaptation programmes: Insights from the Marshall Islands The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) faces threats from climate change, necessitating urgent and effective adaptation strategies. This research examines participatory development approaches in climate adaptation within the RMI, assessing their effectiveness, inclusivity, and alignment with local needs and cultural knowledge. Despite global recognition of the importance of participatory development, adaptation projects in the RMI remain largely donor-driven, often failing to integrate local perspectives. Existing literature highlights the theoretical benefits of participatory approaches, yet critiques indicate persistent power imbalances between international donors and local stakeholders. This study evaluates how participatory development principles are applied in RMI climate adaptation initiatives, determining the extent to which they empower local communities and enhance project sustainability.

Utilizing a qualitative methodology grounded in narrative inquiry, the research incorporates semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and an interpretive approach to data analysis. Respondents included RMI government officials, NGOs, development partners, and community members engaged in adaptation efforts. A key methodological feature is the use of Bwebwenato, a traditional Marshallese storytelling approach, to ensure culturally relevant data collection and analysis. 

Findings reveal that while participatory rhetoric is prevalent in adaptation discourse, implementation often falls short due to top-down decision-making, rigid funding structures, and limited local autonomy. Although national policies emphasize community involvement, international funding mechanisms frequently dictate project priorities, constraining meaningful local engagement. However, integrating traditional knowledge systems with participatory frameworks presents a viable pathway to more effective and contextually appropriate adaptation solutions. The findings emphasize the need for adaptation strategies that genuinely reflect Marshallese voices, prioritizing equitable stakeholder collaboration. By highlighting gaps in current participatory development practices, the research contributes to discussions on improving climate adaptation governance in the RMI. Its conclusions support advocacy for structural reforms in donor-recipient relationships to enhance the inclusivity and sustainability of adaptation efforts in the RMI and beyond.

year: 2025-03

title: The moral terrains of Māori tourism

authors: Ringham, Sandra Lee

subjects: Māori tourism geographies

abstract: The objective of this project is to understand how Māori values are integrated into Māori tourism geographies. The research asks three questions. First, how do values shape the moral terrains of Māori tourism? Second, how is Māori tourism constructed through state sponsored branding and policies? Finally, how and in what ways do Māori tourism providers (re)construct their places and identities through practicing Māori values in Aotearoa? 
The critical social geographies of tourism in this thesis are informed by Kaupapa Māori, mana wahine, feminist geography, moral terrains and diverse economies literatures. Methodologies are woven together using: semi-structured interviews; participant sensing; autoethnography; and, discourse analysis. A research whānau (extended family), including kuia and kaumātua (women and men elders), guide the ethical components of research design and practices. Participant sensing took place in northern, coastal and central areas of Aotearoa. As kaitāpoi (Māori domestic tourist) I took part in activities that included animal tourism, local cuisine, camping, high end accommodation, tramping, souvenir shopping, museums, a harbour cruise and visited information sites. Eleven semi-interviews were conducted with Māori tourism providers in northern and coastal spaces. I interacted with approximately 70 people during the course of this research.
The findings of are divided into three substantive chapters. The first is an examination of two Aotearoa’s government tourism agencies’ policies and state sponsored branding. Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) uses language such as ‘best partner’ to attempt to form relationships and policy with Māori. New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT) prescribe Māori leadership and adopt a ‘people first’ approach. I untangled concepts of leadership, partnerships and the way strategic priorities are prescribed within the two institutions’ documents to reveal the way power relations are inscribed onto Aotearoa’s tourism terrains. The second chapter analyses state sponsored branding. Here I highlight the inconsistencies in the way Māori identities are represented. TNZ maintains a colonial imagining of traditional performance while NZMT present Māori men as contemporary leaders of diverse tourism experiences. Both organisations, however, continue to represent women as the ‘exotic other’. The three and last substantive chapter considers the lived realities of Māori tourism providers. Participants feel proud of the way their identities are represented on the global stage but concerned with the lack of representations of their contemporary lives and diverse tourism opportunities. Women are leading Māori tourism in a multitude of spaces and Māori tourism providers are practicing diverse economies. I argue that Māori identities, and Māori values, are defining elements of the Māori tourism experience. 
In closing this thesis I argue that the representation and lived realities of Māori tourism needs to be controlled by the tangata whenua who exist and inhabit precious places within Aotearoa’s landscapes.

text: The moral terrains of Māori tourism The objective of this project is to understand how Māori values are integrated into Māori tourism geographies. The research asks three questions. First, how do values shape the moral terrains of Māori tourism? Second, how is Māori tourism constructed through state sponsored branding and policies? Finally, how and in what ways do Māori tourism providers (re)construct their places and identities through practicing Māori values in Aotearoa? 
The critical social geographies of tourism in this thesis are informed by Kaupapa Māori, mana wahine, feminist geography, moral terrains and diverse economies literatures. Methodologies are woven together using: semi-structured interviews; participant sensing; autoethnography; and, discourse analysis. A research whānau (extended family), including kuia and kaumātua (women and men elders), guide the ethical components of research design and practices. Participant sensing took place in northern, coastal and central areas of Aotearoa. As kaitāpoi (Māori domestic tourist) I took part in activities that included animal tourism, local cuisine, camping, high end accommodation, tramping, souvenir shopping, museums, a harbour cruise and visited information sites. Eleven semi-interviews were conducted with Māori tourism providers in northern and coastal spaces. I interacted with approximately 70 people during the course of this research.
The findings of are divided into three substantive chapters. The first is an examination of two Aotearoa’s government tourism agencies’ policies and state sponsored branding. Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) uses language such as ‘best partner’ to attempt to form relationships and policy with Māori. New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT) prescribe Māori leadership and adopt a ‘people first’ approach. I untangled concepts of leadership, partnerships and the way strategic priorities are prescribed within the two institutions’ documents to reveal the way power relations are inscribed onto Aotearoa’s tourism terrains. The second chapter analyses state sponsored branding. Here I highlight the inconsistencies in the way Māori identities are represented. TNZ maintains a colonial imagining of traditional performance while NZMT present Māori men as contemporary leaders of diverse tourism experiences. Both organisations, however, continue to represent women as the ‘exotic other’. The three and last substantive chapter considers the lived realities of Māori tourism providers. Participants feel proud of the way their identities are represented on the global stage but concerned with the lack of representations of their contemporary lives and diverse tourism opportunities. Women are leading Māori tourism in a multitude of spaces and Māori tourism providers are practicing diverse economies. I argue that Māori identities, and Māori values, are defining elements of the Māori tourism experience. 
In closing this thesis I argue that the representation and lived realities of Māori tourism needs to be controlled by the tangata whenua who exist and inhabit precious places within Aotearoa’s landscapes.

year: 2015