title: Kaitiakitanga: protecting New Zealand's native biodiversity

authors: Morad, Munir

subjects: geography

abstract: Species diversity is a very important component of a healthy ecosystem, and a necessary condition for long-term sustainable development. However, it is widely recognised that species extinction is on the increase in New Zealand, as biological diversity comes under pressure from landuse activity and environmental change.

text: Kaitiakitanga: protecting New Zealand's native biodiversity Species diversity is a very important component of a healthy ecosystem, and a necessary condition for long-term sustainable development. However, it is widely recognised that species extinction is on the increase in New Zealand, as biological diversity comes under pressure from landuse activity and environmental change.

year: 2000

title: Te kawa whakauru ora: Transformative pathways to flourishing whānau

authors: Raharuhi, Te Urukeiha

subjects: flourishing whānau

abstract: Flourishing is more than a combination of wellbeing factors or the absence of disease. It is a state of vitality, optimism and potential. We flourish when we feel positive about our ability to make choices to improve our lives. We flourish when we have opportunities to make valuable contributions to those we care most about, in ways that are meaningful to us. 

There is a wealth of research about whānau wellbeing. However, it is difficult to discern how it directly benefits whānau. Furthermore, deficit approaches to whānau wellbeing research publicise negative stereotypes that are alienating for Māori and detrimental to our flourishing. Te Kawa Whakauru Ora explores a process of identifying transformative pathways to flourishing whānau. It is not a generic approach that represents whānau as homogenous. Nor does it equate whānau with household or nuclear family. This research inquiry into flourishing whānau occurs within the scope of whakapapa and explores diversity within my whānau. 

This research inquiry compares whānau participation in individual wellbeing activities with participation in whānau events. Whānau events are identified by whānau as the only occasions where we experience whakapapa, whanaungatanga and aspects of flourishing that are unique to our collective wellbeing. The research inquiry then focuses on trialling a process of identifying pathways to flourishing whānau through participation in whānau events. When we participate in whānau events, we simultaneously access many aspects of flourishing to varying degrees. Te reo Māori and Māori concepts that are accessible to all whānau regardless of our level of proficiency, are tools to raise our awareness about these. When coupled with an existing research framework, a process for time series analysis of flourishing whānau is created, allowing us to document and compare the contexts of flourishing experienced at different events. 

The trial process of identifying transformative pathways to flourishing whānau is described in detail throughout this thesis to engage with whānau wanting to document the contexts within which they access flourishing. The research process recognises that the potential for pathways to be transformative increases when these are identified by each whānau. This thesis is thus different from existing research about whānau wellbeing because it demonstrates and strengthens whānau research capability.

text: Te kawa whakauru ora: Transformative pathways to flourishing whānau Flourishing is more than a combination of wellbeing factors or the absence of disease. It is a state of vitality, optimism and potential. We flourish when we feel positive about our ability to make choices to improve our lives. We flourish when we have opportunities to make valuable contributions to those we care most about, in ways that are meaningful to us. 

There is a wealth of research about whānau wellbeing. However, it is difficult to discern how it directly benefits whānau. Furthermore, deficit approaches to whānau wellbeing research publicise negative stereotypes that are alienating for Māori and detrimental to our flourishing. Te Kawa Whakauru Ora explores a process of identifying transformative pathways to flourishing whānau. It is not a generic approach that represents whānau as homogenous. Nor does it equate whānau with household or nuclear family. This research inquiry into flourishing whānau occurs within the scope of whakapapa and explores diversity within my whānau. 

This research inquiry compares whānau participation in individual wellbeing activities with participation in whānau events. Whānau events are identified by whānau as the only occasions where we experience whakapapa, whanaungatanga and aspects of flourishing that are unique to our collective wellbeing. The research inquiry then focuses on trialling a process of identifying pathways to flourishing whānau through participation in whānau events. When we participate in whānau events, we simultaneously access many aspects of flourishing to varying degrees. Te reo Māori and Māori concepts that are accessible to all whānau regardless of our level of proficiency, are tools to raise our awareness about these. When coupled with an existing research framework, a process for time series analysis of flourishing whānau is created, allowing us to document and compare the contexts of flourishing experienced at different events. 

The trial process of identifying transformative pathways to flourishing whānau is described in detail throughout this thesis to engage with whānau wanting to document the contexts within which they access flourishing. The research process recognises that the potential for pathways to be transformative increases when these are identified by each whānau. This thesis is thus different from existing research about whānau wellbeing because it demonstrates and strengthens whānau research capability.

year: 2025

title: Exploring the Nature and Function of Religious Beliefs in Psychosis: A Case Study Approach

authors: Lenny, Megan

subjects: Psychosis

abstract: This study investigated the potential developmental, maintaining, or protective role of religious beliefs in the presentation of psychotic symptoms. It examined the ways in which individuals with psychosis might use religion to interpret and apply meaning to their experiences. The research was based upon the constructivist paradigm which attempted to understand individual perceptions of reality. A qualitative approach was used such that five male participants took part in individual semi-structured interviews on two separate occasions. These participants explored with the researcher their understanding of religious experience, psychotic experience, and the interactions between the two. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze and organize the data, while a case study approach was used to present the stories of participants. Similarities across participants were grouped together to form themes, and these provided the basis for discussion.
Key factors identified by participants as important in terms of conceptualizing religious experiences included developmental pathways, elements of faith, and meaning of faith. Similarly, factors important in the conceptualization of psychotic experiences included causative attributions, features of experience, and outcomes of experience. The associations between religion and schizophrenia were categorized into three general themes, which included religion in the content of symptoms, religion as a meaning system, and religion as a coping strategy. Together it was concluded hat religion generally functioned as a constructive framework when used to understand experiences of psychosis. Overall, findings suggest that religion can certainly act as a protective factor and increase resistance to distress typically associated with unexplainable experiences, such as the positive symptoms of psychosis.

text: Exploring the Nature and Function of Religious Beliefs in Psychosis: A Case Study Approach This study investigated the potential developmental, maintaining, or protective role of religious beliefs in the presentation of psychotic symptoms. It examined the ways in which individuals with psychosis might use religion to interpret and apply meaning to their experiences. The research was based upon the constructivist paradigm which attempted to understand individual perceptions of reality. A qualitative approach was used such that five male participants took part in individual semi-structured interviews on two separate occasions. These participants explored with the researcher their understanding of religious experience, psychotic experience, and the interactions between the two. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze and organize the data, while a case study approach was used to present the stories of participants. Similarities across participants were grouped together to form themes, and these provided the basis for discussion.
Key factors identified by participants as important in terms of conceptualizing religious experiences included developmental pathways, elements of faith, and meaning of faith. Similarly, factors important in the conceptualization of psychotic experiences included causative attributions, features of experience, and outcomes of experience. The associations between religion and schizophrenia were categorized into three general themes, which included religion in the content of symptoms, religion as a meaning system, and religion as a coping strategy. Together it was concluded hat religion generally functioned as a constructive framework when used to understand experiences of psychosis. Overall, findings suggest that religion can certainly act as a protective factor and increase resistance to distress typically associated with unexplainable experiences, such as the positive symptoms of psychosis.

year: 2010