title: Rural and remote communities: Health needs and aspirations of Pacific peoples

authors: Galewski, Janina'ofa

subjects: Pacific peoples

abstract: In Aotearoa New Zealand, Pacific peoples have worse health status and substantially limited access to healthcare, particularly in remote and rural communities, when compared to the general population. In addition, Pacific peoples are underrepresented in the Aotearoa health workforce, including within the medical workforce. There is a need for a fit-for-purpose health workforce with the skills and commitment to care for Pacific peoples living in remote and rural communities. In the context of the University of Waikato’s preparations to establish the Aotearoa Graduate Entry Medical School, this Masters study explores the perspectives and aspirations of rural Pacific peoples with the aim of understanding their health needs and their expectations of healthcare, particularly medical care.
This qualitative study is underpinned by the Pacific-valued and respect-based Pacific Post-Development Research Framework. The study design includes survey questionnaires, semi-structured interview and focus groups within a talanoa – a Pacific form of discussion/dialogue – space. Research participants will be Pacific peoples (n=9) over the age of 18 years and living in rural Te Rohe Pōtae (South/West Waikato region). The research data was explored using thematic analysis and focused coding.
The study suggest rural Pacific peoples want more healthcare services options with better accessibility, and that caters to their cultural differences. They aspire to see more Pacific doctors in their rural communities, as well as a health workforce that is responsive to their cultural needs.

text: Rural and remote communities: Health needs and aspirations of Pacific peoples In Aotearoa New Zealand, Pacific peoples have worse health status and substantially limited access to healthcare, particularly in remote and rural communities, when compared to the general population. In addition, Pacific peoples are underrepresented in the Aotearoa health workforce, including within the medical workforce. There is a need for a fit-for-purpose health workforce with the skills and commitment to care for Pacific peoples living in remote and rural communities. In the context of the University of Waikato’s preparations to establish the Aotearoa Graduate Entry Medical School, this Masters study explores the perspectives and aspirations of rural Pacific peoples with the aim of understanding their health needs and their expectations of healthcare, particularly medical care.
This qualitative study is underpinned by the Pacific-valued and respect-based Pacific Post-Development Research Framework. The study design includes survey questionnaires, semi-structured interview and focus groups within a talanoa – a Pacific form of discussion/dialogue – space. Research participants will be Pacific peoples (n=9) over the age of 18 years and living in rural Te Rohe Pōtae (South/West Waikato region). The research data was explored using thematic analysis and focused coding.
The study suggest rural Pacific peoples want more healthcare services options with better accessibility, and that caters to their cultural differences. They aspire to see more Pacific doctors in their rural communities, as well as a health workforce that is responsive to their cultural needs.

year: 2022

title: The paradox of sustainability definitions

authors: Dimitrov, Dara

subjects: Sustainability, definitions, worldviews,

abstract: Purpose: This paper aims to encourage debate and reflection over the increasing application of the word sustainability and the implied meanings are taken from this usage. It is argued that there are increasing numbers of sustainability definitions which are producing negative effects; that the interpretation and dissemination of sustainability definitions are not neutral in their effects of understanding sustainability. 

Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper examines how sustainability is conceptualised from two worldviews and by specifically looking at four different convening parties; how their dimensions of sustainability are linked, influence and drive the construction of the sustainability definitions in a variety of areas and in the public domain. 

Findings: This research has identified that the paradox of sustainability definitions lies in the parties who create them and not in the issues of sustainability; that often sustainability definitions do not share the same goals. 

Practical Implications: This paper seeks to bring the increasing surfeit of sustainability definitions under scrutiny and therefore extend possibilities of further research in the areas of social responsibility, ethics, claims of professionalism and accountability. 

Originality/Value: There has been little if any research that questions the validity of the sustainability definitions and how they address the issues of sustainability. It shows that the sustainability definitions can affect and shape the understanding of sustainability in a variety of areas and for a variety of parties.

text: The paradox of sustainability definitions Purpose: This paper aims to encourage debate and reflection over the increasing application of the word sustainability and the implied meanings are taken from this usage. It is argued that there are increasing numbers of sustainability definitions which are producing negative effects; that the interpretation and dissemination of sustainability definitions are not neutral in their effects of understanding sustainability. 

Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper examines how sustainability is conceptualised from two worldviews and by specifically looking at four different convening parties; how their dimensions of sustainability are linked, influence and drive the construction of the sustainability definitions in a variety of areas and in the public domain. 

Findings: This research has identified that the paradox of sustainability definitions lies in the parties who create them and not in the issues of sustainability; that often sustainability definitions do not share the same goals. 

Practical Implications: This paper seeks to bring the increasing surfeit of sustainability definitions under scrutiny and therefore extend possibilities of further research in the areas of social responsibility, ethics, claims of professionalism and accountability. 

Originality/Value: There has been little if any research that questions the validity of the sustainability definitions and how they address the issues of sustainability. It shows that the sustainability definitions can affect and shape the understanding of sustainability in a variety of areas and for a variety of parties.

year: 2010

title: Early childhood teachers partnering with teacher educators to connect children to taiao (the natural world) through place-based learning

authors: Postlewaight, Gillian

abstract: Initial cycles of an action research project brought together local early childhood (ECE) teachers, and tertiary ECE teacher educators, to explore possible uses of the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC), adjoining the campus at Hawke’s Bay’s Te Aho a Maui Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), Napier, New Zealand. EIT is situated below Ōtātara Pa, a historic site that holds cultural and historical significance for local Māori, specifically Ngati Pārau Hapū and Ngati Kahungunu Iwi. Education in New Zealand is underpinned by commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), ensuring that the principles; partnership, participation and protection of kaupapa Māori are supported through bicultural curricula. Māori holistic perspectives strengthen this focus and shifting understanding that place-based learning authenticates environmental approaches to education and cultural knowledge. During the first meeting, participants walked the hillside site and shared group discussions. From these conversations, the teachers identified three main themes: establishing connections between children and the physical place, new opportunities for teacher learning and challenges to implementing spontaneous teaching and learning in this unique environment. Future cycles of the research will focus on workshops for teachers to address these themes for teachers’ working with children in the space.

text: Early childhood teachers partnering with teacher educators to connect children to taiao (the natural world) through place-based learning Initial cycles of an action research project brought together local early childhood (ECE) teachers, and tertiary ECE teacher educators, to explore possible uses of the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC), adjoining the campus at Hawke’s Bay’s Te Aho a Maui Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), Napier, New Zealand. EIT is situated below Ōtātara Pa, a historic site that holds cultural and historical significance for local Māori, specifically Ngati Pārau Hapū and Ngati Kahungunu Iwi. Education in New Zealand is underpinned by commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), ensuring that the principles; partnership, participation and protection of kaupapa Māori are supported through bicultural curricula. Māori holistic perspectives strengthen this focus and shifting understanding that place-based learning authenticates environmental approaches to education and cultural knowledge. During the first meeting, participants walked the hillside site and shared group discussions. From these conversations, the teachers identified three main themes: establishing connections between children and the physical place, new opportunities for teacher learning and challenges to implementing spontaneous teaching and learning in this unique environment. Future cycles of the research will focus on workshops for teachers to address these themes for teachers’ working with children in the space.

year: 2023-04-27