title: Ecological and physical characteristics of the Te Awa O Katapaki Stream, Flagstaff, Waikato

authors: Hicks, Brendan J.

subjects: Te Awa O Katapaki Stream

abstract: 1. The fish, macroinvertebrates, aquatic vegetation, and water quality indicate that the Te Awa O Katapaki Stream is an unpolluted, pastureland stream that is typical of the Waikato region.
2. The stream has very high nutrient concentrations that probably result from the dairy farming upstream.
3. The fish fauna is dominated by the native shortfinned eels. The presence of the migratory common smelt indicates that swimming fish species also have free access to the stream from the Waikato River.
4. Fish of high conservation value, such as giant or banded kokopu (Galaxias argenteus or G. fasciatus) were absent, which is predictable given the warm, unshaded nature of the stream.
5. Fish and invertebrates would soon recolonise the restored stream following any work in the streambed.

text: Ecological and physical characteristics of the Te Awa O Katapaki Stream, Flagstaff, Waikato 1. The fish, macroinvertebrates, aquatic vegetation, and water quality indicate that the Te Awa O Katapaki Stream is an unpolluted, pastureland stream that is typical of the Waikato region.
2. The stream has very high nutrient concentrations that probably result from the dairy farming upstream.
3. The fish fauna is dominated by the native shortfinned eels. The presence of the migratory common smelt indicates that swimming fish species also have free access to the stream from the Waikato River.
4. Fish of high conservation value, such as giant or banded kokopu (Galaxias argenteus or G. fasciatus) were absent, which is predictable given the warm, unshaded nature of the stream.
5. Fish and invertebrates would soon recolonise the restored stream following any work in the streambed.

year: 2001

title: The Physical Work Environment in relation to the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

authors: Meikle, Sarah Marie

subjects: Sick Building Syndrome

abstract: This study investigated the relationship between perceptions of a poor physical work environment (PWE) and sick building syndrome (SBS), and with various psychological variables that impact organizational productivity. 164 employees working in medium to large office buildings in New Zealand completed an online questionnaire. Overall, the results supported the relationships that were predicted. Ratings of a poor PWE were strongly and positively related to SBS symptoms. Both ratings of a poor PWE and SBS symptoms were positively related to absenteeism, turnover intentions, and continuance commitment; and were negatively related to affective commitment, perceived organizational support, and job satisfaction. SBS mediated the relationship between PWE and most of these variables, except for continuance commitment. Contrary to prior research self-rated job performance was not found to be related to PWE or SBS. The major implications of this research are that it is important for researchers and managers alike to consider the physical aspects of the work environment as well as managerial and interpersonal aspects. This research also showed that New Zealand employees are experiencing SBS symptoms, indicating SBS is just as important for New Zealand organizations as it is for organizations overseas. Further implications of this study, and directions for future research are discussed in the final chapter.

text: The Physical Work Environment in relation to the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome This study investigated the relationship between perceptions of a poor physical work environment (PWE) and sick building syndrome (SBS), and with various psychological variables that impact organizational productivity. 164 employees working in medium to large office buildings in New Zealand completed an online questionnaire. Overall, the results supported the relationships that were predicted. Ratings of a poor PWE were strongly and positively related to SBS symptoms. Both ratings of a poor PWE and SBS symptoms were positively related to absenteeism, turnover intentions, and continuance commitment; and were negatively related to affective commitment, perceived organizational support, and job satisfaction. SBS mediated the relationship between PWE and most of these variables, except for continuance commitment. Contrary to prior research self-rated job performance was not found to be related to PWE or SBS. The major implications of this research are that it is important for researchers and managers alike to consider the physical aspects of the work environment as well as managerial and interpersonal aspects. This research also showed that New Zealand employees are experiencing SBS symptoms, indicating SBS is just as important for New Zealand organizations as it is for organizations overseas. Further implications of this study, and directions for future research are discussed in the final chapter.

year: 2011

title: Te Whakaruruhau Transition and Wellbeing programme: An implementation evaluation

authors: Robins, Kathryn

subjects: Maori

abstract: Based on the recognition that many women who come into refuge have few options
but to return to the sort of environment in which they have been abused, the
Transition and Wellbeing programme aims to provide medium to long term housing
for families as they re‐establish themselves in the community.
Data for the evaluation of the programme was collected from two main sources; the
women on the programme and key informants at Te Whakaruruhau. Five women,
two of whom are housed in transitional accommodation were interviewed
individually, while focus groups were conducted with middle and senior management
teams.
The completion of the interviews enabled the development of a programme logic,
which describes the ‘theory’ of the programme. The model details the activities or
what the programme does. These activities include linking women to programmes
and resources, providing practical support, addressing specific cultural needs and the
availability of quality advocates. These activities are built on foundational values, such
as, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and wairuatanga. The programme is only made
possible with internal and external inputs. Of the external inputs, funding
contributions are considered vital to the functioning of the programme.
The women’s perspectives identified varying outcomes from their participation in the
programme. The logic model details the intended outcomes in the short, medium and
long‐term, reflecting personal, relational and community wellbeing. Short term
outcomes include improved communication, improved self‐esteem, improved
confidence and personal growth. Medium outcomes saw (re)engagement in training,
education and for some, (re)entry into the workforce. Long term outcomes related to
the establishment of a sustainable life style free from violence.
The participants did not see a need to modify the programme in any significant way.
Some did think that it could be usefully extended by adding to the existing activities a
hands on, artistic approach. Programme developers may consider more creative ways
in which to assess and measure the impact of the programme. Finally, it is suggested
that the programme could benefit from a more systemic assessment process to
determine whether women are “ready” to enter it.

text: Te Whakaruruhau Transition and Wellbeing programme: An implementation evaluation Based on the recognition that many women who come into refuge have few options
but to return to the sort of environment in which they have been abused, the
Transition and Wellbeing programme aims to provide medium to long term housing
for families as they re‐establish themselves in the community.
Data for the evaluation of the programme was collected from two main sources; the
women on the programme and key informants at Te Whakaruruhau. Five women,
two of whom are housed in transitional accommodation were interviewed
individually, while focus groups were conducted with middle and senior management
teams.
The completion of the interviews enabled the development of a programme logic,
which describes the ‘theory’ of the programme. The model details the activities or
what the programme does. These activities include linking women to programmes
and resources, providing practical support, addressing specific cultural needs and the
availability of quality advocates. These activities are built on foundational values, such
as, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and wairuatanga. The programme is only made
possible with internal and external inputs. Of the external inputs, funding
contributions are considered vital to the functioning of the programme.
The women’s perspectives identified varying outcomes from their participation in the
programme. The logic model details the intended outcomes in the short, medium and
long‐term, reflecting personal, relational and community wellbeing. Short term
outcomes include improved communication, improved self‐esteem, improved
confidence and personal growth. Medium outcomes saw (re)engagement in training,
education and for some, (re)entry into the workforce. Long term outcomes related to
the establishment of a sustainable life style free from violence.
The participants did not see a need to modify the programme in any significant way.
Some did think that it could be usefully extended by adding to the existing activities a
hands on, artistic approach. Programme developers may consider more creative ways
in which to assess and measure the impact of the programme. Finally, it is suggested
that the programme could benefit from a more systemic assessment process to
determine whether women are “ready” to enter it.

year: 2008-06-26