title: ‘Novels are not Nonsense’: 1920s and 1930s New Zealand reflected through the Fiction of Jean Devanny and John A. Lee.

authors: Horsley, Alexandra Kate

subjects: Jean Devanny

abstract: John Mulgan’s Man Alone (1939) has often been considered by historians and literary scholars as ‘the fullest prose rendering of what the New Zealand twenties and thirties felt like.’¹ This thesis argues that other contemporary novels, specifically those of Jean Devanny (1894 – 1962) and John A. Lee (1891 – 1982), present equally rich sources of information for historians researching early twentieth century New Zealand. Devanny and Lee both wrote novels set in a contemporary context, all of which offer critiques relevant to aspects of New Zealand society. These works often draw on and comment on entrenched understandings of gender, class and race, and thus provide a nuanced and sophisticated picture of 1920s and 1930s New Zealand. In this sense, the novels enable meaningful insights into contemporary issues. As Devanny asserts, they are by no means ‘nonsense’, but highly valuable and useful considerations relevant to contemporary lives and issues.² This thesis stresses that the contradictions and intricacies found in the novels of these two authors, Devanny’s in particular, should be utilised by historians as they reflect on various issues in early twentieth century New Zealand. Indeed, what might they say about New Zealanders’ understandings of their national history if Devanny’s The Butcher Shop (1926) or Lee’s Children of the Poor (1934) was regarded by historians as the quintessential novel of the 1920s and 1930s instead of Man Alone?

text: ‘Novels are not Nonsense’: 1920s and 1930s New Zealand reflected through the Fiction of Jean Devanny and John A. Lee. John Mulgan’s Man Alone (1939) has often been considered by historians and literary scholars as ‘the fullest prose rendering of what the New Zealand twenties and thirties felt like.’¹ This thesis argues that other contemporary novels, specifically those of Jean Devanny (1894 – 1962) and John A. Lee (1891 – 1982), present equally rich sources of information for historians researching early twentieth century New Zealand. Devanny and Lee both wrote novels set in a contemporary context, all of which offer critiques relevant to aspects of New Zealand society. These works often draw on and comment on entrenched understandings of gender, class and race, and thus provide a nuanced and sophisticated picture of 1920s and 1930s New Zealand. In this sense, the novels enable meaningful insights into contemporary issues. As Devanny asserts, they are by no means ‘nonsense’, but highly valuable and useful considerations relevant to contemporary lives and issues.² This thesis stresses that the contradictions and intricacies found in the novels of these two authors, Devanny’s in particular, should be utilised by historians as they reflect on various issues in early twentieth century New Zealand. Indeed, what might they say about New Zealanders’ understandings of their national history if Devanny’s The Butcher Shop (1926) or Lee’s Children of the Poor (1934) was regarded by historians as the quintessential novel of the 1920s and 1930s instead of Man Alone?

year: 2013

title: Exhibiting care in captivity: Charisma, design and animal welfare in visitor experience and education at Hamilton Zoo

authors: Clements, Aidan

abstract: As urban spaces grow, New Zealanders have become increasingly separated from nature. Zoos are locations where the public can interact with exotic animals, sometimes for the first time. Employing ethnographic research methods, this study investigates how conservation education opportunities are created by the Hamilton Zoo staff, and how the visitors to Hamilton Zoo engage with this education and messaging during their visits. This research found that the charisma of animals in zoos is one mediating factor in how visitors may become invested in conservation education. This research also found that the design of the enclosure, and other zoo spaces may also limit or enhance a visitor's educational experience in the zoo. This is both in terms of how accessible the animal is for viewing, and how visitors may understand welfare conditions at a zoo, potentially impacting their support for zoos and their conservation goals. These factors drive how zoo visitors perceive the zookeepers, and Hamilton Zoo more generally, in their position as experts. The education of visitors to Hamilton Zoo on local and global conservation issues is most effective in circumstances when these visitors are able to connect with the animals. This might be through behind-the-scenes encounters, conversations with keepers or when the animals in the enclosures are easily visible and active.

text: Exhibiting care in captivity: Charisma, design and animal welfare in visitor experience and education at Hamilton Zoo As urban spaces grow, New Zealanders have become increasingly separated from nature. Zoos are locations where the public can interact with exotic animals, sometimes for the first time. Employing ethnographic research methods, this study investigates how conservation education opportunities are created by the Hamilton Zoo staff, and how the visitors to Hamilton Zoo engage with this education and messaging during their visits. This research found that the charisma of animals in zoos is one mediating factor in how visitors may become invested in conservation education. This research also found that the design of the enclosure, and other zoo spaces may also limit or enhance a visitor's educational experience in the zoo. This is both in terms of how accessible the animal is for viewing, and how visitors may understand welfare conditions at a zoo, potentially impacting their support for zoos and their conservation goals. These factors drive how zoo visitors perceive the zookeepers, and Hamilton Zoo more generally, in their position as experts. The education of visitors to Hamilton Zoo on local and global conservation issues is most effective in circumstances when these visitors are able to connect with the animals. This might be through behind-the-scenes encounters, conversations with keepers or when the animals in the enclosures are easily visible and active.

year: 2025

title: Mai ngā pouwhirinaki - The experiences of whānau caring for Māori tangata whaiora with traumatic brain injury in the Waikato

authors: Silveira, Maia

subjects: Traumatic brain injury

abstract: In Aotearoa today, Māori have a disproportionate experience of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the community and in prisons compared to non-Māori. Furthermore, Māori have higher mortality rates following TBI, and are more likely to have a prolonged stay in hospital then be discharged without community support services compared with non-Māori. Currently, many of the post-acute rehabilitation services are located in the Auckland region which causes undue pressure of whānau needs, finances, and work commitments for many whānau and individuals with TBI from the Waikato region. My research focuses on the experiences of whānau navigators experience of caring for Māori tangata whaiora with TBI in the Waikato region. Whānau navigators for this thesis refers to members of the whānau who have familial obligations of care. Within this thesis I consult and engage with whānau about post-acute rehabilitation services. This is a qualitative based research project, which draws upon narrative inquiry, and a Kaupapa Māori research paradigm. Documenting these experiences will provide empirical evidence to highlight the invaluable role whānau have within recovery and the value of whānau support. This research can be used to identify the dynamic needs of whānau and encourage the healthcare system to provide a service that is consistent with Kaupapa Māori health frameworks and practices which at present is non- existent. As a result, the project will help inform the development of a service model within TBI that can better reflect and support the needs of whānau and Māori communities, that is a locally derived practice and more applicable and appropriate for Māori. Mauri ora!

text: Mai ngā pouwhirinaki - The experiences of whānau caring for Māori tangata whaiora with traumatic brain injury in the Waikato In Aotearoa today, Māori have a disproportionate experience of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the community and in prisons compared to non-Māori. Furthermore, Māori have higher mortality rates following TBI, and are more likely to have a prolonged stay in hospital then be discharged without community support services compared with non-Māori. Currently, many of the post-acute rehabilitation services are located in the Auckland region which causes undue pressure of whānau needs, finances, and work commitments for many whānau and individuals with TBI from the Waikato region. My research focuses on the experiences of whānau navigators experience of caring for Māori tangata whaiora with TBI in the Waikato region. Whānau navigators for this thesis refers to members of the whānau who have familial obligations of care. Within this thesis I consult and engage with whānau about post-acute rehabilitation services. This is a qualitative based research project, which draws upon narrative inquiry, and a Kaupapa Māori research paradigm. Documenting these experiences will provide empirical evidence to highlight the invaluable role whānau have within recovery and the value of whānau support. This research can be used to identify the dynamic needs of whānau and encourage the healthcare system to provide a service that is consistent with Kaupapa Māori health frameworks and practices which at present is non- existent. As a result, the project will help inform the development of a service model within TBI that can better reflect and support the needs of whānau and Māori communities, that is a locally derived practice and more applicable and appropriate for Māori. Mauri ora!

year: 2022