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

title: The general cognitive ability of Maori and European subjects: a comparative study of Queensland test performances and psychometric properties

authors: St George, Ross

abstract: Research was undertaken into the performances of New Zealand Maori and European children on the Queensland Test of Cognitive Abilities. In addition to studying the comparative performances of the two ethnic groups at six age levels, major psychometric properties of the instrument were investigated. Such data have an important bearing upon the issue of psychological equivalence across ethnic or culture group samples.
Seven hundred children (303 Maori and 397 European) aged between eight and a half and fourteen and a half years were tested with the Queensland Test. A small statistically significant ethnic group difference was found favouring the European children. Subsequent analyses indicated that the small difference was of little practical significance. Queensland Test subtest data were also analysed, This indicated that subtest performances were likely to be influenced by subject variables in a manner not necessarily evident in the overall test results. Gender differences in performance on the Pattern Matching Subtest were found and are consistent with other data. 
Queensland Test reliability, validity and item characteristics were researched for the two ethnic groups. 
To obtain test-retest reliability estimates and data on criterion related validity longitudinal studies were undertaken with four ethnically mixed class groups Standard 3 to Form 2). 
The Queensland Test was found to be equally reliable with both ethnic groups although the levels of reliability obtained were not considered entirely satisfactory. 
Validity data indicated that the same general intelligence construct could be employed in the interpretation of Queensland Test results with both European and Maori subjects. Content validity issues were considered and it was argued that in terms of both test content and measurement procedures the Queensland Test should provide an equally valid measure of general intelligence with both groups. 
The criterion related validity coefficients were of approximately the same order for each ethnic group although doubts were expressed about the adequacy of the criteria. Construct validity was investigated by considering the relationship of test performance to age and through factor analytic evidence. The analyses supported the view that the Queensland Test was primarily a measure of the same underlying construct within each ethnic group. In terms of prevailing psychological theories on human intelligence this construct was interpreted as being of a general intelligence nature.
Comparative data on item characteristics did not indicate any marked ethnic group differences. More apparent was the need to restructure particular subtests where items failed to discriminate adequately within both ethnic groups. It was concluded that the weight of evidence was in favour of the psychological equivalence of this ability measure with Maori and European children. 
Data for combined ethnic group samples have been reported, Pooled data were employed in some factor analyses and these supported a general intelligence interpretation of Queensland Test results. Preliminary norms were also derived from combined ethnic group data. 
Findings are discussed in relation to the concept of intelligence and its cross-cultural measurement, other Queensland Test research and recent cross-cultural studies on cognitive abilities in New Zealand.

text: The general cognitive ability of Maori and European subjects: a comparative study of Queensland test performances and psychometric properties Research was undertaken into the performances of New Zealand Maori and European children on the Queensland Test of Cognitive Abilities. In addition to studying the comparative performances of the two ethnic groups at six age levels, major psychometric properties of the instrument were investigated. Such data have an important bearing upon the issue of psychological equivalence across ethnic or culture group samples.
Seven hundred children (303 Maori and 397 European) aged between eight and a half and fourteen and a half years were tested with the Queensland Test. A small statistically significant ethnic group difference was found favouring the European children. Subsequent analyses indicated that the small difference was of little practical significance. Queensland Test subtest data were also analysed, This indicated that subtest performances were likely to be influenced by subject variables in a manner not necessarily evident in the overall test results. Gender differences in performance on the Pattern Matching Subtest were found and are consistent with other data. 
Queensland Test reliability, validity and item characteristics were researched for the two ethnic groups. 
To obtain test-retest reliability estimates and data on criterion related validity longitudinal studies were undertaken with four ethnically mixed class groups Standard 3 to Form 2). 
The Queensland Test was found to be equally reliable with both ethnic groups although the levels of reliability obtained were not considered entirely satisfactory. 
Validity data indicated that the same general intelligence construct could be employed in the interpretation of Queensland Test results with both European and Maori subjects. Content validity issues were considered and it was argued that in terms of both test content and measurement procedures the Queensland Test should provide an equally valid measure of general intelligence with both groups. 
The criterion related validity coefficients were of approximately the same order for each ethnic group although doubts were expressed about the adequacy of the criteria. Construct validity was investigated by considering the relationship of test performance to age and through factor analytic evidence. The analyses supported the view that the Queensland Test was primarily a measure of the same underlying construct within each ethnic group. In terms of prevailing psychological theories on human intelligence this construct was interpreted as being of a general intelligence nature.
Comparative data on item characteristics did not indicate any marked ethnic group differences. More apparent was the need to restructure particular subtests where items failed to discriminate adequately within both ethnic groups. It was concluded that the weight of evidence was in favour of the psychological equivalence of this ability measure with Maori and European children. 
Data for combined ethnic group samples have been reported, Pooled data were employed in some factor analyses and these supported a general intelligence interpretation of Queensland Test results. Preliminary norms were also derived from combined ethnic group data. 
Findings are discussed in relation to the concept of intelligence and its cross-cultural measurement, other Queensland Test research and recent cross-cultural studies on cognitive abilities in New Zealand.

year: 1977

title: Perceptions of glasses as a health care product: A pilot study of New Zealand baby boomers

authors: Davey, Janet

abstract: Marketers have been slow to customize their strategies for the influential consumer segment of aging baby boomers. This qualitative research provides insights on New Zealand baby boomers' perceptions of glasses as a health care product. Appearance was a dominant theme; status was not a major concern, although style and fashion were. Wearing glasses had negative associations related to aging; however, both male and female participants recognized that glasses offered improved quality of life. Data relating to the theme of expense indicated that these New Zealand baby boomers made sophisticated perceptual associations and subsequent pragmatic trade-offs between price, quality, and style.

text: Perceptions of glasses as a health care product: A pilot study of New Zealand baby boomers Marketers have been slow to customize their strategies for the influential consumer segment of aging baby boomers. This qualitative research provides insights on New Zealand baby boomers' perceptions of glasses as a health care product. Appearance was a dominant theme; status was not a major concern, although style and fashion were. Wearing glasses had negative associations related to aging; however, both male and female participants recognized that glasses offered improved quality of life. Data relating to the theme of expense indicated that these New Zealand baby boomers made sophisticated perceptual associations and subsequent pragmatic trade-offs between price, quality, and style.

year: 2012