title: Energy Cultures policy briefs

authors: Stephenson, Janet

subjects: Energy Cultures

abstract: Launched in 2012, the Energy Cultures Project is led by the Centre for Sustainability at the University of Otago and aims to develop knowledge and tools to achieve a sustainable energy transition across New Zealand. The Energy Cultures 2 Project focuses on efficiency transitions in three domains: households, businesses and transport systems.These policy briefs are an output of the Energy Cultures 2 research programme, funded 2012-2016 by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The purpose of these briefs is to assist with the design of improved policies and practices to promote more efficient energy use in households, businesses and transport in New Zealand.

text: Energy Cultures policy briefs Launched in 2012, the Energy Cultures Project is led by the Centre for Sustainability at the University of Otago and aims to develop knowledge and tools to achieve a sustainable energy transition across New Zealand. The Energy Cultures 2 Project focuses on efficiency transitions in three domains: households, businesses and transport systems.These policy briefs are an output of the Energy Cultures 2 research programme, funded 2012-2016 by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The purpose of these briefs is to assist with the design of improved policies and practices to promote more efficient energy use in households, businesses and transport in New Zealand.

year: 2016

title: The Effect of Binge-drinking on an Individual’s Mood over a Thirty-Day Period.

authors: van Dyk, Rickardt Gerhardus

subjects: Mood

abstract: An issue of great importance within New Zealand society is the high level of binge drinking. The effects of alcohol on consumers’ health are of great concern. Physical, psychological, social, economic and behavioural aspects have been researched over the years by multiple disciplines. The effects of binge-drinking and the ‘hangover’ effects on mood levels were investigated in this research project. Fifty participants (25 males and 25 females) who regularly participated in binge drinking were selected to partake. All participants completed questionnaires which included demographic information, attitudes towards drinking and drinking behaviours. This was followed by completing the Alcohol Use Questionnaire (AUQ) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). All participants were required to complete a 30 day mood rating scale. This was designed as a five-point rating scale system. These rating scales looked at, anxiety, depression, emotion, physiological and provided an overall rating. This also included recording the number of standard drinks consumed the previous evening, types of alcohol consumed, and the number of hours slept. Ten randomly selected participants were interviewed. The results collected were significant and supported the predictions that there is a relationship between the number of standard drinks consumed and increased levels of anxiety and depression, however the correlations were rather weak. The findings also supported the predictions that there is a link between the numbers of standard drinks consumed and decreased levels of physical mood, emotional mood and overall daily mood. The effect of alcohol in regards to increasing aggressive behaviour was evident in the male group, however not in the female group.

text: The Effect of Binge-drinking on an Individual’s Mood over a Thirty-Day Period. An issue of great importance within New Zealand society is the high level of binge drinking. The effects of alcohol on consumers’ health are of great concern. Physical, psychological, social, economic and behavioural aspects have been researched over the years by multiple disciplines. The effects of binge-drinking and the ‘hangover’ effects on mood levels were investigated in this research project. Fifty participants (25 males and 25 females) who regularly participated in binge drinking were selected to partake. All participants completed questionnaires which included demographic information, attitudes towards drinking and drinking behaviours. This was followed by completing the Alcohol Use Questionnaire (AUQ) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). All participants were required to complete a 30 day mood rating scale. This was designed as a five-point rating scale system. These rating scales looked at, anxiety, depression, emotion, physiological and provided an overall rating. This also included recording the number of standard drinks consumed the previous evening, types of alcohol consumed, and the number of hours slept. Ten randomly selected participants were interviewed. The results collected were significant and supported the predictions that there is a relationship between the number of standard drinks consumed and increased levels of anxiety and depression, however the correlations were rather weak. The findings also supported the predictions that there is a link between the numbers of standard drinks consumed and decreased levels of physical mood, emotional mood and overall daily mood. The effect of alcohol in regards to increasing aggressive behaviour was evident in the male group, however not in the female group.

year: 2012

title: Maori sustainable development in the 21st Century: The importance of Maori values, strategic planning and information systems

authors: Harmsworth, Garth

subjects: Development studies

abstract: The term ‘sustainable development’ has been widely used since the latter part of the 20th century. The concept implies economic and social development, economic growth, and environmental responsibility in order to sustain improved standards of living based on economic growth, to achieve some form of social equity, and to manage the environment in a sustainable way. Sustainable development should generally be at a rate that allows future generations to meet their needs without causing degradation of the natural environment, and should avoid economic or social decay. The concept has been debated and criticised by many as being ambiguous, untenable, and difficult to achieve, and frequently labelled part of global capitalism. But the concept provides a challenge to all of us, on how to balance economic, social, and cultural goals, while at the same time safeguarding and responsibly managing the environment for future generations. Attempts by indigenous peoples internationally to achieve sustainable development have been based on holistic approaches and frameworks that seek to balance economic, social, cultural and environmental objectives, and these provide effective models for viable sustainable development approaches. Māori Sustainable Development in Aotearoa-New Zealand is a term often used to describe a pathway to Māori autonomy, self-determination, the building of human and social capacity, as part of a strategic direction to capitalise on opportunities in the 21st century. This paper outlines research undertaken between 1998 and 2002 and funded by the Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology (FRST) in the programme “Māori Sustainable Development in Te Puku o Te Ika”, contract UOWX0005, simply referred to as the MSD programme. It focuses on the importance of determining Māori values, a vision, strategic planning and development of information systems as a holistic framework and process method to achieve Māori sustainable development.

text: Maori sustainable development in the 21st Century: The importance of Maori values, strategic planning and information systems The term ‘sustainable development’ has been widely used since the latter part of the 20th century. The concept implies economic and social development, economic growth, and environmental responsibility in order to sustain improved standards of living based on economic growth, to achieve some form of social equity, and to manage the environment in a sustainable way. Sustainable development should generally be at a rate that allows future generations to meet their needs without causing degradation of the natural environment, and should avoid economic or social decay. The concept has been debated and criticised by many as being ambiguous, untenable, and difficult to achieve, and frequently labelled part of global capitalism. But the concept provides a challenge to all of us, on how to balance economic, social, and cultural goals, while at the same time safeguarding and responsibly managing the environment for future generations. Attempts by indigenous peoples internationally to achieve sustainable development have been based on holistic approaches and frameworks that seek to balance economic, social, cultural and environmental objectives, and these provide effective models for viable sustainable development approaches. Māori Sustainable Development in Aotearoa-New Zealand is a term often used to describe a pathway to Māori autonomy, self-determination, the building of human and social capacity, as part of a strategic direction to capitalise on opportunities in the 21st century. This paper outlines research undertaken between 1998 and 2002 and funded by the Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology (FRST) in the programme “Māori Sustainable Development in Te Puku o Te Ika”, contract UOWX0005, simply referred to as the MSD programme. It focuses on the importance of determining Māori values, a vision, strategic planning and development of information systems as a holistic framework and process method to achieve Māori sustainable development.

year: 2002