Masters Degree Theses

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Te ipu mahara - The chanting memories of an indigenous people
(The University of Waikato, 2025) Kana, Ivan; Tuaupiki, Haki
Te Ipu Mahara – The Chanting Memories of an Indigenous People explores how Māori knowledge systems have been retained, transmitted, and adapted across generations. Guided by kaupapa Māori methodology and framed within Indigenous research paradigms, this thesis examines the resilience of Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) as both a living inheritance and a dynamic practice. While Māori knowledge systems are well established within Indigenous scholarship, this thesis contributes to that body of work by centring Māori voices to articulate how knowledge is retained, transmitted, and renewed through embodied, spiritual, and relational practices. The study investigates three central pou (pillars): Retention, Transference, and Survival & Innovation. Drawing on a combination of literature review, participant interviews, and oral histories, it identifies whakapapa as the architecture of memory; chanting, waiata (song), and karakia (prayer) as vital mnemonic and spiritual technologies; and wānanga (discussion) as enduring pedagogical spaces. It highlights the role of knowledge holders as kaitiaki mahara, whose responsibilities extend beyond preservation to adaptation and creativity. Findings demonstrate that Māori knowledge has survived not by remaining static, but through continual renewal. Colonisation disrupted traditional pathways, yet communities have responded with resilience - composing new oriori (lullaby), embedding mātauranga in classrooms, revitalising te reo Māori, and harnessing digital tools to sustain intergenerational transmission. Knowledge retention is shown to be holistic and embodied, encompassing spiritual, relational, and physical dimensions of learning. Academically, this research contributes to Indigenous scholarship on memory, pedagogy, and decolonisation. Culturally, it is an offering of utu - returning kōrero and reflections to the communities who sustain them. The metaphor of the ipu (vessel) captures the essence of this work: memory as something carried, chanted, embodied, and continually replenished. Ultimately, the thesis affirms that the survival of Māori knowledge systems is inseparable from the survival of Māori futures. Each chant, whakapapa, and act of wānanga binds past, present, and future together, ensuring that the wisdom of tūpuna (ancestors) endures as a pathway for the generations to come.
Investigating gamma power as a neural marker of mindfulness-related change
(The University of Waikato, 2025) Panzer, Erik; Doborjeh, Zohreh
Background: Mindfulness training has been shown to influence both psychological well-being and brain function. Neurophysiological studies using electroencephalography (EEG) have found that mindfulness practice can alter brain oscillations, particularly within frequency bands linked to attention, awareness, and emotional regulation. Despite growing evidence that mindfulness affects brain dynamics, the specific impact of mindfulness training on resting-state gamma activity and how such changes relate to psychological outcomes and facets of mindfulness remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the neurophysiological effects of mindfulness training, with a focus on gamma-band EEG activity and its association with psychological functioning. Method: This study used a longitudinal design with two groups (mindfulness training vs control). Resting-state EEG and self-report measures; Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) was collected at baseline (T1) and after a 6-week training period (T2). The primary focus was on gamma-band activity across five brain regions, (frontal, frontocentral, temporal, centroparietal, and occipitoparietal) and their relationship with mindfulness outcomes. Results: At T2, gamma power in frontal regions negatively correlated with the “Acting with Awareness” facet of mindfulness. Regression analyses showed that EEG activity, particularly Left Frontal Lower Gamma at T2 predicted mindfulness scores, explaining an additional 47.2% of the variance beyond baseline levels. Higher gamma power was associated with lower self-reported awareness, suggesting mindfulness training reduced neural activation in regions linked to automatic processing. These effects were not present in the control group. Conclusion: These findings indicate that mindfulness practice is associated with changes in gamma-band neural oscillations, which may reflect enhanced attentional control and reduced cognitive interference, key mechanisms underlying mental health resilience. By identifying gamma-band EEG markers predictive of mindfulness improvements, this study provides a foundation for developing personalized, brain-informed interventions that can be integrated into clinical settings to support stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall mental well-being.
The breakfast effect revisited: Evaluating the influence of a recent meal on canine (Canis familiaris) performance in a scent detection task
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Yee, Journie; Edwards, Timothy L.
Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are known for their excellent sense of smell, which is widely used to assist humans with important tasks. Despite this, there is limited research on how a dog's hunger state might influence their performance in scent-detection tasks. Previous research suggests that dogs demonstrate higher accuracy in search tasks when tested within 30 minutes of breakfast consumption. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear, and whether similar effects might also occur in scent-detection tasks is unknown. One possible explanation is the glucose effect, which suggests that a recent meal improves cognitive performance. Alternatively, motivating operations (MO) theory suggests that feeding state modifies the dogs’ behaviour by changing the reinforcing effectiveness of food. Under this framework, recent food consumption is an abolishing operation (AO) that decreases the value of reinforcement and narrows stimulus control, while not eating recently is an establishing operation (EO), that increases the value of reinforcement and broadens response bias. This study evaluated scent-detection performance using an alternating-treatments design across breakfast (AO) and non-breakfast EO conditions. To prevent ceiling and floor effects, task difficulty was adjusted by increasing the formal similarity between target (discriminative stimulus; Sᴰ) and non-target odours across experimental phases. We hypothesised that the dogs would perform more accurately on the scent-detection task on breakfast days, as the absence of breakfast may increase the likelihood of false alarm indications, thereby reducing accuracy. Results showed that hit rates remained high, 89% across all phases in both conditions, and across individual sessions, ranging from 87%-93% for breakfast and 82% 94% for non-breakfast conditions. While correct-rejection rates were significantly higher on breakfast days (p = .016). This suggests that the AO narrowed stimulus control, whereas the EO broadened generalisation. A measure of log d and correct rejection rates improved significantly over time (p = .025; p = .014), suggesting that, cumulative food reinforcement (AO) throughout the day refined discrimination. These findings suggest that a recent meal functions as a MO which influence the precision of stimulus control, instead of, or possibly in addition to, a glucose effect.
Exploring the relationship between age and victimisation risk
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Steer, Donelle; Tompson, Lisa
Extensive research has examined the relationship between age and offending, which is reflected in the established age-crime curve. The age-crime curve shows that offending typically rises during adolescence, peaks in late adolescence, and declines through the twenties and beyond. But less attention has been given to investigating age-related patterns of victimisation. Therefore, in this thesis we1 sought to answer two research questions. First, is there an age-victimisation curve comparable to the well-established age-crime curve? Second, if present, does the age-victimisation curve differ across broad crime categories (property vs interpersonal crime)? To answer these questions, we analysed data from two main sources – the New Zealand Recorded Crime Victims Statistics (RCVS) and the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey (NZCVS). We plotted both the frequency and rates of victimisation across age using line graphs. For both our research questions, we found that there were age-victimisation curves that mirrored the age-crime curve for the RCVS samples, but not necessarily for our NZCVS samples. Generally, our research showed that the rate and frequency of victimisation increases from teenage years well into people’s twenties, before decreasing as age increases. However, the NZCVS samples showed a gradual decline rather than a discernible curve, with some spikes around middle adulthood. Future research should use longitudinal data to better understand the distribution of victimisation over the life-course and examine the age of onset of victimisation to inform targeted prevention and intervention efforts.
How can we make a diverse range of aromatic sulfates to explore sulfatase substrate relationships?
(The University of Waikato, 2026-05-16) Wang, Peiyao; Dickson, Benjamin
Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are an emerging class of targeted therapeutics that combine the high specificity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with the potent cytotoxicity of small-molecule drugs. A critical component of ADC design is the linker between mAbs and payload, as its chemical stability and cleavage behaviour directly determine therapeutic efficacy, selectivity, and safety. While peptide-based cleavable linkers dominate current clinical ADC platforms, their susceptibility to premature cleavage and instability in certain biological contexts has motivated the exploration of alternative enzymatically cleavable linkers. Arylsulfatase-cleavable linkers have recently attracted increasing interest as a promising alternative due to their excellent efficiency and reported stability in both human and mouse plasma. The cleavage of sulfate is catalysed by lysosomal sulfatases. Sulfatases were expressed in some tumour environments, which further support the selectivity of ADCs. However, systematic study for the characterization of structure and the analysis of properties is still insufficient, which limited the development of sulfatase-cleavable linker in certain degree. In this study, a diverse library of substituted aryl sulfates was synthesised to probe sulfatase–substrate interactions and to establish a robust analytical framework for their characterisation. The synthetic strategy enabled the preparation of aryl sulfates bearing a range of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents at different positions on the aromatic ring, allowing systematic evaluation of electronic and structural effects. The resulting compounds were fully characterised using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), and UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy.
The investigation of military style academies as an intervention for young people with serious and persistent criminality
(The University of Waikato, 2025) Kazadi, Mujinga Deborah; Roen, Katrina
A developmental perspective asserts that criminal trajectories arise due to the complex interactions between environmental factors and individual factors increasing vulnerabilities towards persistent criminality. These criminal trajectories are identifiable during early childhood and represent unaddressed vulnerabilities across social, cognitive and familial contexts. The presence of serious and persistent offending amongst young people is significant because it highlights the accumulative effects of risk factors present in childhood and places them at increased risk of transitioning into persistent criminality in adulthood. It is therefore advantageous to design interventions targeting serious and persistent offending in young people. Aotearoa’s National government proposed military style academies (MSAs) as an intervention to reduce the amount of young people involved in serious and persistent offending. The combination of physical activity and rehabilitative components is proposed to alter criminal trajectories and encourage desistance from crime. This thesis investigates youth practitioner’s perceptions of MSAs, an intervention for youth with serious and persistent criminality to conceptualize how youth rehabilitation can be shaped to positively contribute to the wellbeing of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable young people. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse 11 interviews with youth practitioners with at least one year’s experience working with vulnerable youth. Four main themes and nine sub-themes were identified. The four main themes included addressing the root causes of crime, reducing re-offending, cultural considerations and the juvenile justice system. Serious and persistent offending amongst young people was viewed to be the result of a lack of early interventions targeting those at the highest risk of developing enduring criminal identities. The whānau unit was highlighted as a key target for early interventions and rehabilitative programmes. Participants raised concerns about the incongruence between MSAs and a Te Ao Māori world view. Participants suggested that MSAs failed to recognise the extent to which young people who offend are often victims first. Further, they argued that MSAs did not facilitate reintegration into the community. These factors were associated with increasing the likelihood that young people will go on to offend. These findings support the need for interventions to embrace a therapeutic model emphasizing the reconciliation and redemption of the young person. As such, the re-structure of youth rehabilitation and the juvenile justice system to more closely align with Mātauranga Māori and desistance theories can be considered a robust strategy to disrupt the care to custody pipeline so prevalent in young people who offend.
Psychological Capital and its support to students while they combine work and study
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Bovill, Kimberly; Sutton, Anna
One in every two students in Aotearoa/New Zealand now works approximately 16 hours per week alongside studying, which is driven by the current increasing living costs and decreased access to governmental financial support seen in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This financial strain and need to self-support is a reality for students that requires more attention, due to the potential negative impacts of financial strain on students’ stress, well-being and academic success, altering the students’ time at university and academic outcomes. However, there is variance in students’ experiences and the way they balance these working and student roles, suggesting that individual psychological resources may play a significant role in shaping outcomes. The present study examined whether Psychological Capital (PsyCap), a positive psychological resource comprising hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism (HERO), mediates the negative impacts of combining work and study by buffering the relationship between hours worked and student outcomes. An online survey was administered to 214 undergraduate students currently studying at the University of Waikato, Aotearoa, New Zealand. Data were analysed using correlation and mediation analyses to identify relationships between variables, and explain any relationship found between PsyCap involving the components of HERO and hours worked, stress, well-being and academic success. The results showed that higher levels of PsyCap were associated with lower stress, along with higher levels of well-being and academic performance, giving an insight into the importance of psychological resources. Hours worked showed weak associations with student outcomes and were significantly related only to general university stress, indicating that employment hours can add stress but do not inherently impact a student's outcomes. Mediation analyses showed that PsyCap did not mediate the relationship between hours worked and student outcomes, primarily because hours worked were not significantly related to PsyCap. These findings suggest that psychological resources may play a more substantial role in shaping a student's experience in the ability to juggle these roles, rather than employment intensity alone. The findings highlighted the importance of internal coping resources, especially for students who are juggling multiple roles. Future research recommendations include interventions aimed at strengthening PsyCap, known as Psychological Capital Interventions (PCI), which focus on steps such as goal setting and identifying paths to reach these goals, providing a more practical and realistic approach to promoting student well-being, academic success and commitment to higher education. If these practical interventions are put in place to support students’ academic success, this can positively impact the workforce and the new generation of workers.
Using genetic techniques to improve understanding of source-sink dynamics of the invasive mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Hale, Phoenix; McGaughran, Angela
Biodiversity loss is more prominent in freshwater versus terrestrial or marine ecosystems, with temperate estuaries believed to be the most degraded of all ecosystems globally. This is due, in part, to the proliferation of invasive non-native species and the inadequacies of current biomonitoring practices for monitoring population trends over sufficient spatiotemporal scales to inform management decisions. Environmental DNA (eDNA; genetic material shed to the surrounding environment by organisms) is an increasingly popular, non-invasive biomonitoring method that provides the opportunity to increase the scale at which population trends can be monitored, while also having the potential as a sampling method for population genetic studies. My thesis aimed to use a variety of methods to understand source-sink population dynamics at varying spatial and temporal scales and explore the value genetic techniques can provide to species management, using the invasive pest fish, Gambuis affinis, as a test case. Chapter 2 used traditional netting techniques to survey occupancy patterns of G. affinis to understand the species’ physical dispersal drivers within a large coastal ecosystem in the South Island of New Zealand. I demonstrated a decrease in abundance and likelihood of G. affinis presence as tide height increased, and a decrease in abundance of G. affinis at a specific site as rainfall increased. These findings show that monitoring of occupancy patterns of freshwater fish is often done at too small a spatiotemporal scale and that future work should incorporate additional methods to increase the scale at which monitoring is performed. Chapter 3 analysed mitochondrial DNA collected across New Zealand from both tissue and water samples to explore the efficacy of eDNA as a sampling tool for determining mitochondrial variation at large spatiotemporal scales. I showed that >99% of the G. affinis mitochondrial assemblage was shared by both tissue and water samples, but the remaining detected genetic variation was unique to either tissue or water only. These findings show that, while that eDNA holds great promise for biomonitoring in freshwater environments, careful consideration of study design is required for its use in assessing the drivers of biodiversity differentiation. Together, my thesis demonstrates the utility of eDNA metabarcoding techniques as a complement to traditional survey methods to increase the spatiotemporal scale at which biomonitoring is undertaken. Continued application of a combination of these methods will facilitate improved knowledge of occupancy and dispersal patterns for G. affinis and, as such, greater protection of our native ecosystems and species.
A productive paradox - A mixed methods study examining the clinical academic model within the University of Waikato nursing programmes
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Devoy, Claire; O'Brien, Anthony; Barlow-Armstrong, Jewel
Background: The nursing workforce, both globally and nationally, faces significant challenges that impact nursing education and professional development, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to support workforce development. The Clinical Academic role is one such response, a position in which nurses engage concurrently across both clinical and academic settings to integrate research and evidence into clinical practice. In 2020, the University of Waikato nursing programme adopted a Clinical Academic model, utilising advanced-level registered nurses to bridge education and practice and to strengthen partnerships with clinical partners. This study explores Clinical Academics’ experiences, the roles impact on student learning and how the model has met its intended outcomes. Methods: A mixed methods convergent parallel design with a qualitative dominant focus was used. Semi-structured interviews with eight Clinical Academic staff were analysed thematically, and an online survey of pre-registration nursing students provided descriptive quantitative data on perceptions of Clinical Academics during clinical placements. Findings were integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role. Results: Eight Clinical Academics (Designated Senior Nurse, n=6; Registered Nurse, n=2) participated in interviews, and 48 surveys were returned by students across the Bachelor of Nursing (n=33) and Master of Nursing Practice (n=15) programmes(19.7% response rate). Qualitative data revealed four themes: clarity and complexity, enhancing learning and practice, collaboration and connection and systemic pressures. Quantitative survey data showed no statistically significant associations. Conclusion: The Clinical Academic role is highly valued, with collaboration and connection strongly represented across academic and clinical contexts. Challenges related to role ambiguity, structural tensions and sustainability were evident. While joint appointments offer substantial benefits, their effectiveness depends on clear role definition, supportive structures, resource allocation and alignment between academic and clinical expectations.
Evaluating the effect of intermittent reinforcement on concept learning in canine lung cancer detection
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Ji, Linguo; Edwards, Timothy L.
Dogs have demonstrated the ability to identify a range of human diseases, including lung cancer, through olfactory analysis of biological samples. Although exhaled breath is a non-invasive and accessible sample type, no single volatile organic compound has been reliably identified as a biomarker. Therefore, the process of identifying lung cancer in human implies a process of concept learning, suggesting dogs’ detection of lung cancer may be relying on the subjects' ability to identify a complex, highly variable pattern of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. Concept learning appears to be a special form of generalization, with underlying mechanisms in common with those responsible for perceptual concept learning in the visual domain. While intermittent reinforcement is commonly recommended in scent-detection training to simulate and prepare for operational conditions where reinforcement is not always possible, its effects on conceptual generalization remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of intermittent reinforcement on canine concept learning in a lung cancer detection task. Five dogs were trained using a fully automated 17-segment carousel apparatus with breath samples collected from 348 patients who visited respiratory clinic, with 115 tested positive and 233 tested negative in lung cancer. A single-subject reversal design was employed; the reinforcement rate for correct indications to positive samples was systematically thinned from 100% down to ranges of 80% and 60%. The findings demonstrated that thinning the reinforcement schedule to a minimum of 60% did not exert a significant disruptive effect on the dogs' diagnostic accuracy. In addition, an exploratory probe test also provided preliminary evidence that the dogs could successfully differentiate between lung-originated cancer and non-lung-originated (NLO) cancer samples.
Where confidence fails, training prevails: Effects of behavioural skills training on improving kaimahi confidence when using patient management systems for outreach immunisation services.
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Squire, Danielle; Blackmore, Tania; Carlson, Teah
In New Zealand, immunisation rates among tamariki Māori are consistently lower nationally at all recommended age milestones. Access to clear and timely information can facilitate engagement with whānau Māori. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Behavioural skills training (BST) to improve kaimahi use of a patient management system (PMS) – Indici. A Kaupapa Māori approach was utilised to engage with the organisation. Seven participants were recruited from a local health and social services provider. Consultation supported development of task analyses used for training. BST occurs in four phases: instruction, modelling, rehearsal, and feedback. Data were collected following a multiple baseline design with a single baseline session, BST intervention, and a follow-up session to assess for maintenance. All participants demonstrated improvement in task accuracy following the introduction of BST and maintained task accuracy in a post-training follow-up. Despite improvements across all participants, task adherence was impacted during training. This study highlights that BST is an effective, socially valid tool for training simple skills for accessing information in a PMS such as Indici. However, further research is needed to examine the use of BST for teaching complex computer systems in applied health settings.
Subsurface defect detection in thin steel plates using thermoelastic stress analysis
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Joseph, Sandesh; Tighe, Rachael C.
Thermoelastic Stress Analysis (TSA) is a non-contact full-field measurement technique that relates cyclic elastic stress to small temperature changes on the surface of a material. While TSA is well established for surface stress measurement and crack detection, its application for detecting subsurface defects remains limited, particularly in thin metallic components. Conventional TSA is typically performed under near-adiabatic conditions to relate surface temperature changes directly to cyclic stress; in this work, loading frequency is deliberately varied to relax these conditions and assess whether thermal diffusion can enhance subsurface defect visibility at the observed surface. This study investigates the capability of TSA to detect and characterise subsurface defects in 3mm thick GR250 steel plates under cyclic tensile loading. A controlled experimental programme was carried out using plain specimens, specimens containing flat-bottom subsurface defects of different depths, and notched specimens for validation. The study focused on 3 mm thick GR250 steel plates containing circular flat-bottom subsurface defects of 5 mm diameter with depths of 1 mm and 2 mm, tested under cyclic loading frequencies between 4–20 Hz. TSA measurements were performed at multiple loading frequencies using an infrared camera system, and thermoelastic stress maps and extracted stress profiles were obtained through lock-in processing and signal stacking. Backside imaging was employed to assess the influence of defect depth and remaining ligament thickness on the measured surface response. The results demonstrate that TSA can detect subsurface defects through their influence on surface stress redistribution, provided that the defects are sufficiently close to the observed surface. Defects associated with smaller remaining ligament thickness produce clearer and more localised thermoelastic signatures, while defects separated from the observed surface by a thicker ligament generate weaker and more diffuse responses. Stress profile analysis shows that defect depth influences not only the magnitude of the response but also the nature of the surface stress redistribution. The frequency investigation shows that loading frequency primarily affects signal stability and repeatability, while also confirming that defect-related surface signatures persist across the tested range. A supporting finite element modelling study was conducted to provide mechanical interpretation of the experimentally observed stress redistribution patterns. The numerical results show consistent depth-dependent stress transfer behaviour and support the experimental interpretation of remaining ligament thickness as a key controlling factor in subsurface defect detectability. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential and limitations of TSA for subsurface defect detection in thin steel plates and provides experimental and numerical insight into the stress redistribution mechanisms governing defect visibility. The findings contribute to the understanding of TSA sensitivity to subsurface defects and provide a basis for further development of TSA-based subsurface inspection methodologies.
Leadership styles amongst charge nurse managers
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Woolerton, Christine; Parsons, Matthew
Background: Ward-level leadership plays a critical role in shaping registered nurse (RN) experience, workforce stability and patient safety. Charge Nurse Managers (CNM) occupy a pivotal leadership position within acute healthcare settings; however, limited empirical research has examined how CNM personality traits and leadership behaviours influence both staff experience and measurable organisational outcomes. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between CNM leadership style and personality traits, and their association with RN experience, RN retention, and medication-related adverse events at the ward level. Participants: Participants included 15 Charge Nurse Managers employed across inpatient wards and rural facilities within Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) Waikato district. The sample represented 50 percent of CNMs within the district. Ward-level data relating to RN turnover and medication adverse events were included for the corresponding clinical areas. Methods: A sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Phase One involved semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring CNM leadership experiences and role perceptions. Phase Two utilised the ‘Big Five’ personality inventory to assess CNM personality traits. Phase Three involved analysis of routinely collected ward-level key performance indicator data, including RN retention and medication adverse events over a 12-month period. Data were integrated using a triangulation approach to support interpretive depth and methodological rigour. Results: Findings indicated that conscientiousness and emotional stability were the personality traits most strongly associated with positive leadership outcomes. CNMs demonstrating higher levels of these traits were associated with more positive RN experiences, higher retention rates and lower medication adverse event rates. Qualitative findings highlighted psychological safety, emotional regulation and leadership consistency as key mechanisms linking personality and leadership behaviour to outcomes. Leadership effectiveness emerged as a developmental process shaped by personality foundations, experiential growth, and leadership role transition. Conclusion: This study contributes to nursing leadership literature by linking CNM personality traits to both staff and patient outcomes and by proposing a Roadmap to Health Leadership framework that conceptualises leadership effectiveness as an evolving, context-dependent trajectory. The findings support leadership development approaches that are reflective, evidence-informed, and sensitive to the complexity of ward-based healthcare environments.
Comparing AAC modalities in functional communication training for adults with developmental disabilities: A study on preference and maintenance
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Yee Juin, Ling; Carnett, Amarie
While Functional Communication Training (FCT) has been widely validated in child’s populations, its effectiveness among adults with developmental disabilities (DD) remains underexplored in the literature. Modern FCT increasingly emphasises selecting an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modality that fits the individual and is preferred by them, as this can directly influence acquisition speed, maintenance of the functional communication response (FCR) and risk of problem behaviour relapse. This study evaluated a function-based approach to reducing problem behaviour and strengthening functional communication for an autistic adult with DDs and limited verbal communication. Building on prior work, the study aimed to (a) identify an individually preferred mand topography following differential training of two AAC modalities and (b) test the durability of that preferred modality when embedded within FCT, including delay and denial tolerance training (DDTT). Using a single-subject design, a 25-year-old adult participant with history of problem behaviours was systematically exposed to phases of FCT intervention including DDTT. The result of the study demonstrated a fast acquisition rate when the preferred AAC modality was used and the suppression of problem behaviour using competing stimuli during tolerance training. The findings underscore the clinical implications of embedding AAC modality evaluation and preference assessment within FCT and systematic DDTT to promote durable functional communication and behavioural stability in real-world adult service contexts.
Investigating stroke risk factors: A cross-cultural network analysis
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Olsen, Kelly J.; Medvedev, Oleg N.
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major source of disability, with well-documented, complex risk factors. While stroke risk factors have been studied in their respective fields, research on how biological, psychological, and social factors interact remains limited, and no studies have explored whether patterns vary across ethnic groups. This study used network analysis to explore the unique associations and directional probabilities among known stroke risk factors across different ethnic groups. Data from 15,460 participants across 134 countries were collected via the Stroke Riskometer mobile application, classified into six ethnic groups (White/European, African, Asian, Indian, Latin American/Hispanic, Other). Bayesian Gaussian Graphical Models (BGGM) showed that 78-84% of associations were stable across ethnicities, indicating that most stroke risk relationships are consistent across cultures, with some unique differences. Associations between cardiovascular and non-modifiable risk factors of age, TBI and stroke history were identified cross-culturally, consistent with literature and confirming the viability of the networks. The Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) revealed probable risk pathways stemming from non-modifiable risk factors such as age, stroke history, parental stroke, TBI, and sex, leading to psychological distress, with cardiovascular and lifestyle factors acting as powerful mediators, and resulting in poor memory and diabetes identified as terminal outcomes. These findings suggest that stroke risk develops through multiple biopsychosocial pathways. While non-modifiable risk factors have substantial upstream influence, the DAG identified modifiable factors, such as psychological distress, cardiovascular conditions, and lifestyle factors, that can be targeted for prevention. Stroke prevention should be multifaceted, reflecting the network’s dynamic interconnections and hierarchical nature. Overall, these results highlight a diverse but largely consistent cross-cultural network of stroke risk factors.
A second at the sign: Signage increases visitors’ recall of wildlife information at a kiwi hatchery
(The University of Waikato, 2026) George, Annie Bella; Sargisson, Rebecca
Conservation of wildlife is an integral part of sustainable development of a nation and conservation education needs to remind citizens of how they can play their part. Signs are one of the commonly used low-cost tools to educate the public about different facts and actions necessary to conserve wildlife. I investigated whether a sign increased recall of pecific facts about kiwi predators. I used a single-case, multiple-baseline-across-site design with an ABAB reversal design. At the intervention site The National Kiwi Hatchery, Rotorua, visitor recall increased when the sign was present, compared to when it was absent. At the control site, Hamilton Zoo, where no sign was placed, recall was similar to sign-absent conditions at the intervention site and did not change over the study period. My research provides evidence that signs can be effective low-cost behavioural interventions.
Stratigraphy and sedimentology of conglomerates in the Kidnappers Group, Hawke’s Bay
(The University of Waikato, 1978) Kamp, Peter J.J.; Nelson, Campbell S.
The Middle to Late Pleistocene Kidnappers Group comprises 400 m of diverse lithologies deposited in fluvial, marginal marine and shallow marine environments. The stratigraphy and sedimentology of the greywacke conglomerates, the dominant lithology in the group, is investigated, in part using three new computer programmes. Five environmentally sensitive lithologies are recognised: Lithotype 1 - Imbricated, inverse to normally graded conglomerate; Lithotype 2 - Planar cross-stratified conglomerate; Lithotype 3 - Thin, massive to stratified conglomerate; Lithotype 4 - Planar cross-stratified, shelly, sandy conglomerate; Lithotype 5 - Thin, massive to low-angle cross-stratified, shelly conglomerate. On the basis of cross-stratification types, fossil content and the shapes, orientation fabrics and grain-size analyses of clasts, Lithotypes 1, 2 and 3 have a braided fluvial origin and Lithotypes 4 and 5 a shallow marine origin. Differences between Lithotypes 1, 2 and 3 identify a proximal-distal sequence within the braided fluvial environment. Lithotype 1 is interpreted as proximal channel and longitudinal bar facies, Lithotype 2 as mid-reach transverse and longitudinal/diagonal bar facies, and Lithotype 3 as channel and topstratum overbank deposits in the distal reaches of a braided river system. From the vertical succession of conglomeratic facies and marine fossiliferous units, a chronology of submergence and emergence events in the Kidnappers Group has been established. This succession is dominantly controlled by glacio-eustatic fluctuations in sea level which agree in frequency and period with sea level fluctuations derived from deep sea core data from 0.5 to 0.1 m.y.B.P. Tectonism has also influenced the supply of sediment to the group and reinforced the magnitude of the submergence and emergence events.
Barriers and facilitators to Oranga Tamariki access: Wāhine voices from Te Whakaruruhau
(The University of Waikato, 2025) Mcleay, Ana; Sutton, Anna; Hamley, Logan
This thesis examines how wāhine supported by Te Whakaruruhau Waikato Women’s Refuge experience Oranga Tamariki (OT) in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), and what barriers and facilitators shape their access to services. Within a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, influenced by Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wahine principles, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured, kanohi ki te kanohi interviews with six wāhine and kaimahi. Reflexive thematic analysis identified seven themes, grouped into two overarching clusters: barriers and facilitators to OT access. Barriers were pervasive and cumulative, encompassing relational harm, negligence, fear and risk, and cultural tokenism. Facilitators - collaborative advocacy, strengths-based practice, and procedural justice - were comparatively rare and often dependent on external supports rather than systemic provision. Mapping these findings against Te Hā o Whānau, an access framework, revealed that barriers emerged where tikanga manaakitanga, tikanga whakawhanaungatanga, and tikanga rangatiratanga were absent, while facilitators aligned with their enactment. Te Hā o Whānau conceptualises access as a relational and culturally grounded process inseparable from wellbeing, making it both conceptually robust and uniquely suited to Aotearoa. The analysis demonstrates that OT, as currently structured, undermines whānau wellbeing through systemic practices that erode mana, restrict autonomy, and compromise safety. In the immediate term, strengthened collaborative advocacy offers some protection and support, but meaningful change requires systemic transformation. Future research should examine how Te Hā o Whānau might be further operationalised across different service contexts and explore experiences of wāhine and whānau with OT in a variety of contexts to build a fuller understanding of access and wellbeing in child welfare.
Ultimate moment capacity of bolted joint for cold-formed aluminium back-to-back channel sections
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Hasan, Zahid; Roy, Krishanu; Paul, Bikram
Cold-formed aluminium (CFA) channel sections are gaining popularity in structural applications as a lightweight and corrosion-resistant alternative to carbon steel, especially in coastal and aggressive environments. However, their effective use depends critically on the performance of their connections. This research investigates the structural behaviour of bolted moment connections in back-to-back CFA channel sections. Key factors such as web buckling, shear lag, and bending shear interaction were identified as influencing the ultimate moment capacity of these joints. An extensive numerical study of 1008 validated finite element (FE) models was conducted using ABAQUS. Moreover, validation was carried out based on experimental tests available in the literature. The Direct Strength Method (DSM) showed noticeable deviations from FE results in several cases, highlighting the limitations of DSM when applied to CFA sections. A parametric analysis was performed to examine the influence of cross-sectional size, thickness, web holes, and aluminium alloy grade and temper. Based on these findings, a new predictive equation is proposed for the reduced moment capacity of CFA back-to-back channel sections. The equation was rigorously assessed for reliability and accuracy, and it provides a practical tool for engineers designing CFA portal frame connections. .
It’s a sign: From nocturnal kiwi to daytime heroes - The power of design in shaping conservation behaviour
(The University of Waikato, 2025) Fick-Swann, Skye; Sargisson, Rebecca J.
Interpretive signage is widely used in zoos and aquariums to support conservation education, yet evidence of its behavioural effectiveness remains inconsistent. I examined whether a poster designed using Big Hero Visualisation (BHV) principles functioned as an effective antecedent stimulus to increase recall of the five kiwi species. A between-subjects online experiment presented participants with existing National Aquarium exhibition signage, with the BHV kiwi poster included as an additional antecedent stimulus for the experimental condition only. The control condition viewed the same materials without the BHV poster prior to recall assessment. Participants also completed the Value Orientation Scale (VOS) and the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale to explore whether self-reported environmental value orientations predicted recall or interacted with the signage condition. The logistic regression indicated that participants who viewed the BHV poster were more likely to recall the correct number of kiwi species compared to the control condition. None of the VOS or NEP subscales, nor their interactions with condition, were associated with recall accuracy. The study provides applied evidence that antecedent manipulations in visual design may influence immediate recall of conservation information. However, the online format likely increased attending relative to naturalistic settings, and I measured only immediate recall rather than broader behavioural outcomes. Future research should investigate how BHV elements perform amongst real-world competing stimuli and whether specific design components are more effective antecedent features. Overall, the results support continued evaluation of interpretive design as a low-cost behavioural intervention for improving conservation-related learning.

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