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Research Commons is the University of Waikato's open access research repository, housing research publications and theses produced by the University's staff and students.

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The rowing-specific reinvestment scale
(Taylor & Francis, 2022) Sparks, Katherine V.; Kavussanu, Maria; Masters, Rich S.W.; Ring, Christopher
This research project aimed to develop and validate a rowing-specific reinvestment scale. In Study 1, a 24-item questionnaire was developed and the content validity was assessed using experts (N = 7) and pilot-tested in rowers (N = 24). Next, rowers (N = 282) completed the questionnaire with the remaining items, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted. This further reduced the number of items and revealed two factors, rowing specific conscious motor processing (RS-CMP) and movement self-consciousness (RS-MSC). In Study 2, rowers (N = 270) completed the scale that was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Moreover, the construct validity of the scale was investigated by asking them to complete measures of movement-specific reinvestment, perceived performance, self-consciousness, and state anxiety. Actual performance was also determined based on their race finishing position. Study 1 EFA resulted in a 2-factor model with six items assessing RS-CMP and six items assessing RS-MSC. Study 2 supported the factor structure of scale; CFA indicated an acceptable model fit with good internal consistency. Content validity was also supported, with evidence of concurrent, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity. In conclusion, these studies provided good initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the RSRS.
Media, diaspora, and political engagement: Exploring the role of ethnic Chinese media in shaping Chinese New Zealanders' political participation in Aotearoa
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Zheng, Jiancheng; Hardy, Ann; Galikowski , Maria
This study investigates the intersection of Chinese-language media, 2020 New Zealand general election, and the lived experiences of the Chinese diaspora within New Zealand's dual bicultural and multicultural frameworks. As New Zealand's demographic composition grows more diverse, Chinese-language media have become vital in supporting cultural continuity and promoting political involvement within the Chinese community. This research emphasizes the distinctive role of the ethnic media—especially platforms like WeChat—in influencing the political behaviour, identity formation, and community dynamics of Chinese New Zealanders. Through the mixed research methods of the 2020 New Zealand general election, the study explores how the ethnic media shape voting patterns and political preferences, bridging critical language and access gaps for a community often sidelined within mainstream political discourse. Moreover, the study addresses the specific challenges faced by Chinese-language media, including financial constraints and censorship, and examines the broader impacts of information accessibility and media quality on democratic participation. The findings deepen the understanding of the Chinese diaspora's shifting role within New Zealand’s political landscape, reflecting wider global trends in diaspora media and minority political engagement. By positioning the experiences of Chinese New Zealanders within New Zealand's bicultural commitments and its multicultural realities, this research offers nuanced insights into the integration of the ethnic media in supporting a society's democratic infrastructure.
Pest fish removal by boat electrofishing Western Springs Lake - Te Wai Orea February 2026
(Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2026) Ling, Nicholas; Rowe, Kat; Roche, Ben
Invasive exotic fish species were removed from Western Springs Lake Te Wai Orea by boat electrofishing in February 2026. Over five days, a total of 372 fish (252 goldfish, 43 koi carp, 77 brown bullhead catfish) totalling 509.6 kg were removed from the lake. These were the only exotic species captured or observed. Eels were abundant in the lake, and three smaller native fish were also captured (īnanga, common smelt, common bully). Due to targeted fishing effort in areas frequented by fish rather than employing a randomised sampling method, and varying electrofishing pulsator settings to target particular species, a reduction in catch per unit effort (CPUE) was not observed for the two less common species (carp and catfish). However, a reduction in CPUE was observed for goldfish, and analysis of goldfish catch data by the Leslie plot method estimated 78% removal of this species from the lake. Goldfish catch rate declined from a peak of 18.7 fish per hour on day one to three fish per hour by day five. Most goldfish and catfish were captured in weedy habitat in Pumphouse Bay at the south-eastern end of the lake. Goldfish and koi carp were also associated with marginal beds of papyrus sedge (Cyperus papyrus) and also occurred in shallow bays on the western side of the lake. Few fish were captured or observed in devegetated central areas of the lake.
Sediment aluminium content of Lakes Rotorua and Rotoehu: 2024 monitoring survey
(Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2026) Tempero, Grant Wayne
Continuous alum (aluminium sulphate) dosing of the Utuhina Stream was initiated in 2006, with the objective of reducing dissolved reactive phosphate (DRP) loading of Lake Rotorua, thereby reducing lake primary productivity. A second continuous alum dosing station began operation on the Puarenga Stream in 2010. The water quality of Lake Rotorua has improved, with the Trophic Lake Index (TLI) declining from 5.0 in 2004 to 4.3 in 2024. Similarly, continuous alum dosing of the Waitangi Stream which flows into Lake Rotoehu began in 2011. However, alum dosing at this site was not as effective as anticipated, as invasive aquatic weed inhibited alum from reaching the main basin. As of 31 December 2023, a total of 993 tonnes of aluminium had been dosed to Lake Rotorua and 128 tonnes to Lake Rotoehu.
Operationalising bicultural practice with Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand: Registered psychologists' experiences, approaches, and challenges
(The University of Waikato, 2026) Wilson, Alice; Mohi , Simone R.
Registered psychologists in Aotearoa New Zealand are required under Te Tiriti o Waitangi to integrate Māori worldviews and culturally responsive practices into their therapeutic work. However, empirical research examining how psychologists operationalise bicultural practice in everyday clinical settings remains limited. This qualitative study addressed two research questions: (1) How do psychologists operationalise bicultural principles in their psychological practice? and (2) What are the biggest challenges psychologists have experienced in engaging in bicultural practice? Semi structured interviews were conducted with 24 registered psychologists, and results were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Eight themes were identified: (1) Prioritising Whakawhanaungatanga, (2) Client-Centred Cultural Responsiveness, (3) Te Whare Tapa Whā as a Fundamental Framework, (4) Cultural Practices Integration, (5) Ongoing Commitment to Preparation and Learning, (6) Fear and Anxiety as Barriers to Engagement, (7) Barriers to Engagement: Bicultural Training and Educational Preparation, and (8) Navigating Practitioner Positionality and Client Cultural Identity Complexity. Together, these findings illustrate how psychologists are actively incorporating bicultural practice across diverse clinical settings while navigating systemic, educational, and personal barriers. Results are discussed within the He Awa Whiria (Braided Rivers) framework, with implications for training, professional standards, and the ongoing development of bicultural psychological practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.