ResearchSpace@Auckland
University of Auckland Research Repository - ResearchSpace
ResearchSpace is an online archive for the University of Auckland and contains full text theses and other research outputs.
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Recent Submissions
Can Universities Be Considered Queer Institutions?
(Massey University, 2025) Pilkington, Scott; Eklund, Tof
Universities have Queer staff and students and conduct Queer research, so are they Queer institutions
themselves? Can universities be ‘safe spaces’ for Rainbow Communities? Unfortunately, there is
insufficient data in Aotearoa/New Zealand to be able to conclusively test that, so the historical and
contemporary relationships with and treatment and experiences at university of women, Māori and
Pacific Peoples are considered as alternatives for those with Rainbow Communities. For each of these
marginalised groups, similar patterns of oppression and discrimination present through consistent lack
of career progression, pay equity and representation in senior leadership, short-term and precarious
employment, harassment and violence, and sidelining into small and out-of-the-way departments and
disciplines held in lower validity to ‘traditional’ subjects. However, scholars from these communities
are forming their own research and support networks which are inclusive, intersectional and
interdisciplinary. Within this framework of bottom-up initiatives, universities could be Queer institutions
in the same way that they could be feminist and Indigenous institutions. It is entirely possible—but may
involve rebuilding our institutions from the ground up rather than applying a new coat of paint.
Briefing: The ethics of factoring equity into clinical priority-setting
(Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, 2024-07) Jonas, Monique; Wensley, Dana
This briefing presents a response to the
view that it is unfair to take considerations
such as ethnicity into account when
prioritising patients for services such
as surgery. We argue that, in a world
in which access to opportunities for
health (including healthcare) are unfairly
distributed, fairness requires that we
allocate resources to mitigate the effects
of an unjust distribution. It is because
everyone’s health matters equally that it
would be wrong to ignore the fact that
some groups have better prospects for
enjoying health than others.
Research Ethics Review Within Te Whatu Ora Review of Options
(2024-11-01) Jonas, Monique; Chiang, Annie
The Evidence, Research and Clinical Trials (ERCT) team in Te Whatu Ora has
commissioned this review to assess how best to support high quality health research by
providing for ethical review of studies that are ineligible for review within the current
infrastructure.
Exploring the eDNA detection of avian botulism at an outbreak hotspot in New Zealand
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2025-02) Harris, Georgina Menendez; Lear, Gavin
Avian botulism is a fatal, paralytic disease affecting waterbirds globally, causing thousands to over one million fatalities annually. The disease is caused by botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) types C and C/D, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. With the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of outbreaks linked to climate change and pollution, avian botulism has become a significant threat to waterfowl. There is no cure, and birds suffer immensely before death, with survival relying on early intervention, which is rare. Current management in New Zealand, which involves the removal of sick or dead birds, is limited since it is reactive and only begins once an outbreak is apparent, highlighting the need for early detection and ongoing preventative measures. A cost-effective, non-invasive strategy to detect avian botulism before an outbreak occurs is environmental monitoring for C. botulinum DNA, including targeting toxin-producing genes. This project used molecular methods to analyse environmental DNA (eDNA) from sediment and bird carcasses. The site of interest is the treated wastewater channel and basin next to the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant in Auckland, New Zealand, a known outbreak hotspot home to many protected waterbirds. This study successfully detected C. botulinum and BoNT/C gene DNA in bird carcasses and environmental samples using quick and easily replicable molecular methods. The findings from this project support the feasibility of rapid environmental monitoring and provide suggestions for optimising PCR assays and detection strategies. These results could form the basis for early detection and ongoing monitoring, ultimately aiding in developing future management strategies to respond to avian botulism outbreaks before they occur and target resources for environmental management to where they are needed most.
Wheels of Change: Examining Incentive-Based Academic and Professional Staff e-Bicycle Initiatives
(School of Architecture and Planning, The University of Auckland, 2024) Oswald, Ferdinand; Mohammadzadeh, Mohsen; Welch, Timothy
As of today, commuting habits in Auckland remain predominantly centred around automobile transportation. However, recognizing the adverse impact of vehicle traffic on the environment and urban road congestion, numerous cities and organizations worldwide have devised initiatives aimed at promoting alternative modes of commuting. This paper focuses on exploring the advantages of commuting by bicycle and devising a strategy for implementing a Commuting by Bike initiative within the Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries (CAI) at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
The initiative proposed in this paper, titled "Wheels of Change", involves subsidizing (E-)Bikes for staff, offering a data-driven approach to developing a transportation program that prioritizes sustainability. The process commenced by researching existing case studies from various cities and organizations to ascertain the most effective design for an initiative tailored to Auckland's landscape and lifestyle. Central to this research was the collection and analysis of data, including a survey administered to CAI faculty staff members to gather feedback on initial concepts and their commuting preferences. The response from staff was highly encouraging, providing ample data for analysis.
Given the significant engagement with the survey and the widespread support among staff for a university-led bicycle commute initiative, there is a solid foundation for the realization of the affordable (E-)Bikes for Staff program.