Tuwhera Research Repository

The Tuwhera Research Repository provides sustainable open access and archiving to a broad range of AUT produced research - theses, research outputs and datasets.

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Access status: Open Access ,
Solar Photovoltaic Systems Adoption for Passive Houses in New Zealand: A Mixed-methods Analysis of Trends and Influencing Factors
(Elsevier BV, 2026-06-29) Nkado, Franklin Chukwuebuka; Aigwi, Itohan Esther; Doan, Dat Tien; GhaffarianHoseini, Ali
Solar photovoltaic systems (SPVS) can complement Passive Houses (PHs) by reducing grid dependence, emissions, and household energy costs. However, existing SPVS–PH research has emphasised technical performance and modelling, with limited attention to stakeholder, financial, policy, and market factors shaping adoption. This gap is evident in New Zealand, where SPVS uptake is increasing in conventional housing but remains limited in PHs. This study investigates the trends, drivers, barriers, and strategies influencing SPVS adoption in New Zealand PHs. A sequential mixed-methods approach was used, comprising document analysis, 34 interviews, and a survey of 96 building and energy professionals. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, while survey responses were examined using mean ranking (M), one-sample t-tests, and reliability testing in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings show that New Zealand's SPVS capacity reached 573 MW in 2024, while PH Plus and Premium certifications remain limited but are gradually increasing. Interviews identified 13 drivers, 18 barriers, and 18 strategies. Survey results ranked the strongest drivers as low-carbon transition support (M = 4.57), and declining SPVS costs (M = 4.55). The strongest barriers were budget constraints (M = 4.09) and low solar buy-back rates (M = 3.87); the strongest strategies were optimised design and installation (M = 4.54) and battery integration (M = 4.53). Although limited to stakeholder perceptions in New Zealand, the study shows adoption is shaped by financial viability, policy support, and early-stage design integration, thereby contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).
Access status: Open Access ,
Feature Comparison and Throughput Accuracy of OMNeT++ and Riverbed Network Simulators Using a Testbed Environment
(MDPI AG, 2026-07-01) Sarkar, Nurul I; Knight, William
Accurate network simulation is essential for evaluating wireless communication systems; however, the fidelity of simulation results strongly depends on the underlying modeling assumptions, particularly at the physical (PHY) layer. In this paper, we present a comparative analysis of OMNeT++ and Riverbed Modeler with respect to feature support and throughput prediction accuracy, validated against measurements obtained from a controlled wireless testbed. In this paper, we investigate simulator performance across representative scenarios, including line-of-sight (LOS), non-line-of-sight (NLOS), interference, and congestion conditions. To identify the sources of performance deviation, the analysis further examines the relationship among the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), packet error rate (PER), and throughput. The results obtained show that both simulators achieve high accuracy under ideal conditions, particularly for LOS and congestion scenarios, where higher layer effects dominate or channel impairments are minimal. However, significant discrepancies arise under NLOS and interference conditions, where accurate modeling of channel dynamics and error behavior is critical. The results show that Riverbed consistently demonstrates closer agreement with testbed, owing to its continuous SINR tracking and probabilistic PER modeling. This enables smooth adaptation of throughput to varying channel conditions. In contrast, OMNeT++ exhibits step-like SINR–throughput and SINR–PER relationships caused by threshold-based abstractions, leading to noticeable inaccuracies in transitional SINR regimes (5–15 dB). Overall, this study highlights that PHY-layer abstraction fidelity is the dominant factor influencing throughput accuracy in network simulation. While OMNeT++ offers flexibility and extensibility suitable for research and prototyping, Riverbed Modeler provides more reliable performance prediction in scenarios requiring high modeling precision. Finally, we provide guidelines for best practice checklists in network simulation and model validation.
Access status: Open Access ,
The Revenue Managers' Experience: Implementing Hotel Revenue Management in Australia and New Zealand Hotels
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Parab, Atulchandra; Goodsir, Warren
This dissertation examines the lived experience of hotel revenue managers implementing revenue management (RM) strategies across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), a region under-represented in a literature dominated by European and North American case material. Three research questions guide the inquiry: the strategies and practices currently employed by ANZ revenue managers; the gaps between the academic RM literature and ANZ practice; and the challenges anticipated over the next 12 to 18 months. A qualitative, modified two-round Delphi methodology was used to explore answers to the research questions. Round 1 employed semi-structured interviews with eight experienced revenue managers (four Australian, four New Zealand) representing a cross-section of property types, and Round 2 returned to the same panel with structured validation and ranking exercises. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis framework, generating seven themes. The findings show a discipline in active strategic recalibration. ANZ revenue managers have shifted from occupancy-driven thinking to a focus on rate integrity and a total-revenue orientation, with RevPAR remaining the dominant operational KPI alongside ADR and forecast accuracy. Forecasting is consistently layered, combining historical data, market intelligence, and tacit professional judgement, which practitioners articulated as an approximately 80/20 division between algorithmic output and human interpretation. Off-peak strategy focused on rate-floor protection and value-added packaging rather than discounting, with a national divergence between revenue-led Australian practice and cost-led New Zealand practice driven by Auckland’s acute supply–demand imbalance. Individual-level personalised pricing was uniformly rejected as reputationally risky. Three challenges achieved full panel consensus for the next 12 to 18 months: 1. supply–demand imbalance, 2. geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, and 3. margin pressure from rising operating costs. The study contributes a practitioner-grounded evidence base from a structurally distinctive market, a multi-dimensional reframing of the research–practice gap encompassing data infrastructure, organisational architecture, and professional scope, and a layered conceptual model of contemporary ANZ revenue management practice.
Access status: Open Access ,
The Influences of Filipino Cultural Values on the Mental Health Experiences and Perceptions, Help-Seeking Attitudes and Coping Strategies of Filipinos in the Philippines and Aotearoa New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Mejia, Micaela Adriano; Port, Hilda; Donkin, Liesje
Purpose: This study examined the influences of Filipino cultural values (Kapwa, Hiya, Utang na Loob, Pakikisama) on mental health perspectives and experiences among Filipinos in the Philippines and Aotearoa New Zealand, investigating how adherence to these values affects help-seeking attitudes and coping mechanisms. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional design utilized adapted scales including the Adherence to Filipino Values Scale (AFVS), Filipino Coping Strategies Scale (FCSS), Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form (ATSPPHS-SF), and Individualism-Collectivism Scale (ICS). The Pinoy Ako Scale (PINAS) measured acculturation levels among New Zealand participants. A total of n=332 participants were retained (Philippines: n=218; New Zealand: n=114; n=107 completed PINAS). Results: Both groups demonstrated strong adherence to Filipino cultural values (Philippines: M=3.97, SD=0.45; New Zealand: M=3.98, SD=0.46). PINAS results revealed successful bicultural adaptation (M=4.80, SD=0.60) with 71% prioritising Filipino cultural transmission while viewing New Zealand as an "opportunity haven." Regression analyses showed different predictors across contexts: collectivism significantly predicted help-seeking attitudes in New Zealand (β=.289, p=.021), while adherence to Filipino values (β=.214, p=.003) and coping strategies (β=.243, p=.001) were significant predictors in the Philippines. The bicultural competence demonstrated through PINAS validated why collectivism, rather than traditional Filipino values, emerged as the key help-seeking predictor in diaspora contexts. Implications: Findings demonstrate that Filipino psychology in diaspora represents creative cultural adaptation requiring bicultural clinical competencies. The PINAS results validate the need for mental health approaches that honour both cultural frameworks rather than forcing binary choices between Filipino and Western psychological paradigms, supporting calls for decolonised, culturally adaptive research and clinical methodologies.
Access status: Open Access ,
Considering Time-Use in New Zealand’s Wellbeing Approach
(Auckland University of Technology, 2019) Belworthy Lewthwaite, Emma; Rossouw, Stephanie
With the increased worldwide emphasis on wellbeing economics, the New Zealand Treasury (NZT) has committed to measuring national wellbeing to form a more holistic view of the country’s prosperity. Their approach is based on the OECD’s Better Life Index but unfortunately current availability of data limits the true potential. Due to this data limitation, the domain of time-use is not considered in the empirical analysis, despite being identified as a critical component of subjective wellbeing. Therefore, this dissertation aims to explore correlations between subjective wellbeing and time-use across different demographics. The results could strengthen the case for NZT to allocate funds and collect the necessary data to ascertain the impact on the wellbeing of New Zealand's people. The results show that the amount of time spent in paid work is negatively correlated with SWB, although access to employment is positive. This finding provides some additional support for the four-day working week that has been trialled in New Zealand. This allows employees to spend more time with their families and in leisure activities, which are found to have positive correlations with SWB.