Masters Theses

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/5

The Masters Theses collection contains digital copies of AUT University masters theses deposited with the Library since 2002 and made available open access. From 2007 onwards, all theses for masters degrees awarded are required to be deposited in Tuwhera Open Theses & Dissertations unless subject to an embargo.

For theses submitted prior to 2007, open access was not mandatory, so only those theses for which the author has given consent are available in Tuwhera Open Theses & Dissertations. Where consent for open access has not been provided, the thesis is usually recorded in the AUT Library catalogue where the full text, if available, may be accessed with an AUT password. Other people should request an Interlibrary Loan through their library.

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Aligning Technology and Strategy for Employee Development and Engagement in Non-Ergodic New Normal Environments: MNEs Operating in New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Ali, Faaizah
This research examines how HR professionals in multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in New Zealand perceive, evaluate, and implement human resources (HR) technologies for employee development and engagement in a volatile, non-ergodic new normal environment. Addressing empirical and contextual gaps in the literature, the research integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with the dynamic capabilities framework to connect micro-level adoption cognitions with firm-level sensing, seizing, and transforming processes. Two questions guide the research: How do HR professionals in MNEs operating in New Zealand perceive and respond to the challenges and opportunities of the non-ergodic new normal environment, particularly in relation to using technology as a strategic asset toward employee development and engagement?; How do HR professionals evaluate and implement HR technologies, and to what extent do their decisions shape the development of sustained competitive advantage for the firm? A qualitative, phenomenological design was used. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven HR professionals holding managerial roles across several industries within MNEs in New Zealand. Data was analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Findings show three perceived domains of opportunity: Technological development; Accessibility; and Instrumental gains. Perceived challenges are regarding: Contextual issues; And responsible innovation. Evaluation of HR technologies tends to be shaped by institutional influence, and personal use criteria, with adoption monitored through usage, qualitative feedback, and learning analytics. Sustainability of use depends on digital literacy, change management, and clear AI policies. Firms are centralising HR technology stacks, automating and streamlining routine tasks, and redeploying HR effort toward higher-value work, and prioritising future-proof, integrable systems. The integrated lens of the TAM and dynamic capabilities explains why user-centric ease of use and usefulness are necessary but insufficient, as HR technologies deliver strategic value when adoption is coupled with capability renewal. In New Zealand’s small-market context, successful initiatives prioritise usability, mobile access, security, and scalability over novelty, and balance global platform mandates with local responsiveness. The study contributes empirical depth to a literature dominated by reviews, advances a cross-level theoretical integration, and offers actionable guidance for HR leaders seeking technology-enabled agility, engagement, and capability building under persistent uncertainty.
Mechanically Determined Markups: A New Critique of the Production-Based Approach to Markup Estimation
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Lawlor-Mendez, Finley
This paper identifies two critical flaws in the widely used production approach to markup estimation, illustrating them empirically with a new markup series constructed from New Zealand data. The first is the bias that occurs when markups are estimated from revenue (rather than output) data. While well-established in theory, the form and empirical implication of this bias are unclear. We derive an explicit expression for this empirical bias, showing that it can weaken or even invert true markup trends. We then uncover a second flaw: the level of markup estimates is determined mechanically by the researcher’s definition of variable input. We establish this in theory before showing empirically that broad definitions, i.e., aggregations of multiple inputs, depress markup estimates, whereas narrow definitions inflate them. This reduces the estimated markup to an arbitrary value determined by data constraints and researcher choice.
Bridging the Gap Between Imagination and Reality: VR Innovations in Design
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Pandya, Harshil
Purpose: This research investigates the evolving role of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in professional 3D design workflows, examining their current effectiveness, limitations, and potential for future development. As immersive technologies become more integrated into disciplines like industrial design, architecture, and product development, it becomes increasingly important to assess whether these tools meet the precision, control, and standardization required in professional environments. This study will center on two widely adopted VR applications: Gravity Sketch, valued for its CAD-compatible modeling features, and Open Brush, known for its expressive sketching capabilities. By analyzing their toolsets, user experiences, and design workflows, this research highlights how different approaches to immersive interaction either support or restrict both creative exploration and technical accuracy. The findings underscore a growing need for hybrid solutions that combine the freedom of intuitive interaction with the rigor of professional-grade precision. Literature Review: A significant gap exists in the current discourse surrounding VR design tools, particularly regarding their precision and applicability within real-world professional design workflows. Much of the existing literature emphasizes the immersive and engaging qualities of these tools, yet it offers limited analysis of their performance in tasks that require detailed modeling, fine adjustments, or seamless integration with CAD software. Critical features such as accurate snapping systems, precise measurement tools, and robust export compatibility are often overlooked. There is a noticeable lack of Applied testing in technically demanding use cases, making it difficult to assess the reliability and effectiveness of these tools beyond exploratory or artistic applications. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a case study methodology supported by desktop-based tool analysis, expert reviews and use-case scenarios such as industry blogs and YouTube reviews, extensive secondary research drawn from academic publications, developer documentation, Unlike traditional user centered testing, this approach allows me to triangulate multiple forms of documented evidence to evaluate usability, tool precision, technical scalability, and software interoperability. Key evaluation metrics include ease of use, hand tracking fidelity, export format compatibility (e.g., FBX, OBJ, STEP), and integration with traditional desktop software like Blender, Rhino, and Maya. Case Study: To implement the proposed methodology, this study examined two distinct VR design tools: Gravity Sketch and Open Brush. Gravity Sketch is oriented toward technical modeling, offering features such as parametric surfaces and snapping tools that support structured design workflows. In contrast, Open Brush emphasizes freeform, brush-based creativity, prioritizing expressive interaction over precision. Evaluation of Gravity Sketch revealed its effectiveness in early-stage conceptual modeling; however, it lacked the fine-grained accuracy required for detailed design tasks. Open Brush demonstrated strengths in user experience and creative freedom, but its limitations in measurement accuracy, structured modeling capabilities, and export flexibility were evident. The comparative analysis revealed a fundamental divergence in design philosophy. Gravity Sketch is engineered for technical refinement, whereas Open Brush fosters an open-ended, expressive approach to immersive creation. Research limitations/implications: One limitation of this study is the absence of direct user testing, which restricts the ability to fully assess how these tools perform under varied real-world conditions. To address this, the research draws on a diverse range of credible sources, including insights from experienced designers, academic literature, and official developer documentation. The findings indicate a clear need for further hands-on research, particularly in evaluating how immersive design tools function across different professional scenarios, a topic that remains underrepresented compared to other areas within VR research. An additional limitation emerged during the development of the prototype. The process was hindered by the high computational demands of the software and the limited availability of comprehensive documentation and training resources. These challenges highlight the steep learning curve associated with next-generation immersive tools and underscore the importance of improving accessibility and support for professionals adopting these technologies. Originality/value: This research provides a practical examination of the flagship current VR/AR design tools, offering insights into their operational strengths and critical shortcomings in professional contexts. By identifying existing functional gaps and proposing technically grounded enhancements such as photogrammetry integration, this study contributes to a forward-looking roadmap for tool developers and industry stakeholders. It highlights the urgent need for VR systems that not only foster creative exploration but also deliver the precision and control demanded by modern design disciplines.
The Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Programme: Perceptions of the Mentees
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Langford, Megan
Background Evidence suggests that a global nursing and midwifery shortage exists, and academic faculty are not immune to its effects. There are persistent recruitment and retention challenges paired with an ageing academic workforce. It is a concern that many faculty leaders are approaching retirement age with a profound lack of individuals prepared to step into these roles. The nursing and midwifery profession relies on competent, resilient leaders to drive transformational education and ensure excellent education for future practitioners. There is an urgent need for succession planning within the nursing and midwifery faculty to ensure capable individuals are prepared to take up leadership roles and propel nursing and midwifery education forward. The Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Programme was specially designed to support aspiring deans across Australia and New Zealand. The programme's purpose is to mentor academic nurses and midwives aspiring to be the next generation of academic leaders. Within the programme, the mentees had the opportunity to gain insights from a senior mentor and coaching from an executive coach. Mentorship provided relational, experience-based guidance, whereas executive coaching offered structured, skills-focused leadership development. Aim and Objectives This study aimed to identify the perceptions of mentees participating in the Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Programme within nursing and midwifery faculties in Australia and New Zealand. The primary objective was to provide evidence to the Council of Deans Nursing and Midwifery (Australia and New Zealand) on how the Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme could be strengthened in the future. Research Design A qualitative descriptive methodology was used in this study. First, a literature review was conducted to examine the evidence regarding mentorship in academia, specifically relating to aspiring leaders within nursing and midwifery faculty. Second, online, individual semi-structured interviews with nine mentees participating in the Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Programme were conducted to gain mentee perspectives. The individual interviews took place via Microsoft Teams, with participants being in various locations across Australia and New Zealand. The interviews were audio-recorded and then analysed using a general inductive approach. Findings Two main categories were identified during data analysis, each with subcategories. The first main category was ‘Strategic Leadership Development’ and had three subcategories ‘Programme Design’, ‘Access to Influential Networks and Opportunities’ and ‘Connection to Senior Leadership Perspectives’. The second main category was ‘Career Transformation’, which had two subcategories ‘Mentorship, Leadership Identity and Capability’ and ‘Development of Academic Career and Goal Realignment’. Conclusions The findings from this study identified that, participating in a mentor leadership programme designed specifically for aspiring nursing and midwifery leaders made a significant impact on an individual’s leadership development, networking opportunities and career advancement. The minor challenges identified informed recommendations to strengthen the programme.
Return to Sport Assessment and Decision Making Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) Surgery
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Wright, Alexander
The aim of this thesis was to explore return to sport (RTS) tests and criteria following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery, with a focus on both best-practice recommendations and real-world clinical outcomes. Despite the increasing use of RTS assessments to guide rehabilitation and reduce re-injury risk, substantial variability persists in test selection, performance thresholds, and their relationship to successful RTS. This research therefore sought to clarify what constitutes best-practice for RTS testing and to evaluate how these assessments perform in a clinical population. This thesis comprises two complementary studies. Firstly, a scoping review synthesised the literature on RTS assessments and decision-making criteria following ACLR surgery in athletes. 33 studies were included and analysed according to test type, performance thresholds, and RTS definitions. Secondly, a retrospective descriptive analysis used clinical data from a physiotherapy clinic specialising in knee injury rehabilitation in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). RTS test outcomes were reported across strength, hop, jump, and psychological domains, and associations with demographic and clinical variables were examined. The scoping review revealed marked heterogeneity in RTS testing, with little consensus on best-practice criteria. Most studies used strength and hop testing, with ≥90% limb symmetry index (LSI) as the primary threshold, but relatively few incorporated psychological or sport-specific measures. In the clinical cohort (n = 165), RTS test pass rates were generally modest, and only a small proportion achieved over 90% LSI across all domains. Several clinical variables influenced performance; however, demographic and clinical factors showed limited association with RTS level. Whilst psychological readiness was significantly associated with RTS outcomes, higher physical RTS test scores did not consistently predict full return to pre-injury sport. RTS testing following ACLR remains inconsistently defined and applied across both research and clinical settings. Although objective criteria are widely used to inform RTS decisions, the predictive value of current thresholds appears limited. These findings highlight the importance of developing more comprehensive, contextually informed RTS protocols that integrate physical, psychological, and sport-specific assessments. A multifactorial approach is recommended to optimise RTS decision-making and support improved long-term outcomes after ACLR. 3
World-Building as Multisensory Resonance: A Comparative Analysis of Immersive Perception in Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Li, Zhuxi
The concept of world-building has been extensively examined in narrative-driven domains such as speculative fiction, films, games, transmedia stories, and virtual spaces. Yet most studies have focused on narrative coherence and symbolic interpretation while overlooking sensory and embodied dimensions. This study addresses how six visual elements, cinematography, art direction, production design, mise-en-scene, set design, and costuming, contribute to world-building in Blade Runner (1982) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017), and how these elements, in interaction with sound, generate immersive perception through sensory resonance. The research pursues four objectives: (1) to apply a layered perceptual framework to analyse world-building in the two films; (2) to examine how the six visual elements construct immersive cinematic experience across different layers; (3) to explore how visual and aural elements interact through cultural echo, spatial dynamics, and affective atmosphere; and (4) to validate the perceptual resonance loop as the core mechanism sustaining immersion. A qualitative comparative case study approach was employed, drawing on visual grammar and multimodal analysis (Kress & van Leeuwen, 2001) alongside theories of affect (Deleuze & Guattari, 1987), embodiment (Sobchack, 1992), haptic visuality (Marks, 2000), and sound (Chion, 1994 & Barthes, 1977). A macro–meso–micro framework, supplemented by a perceptual rhythm layer, was developed to examine how visual and auditory design engage viewers. The findings indicate that the six visual elements collaborate across three layers of world-building: the macro layer establishes the foundations of the world, the meso layer structures social order, and the micro layer shapes affective experience. Immersion emerges through multisensory resonance between audiovisual elements and bodily perception, unfolding across the dimensions of cultural echo, spatial dynamics, and affective atmosphere. Blade Runner relies on strategies of sensory overflow to generate an immersive experience of oppressive melancholy, while Blade Runner 2049 employs strategies of sensory restraint to create a cold and nihilistic atmosphere. Furthermore, the perceptual resonance loop models immersion as a dynamic process shaped by the interaction of detail density and consciousness reception rate. These findings suggest that cinematic immersion is not an outcome of semantic decoding but of perceptual structure. The study contributes to film studies, media aesthetics, and immersive design by showing how non-interactive cinema produces embodied and multisensory experiences.
Optimising High-Intensity Interval Training to Enhance V̇O₂max in Endurance Trained Adults: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomised Trials
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Markland, Kevin
Introduction: Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂max) is a key determinant of endurance performance. Numerous training strategies have been explored to enhance V̇O₂max, with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) demonstrating greater effectiveness than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Despite its advantages, HIIT encompasses a wide range of work-rest combinations, intensities and durations, and the specific protocol(s) that yields the greatest improvement in V̇O₂max remains unclear. Aims: To compare and probabilistically rank distinct HIIT protocols by how effective they were at enhancing V̇O₂max in endurance-trained adults. Methods: A systematic review and Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomised controlled trials was conducted. Eligible studies included endurance-trained adults and prescribed 2–3 training sessions per week for 4–12 weeks. Interventions were grouped into network nodes by intensity domain/work-to-rest ratio, work-interval duration, and total accumulated work-interval duration. The primary outcome was mean difference in ΔV̇O₂max (mL/kg/min) from pre to post-intervention versus each study’s pre-specified baseline comparator (typically MICT). Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) values were used to rank protocols. Results: Nineteen randomised trials comprising 42 study arms and 410 participants met the eligibility criteria and were synthesised in the NMA. Across the network, the majority of HIIT protocols elicited larger gains in ΔV̇O₂max than MICT. The highest ranking intervention consisted of very-short work intervals (<60 s) performed at the severe–extreme boundary with work:rest ≥1:1 and a moderate total accumulated work-interval duration (10–20 min). This ranking was robust to meta-regressions on baseline V̇O₂max, training frequency, and study duration. However, three protocols formed a high-ranking cluster with clear effects versus MICT: very-short severe-extreme intervals, long severe intervals, and medium severe intervals — all with work:rest ≥1:1. Conclusion: In endurance-trained adults, HIIT resulted in greater improvements in V̇O₂max than MICT. While very-short intervals at the severe–extreme boundary ranked highest, three protocols formed a high-ranking cluster — suggesting multiple HIIT configurations can effectively enhance V̇O₂max when work:rest ratios are ≥1:1 and sufficient work is accumulated within the severe domain.
Worker Mobility Across Regions in New Zealand: The Role of House Prices and the Impact on Earnings
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Zheng, Guanyu
This thesis investigates the complex relationship between house prices, geographic worker mobility, and earnings growth within New Zealand. Geographic worker mobility – defined as the movement of workers across regions within a country as they change jobs or seek better employment opportunities – plays a critical role in driving economic activity and social integration. However, the interplay between housing prices and worker mobility remains underexplored in the New Zealand context. This thesis specifically examines how regional house prices influence inter-regional worker mobility and how such mobility affects short-term individual earnings growth. By addressing this gap, the research aims to provide insights into three interconnected questions: 1. In any given year, how many workers move to a different region to take a new job, and how does this geographic mobility vary across different worker characteristics? 2. How do house prices affect inter-regional worker mobility? 3. How does geographic worker mobility influence individual earnings growth in the short run? The empirical analysis leverages data from Statistics New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure, which provides a large and de-identified dataset on employment, housing, and demographic trends across regions of New Zealand. The study employs advanced econometric techniques, including gravity models, to analyse worker mobility patterns and their determinants. Between 2000 and 2020, the average geographic worker mobility rate was 4.5 per cent. Analyses of worker demographics reveal that younger workers and those of non-European ethnicity are more likely to relocate compared to other groups. In terms of destination preferences, workers predominantly move to large urbanised regions (e.g., Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury) or neighbouring regions. These patterns highlight the importance of agglomeration and proximity in shaping inter-regional mobility decisions. Findings reveal that house price fluctuations significantly impact worker mobility decisions. Higher house prices in the region of origin increase outflows, while higher house prices in destination regions deter inflows. These effects, however, vary considerably across worker demographics. Notably, older workers are more responsive to rising house prices. One possible reason is that they have greater equity in their homes and are more likely to capitalise on higher property values to fund migration. Younger workers, who may have less equity or face higher barriers to relocation, are less affected by changes in house prices. Worker mobility correlates positively with earnings growth, but outcomes vary. Migrating to large urban regions – particularly those aged 25-29 and 40-54, males, European and Asians – saw faster earnings growth, suggesting urban wage premiums. Conversely, workers leaving large regions experience slower growth, potentially trading earnings for housing affordability or limited high-paying jobs in smaller regions. This research underscores the importance of integrating housing affordability into regional economic policies and migration strategies. By understanding how house prices influence worker mobility, policymakers can design targeted interventions to support workers affected by housing market challenges while fostering sustainable regional development.
Exploring Financial Shame
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Legaspi, Evan
Households are increasingly indebted, with the financial pressure being associated with stress and depression, worsening physical and mental health, suicide, and divorce. Compounding this is a taboo regarding talking about money, with many individuals concealing their financial problems, avoiding addressing their financial difficulties, and withdrawing and isolating themselves. With all the spiralling negative effects of financial stress and debt on an individual’s well-being, it is critical that we understand financial shame. This research aims to explore the factors that amplify and buffer financial shame. Across Aotearoa New Zealand, 704 Kiwis were asked to answer questions on psychosocial processes, lifetime factors, contextual conditions, and personal resources, identified through prior research on general shame. These factors included role-based identity proxied with household financial responsibilities, group membership based on ethnic and religious affiliations, financial literacy and self-efficacy, and the importance of social comparisons. This research probed the individual’s past financial journey, including childhood socio-economic upbringing and family financial socialization, financial hardship and material deprivation in later life, and explored their current financial circumstances. The univariate analyses showed that most of the investigated factors significantly influenced financial shame. Lack of control over household finances, low self-efficacy, collectivist orientations, and weak ethnic belonging were associated with higher shame, whilst financial literacy and confidence acted as strong buffers. Social comparison emerged as a central amplifier, with financial hardship – both in childhood and adulthood – as a consistent predictor. Subjective financial well-being protected more strongly against shame than objective measures, highlighting the psychological nature of financial distress. Regression results confirmed that self-efficacy (negatively) and social comparison (positively) had the strongest correlations with financial shame, while current financial circumstances is likely a critical trigger towards feeling financial shame, with past hardship likely serving as a key source of shame-proneness. Cluster analysis further reinforced these dynamics, revealing six distinct financial shame personas that differed based on respondents’ agency regarding financial decisions, confidence, cultural orientation, social comparisons, and financial stability. The shame components were also used to establish unique groupings that can be used to understand how background, beliefs and resources shape the emotional experiences of money. Across all models, age consistently moderated the experience of shame – both buffering and amplifying its effects, depending on life stage – demonstrating that financial shame is multi-dimensional, context-dependent, and deeply rooted in both one’s financial trajectory and sense of identity. The research findings reinforce that financial shame is not simply about money, but reflects a deeper judgement of the self, with the meaning people attach to money, such as competence, responsibility, independence, and success, as the core driver. This research presents some opportunities to build financial shame resilience, and contributes to what is currently a very limited literature on a critical issue. Opening up these discussions on financial shame enables developing effective interventions that remove these money and debt taboos, and help those who need help the most, with urgency and purpose.
Best Practices in Intercultural Communication That Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Three New Zealand Media Workplaces
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Devgan, Samrita M
This study investigates the application of intercultural communication knowledge in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices within three prominent New Zealand media organisations – TVNZ, NZME, and Stuff. Using the Aotearoa Inclusivity Matrix (AIM) framework, the research examines how these organisations use the seven DEI components in the workplace: leadership, diversity infrastructure, diverse recruitment, inclusive career development, bi-culturalism, inclusive collaboration, and social impact. A qualitative thematic analysis identifying the DEI components was conducted on 348 publicly available data items, collected across paid, earned, shared, and owned (PESO) media. Each DEI component was critically assessed using an aligned intercultural communication theory to determine the extent of theory-informed practice. The findings revealed the presence of all seven DEI components in the organisations in varying measures of priority, shaped in part by their ownership structures. The most prioritised practices included social impact and inclusive career development. Inclusive collaboration and diverse recruitment practices showed an overall low presence across the organisations, particularly during periods of restructuring. The study highlights that while intercultural communication theory is implicitly present in many DEI initiatives, its explicit and strategic application is inconsistent. The findings advocate for a more deliberate integration of intercultural communication knowledge into DEI policies to ensure sustainable, culturally responsive practices. These insights contribute to the growing discourse on the value of DEI in workplaces by proposing a strong theoretical framework of intercultural communication knowledge to support the effectiveness of DEI in organisational practices, thereby offering guidance for media and other industries in multicultural contexts.
MLGA - A Modality-Level Graph Attention Architecture for Multimodal Depression Detection
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Malika, Malika
Depression is one of the most pressing global health challenges, affecting millions of individuals and placing significant strain on healthcare systems. Early and accurate detection is critical for timely intervention and improving patient outcomes. Traditional diagnostic methods, which rely heavily on clinical interviews and self-reports, are often resource intensive, subjective, and limited in scalability. To address these limitations, this study presents an architectural investigation of Modality-Level Graph Attention (MLGA), a deep learning framework for multimodal fusion in depression detection. The proposed architecture integrates textual embeddings from ClinicalBERT, visual representations from VGG-PCA, and facial behavioral descriptors from OpenFace. These modalities are fused through a modality-level Graph Attention Network (GAT) that explicitly models inter-modality relationships, while a temporal module captures dynamic behavioral patterns over time. To enhance robustness, the framework incorporates Gaussian noise injection, L2 normalization, and modality dropout, thereby encouraging resilience to noise and missing inputs. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on three benchmark datasets: E-DAIC-WOZ, EATD-Corpus, and D-Vlog. Across these datasets, MLGA achieved competitive performance and, on the E-DAIC benchmark in particular, surpassed several unimodal and late-fusion baselines in terms of precision, recall, F1-score, and ROC-AUC, demonstrating the effectiveness of graph-based multimodal integration under the studied conditions. The results highlight the importance of modeling both intra-modality features and cross-modality dependencies within a unified fusion architecture. Rather than proposing a fully deployable clinical tool, this study advances the field of affective computing by systematically analysing a modality-level graph attention design that is computationally moderate and interpretable, and by quantifying its behavior across heterogeneous datasets. Future directions include expanding modality coverage, applying domain adaptation for cross-cultural and cross setting generalization, and enhancing interpretability using advanced explainable AI techniques.
Improving Developmental Motor Outcomes Through Intensive Early Intervention at 3-months Corrected Age in Preterm Infants: A Pilot Feasibility Study
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Pearce, Louise
Background Preterm birth, particularly in moderate to late preterm (MLP) (32+0 to 36+6 weeks gestation), is associated with an increased risk of long-term neurodevelopmental difficulties compared to term infants. These impairments are often under- recognised and consequently low-risk MLP infants, typically receive no developmental follow-up on discharge home or referral to early intervention (EI) services. Although ‘early’ EI is more effective to enhance neuroplasticity in the maturing infant brain, access for MLP is often restricted. Group-delivered EI may offer a solution and may improve accessibility and resource efficiency for service providers. When provided as early as 12-weeks corrected age and at a high intensity, group-based EI has the potential to improve developmental outcomes. Currently there is limited research investigating the feasibility and acceptability of utilising a group-delivery model EI for very young infants born MLP. Objective This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week, high-intensity, group-based, early implemented EI programme (NEOgrads Playgroup) for healthy, low-risk MLP infants and their caregivers in Auckland. Methods This non-randomised pilot feasibility study, NEOgrads Playgroup, involved nine MLP infants recruited at 11 weeks corrected age, all with normal general movements and deemed ‘low risk’ of abnormal neurological sequalae. The intervention was delivered weekly via a group class (community/clinic-based setting), over a 12-week period by a neurodevelopmental therapist. In addition to the developmentally supportive play and educational group classes, caregivers implemented a personalised home exercise programme over the duration of the study. Feasibility was assessed via caregiver’s programme compliance (group and home programme), group-based intervention protocol fidelity audit, and caregiver’s acceptability of the programme following intervention completion. Initial efficacy was explored pre and post intervention using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale – Second edition (PDMS-2) to assess changes in gross motor developmental trajectories. Results The median group programme caregiver compliance rate was 90% (80-91.6%), with mean home exercise programme compliance reported at 4.9/7 (SD =1.18) sessions per week. Protocol fidelity was met for the group programme delivery for core NEOgrads Playgroup principles. The caregiver-rated satisfaction survey showed a strong belief in programme benefits to their infant, themselves and whānau, with a strong support of programme endorsement to other caregivers. Three subthemes emerged with the programme improving: caregiver-infant relationship, caregiver self-efficacy, and infant’s self-efficacy. Initial efficacy findings indicated six infants demonstrated meaningful improvements in gross motor development from pre to post intervention, as measured by the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (PDMS-2). These changes exceeded the standard error of measurement (SEM = 5.88), suggesting trajectories above normal developmental progression. Whilst two infants showed a reduction in their PDMS-2 scores (a change of 8 points), and one infant demonstrated stable developmental progression (a change of 2 points). Conclusion This initial pilot feasibility study demonstrated that the NEOgrads Playgroup, a group-based early intervention programme, is both feasible and acceptable for caregivers of low-risk MLP infants. While initial efficacy testing suggested positive trends in gross motor development following the intervention, larger population-based studies with longer-term follow-up are needed to assess the sustained impact of the NEOgrads Playgroup on MLP developmental outcomes.
The Effectiveness of Sin Taxes on Public Health and Revenue Generation in Tuvalu: Insights from New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Lauti, Moitila Brian
Tuvalu faces a dual challenge of high non-communicable disease (NCD) burdens and constrained fiscal capacity. This thesis investigates whether excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), alcohol, and tobacco can improve health outcomes and provide a stable revenue base. Using New Zealand’s Pacifica population as a proxy, Household Economic Survey (2006–2019) records were linked to pharmaceutical dispensing, hospitalisation, and mortality data within the Integrated Data Infrastructure. Logistic regression models were estimated to examine whether household expenditure shares on sin goods predict chronic disease medication uptake and mortality. Households in the highest SSB expenditure tier had 36 % higher odds of diabetes-management prescription uptake (OR = 1.36, p < 0.01). Cardiovascular medication outcomes showed modest but statistically significant increases in odds, including diuretics (OR ≈ 1.16, p < 0.05) and beta-blockers (OR ≈ 1.22, p < 0.01). Mortality associations were mixed: SSB-only expenditure was associated with lower odds of mortality among those aged 60+ (OR ≈ 0.75, p < 0.01), whereas broader sin-goods measures, particularly those including tobacco, were linked to higher mortality odds (OR ≈ 1.56, p < 0.01). Within the Pacifica subsample, effect directions were similar but rarely statistically significant, reflecting smaller sample sizes and contextual constraints. These findings suggest that excise taxes can influence health outcomes, particularly for diabetes management, while mortality effects vary by product scope and population group. Expenditure shares were relatively consistent across income groups, implying a stable fiscal base. However, this study does not estimate price elasticities and therefore does not quantify revenue effects. Because excises are financially regressive, earmarking revenues for health promotion and supporting affordable substitutes are recommended to mitigate distributional concerns. Overall, well-designed excise taxes show conditional promise for improving health outcomes in Tuvalu when paired with broad coverage, adequate rates, and ongoing evaluation.
How Does Te Reo Māori Enhance the Wellbeing of Staff at AUT?
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Dallas, Trent
This study examines the impact of Te Reo Māori on the holistic wellbeing of Māori staff at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), using a Kaupapa Māori Research methodology approach and Te Whare Tapa Whā health model as guiding frameworks. Through semi-structured interviews with six Māori staff members, the research investigated how engagement with Te Reo Māori enhances cultural identity, emotional resilience, social belonging, and professional empowerment in the workplace. Findings demonstrate that Te Reo Māori extends beyond a linguistic function, acting as a powerful mechanism for cultural reclamation and holistic wellbeing. Participants described enhanced self-confidence, enriched workplace relationships, and a reinforced sense of cultural identity through language engagement. However, whakamā (feelings of shame or embarrassment) and intergenerational language loss emerged as challenges to engagement. The study highlights the critical role of workplace Te Reo Māori initiatives in enhancing staff wellbeing and affirming cultural identity. This research contributes to the broader discourse on language revitalisation and Indigenous wellbeing, emphasising the necessity for continued investment in Te Reo Māori to enhance staff wellbeing. This study advocates for expanded workplace language initiatives and deeper investigation into professional environments to further examine the intricate connections between language, identity, and wellbeing.
Don't Tell My Mother
(Auckland University of Technology, 2021) Agnew, Leonie
The Impossible Story of Hannah Kent is a young adult manuscript focused on 12 – 15-year-old readers. The story has magical realist elements and is set in small town New Zealand. The female protagonist’s journey centers around coming to terms with her adoption and related childhood traumas. For this reason, I chose to use first person, present tense. This narrative style allows the reader clear insights into the protagonist’s thought processes and emotional state, potentially deepening the connection between the reader and a flawed heroine. The accompanying exegesis Don’t Tell My Mother examines two aspects of the writing process. Firstly, how researching the psychological impact of adoption influenced the development of Hannah’s character. Secondly, the thematic importance of mother archetypes and their relationship with fairy tales, which also formed a psychological approach to my creative thesis.
Knocking out ABCC10 in Human Breast MCF7 Cancer Cells Using the CRISPR-Cas9 System
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Agyapong, Kofi Effah
Breast cancer continues to represent one of the most common causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally and in New Zealand. Chemotherapy as a routine therapy remains an effective strategy not only in early-stage breast cancer patients but in advanced breast cancer patients when resistance to endocrine therapy occurs, such as oestrogen receptor-positive (ER⁺) disease. Taxane-based agents (e.g., docetaxel) have been extensively applied because they modulate microtubule dynamics and suppress the growth of tumour cells. Yet, the treatment response of docetaxel is often impeded by the development of chemoresistance. Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a significant obstacle to the success of chemotherapy, which is largely associated with ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters that actively remove cytotoxic drugs from cancer cells, thereby inhibiting intracellular drug accumulation. Of these transporters, ABCC10 (also known as MRP7) has been associated with resistance to taxanes such as docetaxel, but its role in chemoresistance in ER⁺ breast cancer remains unclear. Here, we hypothesise that gene knockout of ABCC10 in ER⁺ breast cancer cell line MCF-7 would improve cellular sensitivity to docetaxel. In order to evaluate this, liposomal transfection of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes targeting exon 3 of ABCC10 in MCF-7 cells was used. Polymerase chain reaction and T7 endonuclease I assay indicated successful gene disruption of the gene with ∼36% genomic cleavage efficiency. To limit clonal heterogeneity, the following single knockout clone was chosen (D4-F8) and functionally characterized. Loss of ABCC10 led to increased sensitivity to docetaxel, with a 35-fold reduction in IC50 values compared to wild-type MCF7 cells (p < 0.05). In addition, ABCC10 knockout cells suffered significantly from impaired clonogenic survival and plating efficiency, while basal metabolic activity was still intact, demonstrating impaired long-term proliferative capacity. These observations highlight that ABCC10 is a functional regulator of docetaxel resistance in ER⁺ breast cancer cells. This study is the first CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of ABCC10 in MCF-7 cells and provides mechanistic evidence that ABCC10 is a potential therapeutic target against taxane resistance. This work underlines the utility of precision genome-editing approaches in defining chemotherapy resistance mechanisms, thus providing an understanding of effective cytotoxic resistance mechanisms and informing treatment strategy in ER⁺ breast cancer.
Automated PAM Fluorometry as a Tool to Evaluate the Photosynthetic Response of Undaria pinnatifida to Experimental Warming
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Afening, Mary
Ocean heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing threats to coastal ecosystems. One potentially affected group is seaweeds, whose photosynthetic performance may be disrupted by elevated temperatures. Pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry is a non-invasive technique commonly used to assess species’ photosynthetic performance. However, its suitability for unattended and automated in situ monitoring of seaweed photosynthesis under heatwave conditions remains untested. To investigate this, three laboratory experiments were conducted using the invasive kelp species Undaria pinnatifida. In each experiment, one blade from each of three specimens (Experiment 1) or six specimens (Experiments 2 and 3) of U. pinnatifida, acclimated in the laboratory under constant temperature and a diel light cycle, was mounted in front of a PAM fluorometer. The blades were held in fixed positions while the fluorometers automatically conducted saturation pulse (SP) analyses at 30-minute intervals—initially during an acclimation period, and subsequently throughout a warming phase. The measuring lights of the PAM fluorometer remained off between analyses, although the blades remained in place for at least 10 days. SP analyses conducted during the first five hours after light onset each day were used to plot the relative electron transport rate (rETR) and photosynthetically active radiation(PAR) curves, with the slope (alpha) serving as a proxy for the efficiency of U. pinnatifida’s photosystem II (PSII). Inspection of the multi-day time series of alpha revealed a significant decline in PSII efficiency under constant temperature, suggesting that the experimental setup was unable to maintain stable PSII performance. Therefore, the second hypothesis remains inconclusive regarding the response of U. pinnatifida’s PSII efficiency to warming. Nevertheless, Experiment 1 indicated the possibility of a positive response to moderate warming from 14 to 19 °C, and a negative response to further warming to 23 °C. This was also evident in Experiments 2 and 3, despite an overall decline in PSII performance including blade discoloration. Our experiments highlight a critical measurement artefact that must be addressed before attempting to monitor PSII performance in the field. Seaweed blades should not remain fixed in position during unattended automated fluorometry. Instead, they should be mounted on the fluorometer only for the duration of an SP analysis. Although more labour-intensive, this approach enables adequate replication when the number of available PAM fluorometers is limited, and reduces confounding effects associated with prolonged blade immobilisation.
The Experiences of Māori Occupational Therapists: Navigating Cultural Safety and Cultural Load in the Mental Health Sector of Aotearoa
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Brown Tawhiri, Georgia
There has been a shift towards cultural competence and cultural safety in Aotearoa in the last 30 years, and the Māori health workforce has played a fundamental role in the development and implementation of these concepts (Ramsden, 1993; Hunter & Cook, 2020; Tofi et al., 2023). The knowledge, skillset and experience of cultural values, practices and the lived reality of being Māori in Aotearoa is an attribute that the Māori health workforce possess (Wilson et al., 2022; Te Aka Whaiora, 2024). This skillset being highly sought after by services and organisations has created a demand and pressure on the low number of Māori working in the mental health sector, in particular Māori occupational therapists. Māori occupational therapists are shouldering cultural load and culturally unsafe situations in attempts to ensure tangata whaiora Māori receive the clinically and culturally appropriate care they need and are entitled to. This research explores the experiences of Māori occupational therapists working in the mental health sector in Aotearoa and how they navigate cultural safety and cultural load within this space. Kaupapa Māori methodology was the foundational underpinning of this research, with the interface and coming together of narrative inquiry. The Whakaāria analysis method was used to identify and interpret huahuatau (themes) within the research through the use of whakataukī and whakatauākī. Racism, cultural clinical workload, cultural obligations, internal psychological battles and protective factors contributing to cultural safety, were significant areas of interest in the findings. These huahuatau then informed a discussion around how to best support and mitigate culturally unsafe experiences for Māori occupational therapists in the mental health sector in Aotearoa.
Key Drivers of Consumer Interest and Success Factors in Live-Streaming Influencers with Large Followings
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Li, Zihan
Live-streaming has become a dominant force in reshaping online consumer behaviour in today's rapidly evolving digital economy. Platforms like TikTok provide fertile ground for influencers to build large followings and drive real-time commerce. This study investigates why certain live-streaming influencers—particularly those with millions of followers—succeed in capturing and sustaining consumer interest, and which key traits contribute to their commercial and social success. The central focus is on understanding the dynamic interplay between consumer psychology, influencer attributes, and the mechanisms of sustained engagement in the context of live-streaming. While prior studies have examined the extensive impact of social media influencers (SMIs), few have investigated the underlying psychological reasons behind long-term follower behaviour. This study addresses three key gaps in the research: (1) the lack of consumer-centred investigations into why certain influencers attract more sustained attention; (2) the need to explore how real-time interactivity in live-streaming creates a participatory environment in which consumers actively shape their experiences; and (3) the insufficient understanding of how deeper emotional and cognitive gratifications, such as emotional connection or knowledge acquisition, drive long-term follower loyalty. By addressing these areas, this study enhances our understanding of what truly constitutes success for live-streaming influencers with large fan bases. The main research question guiding this study is: What are the key factors that drive consumer interest in live-streaming influencers with large followings? This is supported by three sub-questions: What are the reasons behind the popularity and success of influencers with millions of followers? What consumer preferences do these influencers satisfy? What specific traits differentiate them in a saturated digital market? Methodologically, this research adopts a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 participants who have either purchased or have not purchased items from live streams, but who were attracted as fans from the live broadcasts of influencers with millions of followers. Thematic analysis was employed to examine how various stimuli—ranging from influencer impression and content strategies to emotional expression and product presentation—shape consumer perceptions and behaviours. The S-O-R (Stimulus-Organism-Response) framework provided a guiding structure to trace the transformation of viewers into long-term followers, offering insight into the internal gratification processes that mediate external influencer effects. The findings reveal that successful influencers possess engaging content and promotional strategies and have personal traits that influence consumers’ emotions, such as being brave, healing and knowledgeable. Viewers are attracted to influencers who satisfy their inherent emotional and intellectual needs, such as providing comforting content or practical product insights. These gratifications foster trust and establish long-term and stable relationships between the influencer and their follower. The shift towards more rational consumer behaviour in the live-streaming space was an unexpected yet critical insight. Consumers are no longer driven solely by impulse or price incentives; instead, they increasingly value whether influencer content aligns with their emotional states and cognitive needs. Positive energy has also become a pivotal factor in establishing sustainable engagement. This study contributes to both academic and practical discussions by demonstrating that consumer interest is cultivated through a deeper psychological process, rather than being solely captured through external appeal. The findings offer actionable insights for marketers, influencers, and platforms aiming to foster lasting engagement and brand loyalty in the competitive landscape of live-streaming commerce.
ChatFlags: An AI-Powered Semaphore Interactive System
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Huan, Yan
This study presents the development of ChatFlags, an intelligent system for flag recognition and interaction. YOLO11 was selected as the visual backbone based on experiments involving five flag classification tasks. The custom dataset was refined and expanded to address the lack of publicly available resources. An improved model, YOLO-AKEMA, integrating attention mechanisms and adaptive convolution, achieved higher accuracy across 27 flag categories. The user interface was built by using the AI platform Dify, supporting conversational interaction. To mitigate hallucinations in large language models, a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework was constructed by using curated flag documents and the BGE-M3 embedding model. Finally, the DeepSeek language model was integrated via workflow orchestration to complete the system. ChatFlags supports natural language dialogue, flag video analysis, knowledge quizzes, and text-to-image/video conversion. Its multimodal features enhance interactivity, offer a scalable solution for flag language education, and extend the integration potential of vision and language models.

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