As digital media pervades the institutions and infrastructures of contemporary society with new inventions, new applications and new devices, so too does it pervade daily lived experiences. The social networking site Facebook.com is one such application which is highly integrated into the daily habits of individuals worldwide. The daily lived experiences of an individual contribute...

The overall aim of the thesis is to gain an understanding of Pacific peoples' outcomes and experiences after injury, using data from a Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS) currently underway in New Zealand. There are two research components; the Quantitative Component aimed at describing and comparing pre-injury, injury related and key outcomes between Pacific...

This thesis compares the self-reported physical and mental health status, utilisation and satisfaction with Student Health Services, of domestic and international students in Health Sciences First Year and the Health Sciences stream of Foundation Year at the University of Otago.This was a cross-sectional survey sent out to 590 undergraduate Health Sciences First Year students 6...

Aim: Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing healthcare management and is increasing in prevalence. Exercise is known to be effective in diabetes management as well as ongoing patient education and support. The aim of this study was to investigate the qualitative and quantitative outcome data of an existing 12-week community-based rehabilitation programme for...

This thesis is a qualitative study into aspects of primary education in Samoa. Using student, parent and teacher interview material, I investigate local perspectives on why education is important, what children should learn, how children learn, and what constitutes 'good' teaching. I also look at local perspectives on the place of exams and physical discipline...