New Zealand Research Articles

A validation of placental pathology reports by ethnicity in New Zealand, through systematic analysis of histological slides

IntroductionReliability studies of placental examination have shown differing interobserver agreement for certain pathological features, a lack of uniform reporting criteria and variable experience among pathologists. In previous analyses we have shown that placental pathology differs by ethnicity. This validation study was performed to investigate whether bias related to ethnicity is a feature of placental pathology reporting in New Zealand (NZ). Methods199 of 1726 eligible perinatal death cases between 2008 and 2017 were selected at random for this audit-type study, including 51 cases from South Asian, Māori and NZ European ethnicity and 46 cases from Pacific mothers. Stored histology slides were blinded and re-examined by an experienced perinatal pathologist, and linked to the corresponding original pathology report. Interobserver agreement (overall, by ethnicity and by gestational age) was described by proportional differences and kappa coefficients. ResultsTotal interobserver agreement between original placental reporting and the validation review was 89.7 %, which differed by pathological feature. There was generally more underreporting than overreporting (3.6 % and 6.7 %, respectively). There was little disagreement by ethnicity (decidual vasculopathy [p = 0.03]), although there were more differences by gestational age (villous morphology [p < 0.01], chorioamnionitis [p = 0.03], high-grade villitis of unknown etiology [p < 0.01], and placental haemorrhage [p = 0.03]). DiscussionNo systematic bias in placental pathology reporting in NZ was identified by ethnicity or gestational age, as observed differences could be related to the underlying prevalence of pathology. We identified more underreporting than overreporting of pathology in the original reports, emphasizing the importance of placental investigation by specialised perinatal pathologists.

Gastroenterology services for patients with Cystic Fibrosis across Australia and New Zealand: a multi-stakeholder assessment of patients' and professionals' perspectives.

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in individuals with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). International research has highlighted that GI care for this group of patients is lacking. Gastroenterology services to CF clinics across Australasia are yet to be examined. This study aimed to describe the current service delivery model and identify areas for improvement that may lead to positive patient outcomes. CF clinicians (dietitians, clinical nurse consultants, respiratory consultants), gastroenterologists (GE), and patients or their carers from Australia and New Zealand (NZ) were surveyed online to gather their opinions on CF gastroenterology services provided in their region. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). Likert scale questions were analysed by grouping responses 1-5 and 6-10, presented alongside the median and interquartile range (IQR). Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were used to look at differences between stakeholder groups. One hundred and fifty-six health professionals and 172 patients or their carers completed the survey. Results showed that the current GI model of care is predominantly a publicly funded service delivered outside of CF clinic time. GE are largely not integrated into the CF team and report a lack of training opportunities. There is a higher level of dissatisfaction with the current service model in NZ than Australia. No stakeholder group deemed the current CF gastroenterology service model as adequate, leaving opportunity for transformations in this field. Ideally this study will invigorate the need for promotion and integration of GI services that would ultimately benefit the whole CF community.

Belonging: Improving outcomes for a diverse range of high school students. A qualitative systematic literature review

A diverse range of high school students dominate negative outcome data in Aotearoa-New Zealand, and a shift in how we support them is needed for outcomes to improve. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of published and grey literature was carried out to identify how research shows belongingness is an important element in improving outcomes for this population. Eight qualitative studies which explored the subjective experience of belonging for diverse students in high school education were identified and reviewed. The review highlights the paucity of research in Aotearoa-New Zealand, which privileges the voices of young people and focuses on their experiences of belonging, or not-belonging, in high school. The results identified four overarching themes: a sense of belonging is a protective factor, teachers are pivotal in creating a sense of belonging, safe spaces are needed to belong, and schools experienced as unsafe spaces. This study provides school staff with a window into the lived experiences of diverse students and links contemporary education policies with belongingness research. The findings of this review have important implications concerning the health and wellbeing of our young people in Aotearoa-New Zealand, and highlight belonging as a fundamental component in improving outcomes for diverse students.

Draft genome sequence of Thermococcus waiotapuensis WT1T, a thermophilic sulfur-dependent archaeon from the order Thermococcales.

Thermococcus waiotapuensis WT1T is a thermophilic, peptide, and amino acid-fermenting archaeon from the order Thermococcales. It was isolated from Waiotapu, Aotearoa-New Zealand, and has a genome size of 1.80 Mbp. The genome contains 2,000 total genes, of which 1,913 encode proteins and 46 encode tRNA.

Sexual orientation and earnings in New Zealand

We provide the first evidence on sexual orientation and earnings in New Zealand (NZ), one of the most inclusive countries for LGBTQ+ people in the world. We use confidential linked census-tax data to compare outcomes for individuals in same-sex couples versus different-sex couples. We find patterns of earnings differentials in NZ that are strikingly similar to those documented in other developed countries: men in same-sex couples earn about 7 percent less than otherwise similar men in different-sex couples while women in same-sex couples earn about 6 percent more than otherwise similar women in different-sex couples.

Sex differences in outcomes after acute coronary syndrome vary with age: a New Zealand national study.

This study investigated age-specific sex differences in short- and long-term clinical outcomes following hospitalization for a first-time acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in New Zealand (NZ). Using linked national health datasets, people admitted to hospital for a first-time ACS between January 2010 and December 2016 were included. Analyses were stratified by sex and 10-year age groups. Logistic and Cox regression were used to assess in-hospital death and from discharge the primary outcome of time to first cardiovascular (CV) readmission or death and other secondary outcomes at 30 days and 2 years. Among 63 245 people (mean age 69 years, 40% women), women were older than men at the time of the ACS admission (mean age 73 vs. 66 years), with a higher comorbidity burden. Overall compared with men, women experienced higher rates of unadjusted in-hospital death (10% vs. 7%), 30-day (16% vs. 12%) and 2-year (44% vs. 34%) death, or CV readmission (all P < 0.001). Age group-specific analyses showed sex differences in outcomes varied with age, with younger women (<65 years) at higher risk than men and older women (≥85 years) at lower risk than men: unadjusted hazard ratio of 2-year death or CV readmission for women aged 18-44 years = 1.51 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-1.84] and aged ≥85 years = 0.88 (95% CI 0.83-0.93). The increased risk for younger women was no longer significant after multivariable adjustment whereas the increased risk for older men remained. Men and women admitted with first-time ACS have differing age and comorbidity profiles, resulting in contrasting age-specific sex differences in the risk of adverse outcomes between the youngest and oldest age groups.

The Impact of Physical and Environment Factors on Parental Presence for Oral Feeding in New Zealand Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

To identify physical environmental factors influencing family involvement in feeding in New Zealand neonatal units. Infant oral feeding development is critical for both short-term feeding skills and longer term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The neonatal environment is well-known as challenging for neuroprotection due to negative sensory exposure. The impact of environmental factors on oral feeding in New Zealand (NZ) neonatal units is currently unexplored, and knowledge of this could allow for evidence-based unit design. Focused ethnography at five neonatal units, a national survey of NZ neonatal professionals (n = 102), and five focus groups were carried out. Current oral feeding practice, and beliefs, experiences, and opinions of unit staff and family about these practices were explored. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Units were providing the best experience to families that they could with the resources they had available. Lack of physical space, lack of privacy, limited on-site accommodation for families, and lack of coordination between maternity and neonatal services were identified as impacting on family's comfort and sense of homeliness on the unit. Unit staff used furniture, screens, and external accommodation providers to support families where they could. The physical design of neonatal units in New Zealand provides barriers to family's spending time privately developing oral feeding. Solutions are proposed to increase the size of bedspaces, provide single-family rooms, create greater on-site family accommodation options, combine maternity and neonatal healthcare, and improve family comfort and therefore connection with their infant.

Insights into the ecological impact of trout introduction in an oligotrophic lake using sedimentary environmental DNA

Introduced trout can induce trophic cascades, however, a lack of pre-introduction data limits knowledge on their impact in many lakes. Traditional paleolimnological approaches have been used to study historic species changes, but until recently these have been restricted to taxa with preservable body-parts. To explore the ecosystem effects of Salmo trutta (brown trout) introduction on an oligotrophic lake in Aotearoa-New Zealand, we used a multi-marker sedimentary environmental DNA (sedDNA) approach coupled with pigments to detect changes across multiple trophic levels. DNA was extracted from core depths capturing approximately 100 years before and after the expected arrival of S. trutta, and metabarcoding was undertaken with four primer sets targeting the 12S rRNA (fish), 18S rRNA (eukaryotes) and cytochrome c oxidase (COI; eukaryotes) genes. The earliest detection of S. trutta eDNA was 1906 (1892–1919 CE with 95% high probability density function) suggesting their introduction was shortly before this. Native fish diversity (12S and 18S rRNA) decreased after the detection of S. trutta, albeit the data was patchy. A shift in overall eukaryotic and algal communities (18S rRNA and COI) was observed around 1856 (1841–1871 CE) to 1891 (1877–1904 CE), which aligns with the expected S. trutta introduction. However, taxonomy could not be assigned to many of the 18S rRNA and COI sequences. Pigment concentrations did not change markedly after S. trutta introduction. SedDNA provides a new tool for understanding the impact of disturbances such as the introduction of non-native species; however, there are still several methodological challenges to overcome.

New Zealand Pae Ora Healthcare Reforms 2022: Viable by Design? A Qualitative Study Using the Viable System Model.

The New Zealand (NZ) Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) health reforms came into effect in July 2022 with the establishment of Health New Zealand (HNZ) (Te Whatu Ora) and the Māori Health Authority (MHA) (Te Aka Whai Ora) - the organisations charged for healthcare provision and delivery. Given these changes represent major health system reform, we aimed to conduct an early evaluation of the design of the reforms to determine if they can deliver a viable and sustainable NZ health system going forward. The evaluation was informed by Beer's viable system model (VSM). A qualitative exploratory design with semi-structured interviews and documents analysis using thematic analysis was used. We conducted 28 interviews with senior healthcare managers and reviewed over 300 official documents and news analyses. The VSM posits that for a system to be viable, all its five sub-systems (operations; co-ordination; operational control; development and governance) need to be strong. Our analysis suggests that the health reforms, despite their strengths, do not satisfy this requirement. The reforms do appreciate the complexity of the healthcare environment: multiple stakeholders, social inequalities, interdependencies. However, our analysis suggests a severe lack of detail regarding the implementation and operationalisation of the reforms. Furthermore, resourcing and coordination within the reformed system is also unclear. The health system reforms may not lead to a viable future NZ health system. Poor communication of the reform implementation and operationalisation will likely result in system failure and inhibit the ability of frontline health organisations to deliver care.

Evaluation of Empirical Ground-Motion Models for the 2022 New Zealand National Seismic Hazard Model Revision

ABSTRACT This article presents an evaluation of empirical ground-motion models (GMMs) for active shallow crustal, subduction interface, and subduction slab earthquakes using a recently developed New Zealand (NZ) ground-motion database for the 2022 New Zealand National Seismic Hazard Model revision. This study considers both NZ-specific and global models, which require evaluation to inform of their applicability in an NZ context. A quantitative comparison between the models is conducted based on intensity measure residuals and a mixed-effects regression framework. The results are subsequently investigated to assess how the models are performing in terms of overall accuracy and precision, as well as to identify the presence of any biases in the model predictions when applied to NZ data. Many models showed reasonable performance and could be considered appropriate for inclusion within suites of models to properly represent ground-motion predictions and epistemic uncertainty. In general, the recent models that are NZ-specific or developed on large international databases performed the best. This evaluation of models helped inform suitable GMMs for the ground-motion characterization model logic tree. In addition, spatial trends in systematic site-to-site residuals to the west of the Taupō Volcanic Zone demonstrated the need for backarc attenuation modifications for slab earthquakes.

Geographic and Ecological Diversity of Green Sulfur Bacteria in Hot Spring Mat Communities.

Three strains of thermophilic green sulfur bacteria (GSB) are known; all are from microbial mats in hot springs in Rotorua, New Zealand (NZ) and belong to the species Chlorobaculum tepidum. Here, we describe diverse populations of GSB inhabiting Travel Lodge Spring (TLS) (NZ) and hot springs ranging from 36.1 °C to 51.1 °C in the Republic of the Philippines (PHL) and Yellowstone National Park (YNP), Wyoming, USA. Using targeted amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, GSB 16S rRNA sequences were detected in mats in TLS, one PHL site, and three regions of YNP. GSB enrichments from YNP and PHL mats contained small, green, nonmotile rods possessing chlorosomes, chlorobactene, and bacteriochlorophyll c. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequences from YNP, NZ, and PHL mats and enrichments from YNP and PHL samples formed distinct phylogenetic clades, suggesting geographic isolation, and were associated with samples differing in temperature and pH, suggesting adaptations to these parameters. Sequences from enrichments and corresponding mats formed clades that were sometimes distinct, increasing the diversity detected. Sequence differences, monophyly, distribution patterns, and evolutionary simulation modeling support our discovery of at least four new putative moderately thermophilic Chlorobaculum species that grew rapidly at 40 °C to 44 °C.

The Protein Composition of Bovine Milk from Once-a-Day and Twice-a-Day Milking Production Systems in New Zealand

An increasing number of dairy farmers in New Zealand (NZ) have adopted a once-a-day (OAD) milking production system, and little is known about the impact of this production system on milk protein composition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of OAD milking on the protein composition in milk from individual cows. Milk was sampled in early, mid-, and late lactation from cows kept at Massey University farms Dairy No. 1 (OAD milking) and Dairy No. 4 (TAD milking) in Palmerston North, NZ. The yields of total milk and milk solids, the proximate composition, and the protein composition were determined. Results showed that OAD milking yielded less milk and milk solids than TAD milking. However, no significant differences in protein, fat, and lactose contents were found. While the proportions of total casein (CN), total whey proteins, αs1-CN, β-CN, and β-lactoglobulin were not affected by the milking frequency, milk from a OAD milking system contained higher proportions of αs2-CN and κ-CN and lower proportions of α-lactalbumin. These proteins also changed differently throughout the milking season in a OAD milking system than in a TAD milking system. These changes in the protein composition of the milk observed in a OAD milking system could have implications for its processing properties and product quality.

Europe’s GI Policy and New World Countries

Trade negotiations between the European Union (EU) and Australia and New Zealand (NZ) provide the opportunity to revisit the ongoing clash between EU and New World ( United States of America (USA), Canada, Australia, NZ etc.) countries over geographical indications (GIs). Since the EU-Canada negotiations, the EU has increased its GI demands and the Australia and NZ negotiations provide the first opportunity to assess these. NZ has agreed to privileges that exceed those in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and has fewer safeguards for NZ producers than were achieved in Canada. The EU’s GI demands to Australia are scrutinized in terms of competition, rule of law and consumer information criteria, providing a basis for considering how Australia should respond. A particular focus is the problematic issues raised in the demand that specific GI names be listed in the treaty without proper review and opposition procedures. Questions are also raised about the accuracy of EU GI labels and the relative merit of EU GI policy compared to certification mark GIs to promote regional development. On this basis it is suggested that Australia should reject a number of the EU’s GI demands as these lead to approving product labels which are deceptive for consumers Geographical indications, European Union, trade policy, regional development, consumer Information, food labelling, intellectual property

Developing video content for New Zealand’s online iSupport

AbstractBackgroundThe Empowering Dementia Carers in an iSupport Virtual Assistant (e‐DIVA) project aims to develop a website based on the World Health Organisation’s iSupport to support carers in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The website will be supplemented with culturally‐appropriate videos showing different scenarios in caring. As NZ had limited funding for the adaptation process, we decided to utilise the videos already developed by the Australian team and modify them to be locally‐relevant to NZ culture. There are some similarities in the culture and ethnic populations of the two countries, but also considerable differences. Here we aim to understand the need of cultural adaptation and describe the process of developing locally‐relevant videos for self‐paced dementia training to support carers in NZ.MethodWe worked with carers and social and health care practitioners to adapt the iSupport manual for use in NZ. We conducted separate focus groups with carers and care practitioners to agree on adapted videos for use in different modules in iSupport website. We reviewed the scripts and visuals and discussed how to ensure the content (scenario, dialogue) and delivery (music, visuals) were acceptable and relatable for NZ carers from different backgrounds.To adapt for Māori carers, we took the manual and videos that had been adapted for non‐Māori, and conducted focus groups with Māori carers and care practitioners to produce content that was culturally‐appropriate and Māori‐friendly.ResultUsing co‐design and consultation with carers and care professionals from specific cultures, we made changes to the backgrounds and visual representation of the characters to better reflect NZ culture, and ensuring inclusion and representation of Māori and Pasifika in the videos. We will present the adapted videos in AAIC 2023 next to the poster.ConclusionAdapting existing videos can be a low‐cost approach to provide supporting media for an online training tool such as iSupport.

Socio-demographic profile of medical students in Aotearoa, New Zealand (2016–2020): a nationwide cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo determine the socio-demographic profile of all students enrolled to study medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ).Design and settingObservational, cross-sectional study. Data were sought from the Universities of Auckland and...

How did New Zealand’s regional District Health Board groupings work to improve service integration and health outcomes: a realist evaluation

ObjectivesIn Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), integration across the healthcare continuum has been a key approach to strengthening the health system and improving health outcomes. A key example has been four...

Agency, co-creation and environmental advocacy in lens-based practice.

Tahāroa is a tiny settlement to the South-West of the Kawhia harbor, in the North Island of Aotearoa-New Zealand. N.Z Steel first brokered an agreement with local tribe Ngāti Mahuta ki-te-Hauāuru in the 1970’s to extract the titanomagnetite from the sands and ship it offshore for use in the construction of steel. This film asks what prolonged mineral extraction and the re-introduction of that material into the global manufacturing chain might mean for the mauri (or spirit) of the land, and for our planetary relationships.

Childhood Overweight/Obesity amidst Migration, Socioeconomic Factors, and Obesogenic Behaviors: Insights from the Growing Up in New Zealand Study

Research on migration as a risk factor for obesity has produced inconsistent findings. Potential influence of migration as a social determinant of obesity has not been previously explored in New Zealand (NZ) as a migrant receiving country. This study aimed to investigate the link between maternal migration status and residential duration and childhood overweight/obesity risk in NZ, considering sociodemographic characteristics and obesogenic behaviors. Data on 5,506 4- to 5-year-old children and their mothers were taken from a large and nationally representative cohort study in NZ (the Growing Up in NZ Study). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between maternal migration status, maternal residential duration, and child’s overweight/obesity risk and the risk of adopting obesogenic behaviors independent of socioeconomic influences. A lower proportion of children of foreign-born mothers presented with overweight/obesity (26%) at age 5 years compared with children of NZ-born mothers (29.6%) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.74, 0.98)). Maternal residential duration had no association with children’s weight status among migrant families. Regarding obesogenic behaviors, the findings were mixed with children of foreign-born mothers having lower odds of consuming fast food (AOR 0.77, 95% CI (0.65, 0.91)) and soft drinks (AOR 0.87, 95% CI (0.76, 0.99)); however, they had higher odds of having inadequate sleep duration (AOR 2.25, 95% CI (1.85, 2.73)). The lower prevalence of overweight/obesity and lower odds of consuming fast foods and soft drinks among children of foreign-born mothers indicate potential protective factors within migrant families. However, the increased likelihood of inadequate sleep duration highlights an area of concern that warrants further attention and intervention. The findings emphasize the importance of considering diverse social determinants of health and specific risk factors when developing targeted interventions to address childhood overweight/obesity.

한국과 뉴질랜드 초등학교 교사들의 경험을 통한 교실에서의 다문화수용성 질적 비교 연구

New Zealand (NZ) and South Korea (Korea) have undergone different historical trajectories in the courses of nation building, which are reflected in their education goals. NZ has focused on incorporating Māori and Pasifika elements within largely European based curriculum to allow for a harmonious national identity that underscores diversity as a strength. Meanwhile, Korea has only in the last few decades put concrete efforts to shed the monoethnic cultural ideology in the schools. This qualitative study looks into how multiculturalism is perceived and acted upon by teachers in NZ and Korea respectively. The results suggest that there are marked differences on how the concept of multiculturalism is embodied in everyday teaching situations. In the NZ case, the concept was a natural extension of cultural processes, allowing the teacher to exercise autonomy in designing and carrying out relevant activities. Therefore, ‘multiculturalism’ was not an operational key term used as a daily vernacular. In contrast, teachers in Korea tended to rely on formulaic methods to incorporate multiculturalism in their pedagogical practices, which largely stems from top-down, state-led policies.

Taming a 'fuzzy beast'? Stakeholder perspectives on Antarctic science-policy knowledge exchange practices in New Zealand.

Antarctic environmental change is accelerating with significant regional and global consequences making it critically important for Antarctic research knowledge to inform relevant policymaking forums. A key challenge is maximising the utility of evidence in decision-making, to which scholars have responded by shifting away from linear science-policy arrangements towards co-production alternatives. As an Antarctic Treaty Consultative Party (ATCP), New Zealand (NZ) is responsible for facilitating knowledge exchange (KE) among Antarctic science and policy actors at national and international levels. However, at present, we have few metrics for assessing the success of science-policy dialogues. Furthermore, studies on the Antarctic science-policy interface have so far primarily focused on the international perspective. This paper is the first to examine domestic stakeholder perspectives regarding Antarctic KE using NZ as a case study. We report on the findings of two workshops involving over 60 NZ Antarctic stakeholders in 2021 that aimed to explore the various elements of NZ's Antarctic science-policy interface and identify barriers or drivers for success, including future opportunities. Our results indicate that there is a desire to shift away from the current linear approach towards a more collaborative model. To achieve this, stakeholders share an understanding that KE practices need to become more equitable, inclusive and diverse, and that the policy community needs to play a more proactive and leading role. Described as a 'fuzzy beast', the NZ Antarctic science-policy interface is complex. This study contributes to our understanding of Antarctic KE practices by offering new guidance on several key elements that should be considered in any attempts to understand or improve future KE practices in NZ or within the domestic settings of other ATCPs interested in fostering science-policy success.