Researching characteristics of people moving into and out of the Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga districts: Some methodological issues

The Western Bay of Plenty (WBOP), has one of the fastest growing populations in New Zealand. This Discussion Paper details a methodology that has been used to conduct a survey of people moving into and out of the Western Bay of Plenty between October 2000 and September 2001

International migration in New Zealand: Context, components and policy issues

This paper explores Aotearoa/New Zealand’s distinctive heritage as both a ‘traditional land of immigration’ as well as a ‘country of emigration’, with particular reference to contemporary policy issues and research initiatives. An underlying theme of the argument is the need for an approach which takes account of all types of movement into and out of the country when researching immigration, both as a process and as a policy domain

Rural trajectories: Diversification and farm-community linkages in Whakatane District, 1999-2003

In New Zealand and elsewhere the interdependence of development in farming and the broader rural community can no longer be taken for granted. Five years ago we conducted a comparative analysis of the interrelated dynamics of change in agriculture and rural communities in the Central North Island. The observed trends from this research suggested that: (i) long and short cycles of change affecting the rural sector are promoting greater diversity in agriculture-community relations; (ii) adjustment processes are ongoing; and (iii) current evidence does not point unambiguously to either the decoupling or re-linking of agriculture and the broader rural community. This paper explores further the ambiguity encountered in the earlier research through a follow-up case study grounded in Whakatane District. The key finding is that as a result of individual effort and the will to diversify, the rural economy of Whakatane District is buoyant and farming remains the major economic activity. However, despite the apparent persistence of strong and pervasive agriculture-community linkages, the district remains vulnerable to forces embedded in short and long cycles of change. In terms of short-cycle change, the pressure on dairy farming from price fluctuation and the increasing attractiveness of conversion to horticulture is affecting the agricultural side of the equation, while the proliferation of lifestyle blocks is notable on the community side. In terms of long-cycle change, the influence of a renaissance of Maori rural living is beginning to be felt on the community side, while the effect of climate change and associated weather extremes is beginning to impact on agriculture

Demographic change and employment in the Central North Island, 1986-1996

This paper examines some dimensions of demographic and economic change in a region which is generally considered to be one of the most productive and affluent parts of New Zealand’s “heartland”. The paper highlights considerable demographic and economic diversity within the Central North Island. This is a complex region in terms of its population composition, its mix of rural and urban places and industries, and its linkages to other parts of New Zealand’s society and economy. The consistently poorer performance found in a wide range of indices of social and economic change in this part of New Zealand is very sobering

Geographical Indications: A result of European protectionism?

This thesis addresses the legal protection afforded to a new separate branch of intellectual property law commonly referred to as geographical indications. Simply put a geographical indication is a label of origin designed to protect goods originating from a particular area with specific qualities connected to the region in question. Protection is granted for the whole region letting any company within the area make use of the protected name as long as it fulfils the stipulated criteria. A great deal of controversy surrounds this type of intellectual property. Although the TRIPs Agreement has solved some issues by defining the concept and trying to establish some common standards, much is yet left unresolved. Countries differ in their attitudes towards geographical indications depending to a large degree on their economic interests. The European Union has proved to be a strong force in promoting geographical indications, with countries such as France and Spain in the forefront. Countries with less strong cultural traditions in the agricultural sector are sceptical to the concept of geographical indications. The United States claim that the European Union's behaviour is protectionistic and has the effect of hindering free trade. The thesis focuses on the European Union and its attitude towards geographical indications. A geographical indication creates a right capable of restricting a country's exports and imports. This goes against the concept of ''free movement of goods'', one of the four freedoms establishing the internal market. Through analysing adopted regulations and the European Court of Justice's rulings, the conflict between the creation of internal market and geographical indications becomes apparent. The European Union has, through various regulations and directives created a strong form of protection for geographical indications. When interpreting the legal scope of the protection the ECJ has proved to be supportive of this intellectual property, choosing to protect it, thereby effectively restricting the free movement of goods. As discussed during the analysis, it can be argued that the ECJ is being overly protective, extending the scope of geographical indication protection too far. It has overstepped the boundaries by including translated names, non-essential stages of production and names that have become generic. In order to be successful in establishing a global system of protection, the EU will have to retrace some steps realising the importance of free movement of goods and accept that countries around the world have varying incentives

The effect op stress on the domain structures of iron whiskers

Large iron whiskers were grown by the reduction of ferrous chloride and domain structures In unstrained and strained whiskers were Investigated. Tensional stresses were applied along the whisker axis and the resulting domain patterns observed by means of the Bitter technique. In the, case of whiskers with axes in [l00] directions and faces (001) cross-magnetised domains were observed to disappear upon the application of stress, either by the gradual reduction of their volume or by the sudden mutual annihilation of neighbouring domains. Calculations of the energy values for these sudden changes agree with the model postulated and visual observation of the movement confirmed the theory. For whiskers with axes at an angle to the [100] direction and faces (00l), calculations were carried out upon a number of different closure structure types to determine the equilibrium spacing for each pattern and these were then compared with observations to confirm the type of closure structure present. A method of estimating magnetostatic energy contributions for areas of free pole separated by neutral regions was developed. Whiskers with axes [111] and faces (211) and (110) were also studied. Calculations showed that the main wall was a normal zig-zag wall. The main structure was observed to consist of six 90º domains and two different types of closure structure were observed on alternate main domains. The effect of stress on this structure was explained as being due to the change in energy of the complex wall structure in the two different closure structures

Quackery or Complementary Medicine - a Historical Approach to the present Situation

Swedish consumers are increasingly interested in Complementary medicines, yet the Swedish legal attitude appears reluctant to these traditional methods. This thesis examines the historical roots of the alleged Swedish attitude and investigates whether Swedish law and practice is in line with EU requirements. Focus is on the Caregivers and restrictions surrounding their practice and also on the restrictions regarding Complementary medicines used by the actors. The historical exposition shows a parallel development in the field of medicine in most countries during many centuries in ancient times. However, a major deviation occurred in Sweden compared to other European countries in that the Swedish licensed practitioners were given state monopoly at a very early stage. In 1663, a private medical guild, Collegium Medicum, was set up, which changed into a public and official institution only twenty odd years later. The Swedish Medical enactments of 1688 constituted a complete monopoly for the Licensed practitioners in the field of medicine. The reason was not an urge to protect the public from harm, but rather to safeguard groups of qualified professionals and their ability to earn a living. The 1688 legislation was not replaced until 1915 - more than 225 years later. The 1915 Quackery Law eliminated the medicinal monopoly, legalizing professional health care practice by Paramedical practitioners, yet introduced restrictions for them in dealing with severe health conditions. In parallel, requirements on Science and Verified Experience have in reality prevented the Licensed practitioner from working outside Conventional medicines. History presents an explanation for the lack of acceptance and respect for Paramedicinal practitioners and Complementary medicines in Sweden. In other European countries Complementary medicines have been tolerated and accepted since long. The methods have been - and continue to be - taught at universities and practiced by licensed professionals. The historical events give a perspective when investigating the Swedish contemporary legal situation. Swedish national law has been forced to bow to the more tolerant attitude found within the European legislation. Yet, in many situations Swedish law presents narrow interpretations: There is a lack of fiscal neutrality for Complementary medicines compared to Conventional medicines. Restrictions on Licenced practitioners use of Complementary medicine also clearly distinguishes Sweden from the rest of Europe, whereas the exclusion of certain treatments and certain groups of patients for Paramedicinal practitioners appears to be in line with EU law. The overall conclusion is that Swedish law is in line with EU standards, but that certain attitudes and practices must be revised. Whether the Licensed medical practitioners like it or not, it seems that Complementary medicine is becoming more and more incorporated in the consciousness of the public and gaining the acceptance of society at large

Influence of Physical Properties of Fat on Product Quality, Shelf-Life and Consumer Acceptance of Chocolate-Coated Products

In chocolate-coated products, oil migration in fats can lead to chocolate softening, filling hardening, discoloration, and lower consumer acceptance. This study examined three different fats (soy- palm-, and palm-kernel (PK) based), crystallized under different conditions (cooling rate and use of high intensity ultrasound (HIU)) to examine how the crystallization conditions impact the physical properties of confectionery products. These conditions produced fats with high and low oil binding capacities (OBCs); the ability of crystal networks to entrap liquid oil. Model systems were created to examine measurable quality degradation and consumer acceptance of chocolates placed in contact with the fats; one with fat alone while the second mixed the fat into sugar or nut flour. At 48 hours, 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks, measurements of quality of the fillings and the chocolates were taken (including melting behavior, liquid/solid rheological behavior, texture, color, and crystal structure. After 12 weeks, a consumer acceptance panel ranked their chocolate liking based on overall acceptance, appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, and mouthfeel. The most significant differences were seen with the chocolate color, hardness, and melting behavior. Control chocolates typically increased in whiteness, had consistent hardness, and increased in the amount of melting energy. Sample chocolates, especially those with low OBC fats, frequently significantly decreased in whiteness, primarily due to significant increases in yellowness. All chocolate samples softened significantly over time, as solid crystal material dissolved as seen with a lower melting energy and less defined crystal structures in x-ray diffraction analysis. The high OBC PK (75% fully hydrogenated PK, fast cooled, without HIU) performed the best in the measurements as it contained the most solid material, softened the least, and had the latest decrease in the required energy to melt the chocolate. However, the high OBC palm (100% palm-based oil, fast cooled, with HIU) performed the best in the consumer acceptance panel, showing no significant differences from the control in four of the six parameters. In conclusion, the condition with a high OBC and the least quality degradation during the measurements was not liked the most by consumers. This highlights the importance of understanding all aspects of shelf-life