The Economic Consequences of Marital Separation for Parents in New Zealand: Insights from a Large Administrative Dataset

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Fletcher ◽  
David C Maré ◽  
Tim Maloney
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Small Samples ◽  
First Year ◽  
Panel Surveys ◽  
Marital Separation ◽  
Administrative Dataset ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Average Rise

Abstract Marital separation, especially when dependent children are involved, is a significant and disruptive event that often involves considerable changes in living standards. This article uses a newly available dataset to provide, for the first time, estimates of the short- to medium-term economic impacts of marital separation for parents of dependent-aged children in New Zealand. Unlike most similar studies, which are based on relatively small samples of separating individuals drawn from panel surveys, we exploit a large database of longitudinal tax and welfare records. This allows us to examine the economic consequences of separation for approximately 16,000 New Zealand parents and carers of dependent-aged children who separated in a 12-month period. The analysis applies propensity score matching, combined with difference-in-differences estimation, to estimate impacts. We find an average 29 per cent first-year decline in equivalised incomes for separating women and a 15 per cent average rise for men. In both cases, the effects persist to the end of the study period three years after separation. Our results also show a significant rise in poverty rates for both men and women, relatively small changes in employment and earnings, and a large increase in welfare receipts among the women.

scholarly journals Saints and Sinners: Arthur Espie Porritt

2013 ◽  
Vol 95 (8) ◽  
pp. 274-275
Author(s):  
Wyn Beasley
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Royal College ◽  
First World War ◽  
First Year ◽  
World War ◽  
The First World War ◽  
The Future ◽  
First World

Arthur Porritt, whose adventures, accolades and achievements spanned the globe, was both a surgeon himself and the son of a surgeon. His father, Ernest Edward Porritt, qualified in Edinburgh, became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1898, and practised in Wanganui in new zealand, where Arthur was born on 10 August 1900. His mother, Ivy McKenzie, died in 1914, when Arthur was in his first year at Wanganui Collegiate School; and when his father shortly went overseas to serve in the First World War, the boy became a boarder. The future Olympian distinguished himself as athletics champion, a member of the First XV and a prefect; and for a year after leaving school himself, he taught at a boys' school.

scholarly journals Learning In Spike Trains: Estimating Within-Session Changes In Firing Rate Using Weighted Interpolation

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Jensen ◽  
Fabian Muñoz ◽  
Vincent P. Ferrera
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Electrophysiological Study ◽  
Monte Carlo Algorithm ◽  
Small Samples ◽  
Weighted Interpolation ◽  
Time Dynamics ◽  
Firing Rates ◽  
The Past ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Quantitative Procedure

AbstractThe electrophysiological study of learning is hampered by modern procedures for estimating firing rates: Such procedures usually require large datasets, and also require that included trials be functionally identical. Unless a method can track the real-time dynamics of how firing rates evolve, learning can only be examined in the past tense. We propose a quantitative procedure, called ARRIS, that can uncover trial-by-trial firing dynamics. ARRIS provides reliable estimates of firing rates based on small samples using the reversible-jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. Using weighted interpolation, ARRIS can also provide estimates that evolve over time. As a result, both real-time estimates of changing activity, and of task-dependent tuning, can be obtained during the initial stages of learning.

scholarly journals Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation in New Zealand (MINI Project): Protocol for an Observational Longitudinal Cohort Study

10.2196/18560 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e18560
Author(s):  
Ying Jin ◽  
Jane Coad ◽  
Shao J Zhou ◽  
Sheila Skeaff ◽  
Cheryl Benn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Thyroid Function ◽  
Postnatal Depression ◽  
Infant Nutrition ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Selenium Status ◽  
Iodine Status

Background Thyroid dysfunction is associated with cognitive impairment, mood disturbance, and postnatal depression. Sufficient thyroid hormone synthesis requires adequate intake of iodine, selenium, and iron. Iodine deficiency was historically a problem for New Zealand, and initiatives were introduced to overcome the problem: (1) mandatory fortification of all bread (except organic) with iodized salt (2009) and (2) provision of subsidized iodine supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women (2010). Subsequent to these initiatives, most adults and children have adequate iodine status; however, status among breastfeeding women and their infants remains unclear. This paper outlines the methodology of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI) study: an observational longitudinal cohort study of breastfeeding women and their infants. Objective This study will determine (1) women’s iodine intake and status among supplement users and nonusers; (2) women’s intake and status of iodine, selenium, and iron relating to thyroid function; (3) associations between women’s selenium status, thyroid function, and postnatal depression; (4) infants’ iodine and selenium status relating to first year neurodevelopment. Methods Breastfeeding women aged over 16 years with a healthy term singleton infant were recruited from Manawatu, New Zealand. Participants attended study visits 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Maternal questionnaires investigated supplement use before and after birth, iodine knowledge, and demographic information. Dietary assessment and urine, blood, and breast milk samples were taken to measure iodine, selenium, and iron intake/status. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used repeatedly to screen for postnatal depression. Thyroid hormones (free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin, antithyroglobulin antibodies, and antithyroid peroxidase) were measured in blood samples, and thyroid gland volume was measured by ultrasound at 6 months postpartum. Infant iodine and selenium concentrations were determined in urine. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire was used to assess infant development at 4, 8, and 12 months. Results Data collection was completed. Biological samples analysis, excluding nail clippings, is complete. Data analysis and presentation of the results will be available after 2020. Conclusions This study will provide data on the current iodine status of breastfeeding women. It will also provide a greater understanding of the three essential minerals required for optimal thyroid function among breastfeeding women. The prospective longitudinal design allows opportunities to examine women’s mental health and infant neurodevelopment throughout the first year, a crucial time for both mothers and their infants. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615001028594; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=369324 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/18560

Calving dates and subsequent intercalving intervals in New Zealand beef herds

1984 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Morris
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
First Year ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Industry Data ◽  
Beef Industry ◽  
Beef Herds ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACTThe calving dates of spring-calving cows in New Zealand Angus and Hereford herds, taken from 350 and 240 herd-years respectively, and the intercalving intervals (CI) of cows in 95 Angus and 73 Hereford herds have been summarized. The relationships of each CI with the calving date which initiated it were also analysed. Results for each breed were analysed taking account of district, herd, year and cow age (in years), a total of 35 890 Angus and 22 397 Hereford records being used. The first-calving date (FCD) was identified for each herd-year, and 0·82 of Angus and 0·75 of Hereford cows were recorded as calving within 60 days of the FCD. On a herd basis, proportionately only 0·27 of Angus and 0·15 of Hereford herds had calving spreads of 80 days or less (defined as the time from the FCD to the last calving date). With barren years ignored, the CIs of cows averaged 370 days (Angus) and 368 days (Hereford). Two-year-old cows had on average a CI of 12 (Angus) or 7 days (Hereford) longer in 1974-75 than older cows, and the differences were both 12 days in 1975-76. Regression analyses showed that, on average, the later the calving date within a herd-year and age group, the shorter the subsequent CI. For cows calving early in the first year, the CI increased by 7 days for Angus and 5·4 days for Herefords for each 10 days before the mean calving date for the breed. There were significant effects of district and cow age on the regression estimates. The overall regressions were not consistent with those derived from British beef industry data.

Ethnic disparities in infectious disease hospitalisations in the first year of life in New Zealand

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R Hobbs ◽  
Susan MB Morton ◽  
Polly Atatoa-Carr ◽  
Stephen R Ritchie ◽  
Mark G Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Of Life

scholarly journals Fecal Microbiotas of Indonesian and New Zealand Children Differ in Complexity and Bifidobacterial Taxa during the First Year of Life

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blair Lawley ◽  
Anna Otal ◽  
Kit Moloney-Geany ◽  
Aly Diana ◽  
Lisa Houghton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Microbial Community ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
First Year ◽  
Natural Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Year Of Life

ABSTRACT The biological succession that occurs during the first year of life in the gut of infants in Western countries is broadly predictable in terms of the increasing complexity of the composition of microbiotas. Less information is available about microbiotas in Asian countries, where environmental, nutritional, and cultural influences may differentially affect the composition and development of the microbial community. We compared the fecal microbiotas of Indonesian (n = 204) and New Zealand (NZ) (n = 74) infants 6 to 7 months and 12 months of age. Comparisons were made by analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and derivation of community diversity metrics, relative abundances of bacterial families, enterotypes, and cooccurrence correlation networks. Abundances of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum were determined by quantitative PCR. All observations supported the view that the Indonesian and NZ infant microbiotas developed in complexity over time, but the changes were much greater for NZ infants. B. longum subsp. infantis dominated the microbiotas of Indonesian children, whereas B. longum subsp. longum was dominant in NZ children. Network analysis showed that the niche model (in which trophic adaptation results in preferential colonization) of the assemblage of microbiotas was supported in Indonesian infants, whereas the neutral (stochastic) model was supported by the development of the microbiotas of NZ infants. The results of the study show that the development of the fecal microbiota is not the same for infants in all countries, and they point to the necessity of obtaining a better understanding of the factors that control the colonization of the gut in early life. IMPORTANCE This study addresses the microbiology of a natural ecosystem (the infant bowel) for children in a rural setting in Indonesia and in an urban environment in New Zealand. Analysis of DNA sequences generated from the microbial community (microbiota) in the feces of the infants during the first year of life showed marked differences in the composition and complexity of the bacterial collections. The differences were most likely due to differences in the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding of infants in the two countries. These kinds of studies are essential for developing concepts of microbial ecology related to the influence of nutrition and environment on the development of the gut microbiota and for determining the long-term effects of microbiological events in early life on human health and well-being.

scholarly journals Let us unite against COVID-19 – a New Zealand perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Bandyopadhyay ◽  
A. Meltzer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Future Health ◽  
State Economy ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has shaken the existence of mankind worldwide, including that of New Zealand. In comparison to other countries, New Zealand has had a very low number of confirmed and probable cases as well as COVID-19-related deaths. New Zealand closed its borders and rapidly declared a stringent lockdown to eliminate COVID-19. The country’s ‘go hard, go early’ policy serves as an exemplar for the rest of the world to date. The mysterious nature of COVID-19 has caused tremendous stress and uncertainty leading to universal conflict between public health and state economy. Mental health services and non-government organisations have been proactive in the fight against COVID-19. Though there has been no significant rise in referrals to secondary mental health services to date (4 May 2020), a rapid surge in mental health presentations is widely anticipated. Telehealth may prove to be an efficient and cost-effective tool for the provision of future health services.

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