scholarly journals A Mountain Feeling: the Narrative Construction of Meaning and Self Through a Commitment to Mountaineering in Aotearoa/New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lee Davidson

<p>Mountaineering is commonly associated with feats of daring in a landscape of extreme danger. Past theories of mountain climbing, and other adventurous leisure activities, have predominantly focused on uncovering the motives for participation; and risk has been posited as a primary attraction. A number of studies have concluded that identity and meaning are factors related to participation. However, none to date have examined the dynamics by which these factors are constructed and maintained in the lives of participants. This thesis places meaning and self or identity at the centre of its enquiry into how New Zealand mountaineers sustain their commitment to an adventurous leisure activity. Thus, it seeks to address the current lack of knowledge regarding the way in which activities such as mountain climbing can contribute to participants' sense of who they are and what their lives are about. A biographical narrative approach was adopted to achieve this central aim as, it is argued, self and meaning are constructed through the stories told about life experiences. Narrative interviews were conducted with twenty-two committed New Zealand mountaineers; and supporting materials were collected from publications and other relevant sources. The interpretation of the research material was facilitated by theories of the interrelationship between narrative, meaning and self, and the implications of current social conditions for their construction. By applying a narrative approach to the study of mountaineers for the first time, this thesis sheds new light on our understanding of mountaineering. It demonstrates the way in which mountaineers weave together the biographical particulars of their lives with a 'folk psychology' of mountaineering to produce a strong sense of self. In addition, it shows how these 'mountaineering selves' are influenced by a communal narrative, or shared discourse, about what it means to be a mountaineer in New Zealand. The research also reveals the complexities in approaches to the dangers of mountain climbing, and offers an alternative conceptualisation of this issue which does not characterise mountaineers as principally risk seeking individuals. These findings provide an empirical basis by which to consider theories relating to the impact of socio-historical conditions upon individual experience, and the efficacy of certain strategies for addressing dilemmas of meaning and self. Finally, although the study is situated within a specific social and historical context, it contributes - in the spirit of interpretive hermeneutics - to an on-going exchange of meanings about mountaineering and leisure in contemporary society.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lee Davidson

<p>Mountaineering is commonly associated with feats of daring in a landscape of extreme danger. Past theories of mountain climbing, and other adventurous leisure activities, have predominantly focused on uncovering the motives for participation; and risk has been posited as a primary attraction. A number of studies have concluded that identity and meaning are factors related to participation. However, none to date have examined the dynamics by which these factors are constructed and maintained in the lives of participants. This thesis places meaning and self or identity at the centre of its enquiry into how New Zealand mountaineers sustain their commitment to an adventurous leisure activity. Thus, it seeks to address the current lack of knowledge regarding the way in which activities such as mountain climbing can contribute to participants' sense of who they are and what their lives are about. A biographical narrative approach was adopted to achieve this central aim as, it is argued, self and meaning are constructed through the stories told about life experiences. Narrative interviews were conducted with twenty-two committed New Zealand mountaineers; and supporting materials were collected from publications and other relevant sources. The interpretation of the research material was facilitated by theories of the interrelationship between narrative, meaning and self, and the implications of current social conditions for their construction. By applying a narrative approach to the study of mountaineers for the first time, this thesis sheds new light on our understanding of mountaineering. It demonstrates the way in which mountaineers weave together the biographical particulars of their lives with a 'folk psychology' of mountaineering to produce a strong sense of self. In addition, it shows how these 'mountaineering selves' are influenced by a communal narrative, or shared discourse, about what it means to be a mountaineer in New Zealand. The research also reveals the complexities in approaches to the dangers of mountain climbing, and offers an alternative conceptualisation of this issue which does not characterise mountaineers as principally risk seeking individuals. These findings provide an empirical basis by which to consider theories relating to the impact of socio-historical conditions upon individual experience, and the efficacy of certain strategies for addressing dilemmas of meaning and self. Finally, although the study is situated within a specific social and historical context, it contributes - in the spirit of interpretive hermeneutics - to an on-going exchange of meanings about mountaineering and leisure in contemporary society.</p>


Akustika ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
walter Montano ◽  
Elena Gushiken

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way of life of the world’s population, and initially all non-essential commercial and industrial activities in all countries were suspended, as well as the temporary closure of major airports and educational activities. As never before, environmental sound levels were reduced as a result of the quarantine, as the authorities ordered people to remain confined in their homes in order to reduce and prevent the SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Cities became silent and in some cases birds and wildlife “took over” this situation. This change in the soundscape led to sounds that were previously masked, now being heard, i.e. HVAC and other noises. This article presents the case of Lima, Peru, in which the impact and annoyance produced by aircrafts overflights are analyzed (during 2020); as well as the healthy soundscape levels achieved ‘thanks’ to the commercial lockdown and leisure activities.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Maya Robinson

<p>Digital fabrication has become a common way of producing and constructing designs more efficiently, challenging the traditional methods of construction, and the way we design. Despite the new technologies used to enhance the design process, there is still a disconnect between design and construction. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been a step towards creating a more fluid workflow. However, it is not currently being fully utilised within New Zealand. Along with a lack of interoperability, this has contributed to the limited productivity of the construction industry. The ability to take a BIM model direct to manufacture is critical to leverage the information of the model and reduce expensive remodelling. The use of BIM tools not only aims to maximise efficiency when delivering a project but also provides a new way of working and a solution to improve file-to-factory production.   Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), although relatively new to the architecture and building industry, could have substantial benefits for the way architecture projects are designed and constructed. This process consists of a set of guidelines that take into consideration the manufacturability and assembly of the design from the very beginning. Qualitative and experimental methods have been used for initial and developed testing drawn from case studies, a review of the literature, and data from interviews with industry professionals. Five interviews were conducted with industry professionals across the design to manufacturing spectrum. The interviews identified current issues within the architecture and building industry directly related to file-to-factory.   A new file-to-factory workflow has been developed utilising BIM tools and DfMA principles to explore the impact this process could have on the buildings we design and construct in New Zealand. The workflow does not consist of new processes or tools but instead couples the two together. By utilising the existing BIM technology and implementing DfMA, this means the designer can consider both the requirements of the design and how the design will be manufactured and assembled. The collaborative workflow can eliminate the need for remodelling, and reduce errors, cost, and time. This is significant to the industry because it begins to streamline the design-to-construction process and allow for the industry to grow, advance, and increase productivity.</p>


Te Kaharoa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Derby

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the influence that socio-historical context has on the identity of a group. The identity of the hapū (tribe) Ngāi Tamarāwaho is examined to demonstrate the impact that specific phenomena associated with colonisation had on hapū identity, and the major focus of this chapter is the interplay between Ngāi Tamarāwaho and the phenomenon of colonisation. This article concentrates specifically on hapū identity during the colonisation era, which, in the context of this article, commenced with the arrival of Pākehā (British) settlers in New Zealand in 1814, and concluded with the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal in 1975. For comparative purposes, parallels are drawn with other indigenous groups globally to highlight similarities between the colonisation experiences of these groups and those of Ngāi Tamarāwaho, and to illustrate common trends that occur as a result of colonisation and its associated phenomena. The first section in this article discusses the need to consider socio-historical context in research pertaining to identity, and provides examples of research that has been conducted to this effect. The second section establishes the social context of Ngāi Tamarāwaho, and the third section outlines the historical context. Following this is an analyis of the effects of aspects of colonisation on Ngāi Tamarāwaho identity, and this article concludes by discussing ways in which the hapū revived and reasserted their identity


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Hildebrand ◽  
Megan Brewer ◽  
Timothy Wolf

Objective. To compare participation in moderate to high intensity physical activities in persons before and after a mild stroke.Methods. We used data from the Cognitive Rehabilitation and Research Group to examine changes in moderate to high intensity physical activity participation in persons who had a mild stroke as defined by an NIH Stroke Scale score of less than 6 (N=127). Using the Activity Card Sort, we compared the participants' high-demand leisure activity (leisure activities that are moderate to high intensity physical activities) participation at 6-months after stroke with their prestroke level.Results. We found a significant decrease in numbers of high-demand leisure activities in all participants and in each demographic group after mild stroke.Conclusion. These results suggest that persons after mild stroke are not retaining the high-demand leisure activities they were doing prior to their stroke. Health professionals must promote participation in high-demand leisure activities in patients with mild stroke as a tool to enhance health and fitness.


2021 ◽  
pp. 146735842199387
Author(s):  
Nigel Hemmington ◽  
Lindsay Neill

The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New Zealand hospitality industry, within the context of business longevity theory using an on-line qualitative survey of 11 senior industry executives representing 105 restaurant, café and take-away outlets. The findings reveal that despite financial loss, COVID-19 provided an opportunity to engage in strategic innovation through two basic approaches; one mediated by technology, the other by direct personal contact. This internal innovation, flexibility and responsiveness is consistent with the RBV theory of the firm and the inertia and change perspective of organizational Population Ecology theory. The practical implications relate to business longevity and the financial impact across the industry, however, COVID-19 also provided an opportunity for strategic innovation through technology and direct personal customer contact. Innovations were mediated by two government COVID-19 related initiatives - the wage subsidy scheme, and government business loans. The social implications are significant and include a renewed sense of ‘self’ reflecting the need for business survival. Renewal has invigorated participants to differentiate the hospitality industry and its contribution to the national economy from that of tourism. That renewal and vibrancy provides the perfect scenario for the wider sociocultural embrace of a return to normal life and regular business in Aotearoa New Zealand. The limitations of this study include the focus on restaurants, cafes and take-aways - a wider hospitality industry study would provide a more industry representative perspective. The study is also focused on New Zealand as a unique case study; this would not necessarily be representative of the global industry. The qualitative approach and small sample is a strength in terms of depth of analysis, but could be supplemented through a wider quantitative study.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 335-351
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Young ◽  
Michelle Kilborn ◽  
Christine Arnold ◽  
Saiqa Azam ◽  
Cecile Badenhorst ◽  
...  

A narrative approach was adopted to explore the experiences of 13 women who pursued academic careers. Analysis of the personal reflective narratives uncovered themes common to the participants, also the authors of this study, which focused on striving to have work-life balance, personal and professional costs associated with being unwell, and the impact of academic work on families. Findings highlighted suggestions for being well in academia such as choose to engage in work and leisure activities that are enjoyable and maintain relationships. Suggestions for universities included: provide clear promotion and tenure processes, examine workload expectations, promote wellness, and facilitate mentorship. About Memorial University’s Faculty of Education Writing Group In 2009, a group of members from a Faculty of Education began meeting to share their writing and discuss the writing process. We meet regularly and each member takes a turn hosting the meeting. There are no strict deadlines and action items for the meetings; instead, each member takes a turn checking in with the group and asking for feedback or advice on their writing. It is a relaxed and open setting where networking and socializing are as welcome as producing results. The group deliberately set forth to create an environment of non-criticism—we can give feedback but not criticism and we agree to promote support, rather than competition. Through this process, the writing group has served to foster a sense of belonging.


2009 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susannah Leigh Kan Shaw

This article examines whether an expansion to the tort of conversion to cover intangible property is warranted. In the 2007 case of OBG Ltd v Allan (OBG), the majority of the House of Lords held in favour of retaining the rule that only tangible property may be subject to an action in conversion, while the minority argued that expansion of the tort is necessary based on principle, the history of conversion and developments in other jurisdictions. The OBG decision is set in its historical context through an analysis of the origins and extensive history of the tort of conversion. The article concludes there is nothing in the history of the tort that stands in the way of expansion to cover cases of interference with intangible interests, and argues that such an extension would be a welcome development in the New Zealand context.


Author(s):  
Cecile J. Proctor ◽  
◽  
Danie A. Beaulieu ◽  
Anthony J. Reiman ◽  
Lisa A. Best ◽  
...  

"It is now recognized that the ""cancer experience"" extends beyond diagnosis, treatment, and end-of-life care. Relative to individuals who have not faced a cancer diagnosis, cancer survivors report increased mental health concerns and lowered physical and psychological well-being (Langeveld et al., 2004). Health-related quality of life encompasses overall physical (e.g., energy, fatigue, pain, etc.) and psychological functioning (e.g., emotional well-being, etc.), as well as general health perceptions (Hays & Morales, 2001). Nayak and colleagues (2017) reported that 82.3% of cancer patients had below-average quality of life scores, with the lowest scores found in the general, physical, and psychological well-being domains. Research suggests that various positive lifestyle variables, including social connectedness, leisure activity, and mindfulness practices are associated with increased quality of life in cancer patients (Courtens et al., 1996; Fangel et al., 2013; Garland et al., 2017). In this study, 350 cancer survivors completed an online questionnaire package that included a detailed demographic questionnaire with medical and online support and leisure activity questions. Additional measures were included to assess quality of life (QLQ-C30; Aaronson et al., 1993), social connectedness (Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, SELSA-S; DiTommaso et al., 2004), and mindfulness (Adolescent and Adult Mindfulness Scale, AAMS; Droutman et al., 2018). Results show that increased QOL is predicted by increased medical support, lower family loneliness, self-acceptance, and engaging in a variety of leisure activities. Encouraging family support, including the patient in the decision-making process, encouraging a variety of physically possible leisure activities, and normalizing negative emotions surrounding diagnosis and disease symptoms are all ways that overall QoL can be improved."


Author(s):  
Lynne Ciochetto

<p>In the last two decades there has been an exponential increase in worldwide computer use, followed by a similar expansion in mobile phone usage. There are a number of factors caused this increase: technological advances in functionality, the migration of computer use from work to the home environment,  increased accessibility of data through the increased capacity of search engines and the rapid growth in popularity of social media websites after 2004.  The exponential growth of mobile phone use followed a similar but more rapid trajectory and the user base expanded in emerging economies when 3G mobile phone technologies provided internet access. There has been a major shift in the way people communicate particularly the exponential increase in the use of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Skype and Baibu. Sites such as iTunes and YouTube have changed the way music and video are accessed, listened to and used. Changing patterns of technology use have had a major impact on the way people conduct their lives and have impacted significantly on leisure activities in both developed and emerging economies: the types of activities and the way those activities are pursued in both at home and when people travel.<ins cite="mailto:ITS" datetime="2015-06-08T09:11"></ins></p>


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