Homeless. Self-Build Housing for Wellington's Transitionally Homeless

Screening Process ◽

Business Innovation ◽

Housing is an important precondition for people to live healthy and prosperous lives. Access to suitable housing is an essential factor in the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Housing suitability and quality has ramifications for physical and mental health, education, employment, social cohesion and intergenerational mobility. These outcomes directly impact the functioning of communities, broader society, and the economy (Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment). Per capita, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the world. At 1% of the total population, it is estimated that approximately 42,000 New Zealanders are experiencing some form of homelessness. These individuals are either in temporary or insecure accommodation (OECD). Our capital’s housing supply is evidentially not meeting demand. Wellington is currently 9312 dwellings short of what is required, resulting in multiple tenants residing in singular rooms, and an increase in homelessness (Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment). This issue arises when there is an intermediate population deemed ‘too rich’ for social housing by the Ministry of Social Development screening process. However, due to low current median incomes this group are not able to afford Wellington’s rental prices, leaving them with little to no options in securing healthy and stable accommodation. Those fortunate enough to secure tenancy find themselves marginalised by society as they are not in permanent ‘homes’ but transitional residences on the city fringes. This thesis explores a novel approach to our capital’s housing crisis, with the specific intention of provoking conversation about alternative approaches to the re-housing of New Zealanders most at need. Giving individuals the opportunity to up-skill, combined with the ability to craft their own permanent home will provide the helping hand needed to get them back on their feet and re-introduced into productive society. Interviews with Wellington’s housing providers and those working directly with the homeless have informed the key considerations for providing housing for the transitionally homeless. The literature review highlights the importance of creating and enhancing a sense of belonging through architectural design strategies. Precedent studies are analysed to understand the importance of location, planning, appearance and the materiality of housing units as well as assessing the validity of self-build housing for New Zealand. This research develops a universal design response to affordable housing in Wellington. A non-exclusive approach facilitates residents as a whole rather than focusing on site specifics, thus achieving a more holistic design concept. This model can be implemented in a broader context to ultimately support the provision of quality and affordable housing to those in most need. The outcomes of this thesis include; a set of design guidelines for those involved in the provision of housing for the transitionally homeless, and a detailed design proposal for a conceptual housing intervention in urban Wellington.

Homeless. Self-Build Housing for Wellington's Transitionally Homeless

10.26686/wgtn.17142344 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Jake Goodger

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Affordable Housing ◽

Architectural Design ◽

Well Being ◽

Design Guidelines ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Screening Process ◽

Business Innovation ◽

The health of older New Zealanders in relation to housing tenure: analysis of pooled data from three consecutive, annual New Zealand Health Surveys

10.26686/wgtn.14265713 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Megan Pledger ◽

Janet McDonald ◽

P Dunn ◽

Jacqueline Cumming ◽

K Saville-Smith

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

New Zealand ◽

Health Surveys ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Housing Tenure ◽

Pacific People ◽

Pooled Data ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

© 2019 The Authors Objective: To explore relationships between the housing tenure of older New Zealanders and their health-related behaviours, and physical and mental health. Methods: Pooled data were analysed for 15,626 older adults (aged 55+) from three consecutive, annual, nationally representative New Zealand Health Surveys to compare owner-occupiers, private renters and public renters. Results: Most in the sample were owner-occupiers (83.2%), with 12.4% private renters and 4.5% public renters. A higher proportion of renters aged 75+ were female. Māori and Pacific people were more likely to be renters. Renters were more likely to be living alone, on lower annual incomes. Overall measures of physical and mental health showed a health gradient, with public renters in the poorest health and owner-occupiers in the best health. Conclusions: Rental tenure is associated with poorer health. Implications for public health: Older renters tend to be economically disadvantaged and in poorer health than owner-occupiers. Over time, the proportion of older renters has been increasing. This will have implications for policy and for services in meeting the diverse care and support needs of older people. Higher rates of renting among Māori and Pacific people and older females means that these groups are particularly vulnerable to any negative impact of renting on health.

10-year Trajectories of Alcohol Consumption in Older Adult New Zealanders

10.26686/wgtn.12702860.v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Agnes Szabo ◽

Andy Towers ◽

Janie Sheridan ◽

David Newcombe

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Latent Class ◽

Heavy Drinking ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Health ◽

Growth Curve Analysis ◽

Latent Growth Curve Analysis ◽

Objectives Older adults are often treated as a homogeneous drinking group, but research suggests that they engage with alcohol in various ways, ranging from abstention to heavy drinking. The study aimed to (i) identify subgroups of older adults based on changes in frequency and quantity of alcohol use over 10 years and (ii) examine co-occurring changes in mental and physical health. Method Data were collected biennially between 2006 and 2016 from 2,632 New Zealanders (55–70 years old at baseline). Latent class growth analysis was performed to identify trajectories of alcohol use. Co-occurring changes in physical and mental health were examined using latent growth curve analysis. Results Five drinking profiles emerged: (i) infrequent, low-quantity consumers; (ii) highly frequent, low-quantity consumers; (iii) moderately frequent, high-quantity consumers; (iv) moderately frequent, low-quantity consumers; and (v) highly frequent, high-quantity consumers. Drinking trajectories demonstrated no change or slight declines in frequency and quantity over time. Frequent and moderately frequent, high-quantity drinking was more prevalent among men, younger participants, and active smokers. Moderately frequent, heavy drinkers were in very poor health. Frequent and moderately frequent, low-quantity drinking was associated with better health and economic well-being. Infrequent, low-quantity consumers were more likely to be women and in poor health. Discussion The five drinking profiles indicate that older adults engage with alcohol in diverse ways. Two of these patterns indicated potentially hazardous use, which highlights the need for screening and intervention in this age group.

Trajectories of material living standards, physical health and mental health under a universal pension

Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health ◽

10.1136/jech-2019-213199 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 74 (4) ◽

pp. 362-368

Author(s):

Joanne Allen ◽

Fiona M Alpass

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

New Zealand ◽

Short Form ◽

Adult Population ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Living Standards ◽

Poor Health ◽

Material Hardship ◽

Physical And Mental Health

ObjectiveAged pension schemes aim to support material and non-material well-being of older populations. The current work aimed to describe dominant trajectories of material living standards in the decades prior to and following eligibility for an aged pension, and describe associated trajectories of physical and mental health.MethodsLongitudinal data on living standards and indices of health Short Form 12 were collected over 2–12 years follow-up from 4811 New Zealand adults aged 55–76. Growth mixture models were used to identify dominant trajectories of living standards with age. Latent growth curve models were used to describe trajectories of physical and mental health associated with each living standards trajectory class.ResultsA group characterised by good living standards with age (81.5%) displayed physical and mental health scores comparable to those of the general adult population. Smaller groups experienced hardship but increasing living standards (11.8%) and hardship and declining living standards (6.8%). While both groups in hardship experienced poor health in the decade prior pension eligibility, mental health improved among those with increasing living standards, while physical and mental health declined among those with declining living standards.ConclusionUnder the current policy settings, a majority of older adults in New Zealand maintain a good level of living standards and health in later life. However, significant proportions experience material hardship and poor health in the decade prior to pension eligibility. Alleviation of material hardship may reduce health inequalities in later life.

Psychological distress, loneliness, alcohol use and suicidality in New Zealanders with mental illness during a strict COVID-19 lockdown

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/00048674211034317 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000486742110343

Author(s):

Caroline Bell ◽

Jonathan Williman ◽

Ben Beaglehole ◽

James Stanley ◽

Matthew Jenkins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

New Zealand ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Outcomes ◽

Subjective Experiences ◽

Previous Diagnosis ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Introduction: People with pre-existing mental health conditions may have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health restrictions. In this study, we compared psychological outcomes, experiences and sources of stress over the pandemic lockdown in New Zealanders with and without a previous diagnosis of mental illness. Methods: Two online surveys were conducted in New Zealand over the level 4 lockdown in April 2020 measuring psychological distress, anxiety, well-being, suicidality, alcohol use and subjective experiences. They included 3389 participants, of whom 18.4% reported having been previously diagnosed with a mental illness. Results: During the lockdown, people previously diagnosed with a mental illness had about twice the risk of reporting moderate-high levels of psychological distress (K10 ⩾ 12), at least moderate levels of anxiety (GAD-7 ⩾ 10) and poor well-being (WHO-5 ⩽ 12). They reported increased alcohol use and were about four times as likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts with 3% reporting having made a suicide attempt over the lockdown period. They reported less satisfaction with, and poorer relationships with people in their ‘bubble’, reduced social contacts and greater loneliness. They also reported higher levels of health and financial concerns. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand, people with a previous diagnosis of a mental illness were at increased risk of detrimental psychological outcomes. This highlights the importance of recognising this and the challenges people face in pandemics.

Enhancing the tax system to halt the decline of nature in New Zealand

Policy Quarterly ◽

10.26686/pq.v12i1.4574 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Theo Stephens ◽

Suzie Greenhalgh ◽

Marie A Brown ◽

Adam Daigneault

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Well Being ◽

Tourism Industry ◽

Tax System ◽

Business Innovation ◽

Natural Heritage ◽

Wild And Scenic Rivers ◽

Economic Production ◽

Mountain Landscapes ◽

Health And Well Being

New Zealand is world-renowned for its nature – its lush forests, spectacular mountain landscapes, wild and scenic rivers, beautiful coastlines and extraordinary biodiversity. This natural heritage is the foundation of New Zealand’s identity and its branding, and the premier attraction for the tourism industry. It provides habitable environments, contributes to economic production and assimilates wastes, and is an important source of great enjoyment, health and well-being (Roberts et al., 2015). Nature contributes to the success of the nation’s fishing, farming, forestry and tourism industries, which provide about 52% of national export income (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 2013). But these values and the well-being and prosperity they enable are being diminished and degraded at an alarming rate.

Rise, Ruin & Regeneration: An Examination of the Regeneration of Post-War Suburban State Housing in New Zealand

10.26686/wgtn.17003356.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

James Arps

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Architectural Design ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Specific Design ◽

Design Case ◽

Regenerative Design ◽

Post War ◽

Design Case Study

Over 70 years since it was completed, the house at 12 Fife Lane, Miramar, New Zealand’s first state house, looks unchanged. However, the intervening years have seen the failure of some state housing models, the deteriorating condition of others, as well as shifting and increasing housing demands. This thesis examines the urban and architectural design, and the subsequent redevelopment, both private and state-initiated, of post-war suburban state housing in New Zealand. The objective of this thesis is to understand through analysis of existing literature, case study fieldwork, and redevelopment examples, the evolving urban and architectural design of these areas and dwellings, which have arguably shaped the residential face of the nation. The outcomes of this thesis are a series of design strategies for the regeneration of post-war suburban state housing in New Zealand. The purpose of these regenerative design strategies is to address a range of significant issues that the Housing New Zealand Corporation faces, while acknowledging the remaining value of the original investment in post-war suburban state housing. The regenerative design strategies are developed from the earlier research, and are broken into three distinct, but inter-related topics. These are suburban environments, state properties, and state houses, and are examined through a specific design case study. The design case study articulates the potential of regeneration to address a number of issues which became apparent through the research. This thesis concludes that while state housing may never again signify in every sense the ‘very heart of the New Zealand dream’ (Ferguson, 1994, p.117), through regeneration it can, once again, be a certain benchmark for housing generally, and can continue to provide for the nation for at least another 70 years.

Wireless phone use by young New Zealanders: Health and policy implications

10.26686/wgtn.17005549 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Mary Redmayne

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Strong Association ◽

Well Being ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Recall Data ◽

Cordless Phone ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Over the last decade the use of cellphones has increased dramatically among the young adolescent population. In New Zealand, most children of this age also use a cordless phone. With the rapid proliferation in children‘s use of these devices, there has been increasing concern about whether children are more vulnerable than adults to possible adverse outcomes if such effects do result from wireless phone radiofrequency exposure. This is the first study of young New Zealanders‘ wireless phone habits, focusing particularly on the extent of use, and the relationship of that use with well-being. Two studies were undertaken: a census of schools with Year 7 and 8 classes in the Wellington Region of New Zealand to ascertain what rules were in place regarding cellphones at school, and a cross-sectional survey of students from the same region, using a representative sample of 373 students aged 10.3-13.7years. Both studies were conducted by the author independently from any research group. The primary research appears in Part II. Chapter 5 presents wireless phone user-habits. The large majority of young adolescents were already using cellphones and cordless phones regularly in 2009, although use was generally light or moderate. A small group (5%) was using both phone types extensively (≥ 30 minutes cordless daily plus ≥ 10 cellphone calls weekly); almost a quarter used a cordless phone ≥ 30 minutes daily, and 6% reported, on average, 1¼ hours or more use daily. This extent of use over 4 or more years has been associated in several major studies with an increased risk of glioma. Both the MoRPhEUS data and this study‘s data (Appendix 1 and Chapter 5) showed that use of the two phone types is positively correlated, increasing the comparative and actual radiofrequency exposure in heavy users. Cellphone use during school was compared with school expectations, discussed in chapter 6, showing there was a considerably greater level of illicit use than that of which principals were aware. This use was adjacent to the lower abdomen, and a brief review of relevant fertility literature suggested that cellphone use, or even carriage, in that position may impair sperm quality and duration of use like this appeared consistent with reduced fertility. A novel observation is explored in chapter 7. The mental process in recalling the extent of cellphone use was not linear. It parallels that found in many types of magnitude estimation, using a logarithmic mental number line. This carried implications for epidemiology methods that use recall data, particularly the need to record the geometric rather than arithmetic mean when a range of estimated use is provided. Not doing so put almost 5% of participants in an incorrect category when estimated use was split into tertiles. Recall estimation has a large variance. Chapter 8 presents a Bayesian method of reducing estimation bias in recall data. It should be applicable for use by studies that conform to the method‘s requirements. Chapter 9 presents the results of logistic regression analysis of the participants‘ reported well-being with respect to their wireless phone use. A dose-response relationship with frequent headaches confirmed findings elsewhere. Tinnitus and tiredness results suggested that responses were different depending upon phone type. This is the first study to explore and demonstrate different well-being responses according to cordless phone frequency or modulation. There was a strong association between being woken by the cellphone in the night and being tired at school. This research carries implications for young people‘s wireless phone use, including the advisability of limiting daily use to no more than 15 minutes daily. The relevance of researchers considering cellphone exposures, compared to that of cordless phones, is questioned. Further research on bio-sensitive frequencies, modulations and exposures is needed. An important recommendation is for the inclusion of education about wireless technology in schools and school communities and for child-health practitioners.

Housing Human Needs

10.26686/wgtn.17148308.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Saskia Simpson

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Physical Environment ◽

Iterative Process ◽

Architectural Design ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Needs ◽

Housing Crisis ◽

Human Needs ◽

Human Psyche

An ever-increasing population calls for more housing at higher densities. New Zealand is struggling to keep up with the demand for housing, and consequently, the country is experiencing a housing crisis. In addressing this demand, developer-led projects are becoming more frequent. However, the focus of developer-led construction is often on costs and profits, not its future occupants’ well-being. Many studies have shown that the physical environment, especially the quality of housing, affects the human psyche. New Zealand’s current situation offers the opportunity to alter the way housing is designed to benefit society. This design-led research portfolio informs architects and designers of human psychological needs and the importance of facilitating them through the design of housing. The study develops a framework based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs, which assists architects and designers in creating housing at higher densities, more holistically. Finally, the introduction of a specific site allows the framework to be tested and evaluated through an iterative process of architectural design in an appropriate situation; Christchurch, New Zealand.

Flight of the Factory

10.26686/wgtn.17132228.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Mark Lovelock

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Design Research ◽

Research Question ◽

Design Guidelines ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Industrial Heritage ◽

Heritage Buildings ◽

Design Case ◽

Design Case Study

New Zealand’s industrial heritage is largely forgotten and at risk of being lost. Without intervention, these buildings will continue to decay until demolition becomes the only feasible option. This design research investigates how laminated timber can be used to adaptively re-use industrial heritage buildings. Adaptive re-use allows a new programme to occur within an existing heritage site, while simultaneously acknowledging its significance. This research produces a set of design guidelines and strategies that can be used to inform future projects. Laminated timber is typically used in the construction of new buildings and is becoming an increasingly popular choice of material due to recent technological developments and its sustainable profile. This design research explores the use of laminated timber within the adaptive re-use of industrial heritage buildings as an alternative to typical strengthening materials, such as steel and concrete. The ruins of the Tokomaru Bay Freezing Works is used as a design case study to explore the research question. Located 90km north of Gisborne, Tokomaru Bay is a typical example of the boom and bust experienced in the primary industries of provincial New Zealand during the 20th century. Constructed from Unreinforced Masonry (U.R.M), the freezing works opened in 1910 and initially brought prosperity and development to the region. After the factory’s closure in 1952, the freezing works was abandoned and quickly fell into disrepair and the Tokomaru Bay community sharply declined. This design case study aims to explore the contribution of laminated timber within the adaptive re-use of U.R.M in the context of a mānuka honey factory and garden nursery, within the ruins of the Tokomaru Bay Freezing Works. Using strategies identified throughout the design research, this case study shows the beneficial relationship that can be achieved between the use of new (laminated timber) and existing heritage fabric (U.R.M) that is compatible with economic revitalisation of small town New Zealand. While acknowledging the limitations of laminated timber, this research identifies five design criteria; architectural character, structure, heritage significance, envelope and program, to assess the success of the design strategies identified.