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Welcome to the Matariki (June) edition of Research NewZ. Read on for our highlights from the past three months - an update on the cost-of-living crisis and the professions that we trust - and a quick introduction to our new staff - Mila and Ollie. There's also a serious look at using AI for research from our Managing Partner Emanuel Kalafatelis, and other recent AI news.
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by Emanuel Kalafatelis, Managing Partner
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At Rangahau Aotearoa we have a keen interest in AI generative programs. Our specific use for these programs is to automate the thematic coding of the vast amount of consumer/stakeholder feedback we receive by way of the open-ended, free text questions in our surveys. The key benefit we see of using AI generative programs for this important task is the standardisation of this process, leading to more insightful, consistent and accurate analysis, with significant savings in both time and money for our clients.
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Microsoft and Apple, the world's most valuable companies, have recently been overtaken in value by Nvidia, whose silicon chip platform powers generative AI around the world. Nvidia now leads a select group of tech companies worth over 1 trillion US dollars – Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet and Amazon. But there have been teething problems for companies marketing AI products - ranging from security issues to plagiarism lawsuits, and even to AI hallucinations (aromatic
poisonous drink anyone?)... Here are a few of the recent developments (and missteps).
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Cost-of-living crisis update
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In the week before the Thursday 30 May Budget announcement, we asked a representative sample of New Zealanders how they are managing with the cost-of-living crisis - what they have gone without recently and when do they believe things will get better?
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Which occupations do we have trust and confidence in, and which ones do we not?
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Firefighters, Police, nurses and teachers are all important occupations, and in the lead up to the Budget they were all vying for salary increases and better working conditions. To contribute to the discussion, we decided to repeat our regular Trust & Confidence Poll.
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1. Trust and confidence in most occupations appears to have rebounded, when compared with the poll that was taken in 2020, 3-4 months into the COVID-19 lockdowns...
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Matariki Celebrations 2024
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This year, Matariki is being celebrated from June 26 to July 6 (the public holiday is on Friday June 28). At Rangahau Aotearoa, we celebrated Matariki with a shared kai on 27 June.
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Celebrating Matariki in this way is a regular part of Rangahau Aotearoa’s work culture. "We remember those who are no longer with us, celebrate the present and look towards the future." In pre-European times, "If the stars were clear and bright, it signaled a favourable and productive season ahead, so planting could begin in September. If the stars appeared hazy and closely bunched together, a cold winter was in store, and planting was put off until October" (Te Ara Encyclopaedia of New Zealand). We are very much hopeful for a "...favourable and productive season ahead".
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Here is a guide to finding Matariki in the morning sky. Follow the line of Tautoro (Orion's Belt) to a triangular group of stars Te Kōkota (the constellation Taurus) and then extend the line further north to the cluster of stars that is Matariki.
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We welcome two new researchers to the team in 2024 - Mila McHardy and Ao (Ollie) Zhou. Here are their answers to the important questions...
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Mila McHardy, Quantitative Researcher
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Beginning her journey at Rangahau Aotearoa, Mila brings a fresh perspective and a curious mind to quantitative research. With a background in Neuroscience and strong analytical skills, she is positioned to make meaningful contributions to Rangahau Aotearoa's research. Mila has a strong commitment to inclusivity and representing diverse perspectives, and aims to inform policies and initiate positive societal change through genuine research insights.
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Mila, what gets you out of bed in the morning? My Nespresso coffee machine. Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Beyoncé - so that I can wake up flawless and run the world. What's your favourite quote from a film or a book or someone you admire? "We’re building something here, Detective. We’re building it from scratch. All the pieces matter.” (Det. Lester Freeman ‘The Wire’) What's your guilty pleasure, something you like but shouldn't? The NBA.
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Ao (Ollie) Zhou, Quantitative Researcher
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Ao (Ollie) Zhou is a PhD researcher with a passion for social
justice issues. Her research interests span a range of topics, including incivility (rudeness) and bullying, gender equity, migrant experience, and wellbeing. Her research is mixed-method, multidisciplinary, and international. Ollie currently serves in a role where she oversees quantitative research projects.
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Ollie, what gets you out of bed in the morning? Usually my alarm clock. Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Maybe Elon Musk. What's your favourite quote from a film or a book or someone you admire? "It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple." (Rabindranath Tagore) What's your guilty pleasure, something you like but shouldn't? Skipping a gym workout.
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At Rangahau Aotearoa we take great pride in ensuring that all our policies are up-to-date and in sync. with current legislation. As part of this, we review our major policies on a rolling annual basis. This year, we reviewed three policies:
- General privacy policy.
- Policy relating to the involvement of children and vulnerable people in research.
- Complaints policy.
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Have any questions?...
Contact us via email
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Kimihia, Rangahaua, Tuituia | Actively
seek understanding to connect and inspire
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