Contact details +6469516657
Associate Professor Rochelle Stewart-Withers BN, PGDip Dev Studies, PGDipN, PhD, RegCompNursing
Associate Professor
Doctoral Mentor Supervisor School of People, Environment and PlanningNgāti Rāhiri Hapū o Te Ātiawa
HEAD of PROGRAMME Development Studies
ORCID: 0000-0001-7452-0293
Prior to academia I was a Registered Nurse for 16 years, both in New Zealand and overseas. I have held a number of senior clinical, leadership and advisory positions at the DHB and Ministry of Health levels. I continue to sit on the national board of the NZ Mental Health Foundation. It was my nursing background and time spent in developing countries, alongside my growing interest in the development industry and humanitarian space, which saw me move to Development Studies. In 2007 I completed a PhD in Development Studies with Massey University, and post-PhD my first academic position was with the School of Social Sciences at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.
I value blue skies and applied research, seeing both to be necessary if we are to address the various complex issues facing the Globe, and if we are to have post-graduate students who are industry ready. I have two clear threads to my research platform. The first thread investigates the way sport is used in developing countries, and with Indigenous populations, to achieve social and economic goals and bring about social justice. The second thread relates to how scholars do research and this can be seen through my outputs on fieldwork, methodology and ethics. My work here has a particularly strong influence on developing post-graduate researchers.
Roles and responsibilities in more detail:
- I am Head of Programme for the Institute of Development Studies
- Kaiārahi Te Tiriti - CoHSS
- Post-Grad, I coordinate and teach Development Research Design: 131.707 and Development Practicum: 131.708. I teach into Gender and Development: 131.703. Under-Grad I coordinate and teach into the first year course - Rich World; Poor World: 131.121. My teaching is research informed and student centred
- We foster a cohesive and supportive post-graduate culture. See our Development Studies @ Massey Facebook Page; Our Development Studies programme in 2023 was ranked 29th in the world according to QS
- I have supervised 55 Masters students to completion and I have 4 Masters student in progress. I have supervised 13 PhD students to completion and I have 7 PhDs in progress, this includes joint supervision with the University of Queensland, Victoria University of Wellington
- I am the sole recipient of the Massey University, CoHSS, Supervision Award, 2017
- I was Chair of Massey University Human Ethics Southern B Committee, from 2015-2019
- I am Convenor for the Massey University PhD Oral Exam
- I am an active Indigenous researcher, with a focus on the Pacific Region and Aotearoa. I have secured $2.3 Million NZD in outside contestable funding, including 2 Royal Marsden grants (2020; 2023) and a Canadian SSHRC Grant (2019). Research has led to the development of an aid project. See Pacific Island Players' Association and Fijian rugby team up for $650,000 fund; also see Rugby: Fiji funding will change game
- I am Deputy Chair and Board Member of the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation
- I am mum to 5 wonderful young people.
Professional
Contact details
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Ph: +64 6 3569099 xt 83657
Location: 3.29, Social Science Tower
Campus: Manawatu
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Nursing - Massey University (1998)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies - Massey University (2001)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing - Massey University (2003)
- Doctor of Philosophy - Massey University (2007)
- Registered Comprehensive Nursing - Manawatu Polytechinc (1990)
Certifications and Registrations
- Licence, Mentor Supervisor, Massey University
Prizes and Awards
- Royal Marsden Fund Awardee - Primary Investigator “Our Game by Our Rules: Bringing an Indigenous perspective to the Sport-for-Development (SFD) field”, $870,000.00 - ‘Marsden Fund - Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden’ (2021)
- New Zealand Royal Society, Marsden – Standard Grant – Invitation to submit a full application, 2020 - NZ Royal Society (2020) - New Zealand Royal Society, Marsden (2020)
- Canadian Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Insight Grant, $253,015.00 Canadian Dollars + 15,000 supplement to attend the annual Sport Canada Research Initiative (SCRI) conference - Canadian Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) (2020)
- 2019: MURF CoHSS Funding, $4301.00 - MURF - CoHSS (2020)
- MURF CoH, $12,367.50 - Massey University (2020)
- view more...
Research Expertise
Research Interests
- Sport for Development
- Gender and Development
- Qualitative research methodologies – feminist and Indigenous
- Epistemologies in the Pacific
- Female-headed households
- Pacific Region
- Indigenous, Post-colonial and Feminist Debates
- Ethics
Thematics
21st Century Citizenship, Health and Well-being
Area of Expertise
Field of research codes
Anthropology (160100):
Anthropology of Development (160101):
Demography (160300):
Family and Household Studies (160301):
Gender Specific Studies (169901):
Migration (160303):
Other Studies in Human Society (169900):
Race and Ethnic Relations (160803):
Sociological Methodology and Research Methods (160807):
Sociology (160800):
Studies In Human Society (160000):
Studies of Maori Society (169904):
Studies of Pacific Peoples' Societies (169905)
Keywords
- Sport as a vehicle for economic and social development
- Sport labour migration, professional and semi-professional athletes and remittances
- Gender and Development
- Gender Impact Assessment/Analysis
- PRA techniques
- Qualitative research methodologies – Critical, feminist and Indigenous
- Epistemologies in the Pacific
- Households and Families
- Pacific Region
Research Projects
Summary of Research Projects
| Position | Current | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Key Researcher / Named Investigator / Associate Investigator | 1 | 0 |
| Project Leader | 1 | 11 |
Current Projects
Project Title: Our game by our rules: Bringing an Indigenous perspective to the Sport-for-Development (SFD) field
Date Range: 2021 - 2025
Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand
Project Team:
- A/Pro Rochelle Stewart-Withers - Project Leader
Research Outputs
Thesis
Stewart-Withers, RR. (2007). Contesting a development category female-headed households in Samoa. (Doctoral Thesis, Massey University)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Journal
Stewart-Withers, R., Hapeta, J., Giles, A., & Morgan, H. (2023). Ka muri, ka mua<sup>1</sup>: Indigenous voices matter. Journal of Sport for Development. 11(1), 1-8
[Journal article]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Journal article]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, R., Hapeta, J., Giles, A., & Morgan, H. (2023). Indigenous voices matter: Graham and Linda’s legacy, ‘still propping up the sky,’ is now lifting to another level!. Journal of Sport for Development. 11(1), 1-2
[Journal article]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Journal article]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Nachman, JR., Hayhurst, LMC., Giles, AR., Stewart-Withers, R., & Henhawk, DA. (2023). Indigenous Youth (Non)Participation in Euro-Canadian Sport: Applying Theories of Refusal. Sociology of Sport Journal. 40(1), 3-10
[Journal article]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Journal article]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Read Online: 
Read Abstract: 
1
Stewart-Withers, R., & Greener, BK. (2022). New Zealand’s Policing Efforts in the Pacific: Gender Programs, Practices, and Performances. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice. 38(3), 346-363
[Journal article]Authored by: Greener, B., Stewart-Withers, R.
[Journal article]Authored by: Greener, B., Stewart-Withers, R.
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Read Abstract:
Lorkuangming, V., Beban, A., & Stewart-Withers, R. (2021). Exploring men’s involvement in family planning in Lao PDR. Development in Practice. 31(8), 1083-1095
[Journal article]Authored by: Beban, A., Stewart-Withers, R.
[Journal article]Authored by: Beban, A., Stewart-Withers, R.
Read Online:
Read Abstract:
Book
Stewart-Withers, R., & Hapeta, J. (2023). Indigenous studies-Challenges and opportunities for better engagement. In Handbook of Sport and International Development. (pp. 48 - 58).
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, R. (2022). Developing sport with Indigenous communities. In V. Girginov, & E. Sherry (Eds.) Routledge Encyclopedia of Sport Studies. : Routledge
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Hapeta, J., Morgan, H., Stewart-Withers, R., & Kuiti, K. (2022). Applying Kaupapa Maori principles to positive youth development: Insights from a new zealand youth justice facility. In Sport, Physical Activity and Criminal Justice: Politics, Policy and Practice. (pp. 109 - 123).
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Read Online:
2
Stewart-Withers, R., & Hapeta, J. (2021). Sport as a vehicle for positive social change in Aotearoa.. In D. Belgrave (Ed.) Tū Tira Mai: Making Change in New Zealand. : Massey University Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, R. (2020). Gender, sport, and livelihoods. In Developing Sport for Women and Girls. (pp. 147 - 160).
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Chapter]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Read Online:
Read Abstract:
1
Report
Stewart-Withers, R., Dome, D., & Connor, R.(2020). Evaluation of the Wellington Phoenix Football Diversity and Inclusion Programme 2020 Football for All..
[Technical Report]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, RR., Richardson, S., & Sewabu, K. (2014). Increasing the value of sports-generated remittances into the Pacific: Desk-based report. ( Report No. 1). Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Richardson, S., Stewart-Withers, R.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Richardson, S., Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, RR., Richardson, S., & Sewabu, K. (2014). Increasing the value of sports-generated remittances into the Pacific: Fieldwork report. ( Report No. 2). Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Richardson, S., Stewart-Withers, R.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Richardson, S., Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, RR., Richardson, S., & Sewabu, K. (2014). Maximising Rugby-generated Remittances to Promote Economic and Human Development. ( Report No. 3). Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Richardson, S., Stewart-Withers, R.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Richardson, S., Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, RR.(2013). Sport as a Vehicle for Development: Rugby League in Papua New Guinea and Fiji.. Wellington
[Technical Report]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Conference
Stewart-Withers, R., & Hapeta, J.Our game by our rules: Bringing an Indigenous perspective to the Sport-for- Development and Peace (SDP) field.. . Southampton
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, R.Roundtable: Embedding Teaching and Learning into Australia and New Zealand’s International Development Community of Practice.. . Melbourne
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, R., & Hapeta, J.Session Chair: Sport-for- Development (SFD) Field.. . Palmerston North
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Forde, S., Giles, A., Hapeta, J., Hayhurst, L., Henhawk, D., Rynne, S., . . . Stewart-Withers, R.Historic and modern understandings of sport, development, and (re)conciliation in settler-colonial societies.. . Palmerston North
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, R., & Hapeta, J.Mauri Mahi; Mauri Ora – Measuring Success Indigenous Understandings of M&E in SFD.. . Palmerston North
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Other
Movono, A., Hughes, E., Hapeta, J., Scheyvens, R., & Stewart-Withers, R. (2021). Indigenous scholars struggle to be heard in the mainstream. Here’s how journal editors and reviewers can help.. : The Conversation
[Internet publication]Authored by: Movono, A., Scheyvens, R., Stewart-Withers, R.
[Internet publication]Authored by: Movono, A., Scheyvens, R., Stewart-Withers, R.
Corcoran, D., & Stewart-Withers, R. (2019). Leveraging the Samoan Mental Health Policy for Policy Development in Niue. In Institute of Development Studies Working Paper SeriesIn Massey University, Palmerston North.
[Working Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Working Paper]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, R. (2017). Ethics as a negotiated space: Valuing relationships and the opportunity for learning. Health Research Council
[Other]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Other]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, RR. (2017). Going for gold in the Pacific: The value of the Pacific Games goes beyond its price-tag..
[Other]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Other]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Stewart-Withers, RR., Richardson, R., & Sewabu, K. (2014, February). ‘Increasing the Value of Sports-generated Remittances into the Pacific’.. In Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Aid Division, Wellington..
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Stewart-Withers, R.
Consultancy and Languages
Consultancy
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2014-2015
- NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Development Group
Increasing the value of sports-generated remittances into the Pacific -
2010-2013
- NRL Vodafone Warriors
Exploring Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Development Programmes: Case Study of the NRL Vodafone Warriors One Community Programme. -
2009-2011
- NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Development Group
Sport as a Vehicle for Development: Rugby League in Papua New Guinea and Fiji. -
2008-2009
- NZ Families Commission
Being a Single Mum: Pacific Island Mothers’ Positive Experiences of Parenting. -
2008
- Multilink Community Services Inc, Brisbane, Austra
Pacific Islanders and Community Services: Social Impact Assessment.
Languages
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English
Last used: Daily
Spoken ability: Excellent
Written ability: Excellent -
Te reo Māori
Last used: Daily
Spoken ability: Needs work
Written ability: Needs work
Teaching and Supervision
Teaching Statement
- Introduction to Development
- Feminist, Indigenous and Post-Development theory
- Gender and Development
- Sport-for-Development and sport for social change
- Methodology and ethics
Summary of Doctoral Supervision
| Position | Current | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Main Supervisor | 2 | 6 |
| Co-supervisor | 3 | 5 |
Current Doctoral Supervision
Main Supervisor of:
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Jamie Ogilvy
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Em-Power Lifting – Weightlifting as a vehicle for strengthening Mana Wahine values akin to wellbeing: Case study in Aotearoa. -
Patricia Bibi
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Indigenous understandings of Sport for Development - A case study of Fiji
Co-supervisor of:
-
Yunhan Zhu
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Tripartite Cooperation (PR China, EU, African States) In Education and Health Services in Fragile Contexts -
Jolene Wescombe
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Midwives as agents of change? Exploring empowerment within midwifery in Ethiopia -
Vanessa Bramwell
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Child protection in armed conflict: Norm transfer in the UN
Completed Doctoral Supervision
Main Supervisor of:
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2021
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Michelle Greene
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Physical Education (PE) as a pathway to empowerment of young people in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. -
2019
-
Maatusi Vaoiva
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Lupe Fa′alele: Releasing the Doves: Factors affecting the successful operation of Samoan Businesses in New Zealand -
2018
-
Sharon Bell
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Health justice for all: The development of alternative health system capabilities in the conflict-affected context of Shan State, Myanmar -
2017
-
Aruneewan Buaniaw
-
Doctor of Philosophy
A case study of mental health communication programme delivery during mass violence in southern Thailand, 2004-2014 -
2017
-
Dorcas Shumba
-
Doctor of Philosophy
The Gender Dimensions of Environmental Change: An Exploration of the Experiences and Perceptions of Rural Men and Women in Zimbabwe - view more...
Co-supervisor of:
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2021
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Akisi Ravono
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Doctor of Philosophy
Nursing care for people living with diabetes and associated conditionsi: an iTaukei community context -
2019
-
Virginia Adams
-
Doctor of Philosophy
In what ways and to what extent is the global oil and gas industry able to deliver enduring empowerment outcomes for women in Asia-Pacific? A case study exploring the employment and skills development of Timorese women on Timor Sea offshore facilities. -
2017
-
Dean Stronge
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Invasive Alien Species: A Threat to Sustainable Livelihoods in the Pacific? An Assessment of the Effects of Wasmannia auropunctata (little fire ant) and Achatina fulica (giant African snail) on Rural Livelihoods in the Solomon Islands -
2016
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Dora Kuir-Ayius
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Doctor of Philosophy
Building Community Resilience In Mine Impacted Communities: A Study on Delivery of Health Services In Papua New Guinea -
2016
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Shanti Subedi
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Doctor of Philosophy
Domestic Biogas Production and Use in Nepal: A Simple, Reliable and Cost-Effective Solution to Provide Energy Security to the Rural Households
Media and Links
Media
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21 Jun 2018 - Online, Other
Politics and Psychology Researchers Awarded
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13 Nov 2020 - Other, Online
Pandemic, Pasifika health and asthma research
Pandemic, Pasifika health and asthma research among Massey’s successes -
11 Mar 2019 - Newspaper
Brawn Drain Guts Pacific.
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11 Mar 2019 - Newspaper
Opinion Piece
Pacific rugby facing uncertain future with brawn drain likely to accelerate. -
10 Mar 2019 - Online
MasseyHumSocSci tweeted at 3:04PM on 10 March 2019
MasseyHumSocSci tweeted at 3:04 PM on 10 March 2019: Pacific rugby faces uncertain future with brawn drain likely to accelerate. What about the human face of rugby for our Pacific neighbours? Ask Dr R - view more...