title: An ecological survey on the effect of the dump ground on benthos in Poverty Bay

authors: Merrett, Nicola G.

subjects: sediment

abstract: An investigation of the sediments and ecology of the dump ground was conducted in March 1995. The primary purpose of the investigation was to analyse factors which may be affecting the benthic biota on the dump ground. These include heavy metal content of the sediments, grain size characteristics of the sediments, and population distribution of the benthic biota on and surrounding the dump ground. It was intended that information obtained could be utilised in future investigations on the ecology of the dump ground, noting changes that have occurred over time.
Heavy metal analysis of Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Mercury, Lead, and Zinc from the dump ground, turning basin, and inner harbour area indicate that concentrations of all heavy metals were all very low and well within resource consent limits.
Sediment and ecological samples from 25 sites on and surrounding the dump ground were taken. Two other sites were also surveyed, one from the turning basin, another from the inner harbour area (dredged material). Examination of the sediments has shown that although the dredged material consists solely of mud sized particles the sediments of the dump ground are mainly sand sized sediments. This suggests that during the dumping process dispersion of mud occurs. Mud is transported off the dump ground in a southeasterly direction.
Ecological evaluation indicates benthic species diversity and abundance of macrofauna is high, with no species in particular dominating the species assemblage. Comparison between this study and a 1993 survey shows increased diversity over the dump ground. Increased population abundance was evident and larger sized bivalves are indicative of an ageing population.
Field experiments examining the kelp beds indicate a decline in the population of Ecklonia radiata from 1993 to 1996. It is thought that this decline may be due to suspended sediment load from the Turanganui River, as the kelp beds are situated in the direction of discharge from the River.

text: An ecological survey on the effect of the dump ground on benthos in Poverty Bay An investigation of the sediments and ecology of the dump ground was conducted in March 1995. The primary purpose of the investigation was to analyse factors which may be affecting the benthic biota on the dump ground. These include heavy metal content of the sediments, grain size characteristics of the sediments, and population distribution of the benthic biota on and surrounding the dump ground. It was intended that information obtained could be utilised in future investigations on the ecology of the dump ground, noting changes that have occurred over time.
Heavy metal analysis of Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Mercury, Lead, and Zinc from the dump ground, turning basin, and inner harbour area indicate that concentrations of all heavy metals were all very low and well within resource consent limits.
Sediment and ecological samples from 25 sites on and surrounding the dump ground were taken. Two other sites were also surveyed, one from the turning basin, another from the inner harbour area (dredged material). Examination of the sediments has shown that although the dredged material consists solely of mud sized particles the sediments of the dump ground are mainly sand sized sediments. This suggests that during the dumping process dispersion of mud occurs. Mud is transported off the dump ground in a southeasterly direction.
Ecological evaluation indicates benthic species diversity and abundance of macrofauna is high, with no species in particular dominating the species assemblage. Comparison between this study and a 1993 survey shows increased diversity over the dump ground. Increased population abundance was evident and larger sized bivalves are indicative of an ageing population.
Field experiments examining the kelp beds indicate a decline in the population of Ecklonia radiata from 1993 to 1996. It is thought that this decline may be due to suspended sediment load from the Turanganui River, as the kelp beds are situated in the direction of discharge from the River.

year: 1997

title: Global remedies for local needs: Corporate governance and public sector reforms in Fiji

authors: Sharma, Umesh Prasad

subjects: Fiji

abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to extend the literature on public sector reforms in less-developed countries in the Pacific. It seeks to examine the roles of accounting and control systems in the reforming of two public sector organisations in Fiji: a process that was demanded by international financial agencies. The impacts of the reforms on the local population are also considered. 

Design/methodology/approach – The case study method is employed. The empirical evidence is interpreted using Laughlin's, and Greenwood and Hinings's frameworks. The empirics are used to flesh out the skeletal model with specific cultural and political issues particular to Fiji. 

Findings – Empirical evidence from two public sector organisations in Fiji that underwent structural reforms is used to illustrate the difficulties of transformation; and how the Fijian people's needs were not met for the purpose for which the organisations were established. 

Research limitations/implications – Although this study is limited to two public sector enterprises in Fiji, it provides valuable insights into one country's public sector enterprises, and offers a platform for similar studies in other countries. 

Practical implications – The case studies show the limitations of the introduction of private sector managerialism into state-sector organisations. There are implications for state sector organisations in Fiji and elsewhere in the Pacific. 

Originality/value – The paper adds to the literature of developing countries. There are cultural and political influences specific to Fiji that trigger resistance to change from public service values to commercial business norms. Such cultural and political influences may not be so pertinent in western industrialised countries.

text: Global remedies for local needs: Corporate governance and public sector reforms in Fiji Purpose – This paper aims to extend the literature on public sector reforms in less-developed countries in the Pacific. It seeks to examine the roles of accounting and control systems in the reforming of two public sector organisations in Fiji: a process that was demanded by international financial agencies. The impacts of the reforms on the local population are also considered. 

Design/methodology/approach – The case study method is employed. The empirical evidence is interpreted using Laughlin's, and Greenwood and Hinings's frameworks. The empirics are used to flesh out the skeletal model with specific cultural and political issues particular to Fiji. 

Findings – Empirical evidence from two public sector organisations in Fiji that underwent structural reforms is used to illustrate the difficulties of transformation; and how the Fijian people's needs were not met for the purpose for which the organisations were established. 

Research limitations/implications – Although this study is limited to two public sector enterprises in Fiji, it provides valuable insights into one country's public sector enterprises, and offers a platform for similar studies in other countries. 

Practical implications – The case studies show the limitations of the introduction of private sector managerialism into state-sector organisations. There are implications for state sector organisations in Fiji and elsewhere in the Pacific. 

Originality/value – The paper adds to the literature of developing countries. There are cultural and political influences specific to Fiji that trigger resistance to change from public service values to commercial business norms. Such cultural and political influences may not be so pertinent in western industrialised countries.

year: 2009

title: Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi through addressing racism in universities

authors: Waitoki, Waikaremoana

abstract: Executive summary
The WERO team conducted two studies on university documents to identify how universities articulate
their commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and address inequities for Māori within tertiary education. The
first study, which is a case study of a university’s Treaty Statement, highlighted the university’s limitations
in empowering Māori to exercise tino rangatiratanga within various decision-making structures. The
second study, which scrutinises Māori representation across strategic documents of all universities,
revealed that universities reify whiteness by selectively interpreting Te Tiriti articles, pursuing targeted
Māori recruitment, portraying Māori as reliant on the Crown for success, commodifying mātauranga
Māori, and evading discussions about settler colonialism and racial equity.
Drawing from our findings and constitutional transformation documents such as Matike Mai (2016), we
proffer three recommendations to enable universities to more effectively uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi:
1. Universities must clearly define the operation of settler colonialism and racism in each institution so
that sustainable anti-racist initiatives can be identified.
2. Each university must grow relational spheres where Māori are empowered to make collective
decisions with the Crown representatives in the university.
3. Universities must invest in a Māori-led independent body to develop and deliver a Te Tiriti-centric
programme that decolonises university processes

text: Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi through addressing racism in universities Executive summary
The WERO team conducted two studies on university documents to identify how universities articulate
their commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and address inequities for Māori within tertiary education. The
first study, which is a case study of a university’s Treaty Statement, highlighted the university’s limitations
in empowering Māori to exercise tino rangatiratanga within various decision-making structures. The
second study, which scrutinises Māori representation across strategic documents of all universities,
revealed that universities reify whiteness by selectively interpreting Te Tiriti articles, pursuing targeted
Māori recruitment, portraying Māori as reliant on the Crown for success, commodifying mātauranga
Māori, and evading discussions about settler colonialism and racial equity.
Drawing from our findings and constitutional transformation documents such as Matike Mai (2016), we
proffer three recommendations to enable universities to more effectively uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi:
1. Universities must clearly define the operation of settler colonialism and racism in each institution so
that sustainable anti-racist initiatives can be identified.
2. Each university must grow relational spheres where Māori are empowered to make collective
decisions with the Crown representatives in the university.
3. Universities must invest in a Māori-led independent body to develop and deliver a Te Tiriti-centric
programme that decolonises university processes

year: 2024-06-30