title: A new species of mudfish, Neochanna (Teleostei: Galaxidae), from northern New Zealand

authors: Ling, Nicholas

subjects: Neochanna

abstract: A new species of mudfish, Neochanna, is described from Northland. Neochanna heleios n.sp. is known from only three ephemeral wetland sites on the Kerikeri volcanic plateau and is abundant only at the type locality. The new species has a head resembling that of the brown mudfish, Neochanna apoda, and a caudal region resembling that of the black mudfish, Neochanna diversus. It can be distinguished from all Neochanna species in having a reduced number of principal caudal fin rays (13 or less). Morphometric and meristic comparisons with N. apoda and N. diversus are provided.

text: A new species of mudfish, Neochanna (Teleostei: Galaxidae), from northern New Zealand A new species of mudfish, Neochanna, is described from Northland. Neochanna heleios n.sp. is known from only three ephemeral wetland sites on the Kerikeri volcanic plateau and is abundant only at the type locality. The new species has a head resembling that of the brown mudfish, Neochanna apoda, and a caudal region resembling that of the black mudfish, Neochanna diversus. It can be distinguished from all Neochanna species in having a reduced number of principal caudal fin rays (13 or less). Morphometric and meristic comparisons with N. apoda and N. diversus are provided.

year: 2001

title: Conceptions of language input in second language acquisition: A case of Vietnamese EFL teachers

authors: Loi, Nguyen

subjects: Task-Based Language Teaching

abstract: The importance of incorporating second language acquisition (SLA) research into second language teacher education and classroom practice has been recognised (Ellis, 2005; Tarone & Allwright, 2005). However, this is a challenge as exemplified in task-based language teaching (TBLT), which closely draws on SLA research. The present study focuses specifically on one area of SLA, language input. By using a multimethod case study approach, it documents six Vietnamese EFL teachers’ conceptions of input. The study generally showed that the teachers had a synthetic conception of input. Some contextual factors also constrained their provision of rich comprehensible input. The study provides insights into how teacher cognition is mediated by professional development, prior teaching experiences, and many other aspects of both present and past contexts (Borg, 2006). Specifically, the study justifies why integrating key SLA concepts into practice is challenging, and why teachers’ conceptions must be considered in implementing innovations.

text: Conceptions of language input in second language acquisition: A case of Vietnamese EFL teachers The importance of incorporating second language acquisition (SLA) research into second language teacher education and classroom practice has been recognised (Ellis, 2005; Tarone & Allwright, 2005). However, this is a challenge as exemplified in task-based language teaching (TBLT), which closely draws on SLA research. The present study focuses specifically on one area of SLA, language input. By using a multimethod case study approach, it documents six Vietnamese EFL teachers’ conceptions of input. The study generally showed that the teachers had a synthetic conception of input. Some contextual factors also constrained their provision of rich comprehensible input. The study provides insights into how teacher cognition is mediated by professional development, prior teaching experiences, and many other aspects of both present and past contexts (Borg, 2006). Specifically, the study justifies why integrating key SLA concepts into practice is challenging, and why teachers’ conceptions must be considered in implementing innovations.

year: 2010

title: Te Mauri o te Kaitiaki - Exploring Te Ao Māori in environmental relations and kaitiakitanga  in Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Wareka, Mona-Lisa

subjects: Te Ao Māori

abstract: Indigenous environmental empowerment is on the rise as humans look at ways to slow the adverse effects of anthropogenic environmental degradation. In the context of Aotearoa New Zealand, the concept and practice of ‘kaitiaki’ and ‘kaitiakitanga’, respectfully, play a significant role in the co-existence of Māori with the natural world. Previous research shows the innate connections and responsibilities encompassed in being kaitiaki which extend beyond the human element to encompass nonhumans and spiritual manifestations. This research aims to illustrate how Māori use cultural values, concepts and practices in local-level conservational practices through ethnographic research in Matapōuri. I investigate the conflicts and convergences of a rāhui recently placed on two cultural significant areas to the local hapū, and through this, I analyse the practical and spiritual application of kaitiakitanga. Based on this ethnography, I discuss a model for relating environmental degradation with the wellbeing of Māori within Aotearoa New Zealand today. Here, I wish to highlight the ecological and cultural threats present from continuing in the current system. Lastly, I argue that the assertion of kaitiakitanga at the local-level is also an assertion of Indigenous autonomy for Māori and the environment.

text: Te Mauri o te Kaitiaki - Exploring Te Ao Māori in environmental relations and kaitiakitanga  in Aotearoa New Zealand Indigenous environmental empowerment is on the rise as humans look at ways to slow the adverse effects of anthropogenic environmental degradation. In the context of Aotearoa New Zealand, the concept and practice of ‘kaitiaki’ and ‘kaitiakitanga’, respectfully, play a significant role in the co-existence of Māori with the natural world. Previous research shows the innate connections and responsibilities encompassed in being kaitiaki which extend beyond the human element to encompass nonhumans and spiritual manifestations. This research aims to illustrate how Māori use cultural values, concepts and practices in local-level conservational practices through ethnographic research in Matapōuri. I investigate the conflicts and convergences of a rāhui recently placed on two cultural significant areas to the local hapū, and through this, I analyse the practical and spiritual application of kaitiakitanga. Based on this ethnography, I discuss a model for relating environmental degradation with the wellbeing of Māori within Aotearoa New Zealand today. Here, I wish to highlight the ecological and cultural threats present from continuing in the current system. Lastly, I argue that the assertion of kaitiakitanga at the local-level is also an assertion of Indigenous autonomy for Māori and the environment.

year: 2020