title: Ibn Khaldun: life and times [Book Review]

authors: Drury, Abdullah

abstract: This article reviews the book 'Ibn Khaldun: life and times', by Allen James Fromherz.

text: Ibn Khaldun: life and times [Book Review] This article reviews the book 'Ibn Khaldun: life and times', by Allen James Fromherz.

year: 2012-06

title: An integrated site and device selection methodology for the ocean wave energy sector

authors: Bertram, Danielle Valerie

subjects: Renewable energy

abstract: The ocean covers approximately 70 % of the earth’s surface and contains an immense source of renewable energy, in terms of ocean waves. However, this resource is unevenly distributed throughout the world, and so, therefore, converting waves into a useful form of energy will require the identification of potential Wave Energy Farm (WEF) locations. This should be undertaken in tandem with selecting an appropriate Wave Energy Converter (WEC), as the characteristics of these devices are critical in capturing the available wave power. 
This thesis presents a novel integrated methodology to select and assess potential installation sites for WEFs, identify appropriate WECs, and overcome the limitations of current methods. Original contributions of this thesis include: (i) a robust method for identifying generic WEF sites based on the dimensions of sustainability, which includes a cultural dimension, and utilises limiting conditions to reduce large study areas; (ii) a suite of MATLAB tools—which thoroughly assesses potential WEF sites, in terms of the available resource as well as temporal, directional, and spectral characteristics; (iii) a WEC database which identifies all devices currently in development; and (iv) a WEC classification scheme that classifies devices in a practical and meaningful manner in order to streamline the selection process of WECs for wave energy projects.
Several of the developed methods have been applied to a New Zealand (NZ) case study. Results confirm that with the application of the proposed site selection method, that 12 suitable WEF sites, clustered within four regions along the west and south coast of NZ, were identified from the initial study area of approximately 4.1 million km². In terms of site assessment, the utilisation of the MATLAB tools established that a higher-energy area comprised the south of NZ and that as expected, the available resource at all sites was subjected to seasonal variability, with a maximum and minimum wave power available in the winter and summer months, respectively. Furthermore, it was determined that due to the westerly wind flow that dominates the wave generation and direction of wave propagation in NZ, that the prevailing wave approach direction at all the sites was between South-South-West and West-North-West. With regards to the spectral characteristics, it was further determined that a wide range of wave conditions were experienced at each site.
The development of the WEC database identified that 116 companies were actively developing 130 devices. These devices were then classified according to five main categories, which included a technology maturity class. Moreover, 41 devices were identified as being at an advanced technology level.

text: An integrated site and device selection methodology for the ocean wave energy sector The ocean covers approximately 70 % of the earth’s surface and contains an immense source of renewable energy, in terms of ocean waves. However, this resource is unevenly distributed throughout the world, and so, therefore, converting waves into a useful form of energy will require the identification of potential Wave Energy Farm (WEF) locations. This should be undertaken in tandem with selecting an appropriate Wave Energy Converter (WEC), as the characteristics of these devices are critical in capturing the available wave power. 
This thesis presents a novel integrated methodology to select and assess potential installation sites for WEFs, identify appropriate WECs, and overcome the limitations of current methods. Original contributions of this thesis include: (i) a robust method for identifying generic WEF sites based on the dimensions of sustainability, which includes a cultural dimension, and utilises limiting conditions to reduce large study areas; (ii) a suite of MATLAB tools—which thoroughly assesses potential WEF sites, in terms of the available resource as well as temporal, directional, and spectral characteristics; (iii) a WEC database which identifies all devices currently in development; and (iv) a WEC classification scheme that classifies devices in a practical and meaningful manner in order to streamline the selection process of WECs for wave energy projects.
Several of the developed methods have been applied to a New Zealand (NZ) case study. Results confirm that with the application of the proposed site selection method, that 12 suitable WEF sites, clustered within four regions along the west and south coast of NZ, were identified from the initial study area of approximately 4.1 million km². In terms of site assessment, the utilisation of the MATLAB tools established that a higher-energy area comprised the south of NZ and that as expected, the available resource at all sites was subjected to seasonal variability, with a maximum and minimum wave power available in the winter and summer months, respectively. Furthermore, it was determined that due to the westerly wind flow that dominates the wave generation and direction of wave propagation in NZ, that the prevailing wave approach direction at all the sites was between South-South-West and West-North-West. With regards to the spectral characteristics, it was further determined that a wide range of wave conditions were experienced at each site.
The development of the WEC database identified that 116 companies were actively developing 130 devices. These devices were then classified according to five main categories, which included a technology maturity class. Moreover, 41 devices were identified as being at an advanced technology level.

year: 2021

title: Positive Ageing in Place: Older Māori in Traditional and Non-traditional Place

authors: Williams, Cassandra

subjects: Māori

abstract: This thesis examines the role of place in experiences of ageing for older Māori, and the extent to which places of choice facilitate a sense of positive ageing. Particular attention is given to multiple experiences of home and the complexities surrounding Māori affiliations to place. Participants were older whānau members over the age of 55 who whakapapa to, and have lived, or currently live in Manaia in the Coromandel. Two participants still reside in Manaia to this day, and two have moved into urban areas in Paeroa and Taupo. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in their own homes. The first interview focused on housing experiences, personal background and support. The second interview incorporated Māori relationship principles relating to the importance of turangawaewae, whānaungatanga, wairua and manaakitanga. My analysis was informed by a narrative approach, and the relevance of Māori principles to participants’ positive ageing experiences.

I found that Māori relationships with places of ancestral connection are complex and do not exclude other places becoming equally, if not as important to individuals. Experiences of home for participants were multiple and extended to places with which they had forged memories, relationships and positive attachments. Findings indicate that the ability to age positively within particular places is largely reliant on the supports available for older Māori. Wairua was acknowledged by participants as being significant in aiding their positive ageing experiences. Strong connections to non-living objects such as places, nature and tupuna were expressed as being a crucial part of their philosophies on life and death. This feeling of knowing ancestors were part of everyday life alleviated feelings of loneliness and reiterated the never-ending connections between whānau. Everyday contact with whānau provided practical social support as well as a chance for reciprocal relationships to be fostered. When whānau support was not readily available due to geographical distances, technological means of relationship building were used to enable ageing at a distance, allowing home to be played out across physical localities. Health issues were expressed by participants, both historical and reoccurring, and appropriate health care services were regarded as playing an active role in participants’ ageing experiences. Three out of four participants accessed a Māori health provider. By accessing a health care service that was financially inexpensive, where the doctors built a rapport with patients and took advice, participants felt culturally safe and reported positive relationships with their provider. Finances were reported as being a support that needed to be strengthened and a lack of income had a negative effect on participants ageing experiences. Participants’ everyday lives were impacted by financial instability, with a lack of finances standing in the way of fully interacting with the community, negotiating place and being able to age in places of choice.
This thesis argues that ageing in place facilitates positive ageing by allowing older Māori to remain in their places of choice with firm attachments where they can maintain control over their affairs and maintain a sense of continuity. Māori ageing needs to be viewed within a history of colonisation, urbanisation, experiences, relationships and spiritual connectedness to human and non-human entities. It is within this context that ageing in place can be truly explored. Recommendations are made to aid positive ageing in place for older Māori. These include further research into supports, a review of the age of eligibility for state pensions, subsidised transport initiatives, and making Māori health services more accessible.

text: Positive Ageing in Place: Older Māori in Traditional and Non-traditional Place This thesis examines the role of place in experiences of ageing for older Māori, and the extent to which places of choice facilitate a sense of positive ageing. Particular attention is given to multiple experiences of home and the complexities surrounding Māori affiliations to place. Participants were older whānau members over the age of 55 who whakapapa to, and have lived, or currently live in Manaia in the Coromandel. Two participants still reside in Manaia to this day, and two have moved into urban areas in Paeroa and Taupo. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in their own homes. The first interview focused on housing experiences, personal background and support. The second interview incorporated Māori relationship principles relating to the importance of turangawaewae, whānaungatanga, wairua and manaakitanga. My analysis was informed by a narrative approach, and the relevance of Māori principles to participants’ positive ageing experiences.

I found that Māori relationships with places of ancestral connection are complex and do not exclude other places becoming equally, if not as important to individuals. Experiences of home for participants were multiple and extended to places with which they had forged memories, relationships and positive attachments. Findings indicate that the ability to age positively within particular places is largely reliant on the supports available for older Māori. Wairua was acknowledged by participants as being significant in aiding their positive ageing experiences. Strong connections to non-living objects such as places, nature and tupuna were expressed as being a crucial part of their philosophies on life and death. This feeling of knowing ancestors were part of everyday life alleviated feelings of loneliness and reiterated the never-ending connections between whānau. Everyday contact with whānau provided practical social support as well as a chance for reciprocal relationships to be fostered. When whānau support was not readily available due to geographical distances, technological means of relationship building were used to enable ageing at a distance, allowing home to be played out across physical localities. Health issues were expressed by participants, both historical and reoccurring, and appropriate health care services were regarded as playing an active role in participants’ ageing experiences. Three out of four participants accessed a Māori health provider. By accessing a health care service that was financially inexpensive, where the doctors built a rapport with patients and took advice, participants felt culturally safe and reported positive relationships with their provider. Finances were reported as being a support that needed to be strengthened and a lack of income had a negative effect on participants ageing experiences. Participants’ everyday lives were impacted by financial instability, with a lack of finances standing in the way of fully interacting with the community, negotiating place and being able to age in places of choice.
This thesis argues that ageing in place facilitates positive ageing by allowing older Māori to remain in their places of choice with firm attachments where they can maintain control over their affairs and maintain a sense of continuity. Māori ageing needs to be viewed within a history of colonisation, urbanisation, experiences, relationships and spiritual connectedness to human and non-human entities. It is within this context that ageing in place can be truly explored. Recommendations are made to aid positive ageing in place for older Māori. These include further research into supports, a review of the age of eligibility for state pensions, subsidised transport initiatives, and making Māori health services more accessible.

year: 2012