title: The influence of connectivity on the functional role of a natural and re-constructed side-arm in the lower Waikato River

authors: Ginders, Melany Ann

subjects: Ecology

abstract: This thesis was a comparative study of a natural and a recently re-constructed (artificial) side-arm in the lower Waikato River. A twelve monthly temporal investigation into (i) the physico-chemical variables, nutrient and suspended solid dynamics; and (ii) phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance and community composition was carried out in order to compare each side-arm with the river, and any patterns occurring within the side-arm longitudinally. The study was based on three observed phases of connectivity of the side-arms with the river flow: Phase 1 - side-arms connected with the river (late spring-summer); Phase 2 - side-arms disconnected from the river (autumn); Phase 3 - side-arms re-connected with the river (winter). Functional roles described for side-arms in the literature were used to assess whether the natural and artificial side-arms functioned as predicted for hydraulic retention zones during disconnection, a period of high water retention and water age. Both side-arms were influenced by seasonal variation during the late spring-summer and winter connection with the river. High nutrient and suspended solid concentrations were observed in the natural side-arm during disconnection in contrast to predictions, and it was speculated that pest fish bio-turbation was at least in part responsible for this. Zooplankton community composition was dominated by rotifers and changed as expected in the natural side-arm between connection and disconnection with a 20-fold increase in abundance during disconnection. A considerable increase in Copepoda abundance was also observed, which suggested a positive influence of side-arm disconnection on planktivorous fish communities. The artificial side-arm removed nutrients and suspended solids from the water column as expected during disconnection. Phytoplankton biomass showed some increase within the artificial side-arm as expected, with a longitudinal decrease within the side-arm, which was speculated to be caused by biotic control by zooplankton grazing. Differences between the artificial and natural side-arms were likely caused by physical differences in substrate, riparian vegetation and zooplankton accumulation of diapausing eggs caused by establishment age of the side-arms. The artificial side-arm functioned as predicted for hydraulic retention zones during disconnection, suggesting potential for side arm re-construction as a restoration method to increase lateral habitat and improve local habitat health in the lower Waikato River. Ongoing monitoring of the artificial side-arm would be beneficial to see whether increased establishment age would allow the artificial side-arm to develop functional roles indicative of a naturally occurring side-arm in the lower Waikato River.

text: The influence of connectivity on the functional role of a natural and re-constructed side-arm in the lower Waikato River This thesis was a comparative study of a natural and a recently re-constructed (artificial) side-arm in the lower Waikato River. A twelve monthly temporal investigation into (i) the physico-chemical variables, nutrient and suspended solid dynamics; and (ii) phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance and community composition was carried out in order to compare each side-arm with the river, and any patterns occurring within the side-arm longitudinally. The study was based on three observed phases of connectivity of the side-arms with the river flow: Phase 1 - side-arms connected with the river (late spring-summer); Phase 2 - side-arms disconnected from the river (autumn); Phase 3 - side-arms re-connected with the river (winter). Functional roles described for side-arms in the literature were used to assess whether the natural and artificial side-arms functioned as predicted for hydraulic retention zones during disconnection, a period of high water retention and water age. Both side-arms were influenced by seasonal variation during the late spring-summer and winter connection with the river. High nutrient and suspended solid concentrations were observed in the natural side-arm during disconnection in contrast to predictions, and it was speculated that pest fish bio-turbation was at least in part responsible for this. Zooplankton community composition was dominated by rotifers and changed as expected in the natural side-arm between connection and disconnection with a 20-fold increase in abundance during disconnection. A considerable increase in Copepoda abundance was also observed, which suggested a positive influence of side-arm disconnection on planktivorous fish communities. The artificial side-arm removed nutrients and suspended solids from the water column as expected during disconnection. Phytoplankton biomass showed some increase within the artificial side-arm as expected, with a longitudinal decrease within the side-arm, which was speculated to be caused by biotic control by zooplankton grazing. Differences between the artificial and natural side-arms were likely caused by physical differences in substrate, riparian vegetation and zooplankton accumulation of diapausing eggs caused by establishment age of the side-arms. The artificial side-arm functioned as predicted for hydraulic retention zones during disconnection, suggesting potential for side arm re-construction as a restoration method to increase lateral habitat and improve local habitat health in the lower Waikato River. Ongoing monitoring of the artificial side-arm would be beneficial to see whether increased establishment age would allow the artificial side-arm to develop functional roles indicative of a naturally occurring side-arm in the lower Waikato River.

year: 2011

title: Electric Vehicles Policy Announcement

authors: Barton, Barry

abstract: On 5 May 2016 the Government announced a policy package on electric vehicles: see Ministry of Transport “Electric Vehicles: Driving an EV Future” and S Bridges “Govt driving the switch to electric vehicles” (press release, 5 May 2016). This short note is to comment on the package, drawing on insights from international research and experience with laws to promote electric vehicles (EVs), as identified in my article in this journal with Peter Schütte, “Electric Vehicles: Promoting Improvements in Transport” [2016] NZLJ 6. For the sake of convenience I use most of the same headings as the Government’s paper, before reflecting on the main points.

text: Electric Vehicles Policy Announcement On 5 May 2016 the Government announced a policy package on electric vehicles: see Ministry of Transport “Electric Vehicles: Driving an EV Future” and S Bridges “Govt driving the switch to electric vehicles” (press release, 5 May 2016). This short note is to comment on the package, drawing on insights from international research and experience with laws to promote electric vehicles (EVs), as identified in my article in this journal with Peter Schütte, “Electric Vehicles: Promoting Improvements in Transport” [2016] NZLJ 6. For the sake of convenience I use most of the same headings as the Government’s paper, before reflecting on the main points.

year: 2016

title: Insanity and ethnicity in New Zealand: Māori encounters with the Auckland Mental Hospital, 1860—1900

authors: Barry, Lorelle

subjects: cultural alienation

abstract: This article examines Māori patients at the Auckland Mental Hospital between 1860 and 1900. We argue that the patient case notes reveal ‘European’ categories in which Māori were situated, and demonstrate the extent to which the authorities at the hospital grappled with their appearance, their language and their culture, all of which were elements of their ethnicity. We argue that the use of institutional case records is highly suggestive of some of the historical meanings of insanity for Māori, including the lack of detailed or sustained collection of information about patients’ tribal affiliations, the interest shown in their rights to land in maintenance payment inquiries, the experiences of cultural alienation or mate Māori, and the sad outcomes for Māori.

text: Insanity and ethnicity in New Zealand: Māori encounters with the Auckland Mental Hospital, 1860—1900 This article examines Māori patients at the Auckland Mental Hospital between 1860 and 1900. We argue that the patient case notes reveal ‘European’ categories in which Māori were situated, and demonstrate the extent to which the authorities at the hospital grappled with their appearance, their language and their culture, all of which were elements of their ethnicity. We argue that the use of institutional case records is highly suggestive of some of the historical meanings of insanity for Māori, including the lack of detailed or sustained collection of information about patients’ tribal affiliations, the interest shown in their rights to land in maintenance payment inquiries, the experiences of cultural alienation or mate Māori, and the sad outcomes for Māori.

year: 2011