title: The nature and causes of coastal landsliding on the Maungatapu Peninsula, Tauranga, New Zealand

authors: Bird, Gerard Anthony

abstract: Lengths of cliffed coastline in Quaternary sediments around Tauranga Harbour, and particularly on the Maungatapu Peninsula, have been subjected to major landsliding episodes during and after rainstorms in recent years. This study is intended to broaden the database concerning coastal landsliding by documenting a descriptive and analytical study of the landslides, and to provide information useful for those attempting to control the effects of the landslides. 

A field mapping project was undertaken, associating patterns of landslide scars, marine erosion and groundwater seepage from cliff faces. More intensive studies at three sample sites included surveying, soil strength and physical index testing, hydraulic conductivity determinations and groundwater table observations. A number of working hypotheses, concerning the nature and causes of the landslide events, are erected and tested using the results of these descriptive studies. The hypotheses are further evaluated in factor sensitivity studies, using a simplified Janbu slope stability analysis program, which was written as part of the study. 

It has been found that the landslide events occur as parts of one of two cliff evolutionary sequences observed on the Maungatapu Peninsula. Where the rate of basal erosion by tidal currents and wind driven waves exceeds the rate of cliff crest retreat due to various cliff face modifying processes, the cliff segment gradually steepens. Failures in the material above an impermeable clay bed in the Pahoia Tuffs are triggered by high pore water pressures. Critical pore water pressures occur when long wet periods, culminating in medium to long return period storms, produce high seepage flows through the sandy material above the impermeable clay bed. The failures initially occur in a rotational manner, apparently causing the liquefaction of a bed of low bulk density silty sand lenses within a denser sandy mud matrix. Subsequent movements are therefore rapid and translatory, producing elongate annular debris lobes extending from the cliff base. 

The results of the study are then applied in formulating coastal management strategies, and in suggesting appropriate site stabilisation techniques.

text: The nature and causes of coastal landsliding on the Maungatapu Peninsula, Tauranga, New Zealand Lengths of cliffed coastline in Quaternary sediments around Tauranga Harbour, and particularly on the Maungatapu Peninsula, have been subjected to major landsliding episodes during and after rainstorms in recent years. This study is intended to broaden the database concerning coastal landsliding by documenting a descriptive and analytical study of the landslides, and to provide information useful for those attempting to control the effects of the landslides. 

A field mapping project was undertaken, associating patterns of landslide scars, marine erosion and groundwater seepage from cliff faces. More intensive studies at three sample sites included surveying, soil strength and physical index testing, hydraulic conductivity determinations and groundwater table observations. A number of working hypotheses, concerning the nature and causes of the landslide events, are erected and tested using the results of these descriptive studies. The hypotheses are further evaluated in factor sensitivity studies, using a simplified Janbu slope stability analysis program, which was written as part of the study. 

It has been found that the landslide events occur as parts of one of two cliff evolutionary sequences observed on the Maungatapu Peninsula. Where the rate of basal erosion by tidal currents and wind driven waves exceeds the rate of cliff crest retreat due to various cliff face modifying processes, the cliff segment gradually steepens. Failures in the material above an impermeable clay bed in the Pahoia Tuffs are triggered by high pore water pressures. Critical pore water pressures occur when long wet periods, culminating in medium to long return period storms, produce high seepage flows through the sandy material above the impermeable clay bed. The failures initially occur in a rotational manner, apparently causing the liquefaction of a bed of low bulk density silty sand lenses within a denser sandy mud matrix. Subsequent movements are therefore rapid and translatory, producing elongate annular debris lobes extending from the cliff base. 

The results of the study are then applied in formulating coastal management strategies, and in suggesting appropriate site stabilisation techniques.

year: 1981

title: Assessment of vegetation condition and health at Claudelands Bush (Jubilee Bush; Te Papanui)

authors: Cornes, Toni S.

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: As the largest remnant indigenous natural area, Claudelands Bush is a key asset for Hamilton city. With a history including clearance, logging and grazing; high numbers of plant species have been lost from the bush. Some of these pressures still exist today such as drainage, invasion by adventive plant species, presence of animal pests and the small size of the bush fragment. These pressures continue to contribute to native species losses. To reduce species loss and improve vegetation condition and biodiversity, management has been taking place in the area since the 1980’s. Management included planting of native species, weeding of the bush, construction of wind breaks and boardwalks.

text: Assessment of vegetation condition and health at Claudelands Bush (Jubilee Bush; Te Papanui) As the largest remnant indigenous natural area, Claudelands Bush is a key asset for Hamilton city. With a history including clearance, logging and grazing; high numbers of plant species have been lost from the bush. Some of these pressures still exist today such as drainage, invasion by adventive plant species, presence of animal pests and the small size of the bush fragment. These pressures continue to contribute to native species losses. To reduce species loss and improve vegetation condition and biodiversity, management has been taking place in the area since the 1980’s. Management included planting of native species, weeding of the bush, construction of wind breaks and boardwalks.

year: 2010

title: From Darkness to dawn? A Forum for Kāpō Māori

authors: Te Momo, Ivan Prentus

subjects: Kāpō Māori

abstract: This thesis researches Kāpō Māori (Māori who are blind or sight impaired) and their pursuit of Te Reo Māori.  Te Reo Māori is a very significant cultural marker for Kāpō Māori to identify themselves as Māori.  Kāpō Māori face many challenges, challenges that are unknown to the mainstream.  The thesis surveys the fortunes of Te Reo Māori as it struggles to survive and find acceptance in Aotearoa/New Zealand, outlines attitudes towards disabled persons, who suffer discrimination and marginalisation, and summarises the story of the Blind in Aotearoa/New Zealand, especially through the history of The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, to provide context for the challenges faced by Kāpō Māori. For Kāpō Māori, discrimination and marginalisation is increased because all Māori suffer the disabilities that are a result of colonisation. The thesis sets out a methodology for field research, and draws from interviews with research participants to present the experiences of Kāpō Māori. This thesis provides an insight into the issues Kāpō Māori encounter when trying to engage Kāpō Māori , and draws those issues forward from darkness, where they are unknown, into the world of light by providing Kāpō Māori with a forum for discussion of these issues.

text: From Darkness to dawn? A Forum for Kāpō Māori This thesis researches Kāpō Māori (Māori who are blind or sight impaired) and their pursuit of Te Reo Māori.  Te Reo Māori is a very significant cultural marker for Kāpō Māori to identify themselves as Māori.  Kāpō Māori face many challenges, challenges that are unknown to the mainstream.  The thesis surveys the fortunes of Te Reo Māori as it struggles to survive and find acceptance in Aotearoa/New Zealand, outlines attitudes towards disabled persons, who suffer discrimination and marginalisation, and summarises the story of the Blind in Aotearoa/New Zealand, especially through the history of The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, to provide context for the challenges faced by Kāpō Māori. For Kāpō Māori, discrimination and marginalisation is increased because all Māori suffer the disabilities that are a result of colonisation. The thesis sets out a methodology for field research, and draws from interviews with research participants to present the experiences of Kāpō Māori. This thesis provides an insight into the issues Kāpō Māori encounter when trying to engage Kāpō Māori , and draws those issues forward from darkness, where they are unknown, into the world of light by providing Kāpō Māori with a forum for discussion of these issues.

year: 2007