title: The impact of human dispersals and local interactions on the genetic diversity of coastal Papua New Guinea over the past 2,500 years

authors: Nägele, Kathrin

abstract: The inhabitants of New Guinea and its outlying islands have played an important role in the human history of the Pacific region. Nevertheless, the genetic diversity, particularly of pre-colonial communities, is still understudied. Here we present the ancient genomes of 42 individuals from Papua New Guinea (PNG). The ancient genomic results of individuals from Watom Island (Bismarck Archipelago) and the south and northeastern coasts of PNG are contextualized with new (bio-) archaeological data. The individuals’ accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates span 2,500 years of human habitation, and our results demonstrate the influences of different dispersal events on the genetic make-up of ancient PNG communities. The oldest individuals show an unadmixed Papuan-related genetic signature, whereas individuals dating from 2,100 years before present carry varying degrees of an East-Asian-related contribution. These results and the inferred admixture dates suggest a centuries-long delay in genetic mixture with local communities after the arrival of populations with Asian ancestry. Two geographically close communities on the South Coast, AMS dated to within the past 540 years, diverge in their genetic profiles, suggesting differences in their interaction spheres involving groups with distinct ancestries. The inferred split time of these communities around 650 years before present coincides with intensified settlement activity and the emergence of regional trade networks.

text: The impact of human dispersals and local interactions on the genetic diversity of coastal Papua New Guinea over the past 2,500 years The inhabitants of New Guinea and its outlying islands have played an important role in the human history of the Pacific region. Nevertheless, the genetic diversity, particularly of pre-colonial communities, is still understudied. Here we present the ancient genomes of 42 individuals from Papua New Guinea (PNG). The ancient genomic results of individuals from Watom Island (Bismarck Archipelago) and the south and northeastern coasts of PNG are contextualized with new (bio-) archaeological data. The individuals’ accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates span 2,500 years of human habitation, and our results demonstrate the influences of different dispersal events on the genetic make-up of ancient PNG communities. The oldest individuals show an unadmixed Papuan-related genetic signature, whereas individuals dating from 2,100 years before present carry varying degrees of an East-Asian-related contribution. These results and the inferred admixture dates suggest a centuries-long delay in genetic mixture with local communities after the arrival of populations with Asian ancestry. Two geographically close communities on the South Coast, AMS dated to within the past 540 years, diverge in their genetic profiles, suggesting differences in their interaction spheres involving groups with distinct ancestries. The inferred split time of these communities around 650 years before present coincides with intensified settlement activity and the emergence of regional trade networks.

year: 2025

title: Using the criminal law computer misuse provisions to protect confidential information

authors: Kingsbury, Anna

abstract: This article is about the criminal law provisions relating to crimes involving computers, and the risks these provisions may pose to people dealing with confidential information in the nature of a trade secret, as illustrated by recent cases.
There is a growing international trend toward use of the criminal law to protect confidential information and trade secrets. A growing number of jurisdictions have criminal provisions applying in some form to the taking of trade secrets. United States law has included such criminal provisions for some years. New Zealand law has also had provisions since 2003, and requirements for such provisions are being included in trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partner-ship Agreement (TPPA). The primary justification for criminalisation is generally concern about foreign hackers, but inevitably employees and ex-employees are among the likely defendants.
There has not yet been a lot of case law involving the taking of confidential information under the New Zealand provisions, but there have been two significant recent cases. This article reviews the recent New Zealand cases and considers the implications for employees and others dealing with confidential information. It is arguable that the availability of the criminal law in these cases creates excessive risks for individual employees and more broadly for employee mobility and the sharing of information, perhaps most troublingly in knowledge-based industries.

text: Using the criminal law computer misuse provisions to protect confidential information This article is about the criminal law provisions relating to crimes involving computers, and the risks these provisions may pose to people dealing with confidential information in the nature of a trade secret, as illustrated by recent cases.
There is a growing international trend toward use of the criminal law to protect confidential information and trade secrets. A growing number of jurisdictions have criminal provisions applying in some form to the taking of trade secrets. United States law has included such criminal provisions for some years. New Zealand law has also had provisions since 2003, and requirements for such provisions are being included in trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partner-ship Agreement (TPPA). The primary justification for criminalisation is generally concern about foreign hackers, but inevitably employees and ex-employees are among the likely defendants.
There has not yet been a lot of case law involving the taking of confidential information under the New Zealand provisions, but there have been two significant recent cases. This article reviews the recent New Zealand cases and considers the implications for employees and others dealing with confidential information. It is arguable that the availability of the criminal law in these cases creates excessive risks for individual employees and more broadly for employee mobility and the sharing of information, perhaps most troublingly in knowledge-based industries.

year: 2016

title: Revisiting genetic data stewardship practices in Aotearoa New Zealand: A call to action on integrating Māori data sovereignty

authors: Dhami, Manpreet K.

subjects: FAIR and CARE data principles

abstract: Genetic data, including environmental DNA (eDNA), are regularly used to monitor escalating biodiversity concerns globally. In Aotearoa New Zealand, biodiversity is unique and cherished—many species are taonga (treasured) and cared for by kaitiaki (guardians with customary responsibilities), specifically mana whenua with custodial rights (Māori; the Indigenous people of New Zealand). Discussions are currently underway regarding the development of a reference DNA barcode database for biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand to improve outcomes for biosecurity surveillance and biodiversity assessment. A priority of these discussions is that the database development and eventual implementation accords with Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). Here, we evaluate current practices for storing genetic data from samples collected in Aotearoa New Zealand by examining two major public data repositories—the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). We find that current database practices limit opportunities for Māori data sovereignty, with DNA from many taonga species uploaded to public repositories with no associated restrictions or guidelines over use. This is an important finding that will help shape the development of a future DNA reference database for Aotearoa New Zealand that integrates the rights and interests of Indigenous communities.

text: Revisiting genetic data stewardship practices in Aotearoa New Zealand: A call to action on integrating Māori data sovereignty Genetic data, including environmental DNA (eDNA), are regularly used to monitor escalating biodiversity concerns globally. In Aotearoa New Zealand, biodiversity is unique and cherished—many species are taonga (treasured) and cared for by kaitiaki (guardians with customary responsibilities), specifically mana whenua with custodial rights (Māori; the Indigenous people of New Zealand). Discussions are currently underway regarding the development of a reference DNA barcode database for biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand to improve outcomes for biosecurity surveillance and biodiversity assessment. A priority of these discussions is that the database development and eventual implementation accords with Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). Here, we evaluate current practices for storing genetic data from samples collected in Aotearoa New Zealand by examining two major public data repositories—the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). We find that current database practices limit opportunities for Māori data sovereignty, with DNA from many taonga species uploaded to public repositories with no associated restrictions or guidelines over use. This is an important finding that will help shape the development of a future DNA reference database for Aotearoa New Zealand that integrates the rights and interests of Indigenous communities.

year: 2025