title: Are current ecological restoration practices capturing natural levels of genetic diversity? A New Zealand case study using AFLP and ISSR data from mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus)

authors: Gemmill, Chrissen E.C.

subjects: eco-sourcing

abstract: Sourcing plant species of local provenance (eco-sourcing) has become standard practice in plant community restoration projects. Along with established ecological restoration practices, knowledge of genetic variation in existing and restored forest fragments is important for ensuring the maintenance of natural levels of genetic variation and connectivity (gene flow) among populations. The application of restoration genetics often employs anonymous ‘fingerprinting’ markers in combination with limited sample sizes due to financial constraints. Here, we used two such marker systems, AFLPs and ISSRs, to estimate population-level genetic variation of a frequently used species in restoration projects in New Zealand, māhoe (Melicytus ramiflorus, Violaceae). We examined two rural and two urban forest fragments, as potential local source populations, to determine whether the māhoe population at the recently (re)constructed ecosystem at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park (WNHP), Hamilton, New Zealand reflects the genetic variation observed in these four potential source populations. Both marker systems produced similar results and indicated, even with small population sizes, that levels of genetic variation at WNHP were comparable to in situ populations. However, the AFLPs did provide finer resolution of the population genetic structure than ISSRs. ISSRs, which are less expensive and technically less demanding to generate than AFLPs, may be sufficient for restoration projects where only a broad level of genotypic resolution is required. We recommend the use of AFLPs when species with a high conservation status are being used due to the greater resolution of this technique.

text: Are current ecological restoration practices capturing natural levels of genetic diversity? A New Zealand case study using AFLP and ISSR data from mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus) Sourcing plant species of local provenance (eco-sourcing) has become standard practice in plant community restoration projects. Along with established ecological restoration practices, knowledge of genetic variation in existing and restored forest fragments is important for ensuring the maintenance of natural levels of genetic variation and connectivity (gene flow) among populations. The application of restoration genetics often employs anonymous ‘fingerprinting’ markers in combination with limited sample sizes due to financial constraints. Here, we used two such marker systems, AFLPs and ISSRs, to estimate population-level genetic variation of a frequently used species in restoration projects in New Zealand, māhoe (Melicytus ramiflorus, Violaceae). We examined two rural and two urban forest fragments, as potential local source populations, to determine whether the māhoe population at the recently (re)constructed ecosystem at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park (WNHP), Hamilton, New Zealand reflects the genetic variation observed in these four potential source populations. Both marker systems produced similar results and indicated, even with small population sizes, that levels of genetic variation at WNHP were comparable to in situ populations. However, the AFLPs did provide finer resolution of the population genetic structure than ISSRs. ISSRs, which are less expensive and technically less demanding to generate than AFLPs, may be sufficient for restoration projects where only a broad level of genotypic resolution is required. We recommend the use of AFLPs when species with a high conservation status are being used due to the greater resolution of this technique.

year: 2015-06

title: The effect of migration on income growth and convergence: Meta-analytic evidence

authors: Ozgen, Ceren

subjects: internal migration

abstract: We compare a set of econometric studies that measure the effect of net internal migration in neoclassical models of long-run real income convergence and derive 67 comparable effect sizes. The precision-weighted estimate of beta convergence is about 2.7 per cent. An increase of one percentage point in the net migration rate of a region increases the per capita income growth rate in that region on average by about 0.1 percentage points. Introducing a net migration variable in a growth regression increases the estimate of beta convergence slightly. Studies that use panel models or IV estimation methods yield smaller coefficients of net migration in growth regressions, while the opposite holds for regressions controlling for high-skilled migration.

text: The effect of migration on income growth and convergence: Meta-analytic evidence We compare a set of econometric studies that measure the effect of net internal migration in neoclassical models of long-run real income convergence and derive 67 comparable effect sizes. The precision-weighted estimate of beta convergence is about 2.7 per cent. An increase of one percentage point in the net migration rate of a region increases the per capita income growth rate in that region on average by about 0.1 percentage points. Introducing a net migration variable in a growth regression increases the estimate of beta convergence slightly. Studies that use panel models or IV estimation methods yield smaller coefficients of net migration in growth regressions, while the opposite holds for regressions controlling for high-skilled migration.

year: 2010-07

title: Examining the Professional Learning and Development of Principals and Teachers in Maori Medium.

authors: McClunie, Adrienne Heeni

subjects: Professional Development

abstract: The Resource Teacher Māori service (RTM) has been working to lift the performance of principals and teachers of Māori medium schools for over 25 years as Māori medium education has attempted to achieve the twofold aim of revitalizing the Māori language and increasing the success of Māori students in Aotearoa/New Zealand. While there have been many positive gains over that time, issues still remain in fulfilling these aims. Therefore, an important question that needs to be answered is to what extent have RTM been successful in supporting schools to realize the key aims of Māori medium education, and what issues still remain in the service they provide? 
The central aim of this research project was to examine how Resource Teachers Māori (RTM) facilitated professional development (PD) in schools, what issues they faced, and how they negotiated them. The study was a multiple case study design of three RTM, principals and teachers and used conversational interviews as the method of data gathering.
The research found that the RTM service was viewed positively by schools and had a positive influence on teacher skills and student learning outcomes. Of particular importance was the Māori language and cultural guidance the RTM provided teachers. They were also highly committed to the Kaupapa Māori philosophy and to Māori language revitalization. However, their potential was not always realized. Factors that affected the performance of RTM included having a large number of schools to service and a wide range of teacher needs.  The support the RTM received at the national and local levels was also insufficient. An implication of these findings is that the RTM service should receive greater support and guidance, but there should also be a greater degree of accountability that the service the RTM are providing is meeting school needs.

text: Examining the Professional Learning and Development of Principals and Teachers in Maori Medium. The Resource Teacher Māori service (RTM) has been working to lift the performance of principals and teachers of Māori medium schools for over 25 years as Māori medium education has attempted to achieve the twofold aim of revitalizing the Māori language and increasing the success of Māori students in Aotearoa/New Zealand. While there have been many positive gains over that time, issues still remain in fulfilling these aims. Therefore, an important question that needs to be answered is to what extent have RTM been successful in supporting schools to realize the key aims of Māori medium education, and what issues still remain in the service they provide? 
The central aim of this research project was to examine how Resource Teachers Māori (RTM) facilitated professional development (PD) in schools, what issues they faced, and how they negotiated them. The study was a multiple case study design of three RTM, principals and teachers and used conversational interviews as the method of data gathering.
The research found that the RTM service was viewed positively by schools and had a positive influence on teacher skills and student learning outcomes. Of particular importance was the Māori language and cultural guidance the RTM provided teachers. They were also highly committed to the Kaupapa Māori philosophy and to Māori language revitalization. However, their potential was not always realized. Factors that affected the performance of RTM included having a large number of schools to service and a wide range of teacher needs.  The support the RTM received at the national and local levels was also insufficient. An implication of these findings is that the RTM service should receive greater support and guidance, but there should also be a greater degree of accountability that the service the RTM are providing is meeting school needs.

year: 2013