title: The silica issue in the limestone resource at McDonald's Oparure Lime Quarry

authors: Hansen, Orla

subjects: limestone

abstract: McDonald's Oparure Lime Quarry extracts limestone from the latest Oligocene to earliest Miocene aged Otorohanga Limestone formation of the Te Kuiti Group.  The quarry produces a range of limestone grades that are utilised by various industries, including the iron and steel, agricultural, and roading construction industries.  One of the most important aspects of production is quality control which is driven by quality restrictions on the chemical composition of the limestones imposed by the industrial end users.  In steel manufacture, silica is highly undesirable as it has detrimental effects on downstream processes such as the ability of calcium oxide to remove impurities from the steel and its abrasiveness inside pipes transporting lime into the steel making vessel.  A guideline of lt;1.7% silica content in the lime is required.  

McDonald's Lime Ltd and major shareholders Holcim New Zealand Ltd are aware that silica levels vary across the Oparure limestone resource, and so hold some concerns about their ability to maintain quality guidelines on their limestone products.  Consequently, it is relevant that knowledge be gained about the nature, distribution, and origin of silica-rich zones within the limestone resource so as to allow for greater certainty in quarry planning and operations.  

The main aims of this study were to determine the chemical stratigraphy of the limestone units in the quarry so as to assess primary sources of silica in the intact limestone (host limestone); to use field methods to measure the nature and distribution of a variety of discontinuity features which separate the intact rock blocks within the limestone rock mass; to identify sources of secondary silica-rich materials and their characteristics; and to determine the overall distribution of silica within the limestone resource.  Additionally, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) trial was undertaken to establish whether this geophysical technique is successful in detecting subsurface caves that may trap silica-rich materials.  

The host limestone or intact rock mass of the quarry units contains variable amounts of calcium carbonate, as follows: Caprock (av. 89.5%), Upper Steel (av. 98.2%), Aglime (av. 94.5%), High Grade (av. 97.2%), Lower Steel (av. 97.3%), and Sub-economic (av. 95%).  The remaining non-carbonate component largely resides in silica-bearing minerals such as clay minerals, quartz, feldspar, and glauconite, but also in authigenic minerals such as pyrite and gypsum.    

In McDonald's Oparure Lime Quarry six main discontinuity types are identified, all of which are associated with silica-rich materials.  The six discontinuity types are: (1) discrete seams; (2) diffuse seams; (3) subhorizontal stylolites; (4) subvertical stylolites; (5) joints; and (6) caves and other karst features.  Types (1), (2), and (3) have formed as a result of burial of the carbonate-rich sediments during which pressure dissolution has preferentially dissolved skeletal fragments, leaving behind and concentrating insoluble residue (siliceous material).  These are primary sources of silica.  Types (4) and (5) are produced as a result of tectonic activity, including deformation and uplift.  Subvertical stylolites formed by pressure dissolution associated with tectonic stresses during uplift of the limestones, and their contained silica also derives from a primary source inside the limestone strata.  Type (6) discontinuities are produced by dissolution by fresh water of the subaerially exposed limestone.  Joints, caves, and other karst features trap silica-rich materials sourced mainly from overlying overburden lithologies, including the Quaternary Kauroa Ash and the early Miocene Mahoenui Group mudstone; these are secondary sources of silica.  A distinctive leathery clay mineral called palygorskite occurs commonly as a chemical precipitate in both joints and caves as an infill.  A final source of silica identified that is not a discontinuity material, but is operation induced, involves the accumulation of blast and road dust coating rock surfaces, here referred to as surface accumulations.

The overburden units and discontinuity materials show a range of chemical compositions and some, such as cave infills, comprise greater than 60% SiO2.  The main siliceous minerals within overburden units and discontinuity materials are clays (smectite, palygorskite, gibbsite, vermiculite, halloysite, illite), quartz (and minor cristobalite), feldspar (oligoclase), and glauconite.  Carbonate minerals including mainly calcite and minor dolomite.  

GPR successfully detected cave structures to an effective penetration of about 10 m, but cave infills cannot be quantified using this method.

The knowledge gained in this study about the distribution, location, quantities, and nature of the silica materials in the limestone units, closely related to the different discontinuity types identified, has the potential to assist in determining appropriate processing techniques to minimise the silica issue at the Oparure Quarry.

text: The silica issue in the limestone resource at McDonald's Oparure Lime Quarry McDonald's Oparure Lime Quarry extracts limestone from the latest Oligocene to earliest Miocene aged Otorohanga Limestone formation of the Te Kuiti Group.  The quarry produces a range of limestone grades that are utilised by various industries, including the iron and steel, agricultural, and roading construction industries.  One of the most important aspects of production is quality control which is driven by quality restrictions on the chemical composition of the limestones imposed by the industrial end users.  In steel manufacture, silica is highly undesirable as it has detrimental effects on downstream processes such as the ability of calcium oxide to remove impurities from the steel and its abrasiveness inside pipes transporting lime into the steel making vessel.  A guideline of lt;1.7% silica content in the lime is required.  

McDonald's Lime Ltd and major shareholders Holcim New Zealand Ltd are aware that silica levels vary across the Oparure limestone resource, and so hold some concerns about their ability to maintain quality guidelines on their limestone products.  Consequently, it is relevant that knowledge be gained about the nature, distribution, and origin of silica-rich zones within the limestone resource so as to allow for greater certainty in quarry planning and operations.  

The main aims of this study were to determine the chemical stratigraphy of the limestone units in the quarry so as to assess primary sources of silica in the intact limestone (host limestone); to use field methods to measure the nature and distribution of a variety of discontinuity features which separate the intact rock blocks within the limestone rock mass; to identify sources of secondary silica-rich materials and their characteristics; and to determine the overall distribution of silica within the limestone resource.  Additionally, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) trial was undertaken to establish whether this geophysical technique is successful in detecting subsurface caves that may trap silica-rich materials.  

The host limestone or intact rock mass of the quarry units contains variable amounts of calcium carbonate, as follows: Caprock (av. 89.5%), Upper Steel (av. 98.2%), Aglime (av. 94.5%), High Grade (av. 97.2%), Lower Steel (av. 97.3%), and Sub-economic (av. 95%).  The remaining non-carbonate component largely resides in silica-bearing minerals such as clay minerals, quartz, feldspar, and glauconite, but also in authigenic minerals such as pyrite and gypsum.    

In McDonald's Oparure Lime Quarry six main discontinuity types are identified, all of which are associated with silica-rich materials.  The six discontinuity types are: (1) discrete seams; (2) diffuse seams; (3) subhorizontal stylolites; (4) subvertical stylolites; (5) joints; and (6) caves and other karst features.  Types (1), (2), and (3) have formed as a result of burial of the carbonate-rich sediments during which pressure dissolution has preferentially dissolved skeletal fragments, leaving behind and concentrating insoluble residue (siliceous material).  These are primary sources of silica.  Types (4) and (5) are produced as a result of tectonic activity, including deformation and uplift.  Subvertical stylolites formed by pressure dissolution associated with tectonic stresses during uplift of the limestones, and their contained silica also derives from a primary source inside the limestone strata.  Type (6) discontinuities are produced by dissolution by fresh water of the subaerially exposed limestone.  Joints, caves, and other karst features trap silica-rich materials sourced mainly from overlying overburden lithologies, including the Quaternary Kauroa Ash and the early Miocene Mahoenui Group mudstone; these are secondary sources of silica.  A distinctive leathery clay mineral called palygorskite occurs commonly as a chemical precipitate in both joints and caves as an infill.  A final source of silica identified that is not a discontinuity material, but is operation induced, involves the accumulation of blast and road dust coating rock surfaces, here referred to as surface accumulations.

The overburden units and discontinuity materials show a range of chemical compositions and some, such as cave infills, comprise greater than 60% SiO2.  The main siliceous minerals within overburden units and discontinuity materials are clays (smectite, palygorskite, gibbsite, vermiculite, halloysite, illite), quartz (and minor cristobalite), feldspar (oligoclase), and glauconite.  Carbonate minerals including mainly calcite and minor dolomite.  

GPR successfully detected cave structures to an effective penetration of about 10 m, but cave infills cannot be quantified using this method.

The knowledge gained in this study about the distribution, location, quantities, and nature of the silica materials in the limestone units, closely related to the different discontinuity types identified, has the potential to assist in determining appropriate processing techniques to minimise the silica issue at the Oparure Quarry.

year: 2008

title: Impacts of symbiotic relationships on risk, return and value of micro-, small and medium enterprises

authors: Kijkasiwat, Ploypailin

subjects: Symbiotic Relationships

abstract: This thesis investigates the impact of symbiotic relationships on risk, return and value of micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The research study examines how connections and networking help MSMEs to enhance financial gains by maximising return and minimising risks associated with business performance. This thesis focuses on New Zealand MSMEs, as they are significant contributors to the country’s economy and provide employment opportunities for many people. Funds allocated by the New Zealand government to different business clusters indicate how the government pay attention to these associations making it pertinent to explore whether these MSMEs grow, and how helpful the concept of symbiosis is in promoting their growth.
Globalization and changes in economic conditions can intensify competitive behaviour among businesses. While increased business competitiveness may have minimal effects on the business performance of large-sized firms, it can create challenges for MSMEs. Limitations of resources and finance, volatility and opacity can push these businesses to a critical juncture. In order to overcome these problems, many MSMEs’ owners have discarded the idea of flying solo, and adopted a synergistic model of working where everybody get benefits from cooperation. The concept of symbiosis is adopted as a strategic tool which can improve profitability, business survival rates, goodwill and growth potential, as well as reduce potential risk caused by the limitations of firm size. Symbiotic relationships can enhance the bottom-line and help businesses to be successful, as a consequence of creating innovative outcomes for individual firms, societies and countries.
Although some previous studies discuss the impact of networks and connections, there is still considerable work to be done in evaluating the effects of business symbiosis, especially from a financial perspective. In order to do this, various financial theories, namely Signalling theory, Stakeholder theory and Agency theory are incorporated into this thesis to explain how symbiotic relationships enable MSMEs to increase return, and reduce risks and uncertainties associated with business performance of MSMEs. Significantly, these theories are widely adopted in studies relating to (listed) large companies, but not often found in small business studies. Therefore, this thesis contributes to the literature. This study points out how financial theories adopted in (listed) large firms can also explain business transactions in MSMEs, particularly when the concept of symbiosis is incorporated. Furthermore, the adoption of non-finance theories such as Social network theory, Resource dependency theory and Transaction cost theory in this thesis encourages an innovative cross-disciplinary perspective. At the same time, a financial perspective is important and necessary to investigate how business symbiosis enhances MSMEs performance, particularly regarding risk and return.
As this thesis aims to examine the impact of connections between several MSMEs and how their cooperation helps MSMEs owners to boost financial gains, this study reviews prior works to understand the factors that can be affected by networks and connections in businesses. Following this step, secondary data was accessed from the New Zealand Benchmarking Survey, provided by the Institute of Business Research at the University of Waikato, to run simulations to assess the potential profit of firms when applying the concept of symbiosis. It was found that potential firm profits differ depending on the specified range of parameters and type of distributions used. To ascertain the impacts of symbiosis more precisely, it was necessary to use real samples. Correspondingly, the researcher conducted fieldwork and collected primary data by using surveys and semi-structured interviews. The research participants are MSMEs’ owners who operate businesses in Cambridge New Zealand. Both surveys and interviews are concurrently conducted and both close-ended and open-ended questions were asked. The questions relate to owner characteristics, business attributes, symbiotic relationship activities and firm performance. The analytical process is divided into two parts: quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis. All survey responses were analysed by applying econometric models namely Ordered Logistics Regression (Ologit) and Partial Less Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).
The results of Ologit in relation to symbiotic relationships between MSMEs and banks are important. The findings show that having no connections with banks is positively associated with a reduction in net profit while having connections with banks positively relates to an increase in net profit. It was also found that symbiotic relationships among firms are crucial. The study found a positive relationship between a change in net profit and having business connections among MSMEs. This positive association is also found in MSMEs operated by business owners who have frequent interactions with other business owners. Regarding business owner characteristics and firm attributes, the findings indicate that there is a significant difference between the age of a business owner and frequency of interaction among firms across different industries. Also, the frequency of interaction among businesses is associated with firm age (the operating years) and firm size (the number of employees).
The thesis also examines the association between two groups of symbiotic relationships, interfirm relations (connections between several businesses), and business-bank relations (connections between businesses and banks) to see if these associations relate to the change in net profit of MSMEs. PLS-SEM was applied for this section of the study. Moreover, Social Network Analysis (SNA) was adopted to calculate network scores when MSMEs have been connected with others, and these scores were put into PLS-SEM as indicative variables. Findings of SNA show there are seven industrial areas with a high density of connections. PLS-SEM results showed there is no association between interfirm relations and business-bank relations. However, it was found that change in net profit is negatively associated with business-bank relations. The findings also demonstrate that connection with only one bank is the important indicator explaining business-bank relations in Cambridge.
In order to examine why and how symbiotic relationships impact on risk, return and value of MSMEs, thematic analysis was used to analyse the responses to open-ended questions in semi-structured interviews. The empirical findings confirm that business symbiosis enables MSMEs to reduce costs and expenses while also assisting them to increase return and added values. Moreover, MSMEs having good connections with banks obtain benefits regarding access to finance and services. It was found that signals indicating symbiotic relationships in Cambridge are donations, use of referrals, participation in trade associations or professional networks among MSMEs’ owners, and personal interactions among business owners. The study found factors supporting and maintaining business symbiosis in Cambridge. These factors relate to location proximity of the town, non-growth-oriented characteristics of MSMEs, two-way relationships where both business partners get mutual advantages from connections, trustworthiness of business owners, a rapidly developing and high-growth town, the density of embeddedness relationships, and good corporate governance in trade associations and business clusters.
The findings support Signalling theory regarding asymmetric information. MSMEs try harder, compared with larger firms, to reduce information asymmetry, and this goal can be achieved when they connect or network with others. With the consistence of Stakeholder theory and Agency theory, these symbiotic relationships provide mutual and additional benefits to MSMEs, and it can last longer when they have good corporate governance to manage the whole network. It could be worthwhile to have a nominee or some group of people who can deliver ideas or information in business clusters and associations, however a conflict of interest between this group of people and other members could diminish the whole network. Therefore, trading off between risk and return is still significant. This thesis supports Transaction cost theory and Resource dependency theory which were incorporated with Social network theory to examine how having networks and connections enable MSMEs to reduce transaction costs and enhance overall performance as well as the security market line.
This thesis has implications for MSMEs, banks, government and policy makers. While the study does have limitations, however these does not affect the analysis. Although this thesis uses Cambridge as a case study, this thesis is generalizable in concept, and the findings show a particular context where existing theories can be developed. Some recommendations for further studies relating to the uses of a Business Operations Survey are stated. This could not only be beneficial for investigating symbiotic relationships in other contexts, but could also lead to further contributions based on this thesis.

text: Impacts of symbiotic relationships on risk, return and value of micro-, small and medium enterprises This thesis investigates the impact of symbiotic relationships on risk, return and value of micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The research study examines how connections and networking help MSMEs to enhance financial gains by maximising return and minimising risks associated with business performance. This thesis focuses on New Zealand MSMEs, as they are significant contributors to the country’s economy and provide employment opportunities for many people. Funds allocated by the New Zealand government to different business clusters indicate how the government pay attention to these associations making it pertinent to explore whether these MSMEs grow, and how helpful the concept of symbiosis is in promoting their growth.
Globalization and changes in economic conditions can intensify competitive behaviour among businesses. While increased business competitiveness may have minimal effects on the business performance of large-sized firms, it can create challenges for MSMEs. Limitations of resources and finance, volatility and opacity can push these businesses to a critical juncture. In order to overcome these problems, many MSMEs’ owners have discarded the idea of flying solo, and adopted a synergistic model of working where everybody get benefits from cooperation. The concept of symbiosis is adopted as a strategic tool which can improve profitability, business survival rates, goodwill and growth potential, as well as reduce potential risk caused by the limitations of firm size. Symbiotic relationships can enhance the bottom-line and help businesses to be successful, as a consequence of creating innovative outcomes for individual firms, societies and countries.
Although some previous studies discuss the impact of networks and connections, there is still considerable work to be done in evaluating the effects of business symbiosis, especially from a financial perspective. In order to do this, various financial theories, namely Signalling theory, Stakeholder theory and Agency theory are incorporated into this thesis to explain how symbiotic relationships enable MSMEs to increase return, and reduce risks and uncertainties associated with business performance of MSMEs. Significantly, these theories are widely adopted in studies relating to (listed) large companies, but not often found in small business studies. Therefore, this thesis contributes to the literature. This study points out how financial theories adopted in (listed) large firms can also explain business transactions in MSMEs, particularly when the concept of symbiosis is incorporated. Furthermore, the adoption of non-finance theories such as Social network theory, Resource dependency theory and Transaction cost theory in this thesis encourages an innovative cross-disciplinary perspective. At the same time, a financial perspective is important and necessary to investigate how business symbiosis enhances MSMEs performance, particularly regarding risk and return.
As this thesis aims to examine the impact of connections between several MSMEs and how their cooperation helps MSMEs owners to boost financial gains, this study reviews prior works to understand the factors that can be affected by networks and connections in businesses. Following this step, secondary data was accessed from the New Zealand Benchmarking Survey, provided by the Institute of Business Research at the University of Waikato, to run simulations to assess the potential profit of firms when applying the concept of symbiosis. It was found that potential firm profits differ depending on the specified range of parameters and type of distributions used. To ascertain the impacts of symbiosis more precisely, it was necessary to use real samples. Correspondingly, the researcher conducted fieldwork and collected primary data by using surveys and semi-structured interviews. The research participants are MSMEs’ owners who operate businesses in Cambridge New Zealand. Both surveys and interviews are concurrently conducted and both close-ended and open-ended questions were asked. The questions relate to owner characteristics, business attributes, symbiotic relationship activities and firm performance. The analytical process is divided into two parts: quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis. All survey responses were analysed by applying econometric models namely Ordered Logistics Regression (Ologit) and Partial Less Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).
The results of Ologit in relation to symbiotic relationships between MSMEs and banks are important. The findings show that having no connections with banks is positively associated with a reduction in net profit while having connections with banks positively relates to an increase in net profit. It was also found that symbiotic relationships among firms are crucial. The study found a positive relationship between a change in net profit and having business connections among MSMEs. This positive association is also found in MSMEs operated by business owners who have frequent interactions with other business owners. Regarding business owner characteristics and firm attributes, the findings indicate that there is a significant difference between the age of a business owner and frequency of interaction among firms across different industries. Also, the frequency of interaction among businesses is associated with firm age (the operating years) and firm size (the number of employees).
The thesis also examines the association between two groups of symbiotic relationships, interfirm relations (connections between several businesses), and business-bank relations (connections between businesses and banks) to see if these associations relate to the change in net profit of MSMEs. PLS-SEM was applied for this section of the study. Moreover, Social Network Analysis (SNA) was adopted to calculate network scores when MSMEs have been connected with others, and these scores were put into PLS-SEM as indicative variables. Findings of SNA show there are seven industrial areas with a high density of connections. PLS-SEM results showed there is no association between interfirm relations and business-bank relations. However, it was found that change in net profit is negatively associated with business-bank relations. The findings also demonstrate that connection with only one bank is the important indicator explaining business-bank relations in Cambridge.
In order to examine why and how symbiotic relationships impact on risk, return and value of MSMEs, thematic analysis was used to analyse the responses to open-ended questions in semi-structured interviews. The empirical findings confirm that business symbiosis enables MSMEs to reduce costs and expenses while also assisting them to increase return and added values. Moreover, MSMEs having good connections with banks obtain benefits regarding access to finance and services. It was found that signals indicating symbiotic relationships in Cambridge are donations, use of referrals, participation in trade associations or professional networks among MSMEs’ owners, and personal interactions among business owners. The study found factors supporting and maintaining business symbiosis in Cambridge. These factors relate to location proximity of the town, non-growth-oriented characteristics of MSMEs, two-way relationships where both business partners get mutual advantages from connections, trustworthiness of business owners, a rapidly developing and high-growth town, the density of embeddedness relationships, and good corporate governance in trade associations and business clusters.
The findings support Signalling theory regarding asymmetric information. MSMEs try harder, compared with larger firms, to reduce information asymmetry, and this goal can be achieved when they connect or network with others. With the consistence of Stakeholder theory and Agency theory, these symbiotic relationships provide mutual and additional benefits to MSMEs, and it can last longer when they have good corporate governance to manage the whole network. It could be worthwhile to have a nominee or some group of people who can deliver ideas or information in business clusters and associations, however a conflict of interest between this group of people and other members could diminish the whole network. Therefore, trading off between risk and return is still significant. This thesis supports Transaction cost theory and Resource dependency theory which were incorporated with Social network theory to examine how having networks and connections enable MSMEs to reduce transaction costs and enhance overall performance as well as the security market line.
This thesis has implications for MSMEs, banks, government and policy makers. While the study does have limitations, however these does not affect the analysis. Although this thesis uses Cambridge as a case study, this thesis is generalizable in concept, and the findings show a particular context where existing theories can be developed. Some recommendations for further studies relating to the uses of a Business Operations Survey are stated. This could not only be beneficial for investigating symbiotic relationships in other contexts, but could also lead to further contributions based on this thesis.

year: 2019

title: Reclaiming mystery: A Māori philosophy of Being, in light of Novalis' ontology

authors: Mika, Carl Te Hira

subjects: Germanistik

abstract: In both the German Romantic and the Māori traditions, Sein/Being may be described as both finite and endless, and is not a separate phenomenon from things in the world but instead one that gives rise to them, providing them with Geheimnis/mystery. Forgetting about Being is an issue for the Māori self now as much as for the West, however, and it is moreover implicit in various modes of colonisation that things in the world should be approached as if they are geheimnislos/lacking mystery. To acknowledge Being in all its mystery is to bring to the fore, once again, the notion that the activity of Being is not separate from the consciousness of the self, or from other things in the world.
The frühromantische/early German Romantic poet and philosopher, Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis), had written in the late 18th century on the threat that Geheimnislosigkeit/the lack of mystery posed for the integrity of things in the world. His works are central to this thesis: I approach them with an ontological focus and use them as Stoßsätze/sentences that challenge and push, to examine how Māori, individually and collectively, are encouraged to forget Being and mystery in their everyday interactions with the philosophies of Western institutions. I then engage with the dominant usages of the terms ‘whakapapa’, ‘ako’, ‘whenua’, and ‘mātauranga’, to show that they are characterised by an overriding lack of mystery. Finally I use some of Novalis’ fragments to romanticise/revitalise those terms and the things to which they refer, in conjunction with some other Māori terms, thereby reclaiming aspects of their mystery in modern philosophical discourses. I also offer some romanticised early German Romantic terms from their positioning alongside Māori ones.
This thesis is innovative methodically and substantively, highlighting two main themes: the collaborative approach of referring to a seemingly disparate philosophical source to explain colonising influences on Māori metaphysics, ontology and epistemology, and the possibility for some substantive critique and resolution to those influences. The form of Symphilosophie/[unified philosophy] that is referred to here is both collaborative and productive. Novalis’ theories and fragments assist method and substance. My thesis brings to the fore the value of his sources when they are brought into dialogue with Māori philosophy to illuminate the issue of Geheimnis to things in the world.

text: Reclaiming mystery: A Māori philosophy of Being, in light of Novalis' ontology In both the German Romantic and the Māori traditions, Sein/Being may be described as both finite and endless, and is not a separate phenomenon from things in the world but instead one that gives rise to them, providing them with Geheimnis/mystery. Forgetting about Being is an issue for the Māori self now as much as for the West, however, and it is moreover implicit in various modes of colonisation that things in the world should be approached as if they are geheimnislos/lacking mystery. To acknowledge Being in all its mystery is to bring to the fore, once again, the notion that the activity of Being is not separate from the consciousness of the self, or from other things in the world.
The frühromantische/early German Romantic poet and philosopher, Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis), had written in the late 18th century on the threat that Geheimnislosigkeit/the lack of mystery posed for the integrity of things in the world. His works are central to this thesis: I approach them with an ontological focus and use them as Stoßsätze/sentences that challenge and push, to examine how Māori, individually and collectively, are encouraged to forget Being and mystery in their everyday interactions with the philosophies of Western institutions. I then engage with the dominant usages of the terms ‘whakapapa’, ‘ako’, ‘whenua’, and ‘mātauranga’, to show that they are characterised by an overriding lack of mystery. Finally I use some of Novalis’ fragments to romanticise/revitalise those terms and the things to which they refer, in conjunction with some other Māori terms, thereby reclaiming aspects of their mystery in modern philosophical discourses. I also offer some romanticised early German Romantic terms from their positioning alongside Māori ones.
This thesis is innovative methodically and substantively, highlighting two main themes: the collaborative approach of referring to a seemingly disparate philosophical source to explain colonising influences on Māori metaphysics, ontology and epistemology, and the possibility for some substantive critique and resolution to those influences. The form of Symphilosophie/[unified philosophy] that is referred to here is both collaborative and productive. Novalis’ theories and fragments assist method and substance. My thesis brings to the fore the value of his sources when they are brought into dialogue with Māori philosophy to illuminate the issue of Geheimnis to things in the world.

year: 2013