title: Encryption laws and regulations in one of the Five Eyes: the case of New Zealand

authors: Dizon, Michael

abstract: This article examines the laws that apply to encryption in New Zealand. Specifically, it analyses the different types of law that constitute an encryption legal framework in the country, namely: export control, substantive cybercrime, criminal procedure, human rights, and information security and data protection. The article then utilises the encryption laws and legal framework to evaluate a proposal by the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to regulate the use of end-to-end encryption in messaging services. The article concludes that the proposal is incompatible with the country's encryption legal framework.

text: Encryption laws and regulations in one of the Five Eyes: the case of New Zealand This article examines the laws that apply to encryption in New Zealand. Specifically, it analyses the different types of law that constitute an encryption legal framework in the country, namely: export control, substantive cybercrime, criminal procedure, human rights, and information security and data protection. The article then utilises the encryption laws and legal framework to evaluate a proposal by the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to regulate the use of end-to-end encryption in messaging services. The article concludes that the proposal is incompatible with the country's encryption legal framework.

year: 2021

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: A population-based study of traumatic brain injury incidence and mechanisms in New Zealand: 2021–2022 compared with 2010–2011

authors: Jones, Kelly

subjects: Traumatic brain injury

abstract: Background: Monitoring traumatic brain injury (TBI) incidence and epidemiological patterns is important for evidence-based strategic planning, policy, prevention, and resource allocation. We revisited population-based estimates and examined patterns of TBI incidence (all ages, severities) in 2021–2022 compared with 2010–2011 in New Zealand (NZ). Methods: Examining an urban (Hamilton) and rural (Waikato District) region in NZ (May 2021–April 2022, unintentionally following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic), we calculated crude annual age-, sex-, ethnic-, urban/rural area- and mechanism-specific TBI incidence per 100,000 person-years with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Poisson regression was used to derive adjusted Risk Ratios (aRRs) to compare age-standardised rates between sex, ethnicity, and area groups. Direct standardisation was used to age-standardise rates to the world population. We calculated Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) with 95% CI to compare 2021–2022 with 2010–2011 age-standardised rates. Findings: Total TBI incidence per 100,000 person-years was 852 cases (95% CI 816–890), including 791 cases (756–828) of mild TBI, and 61 cases (52–72) of moderate to severe TBI. TBI affected males more than females (IRR 1.31, 95% CI 1.29–1.33), and urban more than rural residents (IRR 1.57, 1.43–1.73). Most TBI (61%) occurred in people aged 15–64 years and were due to falls (48%). European and Asian peoples had lower risk of TBI than Māori (aRRs 0.68, 0.31 respectively). Compared to 2010–2011, total TBI incidence and rates among Māori were stable; TBI incidence was greater among females, urban residents, and adults aged ≥34 years; and TBI due to falls significantly increased (IRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.40). Interpretation: Noting increased risks for underestimation due to COVID-19, findings suggest overall TBI incidence rate in NZ was similar in 2021–2022 to 2010–2011, while highlighting changes in TBI distribution. Age-, sex-, area-, ethnic-, and mechanism-specific distributions should be considered when revisiting prevention strategies to reduce TBI incidence. Funding: Health Research Council of New Zealand of NZ.

text: A population-based study of traumatic brain injury incidence and mechanisms in New Zealand: 2021–2022 compared with 2010–2011 Background: Monitoring traumatic brain injury (TBI) incidence and epidemiological patterns is important for evidence-based strategic planning, policy, prevention, and resource allocation. We revisited population-based estimates and examined patterns of TBI incidence (all ages, severities) in 2021–2022 compared with 2010–2011 in New Zealand (NZ). Methods: Examining an urban (Hamilton) and rural (Waikato District) region in NZ (May 2021–April 2022, unintentionally following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic), we calculated crude annual age-, sex-, ethnic-, urban/rural area- and mechanism-specific TBI incidence per 100,000 person-years with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Poisson regression was used to derive adjusted Risk Ratios (aRRs) to compare age-standardised rates between sex, ethnicity, and area groups. Direct standardisation was used to age-standardise rates to the world population. We calculated Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) with 95% CI to compare 2021–2022 with 2010–2011 age-standardised rates. Findings: Total TBI incidence per 100,000 person-years was 852 cases (95% CI 816–890), including 791 cases (756–828) of mild TBI, and 61 cases (52–72) of moderate to severe TBI. TBI affected males more than females (IRR 1.31, 95% CI 1.29–1.33), and urban more than rural residents (IRR 1.57, 1.43–1.73). Most TBI (61%) occurred in people aged 15–64 years and were due to falls (48%). European and Asian peoples had lower risk of TBI than Māori (aRRs 0.68, 0.31 respectively). Compared to 2010–2011, total TBI incidence and rates among Māori were stable; TBI incidence was greater among females, urban residents, and adults aged ≥34 years; and TBI due to falls significantly increased (IRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.40). Interpretation: Noting increased risks for underestimation due to COVID-19, findings suggest overall TBI incidence rate in NZ was similar in 2021–2022 to 2010–2011, while highlighting changes in TBI distribution. Age-, sex-, area-, ethnic-, and mechanism-specific distributions should be considered when revisiting prevention strategies to reduce TBI incidence. Funding: Health Research Council of New Zealand of NZ.

year: 2026