title: Case roles / relations and discourse relations: A Maori language-based perspective

authors: Whaanga, Hēmi

subjects: case grammar

abstract: The overall aim of this research project is to explore case roles/ relations and discourse relations (referred to in this thesis as 'intra-propositional relations' and 'interpropositional relations' respectively) from the perspective of the Maori language. 
The thesis begins with an outline of the scope of the research and the approaches and methods used (Chapter 1). This is followed by a critical review of selected literature on case roles/ relations (intra-propositional relations) (see Chapter 2) and discourse relations (inter-propositional relations) (see Chapter 3) where it is noted that some of the relational theories and models appear to lack descriptive and/or explanatory adequacy. 
In Chapter 4, two models (an intra-propositional relational model and an interpropositional relational model) are developed on the basis of the critical review in Chapters 2 and 3, and these models are applied to a written corpus of Maori language texts, the primary aim being to track the ways in which intra-propositional and interpropositional relations are signalled in Maori. 
In Chapter 5, l supplement the corpus-based findings reported in Chapter 4 by reexamining the findings of two earlier studies from the perspective of the models introduced in Chapter 4. One of these earlier studies, reported in the early 1980s, is concerned with the distribution of prepositions in Maori in relation to case roles/ relations (intra-propositional relations); the other, produced much more recently (in 2001) is concerned with the signalling in Maori of a selection of what are referred to in that Work as 'semantico-pragmatic relations' (inter-propositional relations). 
Chapter 6 provides an overview of the research and a summary of the findings, together with an indication of its limitations, possible areas of application, and suggestions for future research.

text: Case roles / relations and discourse relations: A Maori language-based perspective The overall aim of this research project is to explore case roles/ relations and discourse relations (referred to in this thesis as 'intra-propositional relations' and 'interpropositional relations' respectively) from the perspective of the Maori language. 
The thesis begins with an outline of the scope of the research and the approaches and methods used (Chapter 1). This is followed by a critical review of selected literature on case roles/ relations (intra-propositional relations) (see Chapter 2) and discourse relations (inter-propositional relations) (see Chapter 3) where it is noted that some of the relational theories and models appear to lack descriptive and/or explanatory adequacy. 
In Chapter 4, two models (an intra-propositional relational model and an interpropositional relational model) are developed on the basis of the critical review in Chapters 2 and 3, and these models are applied to a written corpus of Maori language texts, the primary aim being to track the ways in which intra-propositional and interpropositional relations are signalled in Maori. 
In Chapter 5, l supplement the corpus-based findings reported in Chapter 4 by reexamining the findings of two earlier studies from the perspective of the models introduced in Chapter 4. One of these earlier studies, reported in the early 1980s, is concerned with the distribution of prepositions in Maori in relation to case roles/ relations (intra-propositional relations); the other, produced much more recently (in 2001) is concerned with the signalling in Maori of a selection of what are referred to in that Work as 'semantico-pragmatic relations' (inter-propositional relations). 
Chapter 6 provides an overview of the research and a summary of the findings, together with an indication of its limitations, possible areas of application, and suggestions for future research.

year: 2006

title: Redefining taonga: The Treaty Principles Bill and its potential impact on the status of te reo Māori

authors: Carter, Wayne Ngahuka

abstract: This thesis explores the potential impact of Aotearoa New Zealand’s proposed Treaty Principles Bill on the recognition and protection of te reo Māori (Māori language) as a taonga under the Treaty of Waitangi. This research examines the redefinition of fundamental Treaty principles as outlined in the bill, specifically addressing important questions concerning how the transition from partnership, protection and participation towards a focus in equal rights might influence both the legal standing and the cultural status of te reo Māori. With a quantitative methodology approach, this study draws from a range of sources, including legislative policies, political documents, historical records, and academic analysis, to evaluate the impacts and risks this bill could impose. A comparative analysis study with international examples of indigenous language protection provides broader insights into the potential effects on Māori language revitalisation efforts and te reo Māori and its status under the 2016 Māori Language Act. Early findings indicate that the Treaty Principles Bill has ignited considerable debate throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising tensions between traditional interpretations of the Treaty of Waitangi and framework proposed by the Act Party. Māori rights advocates and public debates express worries that the bill could diminish current protection and reduce advancements achieved for te reo Māori as a taonga. Critics argue that redefining these principles might fracture Māori-Crown relationships, possibly weakening differences and impacting New Zealand’s governance and national identity. This debate emphasises the challenging task of restoring New Zealand’s colonial past with its modern goals for fairness and equality. As Parliament reviews this legislation, it is confronted with a crucial decision that will influence the future direction of Aotearoa New Zealand.

text: Redefining taonga: The Treaty Principles Bill and its potential impact on the status of te reo Māori This thesis explores the potential impact of Aotearoa New Zealand’s proposed Treaty Principles Bill on the recognition and protection of te reo Māori (Māori language) as a taonga under the Treaty of Waitangi. This research examines the redefinition of fundamental Treaty principles as outlined in the bill, specifically addressing important questions concerning how the transition from partnership, protection and participation towards a focus in equal rights might influence both the legal standing and the cultural status of te reo Māori. With a quantitative methodology approach, this study draws from a range of sources, including legislative policies, political documents, historical records, and academic analysis, to evaluate the impacts and risks this bill could impose. A comparative analysis study with international examples of indigenous language protection provides broader insights into the potential effects on Māori language revitalisation efforts and te reo Māori and its status under the 2016 Māori Language Act. Early findings indicate that the Treaty Principles Bill has ignited considerable debate throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising tensions between traditional interpretations of the Treaty of Waitangi and framework proposed by the Act Party. Māori rights advocates and public debates express worries that the bill could diminish current protection and reduce advancements achieved for te reo Māori as a taonga. Critics argue that redefining these principles might fracture Māori-Crown relationships, possibly weakening differences and impacting New Zealand’s governance and national identity. This debate emphasises the challenging task of restoring New Zealand’s colonial past with its modern goals for fairness and equality. As Parliament reviews this legislation, it is confronted with a crucial decision that will influence the future direction of Aotearoa New Zealand.

year: 2025

title: Elucidating the Origin of Tetrodotoxin in Pleurobranchaea maculata and Stylochoplana sp.

authors: Salvitti, Lauren R.

subjects: tetrodotoxin

abstract: Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is an extremely potent neurotoxin that acts by selectively targeting voltage gated sodium channels blocking propagation of action potentials. Long believed to be present only in pufferfish, TTX has now been detected in a wide range of phylogenetically unrelated terrestrial and aquatic taxa. Despite decades of research the exact origin of TTX remains a mystery. Current literature supports three hypotheses: endogenous, symbiotic bacteria, or bioaccumulation through a dietary source. 
     In 2009, the opisthobranch Pleurobranchaea maculata (grey side-gilled sea slug) was found to contain high concentrations of TTX in New Zealand. A large collaborative project, of which my research was a major part of, was initiated to explore the origin of TTX in P. maculata. During extensive benthic surveys conducted to identify possible dietary sources of TTX, high concentrations (ave. 380 mg kg-1) were detected in Stylochoplana sp. (Platyhelminthes) from Pilot Bay (Tauranga, New Zealand). Tetrodotoxin concentrations were found to vary temporally, peaking between June and August. The co-occurrence of Stylochoplana sp. and P. maculata in Pilot Bay raised the possibility that Stylochoplana sp. could be a dietary source of TTX for P. maculata. A real-time PCR assay was developed, and detected Stylochoplana sp. in seven out of nineteen P. maculata foreguts.  
     Symbiotic bacterial production of TTX in the tissues of P. maculata and Stylochoplana sp. was also explored. Isolated strains (102; 17 unique strains - identified using 16S rRNA gene analysis) were analyzed using a recently developed method to detect the C9 base of TTX. In addition to enhanced sensitivity, this method has the advantage that it might detect precursor and degradation products. To explore the possibility that TTX is produced by a consortium of bacteria, experiments were undertaken where homogenized tissue was spiked into marine broth and samples were collected over two weeks for toxin and molecular analysis. No C9 base or TTX production was detected in isolates or from bacterial communities, suggesting that a symbiotic microbial source of TTX is unlikely in these organisms. 
     The ability of non-toxic P. maculata to sequester TTX from an environment known to contain toxic populations of the same species was also assessed. Sixteen non-toxic specimens were kept in mesh cages (eight anchored to the benthos and eight suspended 0.5 m above it) for eight weeks and fed a non-toxic food source. Toxin analysis revealed that more ‘benthic’ specimens (4 verses the 2 from suspended specimens) sequestered TTX and were shown to retain higher concentrations (max. 0.79 versus 0.43 mg kg-1). These data suggest a localized microbial source of TTX that is more readily available from the benthos. Diet analysis, utilizing next generation sequencing of toxic and non-toxic P. maculata identified their diet comprised a wide array of organisms, with Thelepus sp. and Plumularia sp. being prevalent in toxic individuals, and further testing of these organisms is suggested.
     Lastly, immunohistological methods, employing a monoclonal antibody targeting TTX, were conducted with tissues from P. maculata and Stylochoplana sp.. Strong TTX signals were detected in the mantle and oocytes of P. maculata and the ova and pharynx of the Stylochoplana sp.. These data suggest ecological roles for TTX including: defense in adults, protection in progeny, and prey capture in Stylochoplana sp..
     A synthesis of the studies presented in this thesis, and those that were conducted as part of the larger project, are also presented and future studies to elucidate the origin of TTX in New Zealand taxa are suggested.

text: Elucidating the Origin of Tetrodotoxin in Pleurobranchaea maculata and Stylochoplana sp. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is an extremely potent neurotoxin that acts by selectively targeting voltage gated sodium channels blocking propagation of action potentials. Long believed to be present only in pufferfish, TTX has now been detected in a wide range of phylogenetically unrelated terrestrial and aquatic taxa. Despite decades of research the exact origin of TTX remains a mystery. Current literature supports three hypotheses: endogenous, symbiotic bacteria, or bioaccumulation through a dietary source. 
     In 2009, the opisthobranch Pleurobranchaea maculata (grey side-gilled sea slug) was found to contain high concentrations of TTX in New Zealand. A large collaborative project, of which my research was a major part of, was initiated to explore the origin of TTX in P. maculata. During extensive benthic surveys conducted to identify possible dietary sources of TTX, high concentrations (ave. 380 mg kg-1) were detected in Stylochoplana sp. (Platyhelminthes) from Pilot Bay (Tauranga, New Zealand). Tetrodotoxin concentrations were found to vary temporally, peaking between June and August. The co-occurrence of Stylochoplana sp. and P. maculata in Pilot Bay raised the possibility that Stylochoplana sp. could be a dietary source of TTX for P. maculata. A real-time PCR assay was developed, and detected Stylochoplana sp. in seven out of nineteen P. maculata foreguts.  
     Symbiotic bacterial production of TTX in the tissues of P. maculata and Stylochoplana sp. was also explored. Isolated strains (102; 17 unique strains - identified using 16S rRNA gene analysis) were analyzed using a recently developed method to detect the C9 base of TTX. In addition to enhanced sensitivity, this method has the advantage that it might detect precursor and degradation products. To explore the possibility that TTX is produced by a consortium of bacteria, experiments were undertaken where homogenized tissue was spiked into marine broth and samples were collected over two weeks for toxin and molecular analysis. No C9 base or TTX production was detected in isolates or from bacterial communities, suggesting that a symbiotic microbial source of TTX is unlikely in these organisms. 
     The ability of non-toxic P. maculata to sequester TTX from an environment known to contain toxic populations of the same species was also assessed. Sixteen non-toxic specimens were kept in mesh cages (eight anchored to the benthos and eight suspended 0.5 m above it) for eight weeks and fed a non-toxic food source. Toxin analysis revealed that more ‘benthic’ specimens (4 verses the 2 from suspended specimens) sequestered TTX and were shown to retain higher concentrations (max. 0.79 versus 0.43 mg kg-1). These data suggest a localized microbial source of TTX that is more readily available from the benthos. Diet analysis, utilizing next generation sequencing of toxic and non-toxic P. maculata identified their diet comprised a wide array of organisms, with Thelepus sp. and Plumularia sp. being prevalent in toxic individuals, and further testing of these organisms is suggested.
     Lastly, immunohistological methods, employing a monoclonal antibody targeting TTX, were conducted with tissues from P. maculata and Stylochoplana sp.. Strong TTX signals were detected in the mantle and oocytes of P. maculata and the ova and pharynx of the Stylochoplana sp.. These data suggest ecological roles for TTX including: defense in adults, protection in progeny, and prey capture in Stylochoplana sp..
     A synthesis of the studies presented in this thesis, and those that were conducted as part of the larger project, are also presented and future studies to elucidate the origin of TTX in New Zealand taxa are suggested.

year: 2015