title: Boat electrofishing survey of Lake Ngaroto

authors: Hicks, Brendan J.

subjects: Lake Ngaroto

abstract: Lake Ngaroto, a 130-ha hypertrophic lake located near Te Awamutu, has previously been found to contain a diverse fish fauna of both native and introduced fish. Native fish in the lake are common bullies (Gobiomorphus cotidianus), shortfin eels (Anguilla australis), longfin eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and common smelt (Retropinna retropinna). Introduced species include goldfish (Carassius auratus), brown bullhead catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus), rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus), gambusia (Gambusia affinis) and koi carp (Cyprinus carpio), with some koi carp/goldfish hybrids.
As part of the ongoing research of the invasive fish research programme, run by the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research (CBER), current baseline values for species abundance and indigenous biodiversity need to be established for at least 5 Waikato lakes over 5 ha in size, with Lake Ngaroto selected as a candidate.

text: Boat electrofishing survey of Lake Ngaroto Lake Ngaroto, a 130-ha hypertrophic lake located near Te Awamutu, has previously been found to contain a diverse fish fauna of both native and introduced fish. Native fish in the lake are common bullies (Gobiomorphus cotidianus), shortfin eels (Anguilla australis), longfin eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and common smelt (Retropinna retropinna). Introduced species include goldfish (Carassius auratus), brown bullhead catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus), rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus), gambusia (Gambusia affinis) and koi carp (Cyprinus carpio), with some koi carp/goldfish hybrids.
As part of the ongoing research of the invasive fish research programme, run by the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research (CBER), current baseline values for species abundance and indigenous biodiversity need to be established for at least 5 Waikato lakes over 5 ha in size, with Lake Ngaroto selected as a candidate.

year: 2009-10

title: Evaluation of the measurement capabilities of an autonomous surface vessel in coastal regions

authors: Harvie, Morgan

abstract: Reliable monitoring data underpins many coastal management decisions; such as decisions associated with development of defence strategies for coastal hazard protection or ecosystem-based estuarine management. For coastal monitoring, recent new technologies are providing opportunities to widen the scope of data collection. We assessed use of an Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV), known as the JetYak, for taking a variety of measurements in two coastal environments. We examined the quality and reliability of data acquired by the JetYak and performance of steering for surveying in automated driving mode.
The JetYak can be programmed to run in autonomous mode and follow a predefined path. However, the turning angle of the JetYak was quite large and hence, the vessel can easily overshoot or undershoot the target path. A series of optimisation tests were run at Lake Ngaroto, New Zealand to optimise the of steering and throttle parameters for the JetYak. The driving parameters FF gain, P gain, navigation period, P throttle and cruise speed were systematically varied to examine the effect of each parameter on the straightness of the path to each waypoint. With the right parameters, this deviation was minimised, and an optimal set of parameters were saved for future research using the JetYak.
The JetYak was also tested for measuring flows around seagrass in the Tauranga Estuary, to investigate the possibility of resolving small-scale changes in velocity with a downward-mounted ADCP and independent GPS system. However, in this case, the performance of the instrumentation set-up proved inadequate. The JetYak was travelling too fast during the survey, and the influence of the vessel’s motion was not entirely removed from velocity measurements. For future studies of this nature, we would recommend using the JetYak at a slower speed or using a purpose-built boat integrated boat-mounted system for better results.
Measurements of salinity, temperature and turbidity were taken in the Waihou River plume in the Firth of Thames, from low tide to high tide, using the JetYak and a research vessel. The JetYak successfully captured data inside and outside the surface plume, which revealed that as the flood stage of the tidal cycle progressed, the plume was pushed towards the west of the Firth and then towards the southern end into the mangroves with the incoming tide. Measurements attained from the JetYak and vessel were in good agreement for salinity, although some of the turbidity measurements did not appear to be correct, likely owing to air around the sensor. Overall the JetYak was successful at resolving the how plume progressed over spatial and temporal scales.
The JetYak was proven to be a very useful tool for taking measurements in shallow coastal environments. However, it requires the appropriate set-up and the scientists and researchers need to be trained in both operational (piloting) skills and data processing skills. One advantage of the JetYak over a manned vessel is the precision of positioning, generally exceeding that of manual craft, thus allowing driving of near identical transects and to decrease errors in the data. Such data would suit monitoring over large temporal scales such as months to years to understand coastal dynamics and validate numerical models. Another key use of the JetYak would be in the completion of missions alongside a research vessel. Such an approach allows for the collection of data over multiple transects simultaneously, thus greatly increasing spatial resolution of measurements, without significantly increasing personnel requirements.

text: Evaluation of the measurement capabilities of an autonomous surface vessel in coastal regions Reliable monitoring data underpins many coastal management decisions; such as decisions associated with development of defence strategies for coastal hazard protection or ecosystem-based estuarine management. For coastal monitoring, recent new technologies are providing opportunities to widen the scope of data collection. We assessed use of an Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV), known as the JetYak, for taking a variety of measurements in two coastal environments. We examined the quality and reliability of data acquired by the JetYak and performance of steering for surveying in automated driving mode.
The JetYak can be programmed to run in autonomous mode and follow a predefined path. However, the turning angle of the JetYak was quite large and hence, the vessel can easily overshoot or undershoot the target path. A series of optimisation tests were run at Lake Ngaroto, New Zealand to optimise the of steering and throttle parameters for the JetYak. The driving parameters FF gain, P gain, navigation period, P throttle and cruise speed were systematically varied to examine the effect of each parameter on the straightness of the path to each waypoint. With the right parameters, this deviation was minimised, and an optimal set of parameters were saved for future research using the JetYak.
The JetYak was also tested for measuring flows around seagrass in the Tauranga Estuary, to investigate the possibility of resolving small-scale changes in velocity with a downward-mounted ADCP and independent GPS system. However, in this case, the performance of the instrumentation set-up proved inadequate. The JetYak was travelling too fast during the survey, and the influence of the vessel’s motion was not entirely removed from velocity measurements. For future studies of this nature, we would recommend using the JetYak at a slower speed or using a purpose-built boat integrated boat-mounted system for better results.
Measurements of salinity, temperature and turbidity were taken in the Waihou River plume in the Firth of Thames, from low tide to high tide, using the JetYak and a research vessel. The JetYak successfully captured data inside and outside the surface plume, which revealed that as the flood stage of the tidal cycle progressed, the plume was pushed towards the west of the Firth and then towards the southern end into the mangroves with the incoming tide. Measurements attained from the JetYak and vessel were in good agreement for salinity, although some of the turbidity measurements did not appear to be correct, likely owing to air around the sensor. Overall the JetYak was successful at resolving the how plume progressed over spatial and temporal scales.
The JetYak was proven to be a very useful tool for taking measurements in shallow coastal environments. However, it requires the appropriate set-up and the scientists and researchers need to be trained in both operational (piloting) skills and data processing skills. One advantage of the JetYak over a manned vessel is the precision of positioning, generally exceeding that of manual craft, thus allowing driving of near identical transects and to decrease errors in the data. Such data would suit monitoring over large temporal scales such as months to years to understand coastal dynamics and validate numerical models. Another key use of the JetYak would be in the completion of missions alongside a research vessel. Such an approach allows for the collection of data over multiple transects simultaneously, thus greatly increasing spatial resolution of measurements, without significantly increasing personnel requirements.

year: 2019

title: Rangatahi of Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi: Cultural belonging and connectedness

authors: Benton, Chelsea

subjects: Māori

abstract: Rangatahi Māori (Māori youth) have one of the highest suicide rates in the OECD, they leave school earlier and with less qualifications, and suffer from higher rates of unemployment, hospitalisation and conduct and substance disorders and abuse than non-Māori. Sadly, many rangatahi move into adulthood only to experience poorer physical and mental health, shorter lifespans, and lower socioeconomic status compared to that of non-Māori. With these poor health outcomes for rangatahi Māori in mind this research explores the nature of Māori identities as a foundation for wellness, meaning, and flourishing. More importantly, this research takes into consideration the negative impacts of the colonisation of Māori and their cultural identity and the inter-generational effects of this long term systematic nature of disadvantage. I posit that cultural connectedness and belonging can foster healthy psychological and behavioural outcomes for rangatahi Māori. The mixed-method approach taken within this research sits within a Kaupapa Māori framework and draws upon accounts of 16 rangatahi Māori, aged between 10 and 14 years, who participated in a Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi based leadership development programme that reconnects rangatahi Māori with traditional customs and practices of their ancestors to enhance their health and wellbeing. Findings suggest that connectedness and belonging are manifest through practices such as Pēpeha, whakapapa, and Whakataukī/whakatauāki and rangatahi Māori draw on this cultural knowledge base and cultural practices to empower themselves, their whānau, hapū and Iwi. Rangatahi Māori in this sample also identified that whānau was most important in their lives followed by engagement in Māori culture. Findings highlight how Iwi organisations are stepping up to lead their people to a brighter future. For Māori, engaging with their Māoritanga and Te Ao Māori not only addresses the negative impacts of colonialism, but unlocks cultural potential, and an enhanced sense of self which serves to empower rangatahi Māori, their whānau, hapū and Iwi.

text: Rangatahi of Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi: Cultural belonging and connectedness Rangatahi Māori (Māori youth) have one of the highest suicide rates in the OECD, they leave school earlier and with less qualifications, and suffer from higher rates of unemployment, hospitalisation and conduct and substance disorders and abuse than non-Māori. Sadly, many rangatahi move into adulthood only to experience poorer physical and mental health, shorter lifespans, and lower socioeconomic status compared to that of non-Māori. With these poor health outcomes for rangatahi Māori in mind this research explores the nature of Māori identities as a foundation for wellness, meaning, and flourishing. More importantly, this research takes into consideration the negative impacts of the colonisation of Māori and their cultural identity and the inter-generational effects of this long term systematic nature of disadvantage. I posit that cultural connectedness and belonging can foster healthy psychological and behavioural outcomes for rangatahi Māori. The mixed-method approach taken within this research sits within a Kaupapa Māori framework and draws upon accounts of 16 rangatahi Māori, aged between 10 and 14 years, who participated in a Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi based leadership development programme that reconnects rangatahi Māori with traditional customs and practices of their ancestors to enhance their health and wellbeing. Findings suggest that connectedness and belonging are manifest through practices such as Pēpeha, whakapapa, and Whakataukī/whakatauāki and rangatahi Māori draw on this cultural knowledge base and cultural practices to empower themselves, their whānau, hapū and Iwi. Rangatahi Māori in this sample also identified that whānau was most important in their lives followed by engagement in Māori culture. Findings highlight how Iwi organisations are stepping up to lead their people to a brighter future. For Māori, engaging with their Māoritanga and Te Ao Māori not only addresses the negative impacts of colonialism, but unlocks cultural potential, and an enhanced sense of self which serves to empower rangatahi Māori, their whānau, hapū and Iwi.

year: 2019