title: Quantitative Methodology for Measuring Natural Character in New Zealand's Coastal Environments

authors: Froude, Victoria Ann

subjects: aquatic

abstract: Anecdotal evidence points to an overall loss of coastal natural character in New Zealand since preserving the natural character of the coastal environment first became a statutory policy-goal in 1973. Today the preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment is one of the matters of national importance in the Resource Management Act 1991 (development control legislation) and one of the purposes of the Reserves Act 1977 (protected area legislation). There has, however, been no quantitative measurement or systematic monitoring of changes in overall natural character. The purpose of this thesis has been to develop a robust quantitative methodology for measuring natural character and its change using a consistent framework across terrestrial, freshwater and marine coastal environments. While methodology development took place in Northland, New Zealand, the methodology has been designed to be applied throughout New Zealand. With modification it would also have applicability in other countries. A comprehensive definition of natural character was developed for the New Zealand environmental, legal and policy contexts that also addressed the role of perception. Court decisions on appeals lodged under the Resource Management Act were found to be generally consistent with this definition. The Quantitative Index for measuring the Natural Character of the Coastal Environment (QINCCE) methodology was developed using indicators (and environment-specific parameters) derived from the comprehensive definition of natural character. A consistent framework is used for measuring natural character across terrestrial, freshwater and marine coastal environments. The methodology can be applied at a range of scales and for a range of purposes. For each broad class of coastal environment there is a core set of parameters that are used to calculate three sub-indices for each plan-view unit: • An ecological naturalness index (ENI) • A hydrological and geomorphological naturalness index (HGNI) • A freedom from buildings and structures index (FBSI) These three sub-indices are combined to give an overall natural character index (NCI) for each unit, which can be multiplied by 100 to give a natural character score between 0 and 100. Second tier parameters and alternative measurement perspectives have been developed for those situations where additional detail is required. Several key parameters are measured relative to the reference condition present-potential natural state. One is Score representing progress towards present-potential cover where present-potential cover is the terrestrial and aquatic land cover that would be present today had natural processes proceeded without the arrival of humans, the species they introduced and the consequential changes to the environment. Scoring tables for measuring progress towards present-potential cover have been developed for eastern Northland. Hydrological and geomorphological naturalness is assessed relative to the equivalent present-potential natural state. Protocols for addressing interactions between the hydrological and geomorphological, and cover parameters have been developed. This includes distinguishing between natural versus human-induced, and on-site versus off-site sources of disturbance. As part of the methodology refinement process, 113 “informed” participants scored their perceptions of natural character for 40 coastal environment photographs. These perceived scores were compared with scores calculated for the same photographs using the QINCCE methodology applied using an oblique Viewpoint perspective. The results assisted with the subsequent refinement of the scoring protocols for some parameters, and the construction and combination of the QINCCE indices.

text: Quantitative Methodology for Measuring Natural Character in New Zealand's Coastal Environments Anecdotal evidence points to an overall loss of coastal natural character in New Zealand since preserving the natural character of the coastal environment first became a statutory policy-goal in 1973. Today the preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment is one of the matters of national importance in the Resource Management Act 1991 (development control legislation) and one of the purposes of the Reserves Act 1977 (protected area legislation). There has, however, been no quantitative measurement or systematic monitoring of changes in overall natural character. The purpose of this thesis has been to develop a robust quantitative methodology for measuring natural character and its change using a consistent framework across terrestrial, freshwater and marine coastal environments. While methodology development took place in Northland, New Zealand, the methodology has been designed to be applied throughout New Zealand. With modification it would also have applicability in other countries. A comprehensive definition of natural character was developed for the New Zealand environmental, legal and policy contexts that also addressed the role of perception. Court decisions on appeals lodged under the Resource Management Act were found to be generally consistent with this definition. The Quantitative Index for measuring the Natural Character of the Coastal Environment (QINCCE) methodology was developed using indicators (and environment-specific parameters) derived from the comprehensive definition of natural character. A consistent framework is used for measuring natural character across terrestrial, freshwater and marine coastal environments. The methodology can be applied at a range of scales and for a range of purposes. For each broad class of coastal environment there is a core set of parameters that are used to calculate three sub-indices for each plan-view unit: • An ecological naturalness index (ENI) • A hydrological and geomorphological naturalness index (HGNI) • A freedom from buildings and structures index (FBSI) These three sub-indices are combined to give an overall natural character index (NCI) for each unit, which can be multiplied by 100 to give a natural character score between 0 and 100. Second tier parameters and alternative measurement perspectives have been developed for those situations where additional detail is required. Several key parameters are measured relative to the reference condition present-potential natural state. One is Score representing progress towards present-potential cover where present-potential cover is the terrestrial and aquatic land cover that would be present today had natural processes proceeded without the arrival of humans, the species they introduced and the consequential changes to the environment. Scoring tables for measuring progress towards present-potential cover have been developed for eastern Northland. Hydrological and geomorphological naturalness is assessed relative to the equivalent present-potential natural state. Protocols for addressing interactions between the hydrological and geomorphological, and cover parameters have been developed. This includes distinguishing between natural versus human-induced, and on-site versus off-site sources of disturbance. As part of the methodology refinement process, 113 “informed” participants scored their perceptions of natural character for 40 coastal environment photographs. These perceived scores were compared with scores calculated for the same photographs using the QINCCE methodology applied using an oblique Viewpoint perspective. The results assisted with the subsequent refinement of the scoring protocols for some parameters, and the construction and combination of the QINCCE indices.

year: 2011

title: Testing the efficacy of motor analogies for landing safely from falls

authors: Oladi, Sana

subjects: Older adults

abstract: Fall-related injuries are a major concern in countries with an aging population. One approach for reducing the likelihood of fall injuries is to teach older adults how to land safely. However, different safe landing techniques are required for different types of fall and direction of fall. Additionally, after a fall is initiated there is insufficient time to choose and use an appropriate safe-landing technique—particularly for older adults, who frequently display age-related cognitive deficiencies. Literature suggests that motor analogies are easy to retrieve from memory, can rapidly deploy attention during movement, and may even speed up the motor learning process. This thesis explores whether motor analogies can be utilized as a rule-of-thumb to promote safer landing (i.e., reduced risk of injury). Two laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effect of motor analogies on biomechanical factors associated with landing by young adults (Chapters 2 and 4). A series of three online experiments examined whether motor analogies invoke mental representations associated with characteristics of safe landing (Chapter 3). Finally, a clinically-registered randomised controlled protocol was designed to investigate motor analogies in older adults (Chapter 5) (due to Covid-19 restrictions, the trial has not yet been completed). The findings suggest that an appropriate motor analogy can invoke mental representations associated with safe landing, and that participants instructed to use a motor analogy land in ways that are likely to result in less severity of injury, regardless of the direction in which they fall. The research provides preliminary evidence for the potential of motor analogies to reduce fall-related injuries, paving the way for future clinical studies.

text: Testing the efficacy of motor analogies for landing safely from falls Fall-related injuries are a major concern in countries with an aging population. One approach for reducing the likelihood of fall injuries is to teach older adults how to land safely. However, different safe landing techniques are required for different types of fall and direction of fall. Additionally, after a fall is initiated there is insufficient time to choose and use an appropriate safe-landing technique—particularly for older adults, who frequently display age-related cognitive deficiencies. Literature suggests that motor analogies are easy to retrieve from memory, can rapidly deploy attention during movement, and may even speed up the motor learning process. This thesis explores whether motor analogies can be utilized as a rule-of-thumb to promote safer landing (i.e., reduced risk of injury). Two laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effect of motor analogies on biomechanical factors associated with landing by young adults (Chapters 2 and 4). A series of three online experiments examined whether motor analogies invoke mental representations associated with characteristics of safe landing (Chapter 3). Finally, a clinically-registered randomised controlled protocol was designed to investigate motor analogies in older adults (Chapter 5) (due to Covid-19 restrictions, the trial has not yet been completed). The findings suggest that an appropriate motor analogy can invoke mental representations associated with safe landing, and that participants instructed to use a motor analogy land in ways that are likely to result in less severity of injury, regardless of the direction in which they fall. The research provides preliminary evidence for the potential of motor analogies to reduce fall-related injuries, paving the way for future clinical studies.

year: 2022

title: Hau

authors: Lodge, Martin

subjects: music

abstract: The article presents reflections on some issues encountered when combining traditional Maori and Western concert music. These issues include tradition and repertoire versus innovation, control versus freedom, collaboration versus appropriation, and the overlapping roles of creator and performer. Focal to the article is "Hau," a Maori word meaning breath or wind. The author also presents a comparison of Western music with traditional Maori instrumental music.

text: Hau The article presents reflections on some issues encountered when combining traditional Maori and Western concert music. These issues include tradition and repertoire versus innovation, control versus freedom, collaboration versus appropriation, and the overlapping roles of creator and performer. Focal to the article is "Hau," a Maori word meaning breath or wind. The author also presents a comparison of Western music with traditional Maori instrumental music.

year: 2007