title: Is size assortative mating in Paracalliope fluviatilis (Crustacea: Amphipoda) explained by male–male competition or female choice?

authors: Sutherland, Darin Lee

subjects: amplexus

abstract: Field and laboratory studies were used to assess: (1) whether size assortative mating occurred in the New Zealand amphipod Paracalliope fluviatilis and (2) hypotheses developed to explain size assortative mating. We found that assortative mating occurred and that larger females carried more eggs, suggesting they may be more valuable as mates. Laboratory experiments were then used to determine whether: (1) male size influenced the size of the female selected (mechanical constraints hypothesis); (2) male size influenced pairing success in the presence of competition (intrasexual selection hypothesis); (3) take-overs of females occurred and whether large males were more successful (intrasexual selection hypothesis); (4) guard duration varied relative to male and female size (guard duration hypothesis); and (5) females had control over pairing success and guard duration (intersexual selection hypothesis). Although there was evidence to suggest the existence of intrasexual competition for mates (i.e. both small and large males preferred large females), there was no evidence of overt competition (i.e. takeovers of paired females). There was also no difference with respect to how long small and large males guarded females, but large females were guarded longer by both male size classes. Females handicapped by having their mobility reduced were guarded for the same duration as control females but males were more likely to pair with handicapped females, suggesting that they were easier to amplex. Given the lack of evidence for direct male–male competition or female choice, we suggest that assortative mating may be the result of: (1) indirect competition (e.g. in situ large males may be better able to access and amplex the largest females) or (2) female resistance to small males in combination with higher costs that small males may incur in securing large females.

text: Is size assortative mating in Paracalliope fluviatilis (Crustacea: Amphipoda) explained by male–male competition or female choice? Field and laboratory studies were used to assess: (1) whether size assortative mating occurred in the New Zealand amphipod Paracalliope fluviatilis and (2) hypotheses developed to explain size assortative mating. We found that assortative mating occurred and that larger females carried more eggs, suggesting they may be more valuable as mates. Laboratory experiments were then used to determine whether: (1) male size influenced the size of the female selected (mechanical constraints hypothesis); (2) male size influenced pairing success in the presence of competition (intrasexual selection hypothesis); (3) take-overs of females occurred and whether large males were more successful (intrasexual selection hypothesis); (4) guard duration varied relative to male and female size (guard duration hypothesis); and (5) females had control over pairing success and guard duration (intersexual selection hypothesis). Although there was evidence to suggest the existence of intrasexual competition for mates (i.e. both small and large males preferred large females), there was no evidence of overt competition (i.e. takeovers of paired females). There was also no difference with respect to how long small and large males guarded females, but large females were guarded longer by both male size classes. Females handicapped by having their mobility reduced were guarded for the same duration as control females but males were more likely to pair with handicapped females, suggesting that they were easier to amplex. Given the lack of evidence for direct male–male competition or female choice, we suggest that assortative mating may be the result of: (1) indirect competition (e.g. in situ large males may be better able to access and amplex the largest females) or (2) female resistance to small males in combination with higher costs that small males may incur in securing large females.

year: 2007

title: Food rescue in New Zealand:  A sector in transformation

authors: Mulder, Megan

abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted New Zealand’s food rescue sector, exposing vulnerabilities and spurring opportunities. Through 18 qualitative interviews and secondary data, this report explores the post-pandemic changes in the sector. First, the food rescue ecosystem has been significantly reshaped through the emergence of new actors and an increase in actors creating new dynamics in the sector. Second, with the shifts in funding post-pandemic, organisations have been exploring new ways of generating revenue but are also struggling with infrastructural and resource issues. Third, to meet community needs, food rescue organisations have cultivated capacities to innovate new practices. Fourth, the sector is showing clear signs of professionalisation including the standardisation and normalisation of practices, the creation of frameworks and the emergence of clearer boundaries around the field. And fifth, our interviewees are raising questions about the purpose and raison d’être of the sector. 
Those changes highlight three main challenges for the sector. First, the sector is facing a number of paradoxical tensions: collaborating vs competing, efficiency vs relational focus, standardising vs improvising, food insecurity vs food waste and acting locally vs nationally. Although those tensions are not all entirely new, they have become increasingly salient post-COVID. Another challenge is the need for organisations to adapt to the constant changes and build resilience. And the third challenge requires thinking beyond the sector to address the systemic issues of food waste and food insecurity. Recognising and addressing those challenges is necessary for the food rescue to continue to develop and adapt but also to remain societally relevant.

text: Food rescue in New Zealand:  A sector in transformation The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted New Zealand’s food rescue sector, exposing vulnerabilities and spurring opportunities. Through 18 qualitative interviews and secondary data, this report explores the post-pandemic changes in the sector. First, the food rescue ecosystem has been significantly reshaped through the emergence of new actors and an increase in actors creating new dynamics in the sector. Second, with the shifts in funding post-pandemic, organisations have been exploring new ways of generating revenue but are also struggling with infrastructural and resource issues. Third, to meet community needs, food rescue organisations have cultivated capacities to innovate new practices. Fourth, the sector is showing clear signs of professionalisation including the standardisation and normalisation of practices, the creation of frameworks and the emergence of clearer boundaries around the field. And fifth, our interviewees are raising questions about the purpose and raison d’être of the sector. 
Those changes highlight three main challenges for the sector. First, the sector is facing a number of paradoxical tensions: collaborating vs competing, efficiency vs relational focus, standardising vs improvising, food insecurity vs food waste and acting locally vs nationally. Although those tensions are not all entirely new, they have become increasingly salient post-COVID. Another challenge is the need for organisations to adapt to the constant changes and build resilience. And the third challenge requires thinking beyond the sector to address the systemic issues of food waste and food insecurity. Recognising and addressing those challenges is necessary for the food rescue to continue to develop and adapt but also to remain societally relevant.

year: 2025

title: E Tama Hikairo

authors: Maxwell, Te Kahautu

abstract: E Tama Hikairo was composed to welcome Kīngi Tūeheitia's the Māori Kings first grandchild that was born in September 2014. Kīngi Tūheitia had Te Haahi Ringatū tūā (Christen) Hikairo. This composition talks about the royal genealogy of Hikairo that links him to all the iwi of the land and his special place in Te Haahi Ringatū. This item placed first overall in the choral section. This item was performed by Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti at Te Matatini the World Championship Kapa Haka Championship.

text: E Tama Hikairo E Tama Hikairo was composed to welcome Kīngi Tūeheitia's the Māori Kings first grandchild that was born in September 2014. Kīngi Tūheitia had Te Haahi Ringatū tūā (Christen) Hikairo. This composition talks about the royal genealogy of Hikairo that links him to all the iwi of the land and his special place in Te Haahi Ringatū. This item placed first overall in the choral section. This item was performed by Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti at Te Matatini the World Championship Kapa Haka Championship.

year: 2015-01-22