title: Transport and retention of benthic marine invertebrates in the Southern Tauranga Basin

authors: Monahan, Bradley John

subjects: Dispersal

abstract: Dispersal is the process in which individuals are transferred between populations, and is essential for population sustainability and longevity. In estuarine soft sediment communities, dispersal often occurs as the interaction between the individual and tidal flows. Many coastal benthic marine invertebrate populations have been considered open because of the dispersal potential of a pelagic larval phase, with populations maintained by an external supply of recruits. However, for estuarine populations, recent evidence has suggested that populations may be more closed because of local hydrodynamic conditions causing larval retention within the source estuary. In this thesis, field observations and numerical simulations were used to investigate the effect of estuary morphology on the transport and retention of benthic invertebrate larvae in Tauranga Harbour, a large (218 km2), shallow (mean depth = 2.8 m) meso-tidal estuary. Previous studies indicate that residence times extracted from hydrodynamic modelling vary throughout the harbour, due to residual circulation patterns caused by complex channel morphology. Field observations indicate increased abundance and differing community composition of invertebrate larvae in the upper harbour compared to the lower. Tidal circulation is asymmetrical, with transport through a seaward channel during flood tides, and in a landward channel during ebb, suggesting that larval retention in the upper harbour may provide a source of larvae for the lower harbour. Larval transport pathways were evaluated by a coupled hydrodynamic-transport model and confirmed those observed in the field. Modelled larvae, released under different stages of spring-neap tidal cycle in the upper harbour, were retained for up to 16 d whereas retention for larvae released in other harbour locations was much more variable and depended on the timing of release and direction of initial transport. Results of this study highlight the impact of complex channel morphology (particularly at a scale of 10s to 100s of meters) on the large scale circulation and subsequent transport and retention of benthic invertebrate larvae. Understanding these influences on the transportation of benthic invertebrate larvae and the identification of retentive regions, will aid future population management or conservation efforts

text: Transport and retention of benthic marine invertebrates in the Southern Tauranga Basin Dispersal is the process in which individuals are transferred between populations, and is essential for population sustainability and longevity. In estuarine soft sediment communities, dispersal often occurs as the interaction between the individual and tidal flows. Many coastal benthic marine invertebrate populations have been considered open because of the dispersal potential of a pelagic larval phase, with populations maintained by an external supply of recruits. However, for estuarine populations, recent evidence has suggested that populations may be more closed because of local hydrodynamic conditions causing larval retention within the source estuary. In this thesis, field observations and numerical simulations were used to investigate the effect of estuary morphology on the transport and retention of benthic invertebrate larvae in Tauranga Harbour, a large (218 km2), shallow (mean depth = 2.8 m) meso-tidal estuary. Previous studies indicate that residence times extracted from hydrodynamic modelling vary throughout the harbour, due to residual circulation patterns caused by complex channel morphology. Field observations indicate increased abundance and differing community composition of invertebrate larvae in the upper harbour compared to the lower. Tidal circulation is asymmetrical, with transport through a seaward channel during flood tides, and in a landward channel during ebb, suggesting that larval retention in the upper harbour may provide a source of larvae for the lower harbour. Larval transport pathways were evaluated by a coupled hydrodynamic-transport model and confirmed those observed in the field. Modelled larvae, released under different stages of spring-neap tidal cycle in the upper harbour, were retained for up to 16 d whereas retention for larvae released in other harbour locations was much more variable and depended on the timing of release and direction of initial transport. Results of this study highlight the impact of complex channel morphology (particularly at a scale of 10s to 100s of meters) on the large scale circulation and subsequent transport and retention of benthic invertebrate larvae. Understanding these influences on the transportation of benthic invertebrate larvae and the identification of retentive regions, will aid future population management or conservation efforts

year: 2018

title: Wilspace: Reflections on establishing small significant online network groups (SSONG) to advance knowledge in work-integrated learning

authors: Wilkinson, Helene

subjects: work-integrated learning

abstract: In 2020 during COVID-19 lockdowns, a small group of Australasian Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) practitioners gathered online for semi-regular conversations. The purpose of this small significant network group (SSONG) was to provide support for one another as we navigated WIL education during this time of turmoil.

Reflecting on their SSONG experience two years later, the authors realised these small online group conversations provided the means to engage at a deeper level with likeminded individuals, without restrictions arising from differences in physical location. SSONG members could share alternative viewpoints with ease and interest because they were familiar with one another, yet from diverse perspectives including disciplines, location, experience and background, hence adding to the richness of their conversations. Out of this, and in discussions with a third New Zealand based academic, WILspace was conceptualised.

WILspace is an online international community of practice, comprising of multiple SSONGs. It was launched at World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE) in June 2023, where WIL practitioners were invited to register their interest. The first WIL SSONG conversations were held in November 2023.

We report on our experience in developing and managing this international community of practice. A key aim of the initiative was to facilitate meaningful discussions about WIL related issues, extending conversations beyond the physical environment of an international conference or a WIL-related course. Topics & prompts developed by the WILspace team were used to activate these conversations, after which each SSONG provided feedback on their discussions via an email to the facilitators. These resources were then summarised and shared via the WILspace website. Following each conversation, feedback was also obtained from SSONG members via a short Qualtrics survey. It was important to the authors that we were able to measure the success of this innovative initiative. Ethics approval (AUTEC 22/329) had been gained from both University Ethics Committees prior to the launch of the global conversation platform.

In this paper we identify, examine and reflect on our successes and challenges in maintaining conversations with an international group membership, across multiple time zones. To date, evaluations suggest support for the initiative is strong amongst active participants, however there is evidence of continuing challenges in maintaining these conversations. Strategies are presented to facilitate implementation and management of future online communities of practice, based on the use of SSONGs.

text: Wilspace: Reflections on establishing small significant online network groups (SSONG) to advance knowledge in work-integrated learning In 2020 during COVID-19 lockdowns, a small group of Australasian Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) practitioners gathered online for semi-regular conversations. The purpose of this small significant network group (SSONG) was to provide support for one another as we navigated WIL education during this time of turmoil.

Reflecting on their SSONG experience two years later, the authors realised these small online group conversations provided the means to engage at a deeper level with likeminded individuals, without restrictions arising from differences in physical location. SSONG members could share alternative viewpoints with ease and interest because they were familiar with one another, yet from diverse perspectives including disciplines, location, experience and background, hence adding to the richness of their conversations. Out of this, and in discussions with a third New Zealand based academic, WILspace was conceptualised.

WILspace is an online international community of practice, comprising of multiple SSONGs. It was launched at World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE) in June 2023, where WIL practitioners were invited to register their interest. The first WIL SSONG conversations were held in November 2023.

We report on our experience in developing and managing this international community of practice. A key aim of the initiative was to facilitate meaningful discussions about WIL related issues, extending conversations beyond the physical environment of an international conference or a WIL-related course. Topics & prompts developed by the WILspace team were used to activate these conversations, after which each SSONG provided feedback on their discussions via an email to the facilitators. These resources were then summarised and shared via the WILspace website. Following each conversation, feedback was also obtained from SSONG members via a short Qualtrics survey. It was important to the authors that we were able to measure the success of this innovative initiative. Ethics approval (AUTEC 22/329) had been gained from both University Ethics Committees prior to the launch of the global conversation platform.

In this paper we identify, examine and reflect on our successes and challenges in maintaining conversations with an international group membership, across multiple time zones. To date, evaluations suggest support for the initiative is strong amongst active participants, however there is evidence of continuing challenges in maintaining these conversations. Strategies are presented to facilitate implementation and management of future online communities of practice, based on the use of SSONGs.

year: 2024

title: Māori & Psychology Research Unit Annual Report 2012

authors: Waitoki, Waikaremoana

abstract: Annual report of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2012. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

text: Māori & Psychology Research Unit Annual Report 2012 Annual report of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2012. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

year: 2012