title: Development of a real-time PCR assay for the detection of the invasive clam, Corbula amurensis, in environmental samples

authors: Smith, Kirsty Fiona

subjects: environmental sampling

abstract: The detection of invasive species soon after an incursion, when the population is confined to a small area and at a low density, maximizes the probability of successful eradication. In response a number of sensitive molecular methods have been developed for identifying the larvae of marine invertebrate pests at extremely low concentrations. In this study we developed a highly sensitive real-time PCR assay targeting the 18S ribosomal DNA for the rapid and accurate identification of the Asian clam Corbula amurensis in environmental samples. Larvae of C. amurensis were spiked into commonly encountered sampling matrices including benthic assemblages, biofilms, sediment grabs and plankton net hauls, and the sensitivity of the assay was assessed. In this study the assay reliably detected one larva in up to 10 g of sediment, and five larvae in 10 g of benthic invertebrate and macro-algal assemblages. Seawater and benthic assemblage samples were collected from four major ports around New Zealand and all were negative for C. amurensis using the real-time PCR assay. This assay has the potential to enhance current surveillance methods, especially regarding morphologically difficult to identify early life-stages. Real-time PCR can be used with high through-put platforms and is extremely sensitive, increasing detection potential during initial stages of incursions.

text: Development of a real-time PCR assay for the detection of the invasive clam, Corbula amurensis, in environmental samples The detection of invasive species soon after an incursion, when the population is confined to a small area and at a low density, maximizes the probability of successful eradication. In response a number of sensitive molecular methods have been developed for identifying the larvae of marine invertebrate pests at extremely low concentrations. In this study we developed a highly sensitive real-time PCR assay targeting the 18S ribosomal DNA for the rapid and accurate identification of the Asian clam Corbula amurensis in environmental samples. Larvae of C. amurensis were spiked into commonly encountered sampling matrices including benthic assemblages, biofilms, sediment grabs and plankton net hauls, and the sensitivity of the assay was assessed. In this study the assay reliably detected one larva in up to 10 g of sediment, and five larvae in 10 g of benthic invertebrate and macro-algal assemblages. Seawater and benthic assemblage samples were collected from four major ports around New Zealand and all were negative for C. amurensis using the real-time PCR assay. This assay has the potential to enhance current surveillance methods, especially regarding morphologically difficult to identify early life-stages. Real-time PCR can be used with high through-put platforms and is extremely sensitive, increasing detection potential during initial stages of incursions.

year: 2011

title: Play makes us happy! Listening to the perspectives of Chinese immigrant children and parents about well-being in New Zealand

authors: Gai, QiTong

abstract: As the global population of immigrant children increases, the well-being of this group has gained more attention. However, one underrepresented group in academic literature is Chinese immigrant children in New Zealand. This study sought to address this gap, examining their well-being through their own experiences and perspectives, with a specific focus on subjective happiness and its influencing factors. The project is qualitative research, using data from go-along interviews with eight Chinese immigrant children and semi-structured interviews with their parents. The findings indicated that all eight children expressed contentment and satisfaction with their lives in New Zealand, suggesting successful integration into New Zealand society. Additionally, the findings showed that play, friendship, family support, and learning about Chinese culture were significant contributors to the children's well-being. The play emerged as a central theme influencing the well-being of these immigrant children. The children associated their happiness with various aspects of play, including personal play, play with friends, school activities, sports participation, attending interest classes, and learning about Chinese culture. Parents corroborated this sentiment, identifying play as fundamental to their children's physical and mental health. They underscored the importance of personal growth, health, happiness, and the pursuit of personal interests and hobbies. While acknowledging the relaxed lifestyle New Zealand offers their children, parents expressed concerns about the quality of math education and their children's capacity to handle future pressures. Reflecting on the future, both children and parents expressed optimistic expectations. However, this study has its limitations. It was conducted with a small sample size, relied on self-reported data, and focused narrowly on Chinese immigrants in Hamilton, during children's go-along interviews no children took photos, and the potential influence of parental religious beliefs was not addressed. These limitations pave the way for future research opportunities. Future research can address these limitations and further explore the role of play in shaping the well-being of Chinese immigrant children. Particularly, it can examine the transition from 'Tiger parenting' to recognizing the importance of play, an initial observation pointed out in this study.

text: Play makes us happy! Listening to the perspectives of Chinese immigrant children and parents about well-being in New Zealand As the global population of immigrant children increases, the well-being of this group has gained more attention. However, one underrepresented group in academic literature is Chinese immigrant children in New Zealand. This study sought to address this gap, examining their well-being through their own experiences and perspectives, with a specific focus on subjective happiness and its influencing factors. The project is qualitative research, using data from go-along interviews with eight Chinese immigrant children and semi-structured interviews with their parents. The findings indicated that all eight children expressed contentment and satisfaction with their lives in New Zealand, suggesting successful integration into New Zealand society. Additionally, the findings showed that play, friendship, family support, and learning about Chinese culture were significant contributors to the children's well-being. The play emerged as a central theme influencing the well-being of these immigrant children. The children associated their happiness with various aspects of play, including personal play, play with friends, school activities, sports participation, attending interest classes, and learning about Chinese culture. Parents corroborated this sentiment, identifying play as fundamental to their children's physical and mental health. They underscored the importance of personal growth, health, happiness, and the pursuit of personal interests and hobbies. While acknowledging the relaxed lifestyle New Zealand offers their children, parents expressed concerns about the quality of math education and their children's capacity to handle future pressures. Reflecting on the future, both children and parents expressed optimistic expectations. However, this study has its limitations. It was conducted with a small sample size, relied on self-reported data, and focused narrowly on Chinese immigrants in Hamilton, during children's go-along interviews no children took photos, and the potential influence of parental religious beliefs was not addressed. These limitations pave the way for future research opportunities. Future research can address these limitations and further explore the role of play in shaping the well-being of Chinese immigrant children. Particularly, it can examine the transition from 'Tiger parenting' to recognizing the importance of play, an initial observation pointed out in this study.

year: 2023

title: Kei moenga - Tārā i te ārero. Lest it be severed from the tongue

authors: Bailey, Iraia Thompson

subjects: te reo Māori

abstract: Tūwharetoa are a distinctive tribal group who are located within the central North Island. With a proud and celebrated history, Tūwharetoa evolved through out time to become a complex and unique tribe, containing a number of sub tribes, each with its own authority, structure and land holdings. However, like all Māori, Tūwharetoa were greatly affected by the impact of European colonisation. In particular the unique language and customs of Tūwharetoa where savaged by the policy of assimilation and the introduction of a new language and its cultural beliefs. Presently the traditional language of Tūwharetoa is in a perilous state, and regardless of the many Māori language initiatives that have been established over the past few decades, the special language of Tūwharetoa is declining. This thesis is concerned with understanding the reasons why the traditional language of Tūwharetoa finds itself in this position, while also assessing the initatives implemented by Tūwharetoa to rectify this situation. Furthermore this study will look to create a possible pathway forward for Tūwharetoa to support the regeneration and revitalisation of the language. Ultimately this thesis will propose a framework bedded within language planning theory, supported by a kaupapa Māori research methodology and founded within the beliefs of Tūwharetoa, to see the return of te reo Māori as the main form of communication for the people of Tūwharetoa, and as a clear marker of our identity and uniqueness.

text: Kei moenga - Tārā i te ārero. Lest it be severed from the tongue Tūwharetoa are a distinctive tribal group who are located within the central North Island. With a proud and celebrated history, Tūwharetoa evolved through out time to become a complex and unique tribe, containing a number of sub tribes, each with its own authority, structure and land holdings. However, like all Māori, Tūwharetoa were greatly affected by the impact of European colonisation. In particular the unique language and customs of Tūwharetoa where savaged by the policy of assimilation and the introduction of a new language and its cultural beliefs. Presently the traditional language of Tūwharetoa is in a perilous state, and regardless of the many Māori language initiatives that have been established over the past few decades, the special language of Tūwharetoa is declining. This thesis is concerned with understanding the reasons why the traditional language of Tūwharetoa finds itself in this position, while also assessing the initatives implemented by Tūwharetoa to rectify this situation. Furthermore this study will look to create a possible pathway forward for Tūwharetoa to support the regeneration and revitalisation of the language. Ultimately this thesis will propose a framework bedded within language planning theory, supported by a kaupapa Māori research methodology and founded within the beliefs of Tūwharetoa, to see the return of te reo Māori as the main form of communication for the people of Tūwharetoa, and as a clear marker of our identity and uniqueness.

year: 2013