title: Hauraki Gulf sedimentation: Unintended consequences of flood protection

authors: de Lange, Willem P.

abstract: The Universities of Waikato and Bremen have examined sedimentation in the Hauraki Gulf, focussing on the sediment discharges from the Coromandel Peninsula and the Waihou/Ohinemuri river systems, to assess whether anthropic land-use changes over the last millennium have resulted in increased sedimentation rates. Previous studies identified increased sedimentation due to burning of vegetation following Polynesian settlement, and Kauri logging, mining and forest clearance following European settlement. Most studies attribute the highest sedimentation rates to European settlement. This paper considers the results of investigations of depocenters in the central Hauraki Gulf, Southern Firth of Thames, and Coromandel Harbour, as well as the sediment pathway along the Ohinemuri and Waihou Rivers from mining areas of the southern Coromandel Peninsula to the Hauraki Gulf. Contrary to expectations, the central Hauraki Gulf was found to consist of palimpsest fluvial and biogenic marine deposits, with minor Holocene sedimentation lacking a clear anthropic signal. The shallower depocenters contain thicker sequences of Holocene sediments, with high spatial variability. Areas with clear anthropic signals were those proximal to potential sources. Commonly there was a significant time gap between the palynological indications of European settlement and changes in metal concentrations or inferred sedimentation rates, which was inconsistent with historical records suggesting land disturbance was contemporary with settlement. Gold mining in the southern Coromandel Peninsula generated tailings that were deposited into the Ohinemuri River. Initially the Ohinemuri River aggraded and annual floods deposited tailings on the floodplains, predominantly between the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers south of Paeroa. Since 1910, the floodplains have progressively been drained and protected by stopbanks constructed from sediment dredged from the beds of rivers and canals, and intertidal flats; with the final major scheme being completed in 1972. Metal concentrations in surficial sediments indicate most tailings have been deposited on floodplains upstream of Paeroa, with little evidence of transport downstream of the Waihou/Ohinemuri confluence. Since the completion of the stopbanks major floods have predominantly discharged sediment into the Firth of Thames, instead of onto the floodplains. The progressive removal of the floodplains as potential depositional sites coincides with the documented expansion of mudflats and mangrove in the southern Firth of Thames. This may also account for the delayed onset of a significant anthropic signal in the Firth of Thames depocenter.

text: Hauraki Gulf sedimentation: Unintended consequences of flood protection The Universities of Waikato and Bremen have examined sedimentation in the Hauraki Gulf, focussing on the sediment discharges from the Coromandel Peninsula and the Waihou/Ohinemuri river systems, to assess whether anthropic land-use changes over the last millennium have resulted in increased sedimentation rates. Previous studies identified increased sedimentation due to burning of vegetation following Polynesian settlement, and Kauri logging, mining and forest clearance following European settlement. Most studies attribute the highest sedimentation rates to European settlement. This paper considers the results of investigations of depocenters in the central Hauraki Gulf, Southern Firth of Thames, and Coromandel Harbour, as well as the sediment pathway along the Ohinemuri and Waihou Rivers from mining areas of the southern Coromandel Peninsula to the Hauraki Gulf. Contrary to expectations, the central Hauraki Gulf was found to consist of palimpsest fluvial and biogenic marine deposits, with minor Holocene sedimentation lacking a clear anthropic signal. The shallower depocenters contain thicker sequences of Holocene sediments, with high spatial variability. Areas with clear anthropic signals were those proximal to potential sources. Commonly there was a significant time gap between the palynological indications of European settlement and changes in metal concentrations or inferred sedimentation rates, which was inconsistent with historical records suggesting land disturbance was contemporary with settlement. Gold mining in the southern Coromandel Peninsula generated tailings that were deposited into the Ohinemuri River. Initially the Ohinemuri River aggraded and annual floods deposited tailings on the floodplains, predominantly between the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers south of Paeroa. Since 1910, the floodplains have progressively been drained and protected by stopbanks constructed from sediment dredged from the beds of rivers and canals, and intertidal flats; with the final major scheme being completed in 1972. Metal concentrations in surficial sediments indicate most tailings have been deposited on floodplains upstream of Paeroa, with little evidence of transport downstream of the Waihou/Ohinemuri confluence. Since the completion of the stopbanks major floods have predominantly discharged sediment into the Firth of Thames, instead of onto the floodplains. The progressive removal of the floodplains as potential depositional sites coincides with the documented expansion of mudflats and mangrove in the southern Firth of Thames. This may also account for the delayed onset of a significant anthropic signal in the Firth of Thames depocenter.

year: 2018

title: [Review of Geyserland - a guide to the volcanoes and geothermal areas of Rotorua by Bruce Houghton & Bradley Scott]

authors: Lowe, David J.

abstract: The publication in November 2002 of the second edition of the Society's 'Geyserland' guidebook is most welcome. The first edition was by far the best seller of the GSNZ guidebook series (although the special Japanese edition never really took off, figuratively or literally) and this updated version is sure also to be popular. The new guide is very attractive thanks to the wide use of colour photographs and figures, an informative yet readable (and occasionally witty) text, and a pleasing layout and design. The authors Bruce Houghton and Brad Scott are to be congratulated for their hard work and insight. So, too, is Simon Nathan who contributed many of the new, mostly top-quality photographs that make the book especially attractive (there are more than 30 colour photographs in the book, some spectacular). Simon also helped maintain the momentum that ensured the book was published after various delays. The editor and designer, Eileen McSaveney, is also commended for her work. As well as the interesting content and attractive design, the book appeals because it is printed on good quality paper (the ‘silky' covers even feel good) and it is perfect in size (BS) for use in the car and for packing in the suitcases of overseas visitors. Finally, it is very reasonably priced ($NZl7.95 incl. GST and postage and packing in New Zealand). For all these reasons, it therefore deserves to sell well.

text: [Review of Geyserland - a guide to the volcanoes and geothermal areas of Rotorua by Bruce Houghton & Bradley Scott] The publication in November 2002 of the second edition of the Society's 'Geyserland' guidebook is most welcome. The first edition was by far the best seller of the GSNZ guidebook series (although the special Japanese edition never really took off, figuratively or literally) and this updated version is sure also to be popular. The new guide is very attractive thanks to the wide use of colour photographs and figures, an informative yet readable (and occasionally witty) text, and a pleasing layout and design. The authors Bruce Houghton and Brad Scott are to be congratulated for their hard work and insight. So, too, is Simon Nathan who contributed many of the new, mostly top-quality photographs that make the book especially attractive (there are more than 30 colour photographs in the book, some spectacular). Simon also helped maintain the momentum that ensured the book was published after various delays. The editor and designer, Eileen McSaveney, is also commended for her work. As well as the interesting content and attractive design, the book appeals because it is printed on good quality paper (the ‘silky' covers even feel good) and it is perfect in size (BS) for use in the car and for packing in the suitcases of overseas visitors. Finally, it is very reasonably priced ($NZl7.95 incl. GST and postage and packing in New Zealand). For all these reasons, it therefore deserves to sell well.

year: 2003

title: Māori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2010

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Māori and Psychology Research Unit

abstract: Annual report of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2010. 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 2010 Annual report of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2010. 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: 2011