title: Carbonate Alteration of the Sams Creek Gold Deposit

authors: Lee, Ryan John

subjects: Sams Creek Gold Depsoit

abstract: Located near Upper Takaka, NW Nelson, the Sams Creek Gold Deposit is host to significant gold mineralisation, which has been extensively explored since being first discovered in 1974 by CRA exploration. The gold mineralisation, hosted largely within the Sams Creek Granite Dyke has since been the focus of continual ongoing exploration and research by various companies and academia. The dyke is a peralkaline microgranite, is up to 60 meters wide and has a strike length totalling 7 kilometres. Multiple stages of hydrothermal alteration have affected the granite dyke which is host to a series of sheeted, stock work and irregular fracture veins. At the time of writing, Sams Creek is New Zealand’s largest undeveloped gold project.

Despite extensive research and exploration, the origin of Au bearing fluids and hence classification of the deposit is still debated. Little is also known about the role of which the widespread carbonate alteration has had during the genesis of this deposit. Siderite/ankerite (carbonate) veins are a common occurrence at Sams Creek, occurring in both the highly mineralised granite and seemingly unaltered metasedimentary rock, of which the Sams Creek Granite and various other mafic dykes intrude.

This study presents a detailed paragenetic study of the multiple phases of carbonate alteration throughout the prospect. Trace element geochemistry for individual vein generations was obtained by in-situ analysis of the carbonate vein minerals using LA-ICP-MS. Oxygen and carbonate stable isotope ratios were also determined for many of the carbonate minerals.

The carbonate alteration was found to be largely structurally controlled and coeval with the multiple stages of Au mineralisation and alteration. The veins were often comprised of multiple siderite and ankerite intergrowths, reflecting temporally distinct fluids of varying Ca/Fe/Mn/Mg concentrations. Whole vein geochemical analysis confirmed an overall ankerite composition, contrary to the previous reports of siderite only veins. Major and trace element signatures showed geochemically distinct ankerite veins for each host rock. Notably, the geochemistry of the veins indicates that the surrounding metasediments are an unlikely fluid source for the carbonate alteration. This has implications for models which suggest an orogenic fluid is responsible for the alteration. The fluid likely received its trace element and isotopic signature from a high temperature, reduced and 18O-depleted fluid source, consistent with a fluid source that is not metamorphogenic. The carbonate minerals associated with the mineralisation and/or the dyke have a unique trace element signature in relation to carbonate of other lithologies.

Overall, this study provides evidence that is in agreement with the Sams Creek Dyke being classified as an Intrusion Related Gold System. Further implications for exploration potential are the distinctions between metamorphogenic and hydrothermal carbonate minerals, which could be easily undertaken using pXRF based upon anomalous Mn and Mg contents.

text: Carbonate Alteration of the Sams Creek Gold Deposit Located near Upper Takaka, NW Nelson, the Sams Creek Gold Deposit is host to significant gold mineralisation, which has been extensively explored since being first discovered in 1974 by CRA exploration. The gold mineralisation, hosted largely within the Sams Creek Granite Dyke has since been the focus of continual ongoing exploration and research by various companies and academia. The dyke is a peralkaline microgranite, is up to 60 meters wide and has a strike length totalling 7 kilometres. Multiple stages of hydrothermal alteration have affected the granite dyke which is host to a series of sheeted, stock work and irregular fracture veins. At the time of writing, Sams Creek is New Zealand’s largest undeveloped gold project.

Despite extensive research and exploration, the origin of Au bearing fluids and hence classification of the deposit is still debated. Little is also known about the role of which the widespread carbonate alteration has had during the genesis of this deposit. Siderite/ankerite (carbonate) veins are a common occurrence at Sams Creek, occurring in both the highly mineralised granite and seemingly unaltered metasedimentary rock, of which the Sams Creek Granite and various other mafic dykes intrude.

This study presents a detailed paragenetic study of the multiple phases of carbonate alteration throughout the prospect. Trace element geochemistry for individual vein generations was obtained by in-situ analysis of the carbonate vein minerals using LA-ICP-MS. Oxygen and carbonate stable isotope ratios were also determined for many of the carbonate minerals.

The carbonate alteration was found to be largely structurally controlled and coeval with the multiple stages of Au mineralisation and alteration. The veins were often comprised of multiple siderite and ankerite intergrowths, reflecting temporally distinct fluids of varying Ca/Fe/Mn/Mg concentrations. Whole vein geochemical analysis confirmed an overall ankerite composition, contrary to the previous reports of siderite only veins. Major and trace element signatures showed geochemically distinct ankerite veins for each host rock. Notably, the geochemistry of the veins indicates that the surrounding metasediments are an unlikely fluid source for the carbonate alteration. This has implications for models which suggest an orogenic fluid is responsible for the alteration. The fluid likely received its trace element and isotopic signature from a high temperature, reduced and 18O-depleted fluid source, consistent with a fluid source that is not metamorphogenic. The carbonate minerals associated with the mineralisation and/or the dyke have a unique trace element signature in relation to carbonate of other lithologies.

Overall, this study provides evidence that is in agreement with the Sams Creek Dyke being classified as an Intrusion Related Gold System. Further implications for exploration potential are the distinctions between metamorphogenic and hydrothermal carbonate minerals, which could be easily undertaken using pXRF based upon anomalous Mn and Mg contents.

year: 2016

title: "If you were a cow, what would you want?" Findings from participatory workshops with dairy farmers

authors: Mills, Katelyn E.

subjects: Animal welfare

abstract: When looking to improve animal welfare, it is essential to understand the viewpoints of stakeholders in the industry. Previous research has engaged stakeholders such as farmers, veterinarians, and the public to better understand future dairy industry directions. However, the use of perspective-taking as a tool to overcome farmer's focus on current barriers to the industry has not been explored. Therefore, the aims of this study were to have farmers take the perspective of the cow, to elicit: (1) farm elements that are essential to create a cow-centric dairy system, and (2) how this system can be achieved in the next 50 years. To do this, we employed participatory methods (photo elicitation, timelining) to generate discussion with 12 New Zealand dairy farmers. Pasture access is frequently cited as an integral component for promoting good welfare in dairy cows, thus, this cohort of farmers was considered a good case study as they all had experience managing cows in grazing systems. Participants were asked to create a cow-centric farm design, and a pathway to implementation. Following thematic analysis of the multiple data sources, the results are presented under the following three themes: (1) cow-centric farm designs (environmental considerations, cow handling and care), (2) timeline to achieve and sequence of implementation ("low hanging fruit" and long-term investments), and (3) assumptions and resources needed (including financial considerations, technology, farmer buy-in, regulations and enforcement and other stakeholder involvement). By better understanding how current industry practice aligns, and also differs, from what the cow would want, we can work towards future management systems that incorporate the requirements of all stakeholders, including the cow.

text: "If you were a cow, what would you want?" Findings from participatory workshops with dairy farmers When looking to improve animal welfare, it is essential to understand the viewpoints of stakeholders in the industry. Previous research has engaged stakeholders such as farmers, veterinarians, and the public to better understand future dairy industry directions. However, the use of perspective-taking as a tool to overcome farmer's focus on current barriers to the industry has not been explored. Therefore, the aims of this study were to have farmers take the perspective of the cow, to elicit: (1) farm elements that are essential to create a cow-centric dairy system, and (2) how this system can be achieved in the next 50 years. To do this, we employed participatory methods (photo elicitation, timelining) to generate discussion with 12 New Zealand dairy farmers. Pasture access is frequently cited as an integral component for promoting good welfare in dairy cows, thus, this cohort of farmers was considered a good case study as they all had experience managing cows in grazing systems. Participants were asked to create a cow-centric farm design, and a pathway to implementation. Following thematic analysis of the multiple data sources, the results are presented under the following three themes: (1) cow-centric farm designs (environmental considerations, cow handling and care), (2) timeline to achieve and sequence of implementation ("low hanging fruit" and long-term investments), and (3) assumptions and resources needed (including financial considerations, technology, farmer buy-in, regulations and enforcement and other stakeholder involvement). By better understanding how current industry practice aligns, and also differs, from what the cow would want, we can work towards future management systems that incorporate the requirements of all stakeholders, including the cow.

year: 2023-05

title: Repositioning within indigenous discourses of transformation and self-determination

authors: Berryman, Mere

subjects: research-whanau

abstract: This thesis reflectively and critically examines a series of research case studies initiated by a research-whānau. It explores the thinking, experiences and reflections of this research-whānau, as they worked to enhance the educational achievement of Māori students. Authorship of the thesis was undertaken by me (Mere Berryman). However, the methodology involved a collaborative, retrospective and critical reflection of research-whānau experiences and thinking, in the light of the research findings and experiences since the inception of this research-whānau in 1991. In the course of this work, the research-whānau have been able to explore what it has meant to put the principles of kaupapa Māori research into practice while working within a mainstream organisation (Specialist Education Services then the Ministry of Education). Our research work has involved repositioning ourselves from dependence on Western research methodologies to a better understanding and application of kaupapa Māori conceptualisations of research. 
The thesis begins by identifying mainstream and kaupapa Māori events that have historically and still continue to impact upon Māori students' educational experiences. These events provide the wider context for the work of this research-whānau at the interface of Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākehā, and for the 11 case studies that exemplify changes in our thinking and research practice over a period of 15 years. The thesis employs an indigenous (and specifically Māori) worldview as the framework for description, critical reflection, and theorising around these case studies. Common themes are collaboratively co-constructed then each theme is explained in relation to relevant Māori theory.
The thesis concludes with the shifts in theorising and practice made by the research-whānau during the course of our work as we sought to contribute in ways that were more transformative and self-determining. We argue that these shifts in theorising and practice are also required of others if we are to change the status quo and contribute constructively to improving Māori students' potential.

text: Repositioning within indigenous discourses of transformation and self-determination This thesis reflectively and critically examines a series of research case studies initiated by a research-whānau. It explores the thinking, experiences and reflections of this research-whānau, as they worked to enhance the educational achievement of Māori students. Authorship of the thesis was undertaken by me (Mere Berryman). However, the methodology involved a collaborative, retrospective and critical reflection of research-whānau experiences and thinking, in the light of the research findings and experiences since the inception of this research-whānau in 1991. In the course of this work, the research-whānau have been able to explore what it has meant to put the principles of kaupapa Māori research into practice while working within a mainstream organisation (Specialist Education Services then the Ministry of Education). Our research work has involved repositioning ourselves from dependence on Western research methodologies to a better understanding and application of kaupapa Māori conceptualisations of research. 
The thesis begins by identifying mainstream and kaupapa Māori events that have historically and still continue to impact upon Māori students' educational experiences. These events provide the wider context for the work of this research-whānau at the interface of Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākehā, and for the 11 case studies that exemplify changes in our thinking and research practice over a period of 15 years. The thesis employs an indigenous (and specifically Māori) worldview as the framework for description, critical reflection, and theorising around these case studies. Common themes are collaboratively co-constructed then each theme is explained in relation to relevant Māori theory.
The thesis concludes with the shifts in theorising and practice made by the research-whānau during the course of our work as we sought to contribute in ways that were more transformative and self-determining. We argue that these shifts in theorising and practice are also required of others if we are to change the status quo and contribute constructively to improving Māori students' potential.

year: 2008