title: Assessing the Diversity of Antarctic and New Zealand Arthropods through DNA Barcoding

authors: Beet, Clare Rose

subjects: DNA Barcoding

abstract: Diversity is the foundation of all biological and ecological studies. Globally however, biodiversity is under threat from the varied and cumulative impacts of humans on the environment. It is thus necessary to continually develop tools that are able to assess diversity at the scales now required. DNA barcoding has become an increasingly common approach for species identification as it is efficient and can facilitate high throughput analyses without the routine need of taxonomic experts. This thesis examines the genetic diversity of invertebrate groups from Antarctica and New Zealand to gain an understanding of current baseline levels of variability and to facilitate their use as indicators of environmental change.
The juvenile stages of Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies) and Trichoptera (caddisflies) (EPT taxa) are key components of aquatic food webs and are frequently used as bioindicators of water quality. However, challenges in identifying juveniles to species levels are one factor limiting their more routine use. New Zealand has over 244 caddisfly species 106 species of stonefly and 50 mayfly species all of which are endemic. Here, my primary aim was to obtain COI sequence coverage for the New Zealand EPT taxa using expertly identified collections of adult specimens. A second aim was to examine levels of sequence diversity within taxa and to test the endemicity of the New Zealand fauna through comparison with international records. Thus far, 225 caddisfly BINs, 48 stonefly and 37 mayfly BINs have been generated. Average intraspecific divergences were between 1.2-1.4% for all three orders while average interspecific distances ranged from 24-32%. The designation of all New Zealand EPT species as endemic was supported with interspecific divergences generally above 13%. These data can facilitate the rapid and accurate assessment of larval specimens and can furthermore be used to facilitate research into the phylogenetic and phylogeographic patterns that have shaped the EPT fauna worldwide.
I also examined mitochondrial DNA (COI) sequences for three Antarctic springtail (Collembola) species collected from sites in the vicinity, and to the north of, the Mackay Glacier (77oS) within the Ross Sea region. This area represents a transitional zone between two biogeographic regions (North and South Victoria Land). Here, I assessed levels of genetic variability within and among populations of the three putative springtail species. Each of the three recognised species had multiple highly divergent intraspecific populations (5-11.3% sequence divergence). Based on molecular clock estimates, these divergent lineages were likely to have been isolated for 3-5 million years, a time when the Western Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) was thought to have completely collapsed. Given the current isolation of these genetically distinct populations, any future changes in species’ distributions can be easily tracked through the DNA barcoding of individual springtails across the Mackay Glacier ecotone. 
Collectively these two studies have established baseline levels of COI diversity for New Zealand and Antarctic invertebrates. Furthermore, they have revealed hidden (cryptic) diversity in both regions and presented opportunities to incorporate DNA barcoding into future studies of New Zealand aquatic and terrestrial Antarctic ecosystems.

text: Assessing the Diversity of Antarctic and New Zealand Arthropods through DNA Barcoding Diversity is the foundation of all biological and ecological studies. Globally however, biodiversity is under threat from the varied and cumulative impacts of humans on the environment. It is thus necessary to continually develop tools that are able to assess diversity at the scales now required. DNA barcoding has become an increasingly common approach for species identification as it is efficient and can facilitate high throughput analyses without the routine need of taxonomic experts. This thesis examines the genetic diversity of invertebrate groups from Antarctica and New Zealand to gain an understanding of current baseline levels of variability and to facilitate their use as indicators of environmental change.
The juvenile stages of Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies) and Trichoptera (caddisflies) (EPT taxa) are key components of aquatic food webs and are frequently used as bioindicators of water quality. However, challenges in identifying juveniles to species levels are one factor limiting their more routine use. New Zealand has over 244 caddisfly species 106 species of stonefly and 50 mayfly species all of which are endemic. Here, my primary aim was to obtain COI sequence coverage for the New Zealand EPT taxa using expertly identified collections of adult specimens. A second aim was to examine levels of sequence diversity within taxa and to test the endemicity of the New Zealand fauna through comparison with international records. Thus far, 225 caddisfly BINs, 48 stonefly and 37 mayfly BINs have been generated. Average intraspecific divergences were between 1.2-1.4% for all three orders while average interspecific distances ranged from 24-32%. The designation of all New Zealand EPT species as endemic was supported with interspecific divergences generally above 13%. These data can facilitate the rapid and accurate assessment of larval specimens and can furthermore be used to facilitate research into the phylogenetic and phylogeographic patterns that have shaped the EPT fauna worldwide.
I also examined mitochondrial DNA (COI) sequences for three Antarctic springtail (Collembola) species collected from sites in the vicinity, and to the north of, the Mackay Glacier (77oS) within the Ross Sea region. This area represents a transitional zone between two biogeographic regions (North and South Victoria Land). Here, I assessed levels of genetic variability within and among populations of the three putative springtail species. Each of the three recognised species had multiple highly divergent intraspecific populations (5-11.3% sequence divergence). Based on molecular clock estimates, these divergent lineages were likely to have been isolated for 3-5 million years, a time when the Western Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) was thought to have completely collapsed. Given the current isolation of these genetically distinct populations, any future changes in species’ distributions can be easily tracked through the DNA barcoding of individual springtails across the Mackay Glacier ecotone. 
Collectively these two studies have established baseline levels of COI diversity for New Zealand and Antarctic invertebrates. Furthermore, they have revealed hidden (cryptic) diversity in both regions and presented opportunities to incorporate DNA barcoding into future studies of New Zealand aquatic and terrestrial Antarctic ecosystems.

year: 2016

title: A more-than-social movement: The post-human condition of quality in the early years

authors: Arndt, Sonja Kathrina

abstract: This article explores quality in early childhood education by de-elevating the importance of the human subject and experience, and heightening instead a focus on and tensions with the post- human. The argument traces the intricate web of ‘qualities’ woven throughout entanglements of subjects, objects and things that constitute what is referred to as ‘the early years sector’. The strike through the social in this post-human condition exposes critical concerns about the ‘problem’ of quality, and foregrounds the urgency of rupturing the status quo. Dislodged from the perceived comfort and safety of human control and determination, quality in the speculative state of the more-than-social movement can expect no conclusion. Instead, the (re)configuration of the early years sector as a more-than-social movement compels a rethinking of the dominance of human-centric philosophies. By repositioning Kristeva’s semiotic subject-in-process and Havel’s subject positionings within automatisms, this analysis inserts ‘non-human-being’ and ‘multiple beings-times’ into the ‘problem with quality’. In the early childhood sector, these ruptures create generative possibilities of quality entanglements with and beyond the human.

text: A more-than-social movement: The post-human condition of quality in the early years This article explores quality in early childhood education by de-elevating the importance of the human subject and experience, and heightening instead a focus on and tensions with the post- human. The argument traces the intricate web of ‘qualities’ woven throughout entanglements of subjects, objects and things that constitute what is referred to as ‘the early years sector’. The strike through the social in this post-human condition exposes critical concerns about the ‘problem’ of quality, and foregrounds the urgency of rupturing the status quo. Dislodged from the perceived comfort and safety of human control and determination, quality in the speculative state of the more-than-social movement can expect no conclusion. Instead, the (re)configuration of the early years sector as a more-than-social movement compels a rethinking of the dominance of human-centric philosophies. By repositioning Kristeva’s semiotic subject-in-process and Havel’s subject positionings within automatisms, this analysis inserts ‘non-human-being’ and ‘multiple beings-times’ into the ‘problem with quality’. In the early childhood sector, these ruptures create generative possibilities of quality entanglements with and beyond the human.

year: 2016

title: Editorial

authors: Bray, Peter

abstract: The Volume 43(1) editorial of the "New Zealand Journal of Counselling" reflects on the past year, highlighting local and global concerns such as COVID-19's impact, civil unrest, conflicts, and climate change. Looking ahead, the editorial stresses acknowledging climate change's reality and ongoing conflicts while seeking optimism.

The editorial notes the privilege of witnessing innovative research by counseling students and colleagues that addresses global crises' effects. It underscores the importance of informed practitioners backed by robust research and theory.

The issue presents five research pieces showcasing diverse counseling methodologies. These include Māori approaches to trauma, Pākehā exploration through pepeha, clients' spirituality in adversity, mind-body interactions in counseling, and supervision amid events like pandemics.

One article discusses Māori trauma approaches, reconnecting wairua (spirit) and whakapapa (ancestral lineage) to address trauma. Another explores how Pākehā can confront colonization roles using pepeha.

Clients' spiritual experiences during challenging events are analyzed in another article, employing Māori and Celtic metaphors.

Mind-body interactions in counseling education and practice are investigated, emphasizing integrating body-oriented psychotherapies and nutrition.

Lastly, supervision during COVID-19 is studied, exploring its impact on relationships and suggesting growth opportunities.

The editorial concludes by noting the New Zealand Association of Counselling's website improvements, aiming to enhance journal access. It acknowledges Dr. Jan Wilson's passing, a significant contributor to New Zealand's counseling research, and encourages engagement with research and journal contributions.

text: Editorial The Volume 43(1) editorial of the "New Zealand Journal of Counselling" reflects on the past year, highlighting local and global concerns such as COVID-19's impact, civil unrest, conflicts, and climate change. Looking ahead, the editorial stresses acknowledging climate change's reality and ongoing conflicts while seeking optimism.

The editorial notes the privilege of witnessing innovative research by counseling students and colleagues that addresses global crises' effects. It underscores the importance of informed practitioners backed by robust research and theory.

The issue presents five research pieces showcasing diverse counseling methodologies. These include Māori approaches to trauma, Pākehā exploration through pepeha, clients' spirituality in adversity, mind-body interactions in counseling, and supervision amid events like pandemics.

One article discusses Māori trauma approaches, reconnecting wairua (spirit) and whakapapa (ancestral lineage) to address trauma. Another explores how Pākehā can confront colonization roles using pepeha.

Clients' spiritual experiences during challenging events are analyzed in another article, employing Māori and Celtic metaphors.

Mind-body interactions in counseling education and practice are investigated, emphasizing integrating body-oriented psychotherapies and nutrition.

Lastly, supervision during COVID-19 is studied, exploring its impact on relationships and suggesting growth opportunities.

The editorial concludes by noting the New Zealand Association of Counselling's website improvements, aiming to enhance journal access. It acknowledges Dr. Jan Wilson's passing, a significant contributor to New Zealand's counseling research, and encourages engagement with research and journal contributions.

year: 2023