title: Identifying fisheries regions in New Zealand: Some conceptual difficulties

authors: Rennie, Hamish Gordon

subjects: Fisheries

abstract: The importance of fisheries to nations is reflected in the production and employment statistics of the country. It is also reflected in socio-cultural symbols (for instance songs, tales), and in socio-political hegemonies.  Just as these may vary from one nation to another, they may also vary from region to region within a nation.  Several nations speak openly in terms of 'fisheries regions' and there have been a number of attempts to identify such regions in the social science literature. An understanding of these regions is seen as step towards defining appropriate policies for the sustainable management of their resources.

In 1986, New Zealand established an innovative fishery management system based on individually transferable quota (ITQ), and subsequently removed the (never-implemented) region-based, fishery management planning structure from the statutes.  These changes might be indicative of a loss of geography, a flattening of the nation's "fishing topography", and might be expected to result in significant changes to the nature and location of fisheries regions.

This paper outlines the changes in the management structure of New Zealand's fisheries. We then attempt a preliminary analysis of fisheries regions in New Zealand as the basis for a "new regional" geography of New Zealand's fisheries. In the process we discuss various criteria for defining fishery regions and present our initial categorisation of New Zealand into those regions. The relationship between these regions and related institutional structures is then discussed. This raises a number of additional questions regarding the concept of a fisheries region, especially in the context of a resurgent indigenous (Maaori) culture, the emergence of new fishing peoples in New Zealand, and the respective size of recreational and commercial fishing sectors.

text: Identifying fisheries regions in New Zealand: Some conceptual difficulties The importance of fisheries to nations is reflected in the production and employment statistics of the country. It is also reflected in socio-cultural symbols (for instance songs, tales), and in socio-political hegemonies.  Just as these may vary from one nation to another, they may also vary from region to region within a nation.  Several nations speak openly in terms of 'fisheries regions' and there have been a number of attempts to identify such regions in the social science literature. An understanding of these regions is seen as step towards defining appropriate policies for the sustainable management of their resources.

In 1986, New Zealand established an innovative fishery management system based on individually transferable quota (ITQ), and subsequently removed the (never-implemented) region-based, fishery management planning structure from the statutes.  These changes might be indicative of a loss of geography, a flattening of the nation's "fishing topography", and might be expected to result in significant changes to the nature and location of fisheries regions.

This paper outlines the changes in the management structure of New Zealand's fisheries. We then attempt a preliminary analysis of fisheries regions in New Zealand as the basis for a "new regional" geography of New Zealand's fisheries. In the process we discuss various criteria for defining fishery regions and present our initial categorisation of New Zealand into those regions. The relationship between these regions and related institutional structures is then discussed. This raises a number of additional questions regarding the concept of a fisheries region, especially in the context of a resurgent indigenous (Maaori) culture, the emergence of new fishing peoples in New Zealand, and the respective size of recreational and commercial fishing sectors.

year: 1998-06-01

title: Reconnection with DNA: Policy and issues with direct-to-consumer DNA testing for indigenous Māori identity reclamation

authors: Turanga, Karen

abstract: The disconnection of tangata whenua (indigenous people born of the land) impacts all social determinants. A clear sense of identity and connection to the land and culture is an important solution to this problem. The purpose of this research is to share a personal and whānau (family group) story of using direct-to-consumer (DTC) autosomal DNA genetic testing (GT) to determine ancestry and show others a potential path forward to identity reclamation. To fulfil this purpose and explain the policy context, the research examines historical assimilation policies of closed cross-cultural adoption, and the possibilities DNA technology offers for whakapapa (genealogy, lineage descent, family history) reconnection. This includes addressing two key research questions: How does DTC-GT facilitate reconnection to Māori identity and whakapapa for cross-cultural adoptees? What are the short, medium and long-term risks and advantages of DTC autosomal DTC-GT testing for iwi Māori? A bricolage methodology frames this research and draws on kaupapa Māori (Māori approach, principles, and ideology), autoethnography, and interpretive phenomenology, which are used to analyse academic commentary and key policy decisions. An autoethnographic layered practice approach presents insights and key findings by combining personal narratives with various media types, academic research, policy documents and popular culture. The research highlights how the implicit processes of policy-led assimilation and colonisation still need to be challenged today. Existing literature has identified the importance of giving Māori pathways to reconnect with their identity. The personal story shared explains how DNA technology offers a way to do that, but the research completed for this thesis demonstrates this approach has serious risks and limitations that require consideration before utilising this technology.

text: Reconnection with DNA: Policy and issues with direct-to-consumer DNA testing for indigenous Māori identity reclamation The disconnection of tangata whenua (indigenous people born of the land) impacts all social determinants. A clear sense of identity and connection to the land and culture is an important solution to this problem. The purpose of this research is to share a personal and whānau (family group) story of using direct-to-consumer (DTC) autosomal DNA genetic testing (GT) to determine ancestry and show others a potential path forward to identity reclamation. To fulfil this purpose and explain the policy context, the research examines historical assimilation policies of closed cross-cultural adoption, and the possibilities DNA technology offers for whakapapa (genealogy, lineage descent, family history) reconnection. This includes addressing two key research questions: How does DTC-GT facilitate reconnection to Māori identity and whakapapa for cross-cultural adoptees? What are the short, medium and long-term risks and advantages of DTC autosomal DTC-GT testing for iwi Māori? A bricolage methodology frames this research and draws on kaupapa Māori (Māori approach, principles, and ideology), autoethnography, and interpretive phenomenology, which are used to analyse academic commentary and key policy decisions. An autoethnographic layered practice approach presents insights and key findings by combining personal narratives with various media types, academic research, policy documents and popular culture. The research highlights how the implicit processes of policy-led assimilation and colonisation still need to be challenged today. Existing literature has identified the importance of giving Māori pathways to reconnect with their identity. The personal story shared explains how DNA technology offers a way to do that, but the research completed for this thesis demonstrates this approach has serious risks and limitations that require consideration before utilising this technology.

year: 2025-08-08

title: Determinants of Fintech diffusion in emerging markets: a service ecosystem perspective

authors: Griffiths, Paul David Richard

abstract: Purpose – This study aims to investigate the diffusion of financial technology (Fintech) in Vietnam by applying a service ecosystem perspective. It reconsiders traditional innovation diffusion approaches by focusing on the interplay of services, institutions and ecosystem dynamics across distinct Fintech service domains. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a qualitative approach using the Knowledge Café method for data collection. Transcripts were coded and analysed thematically across different diffusion phases. Findings were validated through a half-day workshop with banking professionals. Findings – Government regulation in Vietnam has enhanced trust within the Fintech ecosystem, driving digital transactions and financial inclusion. However, as the regulations are heavily focused on the payment services, an uneven diffusion of innovation across the seven Fintech service domains is evident. Practical implications – Regulation can accelerate Fintech diffusion in early stages, as seen in Vietnam’s payments sector, but may hinder innovation as technologies mature. Policymakers must adapt regulatory frameworks to balance stability with ongoing innovation. Originality/value – This study advances theory by analysing Fintech diffusion by service domain rather than as a unified sector and by extending the innovation diffusion theory to an emerging market context. Applying a service ecosystem lens reveals the multi-level dynamics shaping Fintech adoption, offering a more nuanced understanding across domains.

text: Determinants of Fintech diffusion in emerging markets: a service ecosystem perspective Purpose – This study aims to investigate the diffusion of financial technology (Fintech) in Vietnam by applying a service ecosystem perspective. It reconsiders traditional innovation diffusion approaches by focusing on the interplay of services, institutions and ecosystem dynamics across distinct Fintech service domains. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a qualitative approach using the Knowledge Café method for data collection. Transcripts were coded and analysed thematically across different diffusion phases. Findings were validated through a half-day workshop with banking professionals. Findings – Government regulation in Vietnam has enhanced trust within the Fintech ecosystem, driving digital transactions and financial inclusion. However, as the regulations are heavily focused on the payment services, an uneven diffusion of innovation across the seven Fintech service domains is evident. Practical implications – Regulation can accelerate Fintech diffusion in early stages, as seen in Vietnam’s payments sector, but may hinder innovation as technologies mature. Policymakers must adapt regulatory frameworks to balance stability with ongoing innovation. Originality/value – This study advances theory by analysing Fintech diffusion by service domain rather than as a unified sector and by extending the innovation diffusion theory to an emerging market context. Applying a service ecosystem lens reveals the multi-level dynamics shaping Fintech adoption, offering a more nuanced understanding across domains.

year: 2025