title: Larval fish of Tauranga Harbour

authors: Brooke, Nathania

subjects: estuary

abstract: Estuaries are important nursery habitats for many fish species, both in New Zealand and worldwide, characterised by high levels of primary production, shallow warmer waters, and affording relative protection from predators. Many estuaries are under constant threat from anthropogenic stressors due to the vicinity of industries that can cause contamination. It is necessary to first understand how larval fish use estuaries in order to understand the potential effects of anthropogenic impacts on their life history stages. Few studies in New Zealand have examined the use of estuaries by pre-settlement larvae. The majority of research undertaken in New Zealand on larval fish has been completed in coastal waters, examining the effects of seasonality, distribution patters, and growth of larvae. The objectives of this research were to increase understanding as to how larval fish use Tauranga Harbour. The study used a stationary channel net at Bridge Marina to intensively sample over one summer, and fortnightly over the ensuing 16 months, in an effort to discover which species of larval fish are found within the harbour; if they were more abundant on the flood or ebb tides; if they were more abundant during the day or night; if any patterns of seasonality were present; and if the abundance was affected by environmental variables such as water temperature or current speed. A choice chamber experiment was conducted to assess if larval kingfish (a species not found in the estuarine sampling programme), were able to differentiate between two different water types - estuarine and oceanic, in an effort to assess if larvae may use olfactory cues when choosing a habitat. 

The larvae of at least 19 species from 18 families were caught during the intensive summer sampling, and at least 13 species from 11 families during the fortnightly sampling, with no new species found during the fortnightly sampling. Three taxa (anchovy Engraulis australis, Tripterygiidae and Gobiidae) were the most abundant over the entire sampling period, making up the majority of all catches. Larvae were found in higher abundances at night compared to the day, and no significant difference was found between abundances on the flood and ebb tides. Seasonality had an effect on larval fish abundance, with higher abundances caught during spring and summer. The kingfish larvae in the choice chamber experiment appeared to display a preference for the oceanic water over the estuarine water.

The findings of this study indicate that larval fish of a range of species use Tauranga Harbour potentially as a nursery. Not surprisingly perhaps, estuarine species were found in the highest abundances. Larval abundance in the estuarine water column is affected primarily by the diel cycle, with larvae displaying behaviours of diel vertical migration and possibly selective tidal stream transport. Abundances of larvae peaked during spring and summer when the water temperature begins to warm after winter, coinciding with the spawning seasons of many fish species. Larval kingfish displayed an attraction towards oceanic water, or perhaps an avoidance of the estuarine water. This suggests that olfactory stimuli are important when choosing potential habitats, signifying that larval fish of estuarine species may actively seek out refuge within an estuary using olfactory cues. This study provides a good benchmark for future studies on larval fish within Tauranga Harbour and other estuarine systems.

text: Larval fish of Tauranga Harbour Estuaries are important nursery habitats for many fish species, both in New Zealand and worldwide, characterised by high levels of primary production, shallow warmer waters, and affording relative protection from predators. Many estuaries are under constant threat from anthropogenic stressors due to the vicinity of industries that can cause contamination. It is necessary to first understand how larval fish use estuaries in order to understand the potential effects of anthropogenic impacts on their life history stages. Few studies in New Zealand have examined the use of estuaries by pre-settlement larvae. The majority of research undertaken in New Zealand on larval fish has been completed in coastal waters, examining the effects of seasonality, distribution patters, and growth of larvae. The objectives of this research were to increase understanding as to how larval fish use Tauranga Harbour. The study used a stationary channel net at Bridge Marina to intensively sample over one summer, and fortnightly over the ensuing 16 months, in an effort to discover which species of larval fish are found within the harbour; if they were more abundant on the flood or ebb tides; if they were more abundant during the day or night; if any patterns of seasonality were present; and if the abundance was affected by environmental variables such as water temperature or current speed. A choice chamber experiment was conducted to assess if larval kingfish (a species not found in the estuarine sampling programme), were able to differentiate between two different water types - estuarine and oceanic, in an effort to assess if larvae may use olfactory cues when choosing a habitat. 

The larvae of at least 19 species from 18 families were caught during the intensive summer sampling, and at least 13 species from 11 families during the fortnightly sampling, with no new species found during the fortnightly sampling. Three taxa (anchovy Engraulis australis, Tripterygiidae and Gobiidae) were the most abundant over the entire sampling period, making up the majority of all catches. Larvae were found in higher abundances at night compared to the day, and no significant difference was found between abundances on the flood and ebb tides. Seasonality had an effect on larval fish abundance, with higher abundances caught during spring and summer. The kingfish larvae in the choice chamber experiment appeared to display a preference for the oceanic water over the estuarine water.

The findings of this study indicate that larval fish of a range of species use Tauranga Harbour potentially as a nursery. Not surprisingly perhaps, estuarine species were found in the highest abundances. Larval abundance in the estuarine water column is affected primarily by the diel cycle, with larvae displaying behaviours of diel vertical migration and possibly selective tidal stream transport. Abundances of larvae peaked during spring and summer when the water temperature begins to warm after winter, coinciding with the spawning seasons of many fish species. Larval kingfish displayed an attraction towards oceanic water, or perhaps an avoidance of the estuarine water. This suggests that olfactory stimuli are important when choosing potential habitats, signifying that larval fish of estuarine species may actively seek out refuge within an estuary using olfactory cues. This study provides a good benchmark for future studies on larval fish within Tauranga Harbour and other estuarine systems.

year: 2015

title: Collaboration in family violence intervention: A process evaluation of the hamilton Family Safety Team

authors: Gregg, Lisa

subjects: collaboration

abstract: The Family Safety Team (FST) is a collaborative intervention developed to address family violence in New Zealand. Interagency collaborations are effective at addressing the social supports for battery, improving the systems and responses of agencies that address battery, and improving cohesion and consistency across agencies. The FST has a particular focus on justice system agencies. 

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the Hamilton FST. The research was conducted using in-depth interviews with FST members and others directly involved with the project, archival research using police family violence files, observation of FST meetings, and a focus group with battered women. The evaluation was constructed around four aims: to identify any barriers to establishing the FST, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Hamilton FST, to determine the adequacy of the FST structure, and to assess the extent to which the FST has improved the ability of agencies to enhance the safety and autonomy of battered women and hold offenders accountable. 

An overall finding of this evaluation was that people are feeling very positive about the Hamilton FST. The evaluation found that the FST has increased contact and communication between community and government agencies, and there was improvement in each agency's awareness of the policies, processes and protocols of other agencies in the FST. The evaluation found some limitations in the amount of monitoring and measurable outcomes from the FST, but this was understandable considering the infancy of the project and the time taken for members to understand their roles and the function of the FST. However, there were some positive developments in police responsiveness: an improved police attitude towards family violence cases, and an increase in cases coded as family violence. 

An important finding of this evaluation was that the Hamilton FST is functioning as a genuine collaboration. This seemed to be due to: mutual respect and an equal distribution of power among FST members, trusted working relationships, recognising each member for their area of expertise, and the role of the coordinator. There are, however, some limitations of the FST model that FST members need to acknowledge.

text: Collaboration in family violence intervention: A process evaluation of the hamilton Family Safety Team The Family Safety Team (FST) is a collaborative intervention developed to address family violence in New Zealand. Interagency collaborations are effective at addressing the social supports for battery, improving the systems and responses of agencies that address battery, and improving cohesion and consistency across agencies. The FST has a particular focus on justice system agencies. 

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the Hamilton FST. The research was conducted using in-depth interviews with FST members and others directly involved with the project, archival research using police family violence files, observation of FST meetings, and a focus group with battered women. The evaluation was constructed around four aims: to identify any barriers to establishing the FST, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Hamilton FST, to determine the adequacy of the FST structure, and to assess the extent to which the FST has improved the ability of agencies to enhance the safety and autonomy of battered women and hold offenders accountable. 

An overall finding of this evaluation was that people are feeling very positive about the Hamilton FST. The evaluation found that the FST has increased contact and communication between community and government agencies, and there was improvement in each agency's awareness of the policies, processes and protocols of other agencies in the FST. The evaluation found some limitations in the amount of monitoring and measurable outcomes from the FST, but this was understandable considering the infancy of the project and the time taken for members to understand their roles and the function of the FST. However, there were some positive developments in police responsiveness: an improved police attitude towards family violence cases, and an increase in cases coded as family violence. 

An important finding of this evaluation was that the Hamilton FST is functioning as a genuine collaboration. This seemed to be due to: mutual respect and an equal distribution of power among FST members, trusted working relationships, recognising each member for their area of expertise, and the role of the coordinator. There are, however, some limitations of the FST model that FST members need to acknowledge.

year: 2007

title: Investment in Authentic Sustainable Cultural Tourism : Planning for the Future Benefit of Waikato-Tainui along the Waikato River, Case Studies at Tūrangawaewae and Te Awamārahi Marae

authors: Cooper, Mei Te Werawera Te Reokaha

abstract: “Tērā ōkū hoa kei ngā tōpito e whā o te ao - My friends will come from all parts of the world” – Kīngi Tāwhiao 1822-1894

This doctorate is guided by the visions of the second Māori king, Kīngi Tāwhiao, which reflect the importance of global connections, relationships (Turongo House, 2000:109) and investment to achieve the ultimate goal of authentic or ‘true’ sustainability throughout the world.  The strategic process will require a balance between humans and the natural environment to ensure long-term growth and survival.  This research will investigate whether investment in Authentic Sustainable Cultural Tourism (ASCT) will provide long-term and sustainable benefits for tribes throughout New Zealand, using a study of Waikato-Tainui.  ASCT, if practiced correctly, must be driven by whānau of marae, hapū and iwi alongside ideal long-term partners to ultimately achieve indigenous autonomy. ASCT prioritises the wellbeing of indigenous and local communities, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability while providing secure economic returns to key stakeholders. 

Today, tourism is New Zealand’s largest and fastest growing industry; total tourism expenditure is forecast to increase from $34.7b in 2016, an increase of 12.2% from the previous year, to $41b by 2025.  The natural landscape is the main reason why international travellers visit New Zealand, followed by an interest in Māori culture (Tourism Industry Association, 2015).  Unfortunately, there is sparse funding for Māori tourism development (New Zealand Māori Tourism, 2015; Goulter, 2015) compared to mainstream tourism and Māori are the most impoverished people in New Zealand (Statistics New Zealand, 2011).  Cultural tourism has existed in New Zealand for more than 150 years and has a vital role in New Zealand’s tourism industry.  Te Kīngitanga and the Waikato River are the main aspects that make Waikato unique in New Zealand, however, there is very little cultural tourism in the region.  As a descendant of Waikato-Tainui, I work with my people at the marae level to inform tribal governance about the significant opportunities available to whānau compared to current mainstream investments by the tribe. 

Using Kaupapa Māori and critical realism, the methods used in this research include an investigation of government tourism organisations, interviews with Waikato-Tainui governance groups, case studies at Tūrangawaewae and Te Awamārahi Marae, case studies at fourteen successful Māori tourism providers throughout New Zealand, and an international comparison of best practices in indigenous tourism.

text: Investment in Authentic Sustainable Cultural Tourism : Planning for the Future Benefit of Waikato-Tainui along the Waikato River, Case Studies at Tūrangawaewae and Te Awamārahi Marae “Tērā ōkū hoa kei ngā tōpito e whā o te ao - My friends will come from all parts of the world” – Kīngi Tāwhiao 1822-1894

This doctorate is guided by the visions of the second Māori king, Kīngi Tāwhiao, which reflect the importance of global connections, relationships (Turongo House, 2000:109) and investment to achieve the ultimate goal of authentic or ‘true’ sustainability throughout the world.  The strategic process will require a balance between humans and the natural environment to ensure long-term growth and survival.  This research will investigate whether investment in Authentic Sustainable Cultural Tourism (ASCT) will provide long-term and sustainable benefits for tribes throughout New Zealand, using a study of Waikato-Tainui.  ASCT, if practiced correctly, must be driven by whānau of marae, hapū and iwi alongside ideal long-term partners to ultimately achieve indigenous autonomy. ASCT prioritises the wellbeing of indigenous and local communities, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability while providing secure economic returns to key stakeholders. 

Today, tourism is New Zealand’s largest and fastest growing industry; total tourism expenditure is forecast to increase from $34.7b in 2016, an increase of 12.2% from the previous year, to $41b by 2025.  The natural landscape is the main reason why international travellers visit New Zealand, followed by an interest in Māori culture (Tourism Industry Association, 2015).  Unfortunately, there is sparse funding for Māori tourism development (New Zealand Māori Tourism, 2015; Goulter, 2015) compared to mainstream tourism and Māori are the most impoverished people in New Zealand (Statistics New Zealand, 2011).  Cultural tourism has existed in New Zealand for more than 150 years and has a vital role in New Zealand’s tourism industry.  Te Kīngitanga and the Waikato River are the main aspects that make Waikato unique in New Zealand, however, there is very little cultural tourism in the region.  As a descendant of Waikato-Tainui, I work with my people at the marae level to inform tribal governance about the significant opportunities available to whānau compared to current mainstream investments by the tribe. 

Using Kaupapa Māori and critical realism, the methods used in this research include an investigation of government tourism organisations, interviews with Waikato-Tainui governance groups, case studies at Tūrangawaewae and Te Awamārahi Marae, case studies at fourteen successful Māori tourism providers throughout New Zealand, and an international comparison of best practices in indigenous tourism.

year: 2018