title: World-view perspectives

authors: Whitehead, David

subjects: perspective

abstract: The foundation of a tolerant society is an ability to foster and
respond to the diversity of perspective among its people. Cognitive
psychologists have described how perspective influences information
processing, while our innate ability to adopt perspective has been established
by neuropsychology. Literature, through the use of point-of-view, together
with results from researchers adopting socio-cultural paradigms suggests
perspective is also a social construct. An ecologically-based framework is
described that provides cohesion to the temporal, spatial, universal and other
types of world-view perspective associated, predominantly, with indigenous
cultures. Culturally responsible types of creative and critical thinking are
evoked when world-view perspective is engaged while reading text and
reading the world. World-view perspective provides us with a means of
critiquing the construction of knowledge through the de-construction of
dominant discourses, re-valuing of indigenous world-views and reducing the
relational distance between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

text: World-view perspectives The foundation of a tolerant society is an ability to foster and
respond to the diversity of perspective among its people. Cognitive
psychologists have described how perspective influences information
processing, while our innate ability to adopt perspective has been established
by neuropsychology. Literature, through the use of point-of-view, together
with results from researchers adopting socio-cultural paradigms suggests
perspective is also a social construct. An ecologically-based framework is
described that provides cohesion to the temporal, spatial, universal and other
types of world-view perspective associated, predominantly, with indigenous
cultures. Culturally responsible types of creative and critical thinking are
evoked when world-view perspective is engaged while reading text and
reading the world. World-view perspective provides us with a means of
critiquing the construction of knowledge through the de-construction of
dominant discourses, re-valuing of indigenous world-views and reducing the
relational distance between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

year: 2005

title: Foraging behaviours of translocated takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) at two contrasting sites, New Zealand

authors: Withers, Adara Tehani Savita

subjects: takahē

abstract: The South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is an endangered ground-dwelling species, endemic to New Zealand. To prevent the species’ extinction, individuals were translocated to protected sites, such as off-shore pest-free islands and pest-fenced, mainland sites. The takahē may be one of the most researched bird species in New Zealand, but there are very few studies on its behavioural habits and ecology at these protected offshore island and mainland sites. 

This study was an investigation of translocated takahē foraging behaviour at two very different sites, Motutapu Island (Hauraki Gulf, Auckland) and Maungatautari mainland site (Waikato region), with two translocated takahē populations (18 vs 6 takahē respectively). In total, 24 takahē were observed at the time of this study. The aims of this research were to determine: (1) how takahē foraging behaviour differed between pasture and other habitats on Motutapu Island and at Maungatautari, (2) how other habitat elements (incl. vegetation cover, water, roads, tracks) affected foraging behaviour, and (3) if habitat restoration may assist takahē establishment. This study was conducted in reference to future successional habitat changes on Motutapu Island, as it is subject to active re-vegetation of native trees and shrubs. Similarly, Maungatautari is not actively maintaining the pastoral grassland sites between forest edge and the pest-proof fence. Therefore, without management, natural forest successions of these sites are likely to decrease food availability for takahē in the future. 

Plant species eaten by takahē were identified during field observations. Foraging behaviour was categorised into three main behaviours: (1) cutting for grass-blades, (2) tillering for grass meristems (leaf base, leaf blade discarded) and (3) stripping (grass seeds). A multinomial regression analysis, with confidence intervals of 95% level confidence, determined the odds of a takahē behaviour occurring according to various habitat variables. Foraging behaviours were found to differ according to the percentages of vegetation cover. On Motutapu Island, the main findings were that takahē favoured tillering grass meristems at sites where a high percentage of shrubland was available rather than at sites with high tree cover (vegetation >6 m) or with a high percentage of open grassland. In contrast, stripping seeds was favoured at sites with high tree cover and/or at restoration planting sites. Qualitative behavioural data from Maungatautari showed that takahē foraged primarily on pastoral grassland species, obtained primarily between the fence and the forest.   

Nesting and breeding observations were also made during incubation and chick-rearing. Only one chick reached juvenile-adult stage at Motutapu Island, compared to two chicks at Maungatautari. I identified nest material and nest cover plant species used by takahē (native and exotics- sedges/flax/shrubs/native long grass) during the breeding season and present a plant list based on qualitative fieldwork. Extensive pastoral grasslands on Motutapu Island are now being restored into forested areas, but wetland and native grassland restoration should be another priority for takahē habitat management. Similarly, the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT) may have to control the natural succession of the forest at the edge of the pest-proof fence. Overall, adding native species in pastoral grassland takahē territories at Motutapu Island and Maungautari will be necessary for the future well-being of these translocated takahē. This study has shown that analysing takahē foraging behaviours can help conservation management to improve habitat restoration and subsequent breeding success.

text: Foraging behaviours of translocated takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) at two contrasting sites, New Zealand The South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is an endangered ground-dwelling species, endemic to New Zealand. To prevent the species’ extinction, individuals were translocated to protected sites, such as off-shore pest-free islands and pest-fenced, mainland sites. The takahē may be one of the most researched bird species in New Zealand, but there are very few studies on its behavioural habits and ecology at these protected offshore island and mainland sites. 

This study was an investigation of translocated takahē foraging behaviour at two very different sites, Motutapu Island (Hauraki Gulf, Auckland) and Maungatautari mainland site (Waikato region), with two translocated takahē populations (18 vs 6 takahē respectively). In total, 24 takahē were observed at the time of this study. The aims of this research were to determine: (1) how takahē foraging behaviour differed between pasture and other habitats on Motutapu Island and at Maungatautari, (2) how other habitat elements (incl. vegetation cover, water, roads, tracks) affected foraging behaviour, and (3) if habitat restoration may assist takahē establishment. This study was conducted in reference to future successional habitat changes on Motutapu Island, as it is subject to active re-vegetation of native trees and shrubs. Similarly, Maungatautari is not actively maintaining the pastoral grassland sites between forest edge and the pest-proof fence. Therefore, without management, natural forest successions of these sites are likely to decrease food availability for takahē in the future. 

Plant species eaten by takahē were identified during field observations. Foraging behaviour was categorised into three main behaviours: (1) cutting for grass-blades, (2) tillering for grass meristems (leaf base, leaf blade discarded) and (3) stripping (grass seeds). A multinomial regression analysis, with confidence intervals of 95% level confidence, determined the odds of a takahē behaviour occurring according to various habitat variables. Foraging behaviours were found to differ according to the percentages of vegetation cover. On Motutapu Island, the main findings were that takahē favoured tillering grass meristems at sites where a high percentage of shrubland was available rather than at sites with high tree cover (vegetation >6 m) or with a high percentage of open grassland. In contrast, stripping seeds was favoured at sites with high tree cover and/or at restoration planting sites. Qualitative behavioural data from Maungatautari showed that takahē foraged primarily on pastoral grassland species, obtained primarily between the fence and the forest.   

Nesting and breeding observations were also made during incubation and chick-rearing. Only one chick reached juvenile-adult stage at Motutapu Island, compared to two chicks at Maungatautari. I identified nest material and nest cover plant species used by takahē (native and exotics- sedges/flax/shrubs/native long grass) during the breeding season and present a plant list based on qualitative fieldwork. Extensive pastoral grasslands on Motutapu Island are now being restored into forested areas, but wetland and native grassland restoration should be another priority for takahē habitat management. Similarly, the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT) may have to control the natural succession of the forest at the edge of the pest-proof fence. Overall, adding native species in pastoral grassland takahē territories at Motutapu Island and Maungautari will be necessary for the future well-being of these translocated takahē. This study has shown that analysing takahē foraging behaviours can help conservation management to improve habitat restoration and subsequent breeding success.

year: 2014

title: Pātangaroa: Co-developing management strategies for a starfish outbreak in Ōhiwa Harbour

authors: Ranapia, Megan

subjects: marine management

abstract: The management of marine environments often prioritises scientific information to address complex marine social-ecological issues. However, there is a wealth of learning to be gained from Indigenous people who have generated place-based intergenerational understandings and cultural ethics and practices. Consequently, Indigenous knowledge alongside science can offer better insights, holistic understanding, sustainable management strategies and greater sources of evidence. This research is located in Aotearoa New Zealand and engages in mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) alongside marine ecology as an appropriate method for contemporary marine research and management. The thesis study focused on Ōhiwa Harbour, aiming to co-develop a starfish management action plan (SMAP) with local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Awa and other affiliated iwi, district councils and regional council to address the overabundant starfish (species: Coscinasterias muricata and Patiriella regularis). By engaging in transdisciplinary research and collaborative decision-making, this study sought to bridge the gap between Indigenous knowledge and mainstream science, offering lessons for inclusive marine management practices.

To achieve this, I developed and prescribed a co-developed framework actively promoting a mixed-methods approach, inclusive of kaupapa Māori research methodologies, tikanga, participatory design, applied mātauranga ā iwi, quantitative marine scientific field methods and experimental study design. Through the collaborative process, I identified areas of appropriate research aims and methods. This included co-developing a novel starfish trapping methodology sensitive to local ecology and cultural values and an experimental starfish removal study to assist decision-makers in implementing an efficient and effective starfish removal regime as an approach to management.

Results from the field studies showed the efficacy of starfish traps is dependent on environmental conditions, physical characteristics and soaking time (the length of time the trap is left in the water). A soaking time of 48 h maintained the highest starfish catch per unit effort (CPUE) while minimising time to re-bait and reset traps. Observations also indicated an open trap design had less bycatch than a semi-enclosed box trap and could withstand the tidal currents for a longer period. The findings found that bait type did not impact on CPUE. In the starfish removal study, the combined effort of diver removals and trapping produced higher daily catch rates than the single treatments (i.e., diver removals only or trapping only), therefore was themost efficient removal method. The empirical information gathered from the field studies was then used to inform the SMAP and was accepted unanimously at the highest local/regional co-management level. Furthermore, through the findings I identified future research opportunities that would further close gaps in our knowledge around the best management approaches for a starfish outbreak. These included investigation into the predation impacts of P. regularis on mussel recruitment, identification of alternative restoration sites less susceptible to starfish predation pressures and investigation of potential drivers of the starfish outbreak.

Overall, the acceptance of the SMAP by local iwi/hapū and government authorities underscores the success of the collaborative approach. The collaborative process not only addresses the immediate concerns of starfish infestation but contributed to the broader goal of supporting kaitiakitanga (active guardianship) responsibilities and promoting Indigenous perspectives in marine management. This thesis demonstrates and recommends a new approach to starfish management in coastal marine areas using both marine science and mātauranga Māori understandings, practices and ethics, furthermore, it demonstrates the commitment to the inclusion of multiple knowledge systems and involvement of communities.

text: Pātangaroa: Co-developing management strategies for a starfish outbreak in Ōhiwa Harbour The management of marine environments often prioritises scientific information to address complex marine social-ecological issues. However, there is a wealth of learning to be gained from Indigenous people who have generated place-based intergenerational understandings and cultural ethics and practices. Consequently, Indigenous knowledge alongside science can offer better insights, holistic understanding, sustainable management strategies and greater sources of evidence. This research is located in Aotearoa New Zealand and engages in mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) alongside marine ecology as an appropriate method for contemporary marine research and management. The thesis study focused on Ōhiwa Harbour, aiming to co-develop a starfish management action plan (SMAP) with local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Awa and other affiliated iwi, district councils and regional council to address the overabundant starfish (species: Coscinasterias muricata and Patiriella regularis). By engaging in transdisciplinary research and collaborative decision-making, this study sought to bridge the gap between Indigenous knowledge and mainstream science, offering lessons for inclusive marine management practices.

To achieve this, I developed and prescribed a co-developed framework actively promoting a mixed-methods approach, inclusive of kaupapa Māori research methodologies, tikanga, participatory design, applied mātauranga ā iwi, quantitative marine scientific field methods and experimental study design. Through the collaborative process, I identified areas of appropriate research aims and methods. This included co-developing a novel starfish trapping methodology sensitive to local ecology and cultural values and an experimental starfish removal study to assist decision-makers in implementing an efficient and effective starfish removal regime as an approach to management.

Results from the field studies showed the efficacy of starfish traps is dependent on environmental conditions, physical characteristics and soaking time (the length of time the trap is left in the water). A soaking time of 48 h maintained the highest starfish catch per unit effort (CPUE) while minimising time to re-bait and reset traps. Observations also indicated an open trap design had less bycatch than a semi-enclosed box trap and could withstand the tidal currents for a longer period. The findings found that bait type did not impact on CPUE. In the starfish removal study, the combined effort of diver removals and trapping produced higher daily catch rates than the single treatments (i.e., diver removals only or trapping only), therefore was themost efficient removal method. The empirical information gathered from the field studies was then used to inform the SMAP and was accepted unanimously at the highest local/regional co-management level. Furthermore, through the findings I identified future research opportunities that would further close gaps in our knowledge around the best management approaches for a starfish outbreak. These included investigation into the predation impacts of P. regularis on mussel recruitment, identification of alternative restoration sites less susceptible to starfish predation pressures and investigation of potential drivers of the starfish outbreak.

Overall, the acceptance of the SMAP by local iwi/hapū and government authorities underscores the success of the collaborative approach. The collaborative process not only addresses the immediate concerns of starfish infestation but contributed to the broader goal of supporting kaitiakitanga (active guardianship) responsibilities and promoting Indigenous perspectives in marine management. This thesis demonstrates and recommends a new approach to starfish management in coastal marine areas using both marine science and mātauranga Māori understandings, practices and ethics, furthermore, it demonstrates the commitment to the inclusion of multiple knowledge systems and involvement of communities.

year: 2025-05