title: Sources and effects of catchment-derived bioavailable contaminants in Hamilton urban streams

authors: Valler, Tammy L.

subjects: Urban streams

abstract: Awareness of the consistently degraded state of urban streams, with lower biodiversity has heightened worldwide, increasing restoration initiatives to ameliorate the adverse effects. The present study examined anthropogenically-derived contaminants in water and sediments and bioaccumulation in tissues and bile of shortfin eels (Anguilla australis) in Hamilton City urban gully streams. Bioassays were also conducted with two native Crustacea; the amphipod Paracorophium lucasi and freshwater crayfish (kōura) (Paranephrops planifrons) to test endpoints of survival, reburial behaviour and growth. Results of dissolved Cu, Pb and Zn showed the industrial Waitawhiriwhiri catchment, with higher impervious surfaces, to have the greatest potential for generating contaminants in stream waters. Relationships between sediment contaminant concentrations and upstream % impervious area suggest an association with stormwater runoff and metal accumulation. Shortfin eels from Gibbons Creek and Lake Rotoroa bioaccumulated high concentrations of Pb and As respectively in livers, and PAH metabolite pyrene-1-glucuronide in bile was found in many eels, highlighting the bioavailability of these contaminants. Muscle tissues cocnentrations of Pb and Hg in some sites triggered food safety guidelines presenting a low risk for human consumption. Amphipods exposed to sediments from Lake Rotoroa had significantly reduced survival compared with those exposed to other site sediments in a 10-day sediment toxicity test. Photo-induced toxicity is not of concern for biota exposed to these sediments. Sediments did not induce any sub-lethal effect on reburial behaviour. Growth rates of kōura fed Salix fragilis leaf material incubated in Hamilton streams were not significantly different, and the short duration of the study meant conclusions could not be made on the significance of observed accumulated metals and metalloids on differences in growth rates. Results of this study highlight a number of locations in the Hamilton stream network, where contaminants are of concern, especially in streams with fully urbanised catchments with high effective imperviousness and legacies of past land use or pollution. Bioavailability of some metals, metalloids and PAHs is constraining the diversity of some species present in these streams, although not apparent for shortfin eels, as they are very common.

text: Sources and effects of catchment-derived bioavailable contaminants in Hamilton urban streams Awareness of the consistently degraded state of urban streams, with lower biodiversity has heightened worldwide, increasing restoration initiatives to ameliorate the adverse effects. The present study examined anthropogenically-derived contaminants in water and sediments and bioaccumulation in tissues and bile of shortfin eels (Anguilla australis) in Hamilton City urban gully streams. Bioassays were also conducted with two native Crustacea; the amphipod Paracorophium lucasi and freshwater crayfish (kōura) (Paranephrops planifrons) to test endpoints of survival, reburial behaviour and growth. Results of dissolved Cu, Pb and Zn showed the industrial Waitawhiriwhiri catchment, with higher impervious surfaces, to have the greatest potential for generating contaminants in stream waters. Relationships between sediment contaminant concentrations and upstream % impervious area suggest an association with stormwater runoff and metal accumulation. Shortfin eels from Gibbons Creek and Lake Rotoroa bioaccumulated high concentrations of Pb and As respectively in livers, and PAH metabolite pyrene-1-glucuronide in bile was found in many eels, highlighting the bioavailability of these contaminants. Muscle tissues cocnentrations of Pb and Hg in some sites triggered food safety guidelines presenting a low risk for human consumption. Amphipods exposed to sediments from Lake Rotoroa had significantly reduced survival compared with those exposed to other site sediments in a 10-day sediment toxicity test. Photo-induced toxicity is not of concern for biota exposed to these sediments. Sediments did not induce any sub-lethal effect on reburial behaviour. Growth rates of kōura fed Salix fragilis leaf material incubated in Hamilton streams were not significantly different, and the short duration of the study meant conclusions could not be made on the significance of observed accumulated metals and metalloids on differences in growth rates. Results of this study highlight a number of locations in the Hamilton stream network, where contaminants are of concern, especially in streams with fully urbanised catchments with high effective imperviousness and legacies of past land use or pollution. Bioavailability of some metals, metalloids and PAHs is constraining the diversity of some species present in these streams, although not apparent for shortfin eels, as they are very common.

year: 2013

title: Fa’afatāmanu talafeagai mo lesona fa’asaienisi: O le tu’ualalo mo a’oga a faia’oga saienisi fa’aōliōli. A culturally appropriate formative assessment in science lessons: Implications for initial science teacher education.

authors: Lee-Hang, Desmond Mene

subjects: culturally appropriate

abstract: This study set out to find the views of Samoan teachers on formative assessment and to document any cultural aspects of the fa’aSamoa (or Samoan culture) that could hinder the use of formative assessment in science classrooms. In addition, the research was also an opportunity for professional development of teachers on doing formative assessment. The culturally constructed le-tautala or pupil silence in the classrooms that was mentioned by teachers seemed to hinder formative interactions in classrooms. Written worksheets from this study seemed to be culturally appropriate for doing formative assessment because it provided a way to overcome le-tautala, since the worksheets solicited responses from all pupils. At the same time these written formative assessment worksheets have the potential to enhance Samoan pupils learning of science concepts because of the opportunity provided for feedback and feedforward.

text: Fa’afatāmanu talafeagai mo lesona fa’asaienisi: O le tu’ualalo mo a’oga a faia’oga saienisi fa’aōliōli. A culturally appropriate formative assessment in science lessons: Implications for initial science teacher education. This study set out to find the views of Samoan teachers on formative assessment and to document any cultural aspects of the fa’aSamoa (or Samoan culture) that could hinder the use of formative assessment in science classrooms. In addition, the research was also an opportunity for professional development of teachers on doing formative assessment. The culturally constructed le-tautala or pupil silence in the classrooms that was mentioned by teachers seemed to hinder formative interactions in classrooms. Written worksheets from this study seemed to be culturally appropriate for doing formative assessment because it provided a way to overcome le-tautala, since the worksheets solicited responses from all pupils. At the same time these written formative assessment worksheets have the potential to enhance Samoan pupils learning of science concepts because of the opportunity provided for feedback and feedforward.

year: 2011

title: Ascending the Poutama: Culturally responsive diabetes care for Māori communities

authors: Crosswell, Rebekah Jane

subjects: culturally responsive

abstract: Introduction
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) significantly impacts Māori populations in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) who experience health disparities including suboptimal disease management.

Aim
To explore culturally responsive approaches to supporting Māori living with T2D from the perspective of healthcare providers.

Methods
Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians from various disciplines (general practitioner, podiatrist, exercise physiologist, three kaiāwhina, dietitian, two pharmacists); five clinicians identify as Māori, four as non-Māori. Kaupapa Māori inductive thematic analysis was used.

Results
Four key themes emerged: empowering patient-centred communication, whānau involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and culturally appropriate analogies.

Discussion
The findings underscore the need for holistic, culturally responsive T2D care that prioritises culturally appropriate communication to improve patient engagement, health outcomes and address Māori health disparities.

text: Ascending the Poutama: Culturally responsive diabetes care for Māori communities Introduction
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) significantly impacts Māori populations in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) who experience health disparities including suboptimal disease management.

Aim
To explore culturally responsive approaches to supporting Māori living with T2D from the perspective of healthcare providers.

Methods
Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians from various disciplines (general practitioner, podiatrist, exercise physiologist, three kaiāwhina, dietitian, two pharmacists); five clinicians identify as Māori, four as non-Māori. Kaupapa Māori inductive thematic analysis was used.

Results
Four key themes emerged: empowering patient-centred communication, whānau involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and culturally appropriate analogies.

Discussion
The findings underscore the need for holistic, culturally responsive T2D care that prioritises culturally appropriate communication to improve patient engagement, health outcomes and address Māori health disparities.

year: 2025