title: Japanese gardens and plants in New Zealand, 1850-1950: Transculturation and transmission

authors: Beattie, James John

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: Oscar Wilde once wrote that ‘the whole of Japan is a pure invention’.1 This comment hints at the complex processes behind cultural transfer and transculturation between different areas of Asia and the West from the 1850s onwards.2 The development of gardening aesthetics in New Zealand from the mid-Victorian to Edwardian periods showcases just how inventive, complex and sometimes contradictory Western society’s cultural engagement with the rising Asian world power could be.

text: Japanese gardens and plants in New Zealand, 1850-1950: Transculturation and transmission Oscar Wilde once wrote that ‘the whole of Japan is a pure invention’.1 This comment hints at the complex processes behind cultural transfer and transculturation between different areas of Asia and the West from the 1850s onwards.2 The development of gardening aesthetics in New Zealand from the mid-Victorian to Edwardian periods showcases just how inventive, complex and sometimes contradictory Western society’s cultural engagement with the rising Asian world power could be.

year: 2008

title: Management of the University of Waikato campus lakes: Final report

authors: Hicks, Brendan J.

subjects: water quality

abstract: There are three small shallow lakes on the University of Waikato campus, and all have high nutrient loadings, creating ideal conditions for plant algal growth.  These lakes were created by excavation during construction of the university for the purposes of stormwater detention.  Water quality in the lakes has been a matter of concern to the University of Waikato Site Committee for a number of years, and the concern intensifies in late 2000 with the commissioning of the WEL Energy Academy of Performing Arts, which was built with a view over Knighton Lake.

text: Management of the University of Waikato campus lakes: Final report There are three small shallow lakes on the University of Waikato campus, and all have high nutrient loadings, creating ideal conditions for plant algal growth.  These lakes were created by excavation during construction of the university for the purposes of stormwater detention.  Water quality in the lakes has been a matter of concern to the University of Waikato Site Committee for a number of years, and the concern intensifies in late 2000 with the commissioning of the WEL Energy Academy of Performing Arts, which was built with a view over Knighton Lake.

year: 2002-11

title: Waata Kukutai: Rangatira o Ngaati Tiipa 1822-1867

authors: Ewe, Denise Te Tuhi

subjects: Biography

abstract: This thesis examines the life of Ngaati Tiipa rangatira Waata Kukutai (1822-1867), and critiques historical perspectives that have narrowly identified him as merely a Kuupapa loyalist. This study argues that Kukutai’s choices and leadership were driven first and foremost by those things he viewed as crucial to Ngaati Tiipa autonomy and wellbeing. Kukutai was an articulate and well-educated leader of Ngaati Tiipa. Waata was governed by principles of rangatiratanga (chieftainship), mana motuhake (independence) and loyalty to Ngaati Tiipa and to the whenua. He was deeply religious and courageous and was an entrepreneur who sought to protect his people by securing economic independence. This thesis shows how he negotiated colonial structures by forming strategic alliances, and in the process led his people through one of the most turbulent periods in New Zealand history.  

Waata was an enigma shaped by loss, vision and hope for a new future in extraordinary times in New Zealand’s history. Waata was a polarising personality who held fast to his life principles. He withstood immense pressure from other Waikato chiefs during the Waikato invasion. During the Waikato War Waata was most active, carrying letters, food and supplies to colonial soldiers and earned himself and his tribe of Ngaati Tiipa the label of kuupapa. While Waata was not the only ‘friendly chief’ during colonial times he has been the most pillorised in Waikato. Seemingly ignored by many historians is at the same time Waata ensued that Ngaati Tiipa land was never invaded by the colonial troops. Waata’s actions protected his people and his land and maintained his mana motuhake, his sovereignty over his district.

text: Waata Kukutai: Rangatira o Ngaati Tiipa 1822-1867 This thesis examines the life of Ngaati Tiipa rangatira Waata Kukutai (1822-1867), and critiques historical perspectives that have narrowly identified him as merely a Kuupapa loyalist. This study argues that Kukutai’s choices and leadership were driven first and foremost by those things he viewed as crucial to Ngaati Tiipa autonomy and wellbeing. Kukutai was an articulate and well-educated leader of Ngaati Tiipa. Waata was governed by principles of rangatiratanga (chieftainship), mana motuhake (independence) and loyalty to Ngaati Tiipa and to the whenua. He was deeply religious and courageous and was an entrepreneur who sought to protect his people by securing economic independence. This thesis shows how he negotiated colonial structures by forming strategic alliances, and in the process led his people through one of the most turbulent periods in New Zealand history.  

Waata was an enigma shaped by loss, vision and hope for a new future in extraordinary times in New Zealand’s history. Waata was a polarising personality who held fast to his life principles. He withstood immense pressure from other Waikato chiefs during the Waikato invasion. During the Waikato War Waata was most active, carrying letters, food and supplies to colonial soldiers and earned himself and his tribe of Ngaati Tiipa the label of kuupapa. While Waata was not the only ‘friendly chief’ during colonial times he has been the most pillorised in Waikato. Seemingly ignored by many historians is at the same time Waata ensued that Ngaati Tiipa land was never invaded by the colonial troops. Waata’s actions protected his people and his land and maintained his mana motuhake, his sovereignty over his district.

year: 2020