title: The ecology of ray species in an urbanised estuary: Seasonality, habitat use and pollutant exposure in Tauranga Harbour

authors: Cadwallader, Helen Frances

subjects: Marine ecology

abstract: Information about the movement, seasonality, and use of habitats by marine animals is vital for the mitigation of potential anthropogenic impacts. Ray species may be particularly at risk as they regularly inhabit coastal and estuarine waters. In New Zealand to-date, there has been scant research on the ecology of native ray species in estuarine habitats. In particular, there is a dearth of knowledge pertaining to the spatio-temporal use of the range of habitats within estuaries. The research detailed in this thesis was aimed at addressing the shortfall of information. First, a review of the methodology utilised in ascertaining movement behaviour in non-shark-like batoid elasmobranch species was carried out, as optimisation of tagging research technique underpins the ability to track behaviour of these organisms for long periods. Most studies reviewed adopted tag anchor techniques used on teleost fishes or sharks. As a consequence, the quality of information pertaining to ray habitat use and movements was, in many circumstances, poor. Synthesis of tag longevity using differing anchor methods and field and aquarium longevity experiments led to a recommendation of nylon umbrella darts for soft-skinned non-shark-like rays such as Bathytoshia brevicaudata. Second, seasonality in habitat use within the Tauranga Harbour system was examined using monthly counts of the feeding excavations of Myliobatis tenuicaudatus. This study expanded previous estimations of seasonality and feeding habitat choice in estuaries. It determined that temperature-mediated sinusoidal seasonal patterns in feeding behaviour over a period of 24 months, differed in magnitude and peak month across a range of spatial scales. This could suggest some form of sequential habitat use. Unlike previous studies, evidence of ray feeding was found year-round. This behavioural pattern has implications for calculations of sediment turnover and transport. Peak turnover estimates of ray origin from this study doubled previous estimated calculations. In addition, infaunal prey density, and locational aspects of estuary ‘sub-habitats’ characterised as various ‘zones’ as compared to ‘harbour basin’ habitats, were all found to be influential in the prediction of M. tenuicaudatus feeding activity. There were inverse seasonal differences in the relationship between densities of large infaunal bivalves (putative prey items) and ray feeding activity, suggesting that during some periods, other prey types (soft bodied organisms) may also be important. Suggestions are made that perceived predator risk and human disturbance may have a role in driving habitat preferences in addition to prey density. This study also found that natural mangrove fringe is preferred by M. tenuicaudatus for feeding habitat over areas of ‘fringe’ that had been trimmed to prevent mangrove spread. The implications of this are significant as there is a reduction in ideal feeding habitat with ongoing mangrove trimming regimes. Finally, quantification of metal body burden of M. tenuicaudatus identified low levels of some heavy metals in rays from Tauranga Harbour when compared to Porirua Harbour, and that metals in rays from the outer coast of the Bay of Plenty region were likely to be of volcanic origin. Significantly different metal assemblages of estuarine and offshore animals combined with feeding evidence found year-round in Tauranga Harbour, suggests a separation in populations between these areas. Overall however, it is clear that metal content in Tauranga Harbour rays lies below FZANZ levels of concern and the harbour may be classified as relatively unpolluted. However, the behavioural patterns of rays clearly lead them away from shallower sub estuary areas, that are known to be more contaminated by anthropogenic activity.
In conclusion, this thesis provides previously unknown information about the habits and ecology of the important estuarine mesopredator M. tenuicaudatus in the context of anthropogenic risk associated with an urbanised harbour ecosystem. The information will allow informed management of harbour activities and developmental options with regard to conservation of an ecologically important species.

text: The ecology of ray species in an urbanised estuary: Seasonality, habitat use and pollutant exposure in Tauranga Harbour Information about the movement, seasonality, and use of habitats by marine animals is vital for the mitigation of potential anthropogenic impacts. Ray species may be particularly at risk as they regularly inhabit coastal and estuarine waters. In New Zealand to-date, there has been scant research on the ecology of native ray species in estuarine habitats. In particular, there is a dearth of knowledge pertaining to the spatio-temporal use of the range of habitats within estuaries. The research detailed in this thesis was aimed at addressing the shortfall of information. First, a review of the methodology utilised in ascertaining movement behaviour in non-shark-like batoid elasmobranch species was carried out, as optimisation of tagging research technique underpins the ability to track behaviour of these organisms for long periods. Most studies reviewed adopted tag anchor techniques used on teleost fishes or sharks. As a consequence, the quality of information pertaining to ray habitat use and movements was, in many circumstances, poor. Synthesis of tag longevity using differing anchor methods and field and aquarium longevity experiments led to a recommendation of nylon umbrella darts for soft-skinned non-shark-like rays such as Bathytoshia brevicaudata. Second, seasonality in habitat use within the Tauranga Harbour system was examined using monthly counts of the feeding excavations of Myliobatis tenuicaudatus. This study expanded previous estimations of seasonality and feeding habitat choice in estuaries. It determined that temperature-mediated sinusoidal seasonal patterns in feeding behaviour over a period of 24 months, differed in magnitude and peak month across a range of spatial scales. This could suggest some form of sequential habitat use. Unlike previous studies, evidence of ray feeding was found year-round. This behavioural pattern has implications for calculations of sediment turnover and transport. Peak turnover estimates of ray origin from this study doubled previous estimated calculations. In addition, infaunal prey density, and locational aspects of estuary ‘sub-habitats’ characterised as various ‘zones’ as compared to ‘harbour basin’ habitats, were all found to be influential in the prediction of M. tenuicaudatus feeding activity. There were inverse seasonal differences in the relationship between densities of large infaunal bivalves (putative prey items) and ray feeding activity, suggesting that during some periods, other prey types (soft bodied organisms) may also be important. Suggestions are made that perceived predator risk and human disturbance may have a role in driving habitat preferences in addition to prey density. This study also found that natural mangrove fringe is preferred by M. tenuicaudatus for feeding habitat over areas of ‘fringe’ that had been trimmed to prevent mangrove spread. The implications of this are significant as there is a reduction in ideal feeding habitat with ongoing mangrove trimming regimes. Finally, quantification of metal body burden of M. tenuicaudatus identified low levels of some heavy metals in rays from Tauranga Harbour when compared to Porirua Harbour, and that metals in rays from the outer coast of the Bay of Plenty region were likely to be of volcanic origin. Significantly different metal assemblages of estuarine and offshore animals combined with feeding evidence found year-round in Tauranga Harbour, suggests a separation in populations between these areas. Overall however, it is clear that metal content in Tauranga Harbour rays lies below FZANZ levels of concern and the harbour may be classified as relatively unpolluted. However, the behavioural patterns of rays clearly lead them away from shallower sub estuary areas, that are known to be more contaminated by anthropogenic activity.
In conclusion, this thesis provides previously unknown information about the habits and ecology of the important estuarine mesopredator M. tenuicaudatus in the context of anthropogenic risk associated with an urbanised harbour ecosystem. The information will allow informed management of harbour activities and developmental options with regard to conservation of an ecologically important species.

year: 2020

title: Tokomaru Bay Wharf and heritage buildings restoration design: Innovating a holistic final year civil design project

authors: Boston, Megan

abstract: CONTEXT The discipline of civil engineering focuses on creating the built environment necessary for a functioning society, however, curriculum often focuses on the design of specific structures in isolation from the larger world in which they exist. While emerging civil engineers need have the technical competency to design sound structures, it is also critical that they understand how their designs integrates into society as a whole. As such, the final year design project for the inaugural batch of civil engineering graduates at the University of Waikato has been created to carefully integrate the civil engineering specific knowledge with wider interdisciplinary concepts through a real life restoration design of the historic Tokomaru Bay region. This project provides the students with the necessary tools to take a holistic approach to the restorative design of a heritage community centre. 

PURPOSE OR GOAL The purpose of this project is to provide students with the opportunity to get engaged with a large scale design project while training students to think about how the project fits into the larger community. Students have the opportunity to create a holistic design proposal for the restoration of the Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Historic Buildings that considers of the wants and needs of the community and local jurisdiction, incorporates local policy, and integrates principle of urban planning and community engagement.
APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY/METHODS Students work in teams to create a plan for the restoration of a wharf and historic buildings. As part of the project, students consider how the restoration efforts will integrate into the wider community. Students are taught by an interdisciplinary team about urban planning, architecture restoration, risk analysis, and community engagement. Students have the opportunity to fully engage with all the steps in a design process through site visits, working with the local heritage trust and district council, and use of historic maps to create a plan and design for the restoration that meets the needs and wants of the local community. 
ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES It is anticipated that by using the real life design project, the Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Heritage Buildings restoration, as a case study for the final year civil engineering project will motivate students to engage with all aspects of the project. Designs produced by the students should be holistic in nature, demonstrating how their ideas for the reconstruction project fit into the larger needs and demands of the local community and the district council. Student projects should also be mindful of the significant nature of the area and incorporate the history into their final design.
CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUMMARY It is vital that students are prepared to meet the expectations and demands outside of university. Involving students in real design projects motivates them to engage with the project. The holistic nature of this project, further teaches students key skills that will be beneficial to their future engineering careers.

text: Tokomaru Bay Wharf and heritage buildings restoration design: Innovating a holistic final year civil design project CONTEXT The discipline of civil engineering focuses on creating the built environment necessary for a functioning society, however, curriculum often focuses on the design of specific structures in isolation from the larger world in which they exist. While emerging civil engineers need have the technical competency to design sound structures, it is also critical that they understand how their designs integrates into society as a whole. As such, the final year design project for the inaugural batch of civil engineering graduates at the University of Waikato has been created to carefully integrate the civil engineering specific knowledge with wider interdisciplinary concepts through a real life restoration design of the historic Tokomaru Bay region. This project provides the students with the necessary tools to take a holistic approach to the restorative design of a heritage community centre. 

PURPOSE OR GOAL The purpose of this project is to provide students with the opportunity to get engaged with a large scale design project while training students to think about how the project fits into the larger community. Students have the opportunity to create a holistic design proposal for the restoration of the Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Historic Buildings that considers of the wants and needs of the community and local jurisdiction, incorporates local policy, and integrates principle of urban planning and community engagement.
APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY/METHODS Students work in teams to create a plan for the restoration of a wharf and historic buildings. As part of the project, students consider how the restoration efforts will integrate into the wider community. Students are taught by an interdisciplinary team about urban planning, architecture restoration, risk analysis, and community engagement. Students have the opportunity to fully engage with all the steps in a design process through site visits, working with the local heritage trust and district council, and use of historic maps to create a plan and design for the restoration that meets the needs and wants of the local community. 
ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES It is anticipated that by using the real life design project, the Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Heritage Buildings restoration, as a case study for the final year civil engineering project will motivate students to engage with all aspects of the project. Designs produced by the students should be holistic in nature, demonstrating how their ideas for the reconstruction project fit into the larger needs and demands of the local community and the district council. Student projects should also be mindful of the significant nature of the area and incorporate the history into their final design.
CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUMMARY It is vital that students are prepared to meet the expectations and demands outside of university. Involving students in real design projects motivates them to engage with the project. The holistic nature of this project, further teaches students key skills that will be beneficial to their future engineering careers.

year: 2019

title: Investigating Māori approaches to trauma informed care

authors: Pihama, Leonie

subjects: Māori health and wellbeing

abstract: This article gives an overview of a three-year Health Research Council funded research project “He Oranga Ngākau: Māori approaches to trauma-informed care”. The study is informed by Kaupapa Māori which provides both the theoretical and methodological foundation for understanding the world, exploring and conceptualising issues. The need for contextualised and culturally safe health and social services is well recognised within Aotearoa and particularly within Mental Health and Addiction Services. While trauma is an experience that can impact on all people, Māori experience trauma in distinct ways that are linked to the experience of colonisation, racism and discrimination, negative stereotyping and subsequent unequal rates of violence, poverty and ill health. Given that Māori are impacted by trauma in specific ways, it is important to explore and identify practice principles that contribute to the development of a framework that supports Māori Providers, counsellors, clinicians and healers in working with Māori. (Authors' abstract).

text: Investigating Māori approaches to trauma informed care This article gives an overview of a three-year Health Research Council funded research project “He Oranga Ngākau: Māori approaches to trauma-informed care”. The study is informed by Kaupapa Māori which provides both the theoretical and methodological foundation for understanding the world, exploring and conceptualising issues. The need for contextualised and culturally safe health and social services is well recognised within Aotearoa and particularly within Mental Health and Addiction Services. While trauma is an experience that can impact on all people, Māori experience trauma in distinct ways that are linked to the experience of colonisation, racism and discrimination, negative stereotyping and subsequent unequal rates of violence, poverty and ill health. Given that Māori are impacted by trauma in specific ways, it is important to explore and identify practice principles that contribute to the development of a framework that supports Māori Providers, counsellors, clinicians and healers in working with Māori. (Authors' abstract).

year: 2017