title: Dispersal of dredging plumes in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand: A field study

authors: Cussioli, Mariana C.

abstract: Water quality standards associated with dredging have become more stringent, requiring better monitoring and prediction. Here, we describe the dynamics and development of plumes generated during two dredging cycles and how they vary with respect to time and distance from the dredging activity. Backscatter signals were measured using a boat-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) and total suspended solid concentrations (TSS) were determined from water samples. Results show that background TSS ranged from 7 to 9 mg l‒1 whilst dredging plumes exhibited a vertical gradient of TSS ranging from 9 to 15 mg l‒1 near the surface (0–2 m), and 24 to 70 mg l‒1 near the bottom (10–12 m). ADCP transects conducted during and after dredging showed that the plume dissipated from the dredged area within 1 hour. Final transects (~1 hour after the dredging ended), revealed backscatter signals ranging from background levels to ~1.2 times greater than the background. Based on TSS concentrations and time for plume dispersion, previous studies indicated that a plume with duration of 1 to 2 hours and TSS concentration around 70 mg l‒1 is below the threshold for causing serious impacts to the biota; therefore, only minor effects can be expected for the two dredging plumes monitored.

text: Dispersal of dredging plumes in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand: A field study Water quality standards associated with dredging have become more stringent, requiring better monitoring and prediction. Here, we describe the dynamics and development of plumes generated during two dredging cycles and how they vary with respect to time and distance from the dredging activity. Backscatter signals were measured using a boat-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) and total suspended solid concentrations (TSS) were determined from water samples. Results show that background TSS ranged from 7 to 9 mg l‒1 whilst dredging plumes exhibited a vertical gradient of TSS ranging from 9 to 15 mg l‒1 near the surface (0–2 m), and 24 to 70 mg l‒1 near the bottom (10–12 m). ADCP transects conducted during and after dredging showed that the plume dissipated from the dredged area within 1 hour. Final transects (~1 hour after the dredging ended), revealed backscatter signals ranging from background levels to ~1.2 times greater than the background. Based on TSS concentrations and time for plume dispersion, previous studies indicated that a plume with duration of 1 to 2 hours and TSS concentration around 70 mg l‒1 is below the threshold for causing serious impacts to the biota; therefore, only minor effects can be expected for the two dredging plumes monitored.

year: 2015-09-16

title: Impact of environmental education on beginning preservice teachers’ environmental literacy

authors: Dada, Deborah O.

abstract: One of the goals of environmental education is the development of environ- mental literacy. The development of environmental literacy for preservice teachers is critical if they are to be con dent and competent to deliver envi- ronmental education in schools. Little is known about the impact of envi- ronmental education on preservice teachers’ environmental literacy and their subsequent practices as teachers within schools in New Zealand. This study used a mixed-methods approach with a pretest and posttest design to examine the environmental literacy of preservice teachers enrolled in a compulsory environmental education paper as part of their Bachelor of Teaching program at a New Zealand university. The perceptions of the pre- service teachers’ preparedness to teach environmental education was also examined. Findings indicate that despite only slight shifts in preservice teachers’ environmental literacy, their con dence to teach environmental education signi cantly increased after completing the paper. Increases in the strength of correlations between environmental knowledge and affec- tive dispositions were observed upon completing the environmental edu- cation paper. Implications of ndings for teacher education programs are discussed. This study could inform curriculum design and teaching and learning practices for effectively preparing preservice teachers to promote the development of the environmental literacy of students in their future schools.

text: Impact of environmental education on beginning preservice teachers’ environmental literacy One of the goals of environmental education is the development of environ- mental literacy. The development of environmental literacy for preservice teachers is critical if they are to be con dent and competent to deliver envi- ronmental education in schools. Little is known about the impact of envi- ronmental education on preservice teachers’ environmental literacy and their subsequent practices as teachers within schools in New Zealand. This study used a mixed-methods approach with a pretest and posttest design to examine the environmental literacy of preservice teachers enrolled in a compulsory environmental education paper as part of their Bachelor of Teaching program at a New Zealand university. The perceptions of the pre- service teachers’ preparedness to teach environmental education was also examined. Findings indicate that despite only slight shifts in preservice teachers’ environmental literacy, their con dence to teach environmental education signi cantly increased after completing the paper. Increases in the strength of correlations between environmental knowledge and affec- tive dispositions were observed upon completing the environmental edu- cation paper. Implications of ndings for teacher education programs are discussed. This study could inform curriculum design and teaching and learning practices for effectively preparing preservice teachers to promote the development of the environmental literacy of students in their future schools.

year: 2017

title: Waitomo District: Demographic profile 1986-2031

authors: Jackson, Natalie

abstract: This report outlines the demographic changes that have occurred in Waitomo Region, as well as what trends are expected in the future.

text: Waitomo District: Demographic profile 1986-2031 This report outlines the demographic changes that have occurred in Waitomo Region, as well as what trends are expected in the future.

year: 2014