title: Relational and collective excellence: unfolding the potential of Pacific early career researchers

authors: Allen, Jean M. Uasika

subjects: relational excellence

abstract: As Pacific early career researchers (ECRs), relational interconnections and engagement are at the heart of our collective responsibilities to each other. Although we share a mutual responsibility to our research communities (in academia and industry), each Pacific ECR is unique in our field of research and genealogical connections to the Pacific. This paper engages the Indigenous storywork methodology to capture, negotiate, and make meaningful links between our research experiences and relational excellence. This methodological approach reveals thematic elements of respect, responsibility, reciprocity, reverence, holism, interrelatedness, and synergy are woven throughout the paper to highlight our collective va-relationality and potential as ECRs. Our collaborative approach to defining and engaging with Pacific research creates new and innovative possibilities for Indigenous and Pacific research excellence.

text: Relational and collective excellence: unfolding the potential of Pacific early career researchers As Pacific early career researchers (ECRs), relational interconnections and engagement are at the heart of our collective responsibilities to each other. Although we share a mutual responsibility to our research communities (in academia and industry), each Pacific ECR is unique in our field of research and genealogical connections to the Pacific. This paper engages the Indigenous storywork methodology to capture, negotiate, and make meaningful links between our research experiences and relational excellence. This methodological approach reveals thematic elements of respect, responsibility, reciprocity, reverence, holism, interrelatedness, and synergy are woven throughout the paper to highlight our collective va-relationality and potential as ECRs. Our collaborative approach to defining and engaging with Pacific research creates new and innovative possibilities for Indigenous and Pacific research excellence.

year: 2022-08-04

title: Nutrient removal by algal polyculture in dairy farm effluent

authors: Ishan, Ilisa

abstract: Nutrient pollution from dairy farm effluent, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), significantly contributes to environmental degradation and eutrophication, necessitating effective bioremediation strategies. This study explores the efficacy of algae polyculture E3 in remediating dairy farm wastewater, focusing on nutrient removal and algal growth. Conducted over a 28-day period, the research compares the bioremediation capabilities of algae polyculture in autoclaved and non-autoclaved effluent samples. Findings reveal that algae polyculture demonstrates superior bioremediation performance in non-autoclaved conditions, with growth rates ranging from 8.07 to 10.13 mg L-1 d-1. The algal polyculture achieved significant nutrient removal, eliminating 90.9% of ammonium (NH₄⁺) and 99.1% of phosphate (PO₄³⁻), highlighting its potential in mitigating nutrient pollution. The study underscores the importance of operational conditions, as non-autoclaved environments fostered more robust algal growth and nutrient uptake. Further, the research involved the optimisation of the model data, leading to improved accuracy in simulating the biological removal processes. The optimised model better reflects real-world bioremediation dynamics, facilitating more reliable predictions of algal performance and nutrient cycling. Additionally, the study identifies a 10-day hydraulic retention time (HRT) as optimal for balancing algal biomass growth with nutrient removal, addressing common challenges such as algal washout and inefficiency in nutrient uptake. In conclusion, the findings advocate for the application of algae polyculture E3 in the bioremediation of dairy farm effluent, proposing a sustainable approach to addressing the critical issue of nutrient pollution. By optimizing conditions for algal growth and nutrient removal, this research contributes to the development of more effective environmental management practices.

text: Nutrient removal by algal polyculture in dairy farm effluent Nutrient pollution from dairy farm effluent, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), significantly contributes to environmental degradation and eutrophication, necessitating effective bioremediation strategies. This study explores the efficacy of algae polyculture E3 in remediating dairy farm wastewater, focusing on nutrient removal and algal growth. Conducted over a 28-day period, the research compares the bioremediation capabilities of algae polyculture in autoclaved and non-autoclaved effluent samples. Findings reveal that algae polyculture demonstrates superior bioremediation performance in non-autoclaved conditions, with growth rates ranging from 8.07 to 10.13 mg L-1 d-1. The algal polyculture achieved significant nutrient removal, eliminating 90.9% of ammonium (NH₄⁺) and 99.1% of phosphate (PO₄³⁻), highlighting its potential in mitigating nutrient pollution. The study underscores the importance of operational conditions, as non-autoclaved environments fostered more robust algal growth and nutrient uptake. Further, the research involved the optimisation of the model data, leading to improved accuracy in simulating the biological removal processes. The optimised model better reflects real-world bioremediation dynamics, facilitating more reliable predictions of algal performance and nutrient cycling. Additionally, the study identifies a 10-day hydraulic retention time (HRT) as optimal for balancing algal biomass growth with nutrient removal, addressing common challenges such as algal washout and inefficiency in nutrient uptake. In conclusion, the findings advocate for the application of algae polyculture E3 in the bioremediation of dairy farm effluent, proposing a sustainable approach to addressing the critical issue of nutrient pollution. By optimizing conditions for algal growth and nutrient removal, this research contributes to the development of more effective environmental management practices.

year: 2024

title: Contemporary attitudes to traditional facial ta moko: A working paper

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Maori

abstract: Until it came under serious attack from nineteenth century missionaries, ta moko was an
integral part of traditional Maori society. Facial moko conveyed important information about
identity, whakapapa and status. The process of receiving a moko was tapu and highly regulated.
Recent years have seen an increase in the number of Maori receiving ta moko. Moko have been
seen as a symbol of Maori pride and identity and have often been associated with political
activism. This study set out to investigate the contemporary meaning of ta moko, the reactions
wearers encounter from others and the ways wearers cope with those reactions.
Three case studies are presented. These show that the issues of personal identity and
whakapapa were central to the meaning wearers attached to their moko. Receiving a moko was
often associated with significant personal changes and an increased political commitment to
Maori self determination. On the whole, positive reactions were more common than negative
reactions but wearers did find themselves subjected to racist and antagonistic responses.
Wearing moko was also reported to mean that others, particularly other Maori, placed certain
expectations on the wearer, notably to be fluent in te reo and to be able to exercise leadership.
Participants considered that there was a need for education about the significance of ta moko
and recommended that those contemplating receiving a moko ensure that they are reasonably
fluent in te reo.

text: Contemporary attitudes to traditional facial ta moko: A working paper Until it came under serious attack from nineteenth century missionaries, ta moko was an
integral part of traditional Maori society. Facial moko conveyed important information about
identity, whakapapa and status. The process of receiving a moko was tapu and highly regulated.
Recent years have seen an increase in the number of Maori receiving ta moko. Moko have been
seen as a symbol of Maori pride and identity and have often been associated with political
activism. This study set out to investigate the contemporary meaning of ta moko, the reactions
wearers encounter from others and the ways wearers cope with those reactions.
Three case studies are presented. These show that the issues of personal identity and
whakapapa were central to the meaning wearers attached to their moko. Receiving a moko was
often associated with significant personal changes and an increased political commitment to
Maori self determination. On the whole, positive reactions were more common than negative
reactions but wearers did find themselves subjected to racist and antagonistic responses.
Wearing moko was also reported to mean that others, particularly other Maori, placed certain
expectations on the wearer, notably to be fluent in te reo and to be able to exercise leadership.
Participants considered that there was a need for education about the significance of ta moko
and recommended that those contemplating receiving a moko ensure that they are reasonably
fluent in te reo.

year: 1999