title: Economic Valuation of Water Quality Improvements in New Zealand

authors: Mkwara, Lena Asimenye

subjects: Water quality

abstract: Efficient decision making in environmental management requires good data on the costs and benefits of changes in environmental quality. However, full assessment of the benefits of better water quality has been a challenge because some of the component values cannot be directly measured. The advent of non-market valuation techniques has made it possible to estimate these values. In this thesis, the travel cost random utility model and fishing choice data from the National Angling Survey are used to assess the benefits of better water quality for trout anglers in the Rotorua Lakes and a choice experiment is used to assess the benefits of cleaner streams for Karapiro catchment residents. We also explore three methodological aspects which may affect non market value estimates, namely within season variability, scale heterogeneity across individuals and respondent perceptions of the status quo.

Accounting for within-season variability in site attributes that are variable across the season may reduce multicollinearity. We find that differences in welfare estimates between models accounting for within-season variability and those that do not may result from differences in attribute and collinearity levels or the combined effect of both. We assess whether benefit estimates remain stable over time using models that account for scale heterogeneity across individuals and demonstrate that ignoring scale heterogeneity across the sampled population may result in researchers erroneously concluding that estimates of marginal willingness to pay are stable over time. A choice experiment on preferences for stream water quality is used to assess the effects of respondent’s perception of status quo conditions on welfare estimates. The results build on earlier findings which suggest that failure to take account of respondents’ beliefs leads to biased welfare estimates.

Overall we find that lakes with better water clarity, that are larger in size, with bigger fish, more facilities and more forest cover are preferred. Similarly, streams with water quality that is suitable for swimming and where trout are found, are preferred. We estimate the aggregate annual benefit for anglers of a one metre increase in water clarity in all the Rotorua Lakes which currently have poor or average water water quality to be NZ$2.3 million. The travel cost RUM is also used to assess the overall benefit that trout anglers obtain from each lake. The annual level of these benefits totals NZ$21.7 million.

text: Economic Valuation of Water Quality Improvements in New Zealand Efficient decision making in environmental management requires good data on the costs and benefits of changes in environmental quality. However, full assessment of the benefits of better water quality has been a challenge because some of the component values cannot be directly measured. The advent of non-market valuation techniques has made it possible to estimate these values. In this thesis, the travel cost random utility model and fishing choice data from the National Angling Survey are used to assess the benefits of better water quality for trout anglers in the Rotorua Lakes and a choice experiment is used to assess the benefits of cleaner streams for Karapiro catchment residents. We also explore three methodological aspects which may affect non market value estimates, namely within season variability, scale heterogeneity across individuals and respondent perceptions of the status quo.

Accounting for within-season variability in site attributes that are variable across the season may reduce multicollinearity. We find that differences in welfare estimates between models accounting for within-season variability and those that do not may result from differences in attribute and collinearity levels or the combined effect of both. We assess whether benefit estimates remain stable over time using models that account for scale heterogeneity across individuals and demonstrate that ignoring scale heterogeneity across the sampled population may result in researchers erroneously concluding that estimates of marginal willingness to pay are stable over time. A choice experiment on preferences for stream water quality is used to assess the effects of respondent’s perception of status quo conditions on welfare estimates. The results build on earlier findings which suggest that failure to take account of respondents’ beliefs leads to biased welfare estimates.

Overall we find that lakes with better water clarity, that are larger in size, with bigger fish, more facilities and more forest cover are preferred. Similarly, streams with water quality that is suitable for swimming and where trout are found, are preferred. We estimate the aggregate annual benefit for anglers of a one metre increase in water clarity in all the Rotorua Lakes which currently have poor or average water water quality to be NZ$2.3 million. The travel cost RUM is also used to assess the overall benefit that trout anglers obtain from each lake. The annual level of these benefits totals NZ$21.7 million.

year: 2015

title: Assessing the welfare of captive male giraffes in a bachelor herd using behavioural and hormonal analysis

authors: Grigg, Holly Rachel

subjects: Captive giraffe

abstract: As biodiversity continues to decline, zoos play an essential role in ex-situ species conservation. An animal’s ability to feel pain and pleasure drives the need to ensure zoos maintain high animal welfare standards. This thesis aimed to assess the welfare of four male giraffes housed in a bachelor herd at Hamilton Zoo due to concerns about some individuals’ social and stereotypical behaviour. This aim was achieved using non-invasive behavioural observations and faecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) analysis. 

Behavioural observations and the collection of faecal samples occurred over 12 weeks. Behavioural analysis investigated the giraffes’ social dynamic, stereotypical behaviour, and enrichment engagement. Faecal cortisol metabolite analysis investigated how each giraffe’s behaviour correlated to their stress levels. Faecal cortisol metabolite analysis also included three giraffes housed in another bachelor herd at Gibbs Farm to identify if the giraffes at each institution experienced similar welfare concerns.   

At Hamilton Zoo, the giraffes’ social dynamic was influenced by a hierarchy. The hierarchy was similar to that displayed by wild males and likely reduced social conflict. The expression of same-sex sexual behaviour such as following and investigating also influenced the giraffes’ social dynamic. All four giraffes expressed oral stereotypes with the underlying cause likely feeding motivation. One giraffe displayed pacing stereotypes more frequently than the others. Pacing occurred more regularly before movement to the day enclosure, and there was a positive correlation between pacing and being followed by another giraffe. Therefore, pacing likely occurred due to anticipation or social stress associated with being followed. Foraging enrichment had little impact on the giraffes’ behaviour. 

In the wild, subordinate males often experience higher FCM levels. However, the subordinate males at Hamilton Zoo did not experience the highest FCM levels. In comparison, the subordinate male at Gibbs Farm did exhibit the highest FCM levels. These variations may be due to the different herd and enclosure sizes at each institution. The expression of pacing stereotypes did not correlate with elevated FCM levels suggesting that stress may not be the underlying cause of that behaviour. Interestingly, the dominant male at Hamilton Zoo displayed the highest FCM levels. These FCM levels were likely due to pain associated with his hoof-related health issues. Foraging enrichment did reduce one giraffe’s FCM levels, but additional data would be needed to draw more definite conclusions about this.

Behavioural observations and FCM analysis often provided contrasting results about the giraffes’ welfare at Hamilton Zoo. Contrasting results are not uncommon and they often spark conflict over what defines optimal welfare and what assessment methods are valid. Perhaps the best welfare assessments will be achieved when scientists consider all views and use multiple assessment methods in conjunction. Hamilton Zoo can use the findings from this thesis to guide its husbandry routines to ensure they support each giraffe’s welfare needs. High welfare standards will enable zoos to act as ethical arks that spark a passion for conservation in their community.

text: Assessing the welfare of captive male giraffes in a bachelor herd using behavioural and hormonal analysis As biodiversity continues to decline, zoos play an essential role in ex-situ species conservation. An animal’s ability to feel pain and pleasure drives the need to ensure zoos maintain high animal welfare standards. This thesis aimed to assess the welfare of four male giraffes housed in a bachelor herd at Hamilton Zoo due to concerns about some individuals’ social and stereotypical behaviour. This aim was achieved using non-invasive behavioural observations and faecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) analysis. 

Behavioural observations and the collection of faecal samples occurred over 12 weeks. Behavioural analysis investigated the giraffes’ social dynamic, stereotypical behaviour, and enrichment engagement. Faecal cortisol metabolite analysis investigated how each giraffe’s behaviour correlated to their stress levels. Faecal cortisol metabolite analysis also included three giraffes housed in another bachelor herd at Gibbs Farm to identify if the giraffes at each institution experienced similar welfare concerns.   

At Hamilton Zoo, the giraffes’ social dynamic was influenced by a hierarchy. The hierarchy was similar to that displayed by wild males and likely reduced social conflict. The expression of same-sex sexual behaviour such as following and investigating also influenced the giraffes’ social dynamic. All four giraffes expressed oral stereotypes with the underlying cause likely feeding motivation. One giraffe displayed pacing stereotypes more frequently than the others. Pacing occurred more regularly before movement to the day enclosure, and there was a positive correlation between pacing and being followed by another giraffe. Therefore, pacing likely occurred due to anticipation or social stress associated with being followed. Foraging enrichment had little impact on the giraffes’ behaviour. 

In the wild, subordinate males often experience higher FCM levels. However, the subordinate males at Hamilton Zoo did not experience the highest FCM levels. In comparison, the subordinate male at Gibbs Farm did exhibit the highest FCM levels. These variations may be due to the different herd and enclosure sizes at each institution. The expression of pacing stereotypes did not correlate with elevated FCM levels suggesting that stress may not be the underlying cause of that behaviour. Interestingly, the dominant male at Hamilton Zoo displayed the highest FCM levels. These FCM levels were likely due to pain associated with his hoof-related health issues. Foraging enrichment did reduce one giraffe’s FCM levels, but additional data would be needed to draw more definite conclusions about this.

Behavioural observations and FCM analysis often provided contrasting results about the giraffes’ welfare at Hamilton Zoo. Contrasting results are not uncommon and they often spark conflict over what defines optimal welfare and what assessment methods are valid. Perhaps the best welfare assessments will be achieved when scientists consider all views and use multiple assessment methods in conjunction. Hamilton Zoo can use the findings from this thesis to guide its husbandry routines to ensure they support each giraffe’s welfare needs. High welfare standards will enable zoos to act as ethical arks that spark a passion for conservation in their community.

year: 2021

title: “I learned quite a lot of the Maths stuff now that I think of it”: Māori Medium Students reflecting on their Initial Teacher Education

authors: Hawera, Ngārewa

subjects: initial teacher education

abstract: Research involving preservice or initial teacher education (ITE) indicates that mathematics education is a vital component of study. Little is known however, of indigenous student views of their compulsory mathematics education courses for a teaching degree. This research contributes to that knowledge space as it explores Māori medium ITE students’ perceptions of mathematics education in Aotearoa New Zealand. A thematic and qualitative analysis of a focused group discussion provides insights into key factors that students reported as significant links between their university and practicum experiences (teaching practice in schools). Some suggestions for strengthening that programme were also expressed. Findings indicate that factors linked to teacher ‘cultural competencies’, including an ethic of care, respectful relationships, revision of content knowledge, language learning, assessment practices, exposure to different ideas and planning and pedagogy were important. Navigating student-mentor teacher tensions as well as clarifying the significance of ideas in texts were highlighted as areas for strengthening. Mathematics educators preparing students for indigenous primary school settings may find this study useful.

text: “I learned quite a lot of the Maths stuff now that I think of it”: Māori Medium Students reflecting on their Initial Teacher Education Research involving preservice or initial teacher education (ITE) indicates that mathematics education is a vital component of study. Little is known however, of indigenous student views of their compulsory mathematics education courses for a teaching degree. This research contributes to that knowledge space as it explores Māori medium ITE students’ perceptions of mathematics education in Aotearoa New Zealand. A thematic and qualitative analysis of a focused group discussion provides insights into key factors that students reported as significant links between their university and practicum experiences (teaching practice in schools). Some suggestions for strengthening that programme were also expressed. Findings indicate that factors linked to teacher ‘cultural competencies’, including an ethic of care, respectful relationships, revision of content knowledge, language learning, assessment practices, exposure to different ideas and planning and pedagogy were important. Navigating student-mentor teacher tensions as well as clarifying the significance of ideas in texts were highlighted as areas for strengthening. Mathematics educators preparing students for indigenous primary school settings may find this study useful.

year: 2017