title: Modifying hydrological regime and catchment land use to improve water quality in Lake Waikare: Modelled insights

authors: Prentice, Matthew James

abstract: Effective management of eutrophication in large, shallow, lakes is particularly challenging, especially in catchments dominated by agricultural activities. These challenges are further exacerbated in lakes that have undergone significant hydrological and biogeochemical modification. In these systems, effective hydrological management strategies may involve increasing discharge rates to promote flushing and modifying lake depth to reduce the effects of wind-induced sediment resuspension, while effective biogeochemical modification may involve improving catchment management practices to reduce external nutrient loading. In this study, we present a modelling investigation of Lake Waikare, Waikato, New Zealand; a large (surface area: 34 km²), shallow (mean depth: 1.2 m), hypereutrophic lake that has experienced significant hydrological modification and water quality deterioration since the early 1900s.

text: Modifying hydrological regime and catchment land use to improve water quality in Lake Waikare: Modelled insights Effective management of eutrophication in large, shallow, lakes is particularly challenging, especially in catchments dominated by agricultural activities. These challenges are further exacerbated in lakes that have undergone significant hydrological and biogeochemical modification. In these systems, effective hydrological management strategies may involve increasing discharge rates to promote flushing and modifying lake depth to reduce the effects of wind-induced sediment resuspension, while effective biogeochemical modification may involve improving catchment management practices to reduce external nutrient loading. In this study, we present a modelling investigation of Lake Waikare, Waikato, New Zealand; a large (surface area: 34 km²), shallow (mean depth: 1.2 m), hypereutrophic lake that has experienced significant hydrological modification and water quality deterioration since the early 1900s.

year: 2025

title: Using a serious game to promote community-based awareness and prevention of neglected tropical diseases

authors: Luz, Saturnino

subjects: computer science

abstract: A serious game is presented which embodies an approach to disease prevention and management that is community-based and incorporates principles of the One Health framework—a broader view of healthcare that encompasses people, animals and the environment. The game focuses specifically on two related neglected and emerging infectious tropical diseases, namely Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL). It seeks to inform and encourage changes in behaviours and attitudes in local populations, while involving multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals and researchers. The design of the learning outcomes, gameplay, client interface, and architecture of the game are discussed in detail, along with the process of collaboration among a team of computer scientists, designers, medical researchers, and practitioners which underpinned the development of the game. An expert study conducted to gather feedback from a multidisciplinary group of participants comprising medical researchers, veterinarians, healthcare service administrators, and community healthcare providers is presented which forms part of our initial assessment of this approach. The results of this study and their implications for the design of similar health-related serious games are also discussed.

text: Using a serious game to promote community-based awareness and prevention of neglected tropical diseases A serious game is presented which embodies an approach to disease prevention and management that is community-based and incorporates principles of the One Health framework—a broader view of healthcare that encompasses people, animals and the environment. The game focuses specifically on two related neglected and emerging infectious tropical diseases, namely Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL). It seeks to inform and encourage changes in behaviours and attitudes in local populations, while involving multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals and researchers. The design of the learning outcomes, gameplay, client interface, and architecture of the game are discussed in detail, along with the process of collaboration among a team of computer scientists, designers, medical researchers, and practitioners which underpinned the development of the game. An expert study conducted to gather feedback from a multidisciplinary group of participants comprising medical researchers, veterinarians, healthcare service administrators, and community healthcare providers is presented which forms part of our initial assessment of this approach. The results of this study and their implications for the design of similar health-related serious games are also discussed.

year: 2015

title: ‘He reka te wai o te hua pango: The darker the berry the sweeter the juice.' The experiences of Māori women in educational leadership in mainstream secondary schools.

authors: Taukamo, Trudy

subjects: New Zealand leadership

abstract: Although there has been a growing interest in Māori women in educational leadership, the research base in New Zealand is still limited. This study provides insights into the challenges and experiences of four Māori women who occupy a formal leadership position in a mainstream secondary school. It used a qualitative kaupapa Māori research framework. Data were collected using semi-structured one-on-one interview with open-ended questions. The four women were selected from Māori women who currently hold a formal leadership position at a senior management level in a mainstream secondary school and who identify as Māori. The reason for the purposive sample was the critical under-representation of Māori women in formal educational leadership roles. This study revealed three important aspects. Firstly, a person’s upbringing and background has a significant impact on the principles and values which underpin leadership. Secondly, it was evident that a support system whether personal or professional was crucial in a leadership position. Finally, the influences of opportunities and appointments to leadership were important in educational leadership. Clearly, the findings point to a need for a stronger mentoring programme and effective networking of Māori women. Tertiary studies and leadership programs can aid the career pathways for aspiring leaders. However, what is clear is the need for more research specific to the New Zealand context and Māori women.

text: ‘He reka te wai o te hua pango: The darker the berry the sweeter the juice.' The experiences of Māori women in educational leadership in mainstream secondary schools. Although there has been a growing interest in Māori women in educational leadership, the research base in New Zealand is still limited. This study provides insights into the challenges and experiences of four Māori women who occupy a formal leadership position in a mainstream secondary school. It used a qualitative kaupapa Māori research framework. Data were collected using semi-structured one-on-one interview with open-ended questions. The four women were selected from Māori women who currently hold a formal leadership position at a senior management level in a mainstream secondary school and who identify as Māori. The reason for the purposive sample was the critical under-representation of Māori women in formal educational leadership roles. This study revealed three important aspects. Firstly, a person’s upbringing and background has a significant impact on the principles and values which underpin leadership. Secondly, it was evident that a support system whether personal or professional was crucial in a leadership position. Finally, the influences of opportunities and appointments to leadership were important in educational leadership. Clearly, the findings point to a need for a stronger mentoring programme and effective networking of Māori women. Tertiary studies and leadership programs can aid the career pathways for aspiring leaders. However, what is clear is the need for more research specific to the New Zealand context and Māori women.

year: 2011