title: Paleogeomorphic reconstruction of the Omokoroa Domain, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

authors: Christophers, Amy Jane

subjects: Omokoroa

abstract: Omokoroa Peninsula, located on the shores of Tauranga Harbour, has undergone major land use changes with associated shoreline modifications; becoming increasingly urbanised since the 1950s. A low-lying area on the northeastern side of the peninsula, referred to loosely as the Omokoroa Domain, is important to the community for recreational use and as a location for a vehicular ferry service to Matakana Island. Sedimentation issues in the vicinity of the boat ramp have created problems regarding access to the boat ramp, as well as requiring protection works to deal with shoreline erosion. The primary aim of this research was to determine the geomorphic evolution of the Omokoroa Domain and assess the processes that contribute to the long-term stability and future evolution of the shoreline.

A range of different techniques were used to assess the prehistoric and historic geomorphic changes and interpret the driving processes; and also to quantify modern processes operating around the Omokoroa Peninsula. These have included analysis of historic photos, particularly aerial photographs; examination of LIDAR and mapped information, such as the underlying geology; field observations of the stratigraphic units in the cliffs and shore platforms around the peninsula; collection of sediment samples from potential sources, transport pathways and sinks, and associations lab analyses to characterise the sediments; shallow coring to determine the near surface stratigraphy of coastal sediments; and the deployment of a range of instruments, and subsequent analysis of the collected data to define the hydrodynamic processes around the Omokoroa Peninsula.

The various lines of evidence analysed indicate the Omokoroa Domain can be classified as a cuspate spit, which enclosed a tidal lagoon that was infilled with landfill during the construction of roads on the Peninsula. The spit has developed in an area of low sedimentation, with a low potential for sediment transport. The sediment comprising the shoreline around the Omokoroa Domain is primarily derived from local sources, specifically from mass-wasting from the peninsula and predominantly from debris from landslides in the immediate vicinity of the Domain.

There is evidence of both a tsunami event and rapid deposition of most of the sediment after 1,652 ± 20 BP. This appears to be associated with a local earthquake that also produced a tsunami deposit at Waihi Beach. It is possible that ground shaking and vertical movement triggered landslide events around Omokoroa Peninsula.

Continuous tidal action and episodic wind generated waves are the primary factors influencing sediment transport, redistributing sediment around the Peninsula, and forming the cuspate spit and tidal lagoon. More recently, landslides have mostly formed on the western side of the Omokoroa Peninsula, with the sandy debris being transported around the peninsula to accumulate on the northern flank of the modified cuspate spit. This sediment is a minor contribution to the sedimentation problems at the boat ramp; the major issue being settling of fine sediment within the turbid fringe that has been enhanced by the shape of the present boat and vehicular ferry ramps, and associated wharf.

text: Paleogeomorphic reconstruction of the Omokoroa Domain, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Omokoroa Peninsula, located on the shores of Tauranga Harbour, has undergone major land use changes with associated shoreline modifications; becoming increasingly urbanised since the 1950s. A low-lying area on the northeastern side of the peninsula, referred to loosely as the Omokoroa Domain, is important to the community for recreational use and as a location for a vehicular ferry service to Matakana Island. Sedimentation issues in the vicinity of the boat ramp have created problems regarding access to the boat ramp, as well as requiring protection works to deal with shoreline erosion. The primary aim of this research was to determine the geomorphic evolution of the Omokoroa Domain and assess the processes that contribute to the long-term stability and future evolution of the shoreline.

A range of different techniques were used to assess the prehistoric and historic geomorphic changes and interpret the driving processes; and also to quantify modern processes operating around the Omokoroa Peninsula. These have included analysis of historic photos, particularly aerial photographs; examination of LIDAR and mapped information, such as the underlying geology; field observations of the stratigraphic units in the cliffs and shore platforms around the peninsula; collection of sediment samples from potential sources, transport pathways and sinks, and associations lab analyses to characterise the sediments; shallow coring to determine the near surface stratigraphy of coastal sediments; and the deployment of a range of instruments, and subsequent analysis of the collected data to define the hydrodynamic processes around the Omokoroa Peninsula.

The various lines of evidence analysed indicate the Omokoroa Domain can be classified as a cuspate spit, which enclosed a tidal lagoon that was infilled with landfill during the construction of roads on the Peninsula. The spit has developed in an area of low sedimentation, with a low potential for sediment transport. The sediment comprising the shoreline around the Omokoroa Domain is primarily derived from local sources, specifically from mass-wasting from the peninsula and predominantly from debris from landslides in the immediate vicinity of the Domain.

There is evidence of both a tsunami event and rapid deposition of most of the sediment after 1,652 ± 20 BP. This appears to be associated with a local earthquake that also produced a tsunami deposit at Waihi Beach. It is possible that ground shaking and vertical movement triggered landslide events around Omokoroa Peninsula.

Continuous tidal action and episodic wind generated waves are the primary factors influencing sediment transport, redistributing sediment around the Peninsula, and forming the cuspate spit and tidal lagoon. More recently, landslides have mostly formed on the western side of the Omokoroa Peninsula, with the sandy debris being transported around the peninsula to accumulate on the northern flank of the modified cuspate spit. This sediment is a minor contribution to the sedimentation problems at the boat ramp; the major issue being settling of fine sediment within the turbid fringe that has been enhanced by the shape of the present boat and vehicular ferry ramps, and associated wharf.

year: 2015

title: A comparative study of functional monomer and crosslinker ratios in the synthesis of  catechin-selective MIPs via suspension polymerisation

authors: Pitaduwa Gamage, Sandeepa  Thathsarani Wickramasinghe

subjects: molecularly imprinted polymers

abstract: Catechin contamination in food and environmental samples presents challenges for selective extraction and analysis, requiring advanced polymeric materials with high specificity and capacity. This study investigates the synthesis of catechin-selective molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) using suspension polymerisation, with a systematic evaluation of crosslinker-to-monomer (CL:M) and template-to-monomer (T:M) ratios. Polymers were prepared with CL:M ratios ranging from 1:1 to 4:1 and T:M ratios from 0 to 0.5, and characterised by particle size analysis, BET surface area and pore measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorption experiments were conducted at initial catechin concentrations of 2.5–10 mg/L, and binding isotherm models were applied to interpret the adsorption mechanisms.
Polymers synthesised at CL:M ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 with T:M = 0.125 exhibited the highest adsorption capacities, consistently achieving values above 0.080 mg/g at 10 mg/L catechin. These optimal conditions also produced polymers with yields up to 94.7%, median particle diameters between 1100–1500 μm, and average pore radii approaching 10 Å. In addition, SEM analysis revealed that optimal samples displayed uniform, spherical morphology with well-developed surface porosity, whereas non-optimal samples showed increased aggregation and denser, less accessible surfaces. Notably, the Temkin isotherm provided the best fit for the adsorption data (R² = 0.9807), indicating heterogeneous binding sites and significant adsorbate–adsorbate interactions. In contrast, higher crosslinker (CL:M= 4:1 and 3:1) or template ratios (T:M= 0.375 and 0.5) led to reduced adsorption capacity and, in some cases, persistent template leaching. These results indicate that extraction conditions must be carefully optimised, such as by increasing Soxhlet extraction time or adjusting solvent parameters, to ensure complete template removal and improve polymer performance in practical applications. Overall, these findings establish suspension polymerisation, combined with carefully optimised synthesis and extraction conditions, as an effective strategy for producing catechin-selective MIPs with enhanced selectivity, capacity, and reproducibility.

text: A comparative study of functional monomer and crosslinker ratios in the synthesis of  catechin-selective MIPs via suspension polymerisation Catechin contamination in food and environmental samples presents challenges for selective extraction and analysis, requiring advanced polymeric materials with high specificity and capacity. This study investigates the synthesis of catechin-selective molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) using suspension polymerisation, with a systematic evaluation of crosslinker-to-monomer (CL:M) and template-to-monomer (T:M) ratios. Polymers were prepared with CL:M ratios ranging from 1:1 to 4:1 and T:M ratios from 0 to 0.5, and characterised by particle size analysis, BET surface area and pore measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorption experiments were conducted at initial catechin concentrations of 2.5–10 mg/L, and binding isotherm models were applied to interpret the adsorption mechanisms.
Polymers synthesised at CL:M ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 with T:M = 0.125 exhibited the highest adsorption capacities, consistently achieving values above 0.080 mg/g at 10 mg/L catechin. These optimal conditions also produced polymers with yields up to 94.7%, median particle diameters between 1100–1500 μm, and average pore radii approaching 10 Å. In addition, SEM analysis revealed that optimal samples displayed uniform, spherical morphology with well-developed surface porosity, whereas non-optimal samples showed increased aggregation and denser, less accessible surfaces. Notably, the Temkin isotherm provided the best fit for the adsorption data (R² = 0.9807), indicating heterogeneous binding sites and significant adsorbate–adsorbate interactions. In contrast, higher crosslinker (CL:M= 4:1 and 3:1) or template ratios (T:M= 0.375 and 0.5) led to reduced adsorption capacity and, in some cases, persistent template leaching. These results indicate that extraction conditions must be carefully optimised, such as by increasing Soxhlet extraction time or adjusting solvent parameters, to ensure complete template removal and improve polymer performance in practical applications. Overall, these findings establish suspension polymerisation, combined with carefully optimised synthesis and extraction conditions, as an effective strategy for producing catechin-selective MIPs with enhanced selectivity, capacity, and reproducibility.

year: 2025-07-05

title: Speaking the unspoken: Maori experiences of racism in New Zealand sport

authors: Hippolite, Holly Raima

subjects: Maori

abstract: This research explores how being Maori influences Maori participants’ sport experiences and offers a critical Maori perspective on New Zealand sport. Ten experienced Maori sport participants were interviewed using Kaupapa Maori Research Methods which involved research performed by Maori, about Maori being Maori. This research grew out of discussions with Maori participants and explores their experiences as athletes, coaches, administrators and spectators, focusing on their interactions with Pakeha in Pakeha-dominated sport. Their experiences demonstrate personal, cultural and institutional racism in New Zealand sport and indicate how the power differentials in society impact on the ability of Maori to practice important cultural values in Pakeha-dominated contexts. I argue that racism is a factor affecting the relationships of Maori with Pakeha in key functionary positions in sport and identify a culture of denial that operates to marginalise discussions about racism generally. These participants’ experiences reflect cultural incapacity and blindness (Cross, Bazron, Dennis & Isaacs, 1989) by the dominant culture which have negative effects on the Maori participants including decisions to opt out of sport, feelings of hurt and frustration, a reduction in their commitment to national identity and a general sense that they are not considered as equals. The conclusion considers what is needed for New Zealand sport to become fully culturally inclusive; a situation desired by the participants and which has the potential to benefit everyone in sport.

text: Speaking the unspoken: Maori experiences of racism in New Zealand sport This research explores how being Maori influences Maori participants’ sport experiences and offers a critical Maori perspective on New Zealand sport. Ten experienced Maori sport participants were interviewed using Kaupapa Maori Research Methods which involved research performed by Maori, about Maori being Maori. This research grew out of discussions with Maori participants and explores their experiences as athletes, coaches, administrators and spectators, focusing on their interactions with Pakeha in Pakeha-dominated sport. Their experiences demonstrate personal, cultural and institutional racism in New Zealand sport and indicate how the power differentials in society impact on the ability of Maori to practice important cultural values in Pakeha-dominated contexts. I argue that racism is a factor affecting the relationships of Maori with Pakeha in key functionary positions in sport and identify a culture of denial that operates to marginalise discussions about racism generally. These participants’ experiences reflect cultural incapacity and blindness (Cross, Bazron, Dennis & Isaacs, 1989) by the dominant culture which have negative effects on the Maori participants including decisions to opt out of sport, feelings of hurt and frustration, a reduction in their commitment to national identity and a general sense that they are not considered as equals. The conclusion considers what is needed for New Zealand sport to become fully culturally inclusive; a situation desired by the participants and which has the potential to benefit everyone in sport.

year: 2010