title: Nematode beta diversity on the continental slope of New Zealand: spatial patterns and environmental drivers

authors: Leduc, Daniel

subjects: Challenger Plateau

abstract: The management of marine biodiversity relies on sound knowledge of beta (or turnover) and gamma (or regional) diversity patterns, but such knowledge is largely lacking for continental slope environments. Here, we used free-living nematodes to investigate spatial and environmental patterns of beta and gamma diversity on 2 major seabed features of the New Zealand continental slope, Chatham Rise and Challenger Plateau. Species gamma diversity on Chatham Rise was about twice that observed on Challenger Plateau, which likely reflected the greater number of sites sampled and greater range of environmental conditions encompassed by our sampling on the former. Mean Bray-Curtis dissimilarity in community structure/composition (i.e. beta diversity) between Chatham Rise and Challenger Plateau, though high (>80%), was only marginally greater than within-region dissimilarity, and the beta diversity patterns we observed were mainly driven by factors acting at smaller (i.e. among-site) spatial scales. Sediment physicochemical characteristics (i.e. microhabitat heterogeneity) were the main environmental driver of nematode species and genus beta diversity, and explained about a fifth of the variability. Spatial structure explained a similar proportion of species beta diversity, which, because our sampling strategy was designed to maximise the range of environments sampled across the study areas, may suggest an influence of environment at scales beyond that of the individual cores. A similarity profile test (SIMPROF) identified 9 sample groups based on species data, suggesting a relatively high level of heterogeneity on the open slope of New Zealand.

text: Nematode beta diversity on the continental slope of New Zealand: spatial patterns and environmental drivers The management of marine biodiversity relies on sound knowledge of beta (or turnover) and gamma (or regional) diversity patterns, but such knowledge is largely lacking for continental slope environments. Here, we used free-living nematodes to investigate spatial and environmental patterns of beta and gamma diversity on 2 major seabed features of the New Zealand continental slope, Chatham Rise and Challenger Plateau. Species gamma diversity on Chatham Rise was about twice that observed on Challenger Plateau, which likely reflected the greater number of sites sampled and greater range of environmental conditions encompassed by our sampling on the former. Mean Bray-Curtis dissimilarity in community structure/composition (i.e. beta diversity) between Chatham Rise and Challenger Plateau, though high (>80%), was only marginally greater than within-region dissimilarity, and the beta diversity patterns we observed were mainly driven by factors acting at smaller (i.e. among-site) spatial scales. Sediment physicochemical characteristics (i.e. microhabitat heterogeneity) were the main environmental driver of nematode species and genus beta diversity, and explained about a fifth of the variability. Spatial structure explained a similar proportion of species beta diversity, which, because our sampling strategy was designed to maximise the range of environments sampled across the study areas, may suggest an influence of environment at scales beyond that of the individual cores. A similarity profile test (SIMPROF) identified 9 sample groups based on species data, suggesting a relatively high level of heterogeneity on the open slope of New Zealand.

year: 2012

title: Men's re-placement: Social practices in a Men's Shed

authors: Anstiss, David

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Transitions into retirement can be difficult at the best of times. Many men find themselves having to reflect on who they are and what their lives are about. Their access to social supports and material resources are often disrupted. Men's Sheds offer a space where retired men can actively pursue wellbeing, and respond to disruption and loneliness through emplaced community practices. This paper draws on ethnographic research in a Men's Shed in Auckland, New Zealand in order to explore the social practices through which men create a shared space for themselves in which they can engage in meaningful relationships with each other. We document how participants work in concert to create a space in which they can be together through collective labour. Their emplacement in the shed affords opportunities for supported transitions into retirement and for engaging healthy lives beyond paid employment.

text: Men's re-placement: Social practices in a Men's Shed Transitions into retirement can be difficult at the best of times. Many men find themselves having to reflect on who they are and what their lives are about. Their access to social supports and material resources are often disrupted. Men's Sheds offer a space where retired men can actively pursue wellbeing, and respond to disruption and loneliness through emplaced community practices. This paper draws on ethnographic research in a Men's Shed in Auckland, New Zealand in order to explore the social practices through which men create a shared space for themselves in which they can engage in meaningful relationships with each other. We document how participants work in concert to create a space in which they can be together through collective labour. Their emplacement in the shed affords opportunities for supported transitions into retirement and for engaging healthy lives beyond paid employment.

year: 2018

title: Ka Māpuna: Towards a rangatiratanga framework for the governance of waterways

authors: Martin, Betsan

abstract: Rangatiratanga is thenavigational courseforthis research, the aspiration that guides a frameworkfor thegovernance which, in respect ofwaterways and Te Taiao secures mauri, ecosystem health, and water for domestic and commercial use. Rangatiratanga encompasses mana whakahaeredecision-making throughout all relevantgovernance systems. In respect of resource governance, this needs to be achieved through mana whenua authorities and co-governance institutions and procedures.

text: Ka Māpuna: Towards a rangatiratanga framework for the governance of waterways Rangatiratanga is thenavigational courseforthis research, the aspiration that guides a frameworkfor thegovernance which, in respect ofwaterways and Te Taiao secures mauri, ecosystem health, and water for domestic and commercial use. Rangatiratanga encompasses mana whakahaeredecision-making throughout all relevantgovernance systems. In respect of resource governance, this needs to be achieved through mana whenua authorities and co-governance institutions and procedures.

year: 2021