title: The dynamics of expanding mangroves in New Zealand

authors: Horstman, Erik M.

subjects: temperate mangroves

abstract: In contrast to the global trend of mangrove decline, New Zealand mangroves are rapidly expanding, facilitated by elevated sediment inputs in coastal waters as a consequence of large-scale land use changes following European settlement. New Zealand mangroves are at the southern limit of the global mangrove extent, which limits the tree height of Avicennia marina var. australasica, the only mangrove species present. Mangroves in New Zealand thrive in the sheltered environments of infilling drowned river valleys with abundant supply of fine terrigenous sediments, showing various stages of mangrove succession and expansion dynamics. Bio-physical interactions and carbon dynamics in these expanding temperate mangrove systems show similarities to, but also differ from those in tropical mangrove forests, for instance due to the limited height and complexity of the mangrove communities. Likewise, ecosystem services provided by New Zealand mangroves deviate from those offered by tropical mangroves. In particular, the association of mangrove expansion with the accumulation of (the increased supply of) fine sediments and the consequent change of estuarine ecosystems, has provoked a negative perception of mangrove expansion and subsequently led to mangrove clearance. Over recent decades, a body of knowledge has been developed regarding the planning and decision making relating to mangrove removal, yet there are still effects that are unknown, for example with respect to the post-clearance recovery of the original sandflat ecosystems. In this chapter we discuss the dynamics of New Zealand’s expanding mangroves from a range of viewpoints, with the aim of elucidating the possible contributions of expanding mangroves to coastal ecosystem services, now and in the future. This chapter also reviews current policies and practice regarding mangrove removal in New Zealand and addresses the (un)known effects of mangrove clearance. These combined insights may contribute to the development of integrated coastal management strategies that recognise the full potential of expanding mangrove ecosystems.

text: The dynamics of expanding mangroves in New Zealand In contrast to the global trend of mangrove decline, New Zealand mangroves are rapidly expanding, facilitated by elevated sediment inputs in coastal waters as a consequence of large-scale land use changes following European settlement. New Zealand mangroves are at the southern limit of the global mangrove extent, which limits the tree height of Avicennia marina var. australasica, the only mangrove species present. Mangroves in New Zealand thrive in the sheltered environments of infilling drowned river valleys with abundant supply of fine terrigenous sediments, showing various stages of mangrove succession and expansion dynamics. Bio-physical interactions and carbon dynamics in these expanding temperate mangrove systems show similarities to, but also differ from those in tropical mangrove forests, for instance due to the limited height and complexity of the mangrove communities. Likewise, ecosystem services provided by New Zealand mangroves deviate from those offered by tropical mangroves. In particular, the association of mangrove expansion with the accumulation of (the increased supply of) fine sediments and the consequent change of estuarine ecosystems, has provoked a negative perception of mangrove expansion and subsequently led to mangrove clearance. Over recent decades, a body of knowledge has been developed regarding the planning and decision making relating to mangrove removal, yet there are still effects that are unknown, for example with respect to the post-clearance recovery of the original sandflat ecosystems. In this chapter we discuss the dynamics of New Zealand’s expanding mangroves from a range of viewpoints, with the aim of elucidating the possible contributions of expanding mangroves to coastal ecosystem services, now and in the future. This chapter also reviews current policies and practice regarding mangrove removal in New Zealand and addresses the (un)known effects of mangrove clearance. These combined insights may contribute to the development of integrated coastal management strategies that recognise the full potential of expanding mangrove ecosystems.

year: 2018

title: An investigation into classroom teachers' perceptions of the value of assessment for formative purposes in secondary schools in Solomon Islands

authors: Walani, Nathan Douglas

subjects: Formative

abstract: A key purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of classroom
teachers' perceptions of the value and impact of formative assessment in
secondary schools in Solomon Islands. The process of data collection included
initial interviews with five classroom teachers selected from four secondary
schools in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The interviews were conducted using semistructured
interviews with each of the teachers and ended with a focus group
conversation. The findings of this study indicated that formative assessment, as a
classroom strategy, does have a place in secondary schools in Solomon Islands.
Assessment for learning (AfL) is currently employed by these teachers, but the
form of formative assessment as reported being used in Solomon Islands
secondary school classrooms is limited by policies, systems and methods
employed by schools.
This study suggests that if classroom teachers are to become effective 'mediators
of learning' they must have a better theoretical understanding of social
constructivism and metacognition. Otherwise, assessment will always sit outside
the process of learning, and classroom teachers and learners will always play
traditional rather than contemporary roles in the learning and teaching (and
assessment) process. For improvements to be made in areas highlighted in this
study, focus must be on teacher knowledge and ability and the policies and
practices of schools. Unless teachers, students, parents and policymakers see and
value the potential of formative assessment, it will continue to be underemphasized,
under-valued and under-used.

text: An investigation into classroom teachers' perceptions of the value of assessment for formative purposes in secondary schools in Solomon Islands A key purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of classroom
teachers' perceptions of the value and impact of formative assessment in
secondary schools in Solomon Islands. The process of data collection included
initial interviews with five classroom teachers selected from four secondary
schools in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The interviews were conducted using semistructured
interviews with each of the teachers and ended with a focus group
conversation. The findings of this study indicated that formative assessment, as a
classroom strategy, does have a place in secondary schools in Solomon Islands.
Assessment for learning (AfL) is currently employed by these teachers, but the
form of formative assessment as reported being used in Solomon Islands
secondary school classrooms is limited by policies, systems and methods
employed by schools.
This study suggests that if classroom teachers are to become effective 'mediators
of learning' they must have a better theoretical understanding of social
constructivism and metacognition. Otherwise, assessment will always sit outside
the process of learning, and classroom teachers and learners will always play
traditional rather than contemporary roles in the learning and teaching (and
assessment) process. For improvements to be made in areas highlighted in this
study, focus must be on teacher knowledge and ability and the policies and
practices of schools. Unless teachers, students, parents and policymakers see and
value the potential of formative assessment, it will continue to be underemphasized,
under-valued and under-used.

year: 2009

title: HIV diagnoses in indigenous peoples: comparison of Australia, Canada and New Zealand

authors: Shea, Beverley

subjects: HIV

abstract: In industrial countries, a number of factors put indigenous peoples at increased risk of HIV infection. National surveillance data between 1999 and 2008 provided diagnoses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (Australia), First Nations, Inuit and Métis (Canada excluding Ontario and Quebec) and Māori (New Zealand). Each country provided similar data for a non-indigenous comparison population. Direct standardisation used the 2001 Canadian Aboriginal male population for comparison of five-year diagnosis rates in 1999–2003 and 2004–2008. Using the general population as denominators, we report diagnosis ratios for presumed heterosexual transmission, men who have sex with men (MSM) and intravenous drug users (IDU). Age standardised HIV diagnosis rates in indigenous peoples in Canada in 2004–2008 (178.1 and 178.4/100 000 for men and women respectively) were higher than in Australia (48.5 and 12.9/100 000) and New Zealand (41.9 and 4.3/100 000). Higher HIV diagnosis rates related to heterosexual contact among Aboriginal peoples, especially women, in Canada confirm a widening epidemic beyond the conventional risk groups. This potential of a generalised epidemic requires urgent attention in Aboriginal communities; available evidence can inform policy and action by all stakeholders. Although less striking in Australia and New Zealand, these findings may be relevant to indigenous peoples in other countries.

text: HIV diagnoses in indigenous peoples: comparison of Australia, Canada and New Zealand In industrial countries, a number of factors put indigenous peoples at increased risk of HIV infection. National surveillance data between 1999 and 2008 provided diagnoses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (Australia), First Nations, Inuit and Métis (Canada excluding Ontario and Quebec) and Māori (New Zealand). Each country provided similar data for a non-indigenous comparison population. Direct standardisation used the 2001 Canadian Aboriginal male population for comparison of five-year diagnosis rates in 1999–2003 and 2004–2008. Using the general population as denominators, we report diagnosis ratios for presumed heterosexual transmission, men who have sex with men (MSM) and intravenous drug users (IDU). Age standardised HIV diagnosis rates in indigenous peoples in Canada in 2004–2008 (178.1 and 178.4/100 000 for men and women respectively) were higher than in Australia (48.5 and 12.9/100 000) and New Zealand (41.9 and 4.3/100 000). Higher HIV diagnosis rates related to heterosexual contact among Aboriginal peoples, especially women, in Canada confirm a widening epidemic beyond the conventional risk groups. This potential of a generalised epidemic requires urgent attention in Aboriginal communities; available evidence can inform policy and action by all stakeholders. Although less striking in Australia and New Zealand, these findings may be relevant to indigenous peoples in other countries.

year: 2011