title: Happiness

authors: Weijers, Dan M.

abstract: In this presentation, Dan introduces the concepts around happiness and resilience and then discusses some of the scientifically supported ways to find a bit more joy, contentment, and peace of mind in this hectic world.

text: Happiness In this presentation, Dan introduces the concepts around happiness and resilience and then discusses some of the scientifically supported ways to find a bit more joy, contentment, and peace of mind in this hectic world.

year: 2024-03-27

title: Texture and chemistry of pyrite from the Waihi epithermal system, Hauraki Goldfield, New Zealand

authors: Eames, Anna G.

subjects: pyrite

abstract: The Waihi epithermal system is a low sulfidation epithermal system that hosts one of the largest epithermal Au-Ag deposits in the Southern Hemisphere. Various sulfide minerals are present within the system, including pyrite (FeS2), one of the most abundant sulfide minerals on Earth. Pyrite is an archive for hydrothermal fluid chemistry due to its crystal structure enabling incorporation of other elements such as Co, Ni, Se, As, Te. The presence or absence of these elements reflects the changes in the hydrothermal fluid chemistry throughout the growth of the grain. The textural variations in the grains indicates changes in growth conditions for each grain at the time of formation. The chemistry of each different zone, coupled with stages of growth, indicates the chemical influences on the pyrite in the Waihi system at that time. 

The use of petrographic, EPMA and LA-ICPMS analyses demonstrates distinctive textural zones within pyrite grains, varying in chemistry and appearance. Some zones contain elevated concentrations of Au and Ag, and varying concentrations of Cu, Pb or Zn. The textural observations indicate pyrite growth was interrupted by periods of dissolution before the grain continued growing. Most grains begin growth with high trace element concentrations. The lowest concentrations of trace elements occur in the outer growth phase. Inclusions are rich in Pb, Ca, Se, Zn, Au and Ni, and cause the ‘dirty’ texture observed in grains. The distinctive textural features are attributed to the varying concentrations in Au, As, Cu, Zn, Ag and Te. 

This research showcases the dynamics of hydrothermal fluid flow at Waihi, revealing that the gold-forming hydrothermal system at Waihi are more complex than initially thought. There is both evidence for periods of low gold pyrite growth, and periods of high pyrite growth.

text: Texture and chemistry of pyrite from the Waihi epithermal system, Hauraki Goldfield, New Zealand The Waihi epithermal system is a low sulfidation epithermal system that hosts one of the largest epithermal Au-Ag deposits in the Southern Hemisphere. Various sulfide minerals are present within the system, including pyrite (FeS2), one of the most abundant sulfide minerals on Earth. Pyrite is an archive for hydrothermal fluid chemistry due to its crystal structure enabling incorporation of other elements such as Co, Ni, Se, As, Te. The presence or absence of these elements reflects the changes in the hydrothermal fluid chemistry throughout the growth of the grain. The textural variations in the grains indicates changes in growth conditions for each grain at the time of formation. The chemistry of each different zone, coupled with stages of growth, indicates the chemical influences on the pyrite in the Waihi system at that time. 

The use of petrographic, EPMA and LA-ICPMS analyses demonstrates distinctive textural zones within pyrite grains, varying in chemistry and appearance. Some zones contain elevated concentrations of Au and Ag, and varying concentrations of Cu, Pb or Zn. The textural observations indicate pyrite growth was interrupted by periods of dissolution before the grain continued growing. Most grains begin growth with high trace element concentrations. The lowest concentrations of trace elements occur in the outer growth phase. Inclusions are rich in Pb, Ca, Se, Zn, Au and Ni, and cause the ‘dirty’ texture observed in grains. The distinctive textural features are attributed to the varying concentrations in Au, As, Cu, Zn, Ag and Te. 

This research showcases the dynamics of hydrothermal fluid flow at Waihi, revealing that the gold-forming hydrothermal system at Waihi are more complex than initially thought. There is both evidence for periods of low gold pyrite growth, and periods of high pyrite growth.

year: 2017

title: Pākehā Roots: Is claiming a Pākehā identity based on ethnic heritage or ethical choice?

authors: Green, Lynda

subjects: Authenticity

abstract: Development of a Pākehā identity has been an ongoing process since the first influx of people from the Northern Hemisphere set foot on the shores of Aotearoa. Originally the term Pākehā served as a generic term to distinguish early European colonisers from the Indigenous population who came to be known under the generic term of Māori. Both of these terms separated two groups of residents that have come to be known under the broader title of New Zealander. 

Chapter 2 begins with providing definitions from a range of sources describing some origins and definitions of the term Pākehā, discussion around the appropriateness of the term and how it can be used in our current timeframe to show empathy with Māori and their struggle for self-determination. A brief overview of human migration to the British Isles then the resulting migration to Aotearoa provides historical context to our pre-Pākehā heritage. Following this is a snapshot of some of our earliest Pākehā settlers which leads into the extent our governing bodies enlisted assisted immigrants to populate and provide infrastructure for this new colony of the British Empire. 

Chapter 3 delves into the angst-ridden territory of authentic existence championed through the existential philosophical movement. Tempered with a more compassionate approach from communitarian philosophy we are provided with a means to explore the many layers that build not only individual identity, but a collective identity also. Evidence is offered for the accommodation of the similarities, and more importantly differences we all experience in our wider relationships. Finally, focus is narrowed to specific issues attached to identifying as Pākehā in Aotearoa.

Underpinning this research are the nine semi-structured interviews which have provided tangible evidence of the complex elements accompanying the decision to self-identify as Pākehā (Chapter 4).  The very nature of identifying as Pākehā, as illustrated through the interview is not straightforward eliciting responses ranging from abundantly clear, to confusing and to contentious.  

The sheer diversity of responses generated an initial observance that, if this level of diversity in defining the term Pākehā is shown by nine people, how much more diversity would be operating throughout the general population. Here we can see how the basic premise of existential philosophy, that is, there is no essential nature to our existence, can be applied to attempting to seek a definition of being Pākehā that encapsulates all of the possible elements. What became abundantly apparent was the heartening feeling of most people striving for a sense of connectedness, on various levels, and a sense of belonging to this country we all call home.

text: Pākehā Roots: Is claiming a Pākehā identity based on ethnic heritage or ethical choice? Development of a Pākehā identity has been an ongoing process since the first influx of people from the Northern Hemisphere set foot on the shores of Aotearoa. Originally the term Pākehā served as a generic term to distinguish early European colonisers from the Indigenous population who came to be known under the generic term of Māori. Both of these terms separated two groups of residents that have come to be known under the broader title of New Zealander. 

Chapter 2 begins with providing definitions from a range of sources describing some origins and definitions of the term Pākehā, discussion around the appropriateness of the term and how it can be used in our current timeframe to show empathy with Māori and their struggle for self-determination. A brief overview of human migration to the British Isles then the resulting migration to Aotearoa provides historical context to our pre-Pākehā heritage. Following this is a snapshot of some of our earliest Pākehā settlers which leads into the extent our governing bodies enlisted assisted immigrants to populate and provide infrastructure for this new colony of the British Empire. 

Chapter 3 delves into the angst-ridden territory of authentic existence championed through the existential philosophical movement. Tempered with a more compassionate approach from communitarian philosophy we are provided with a means to explore the many layers that build not only individual identity, but a collective identity also. Evidence is offered for the accommodation of the similarities, and more importantly differences we all experience in our wider relationships. Finally, focus is narrowed to specific issues attached to identifying as Pākehā in Aotearoa.

Underpinning this research are the nine semi-structured interviews which have provided tangible evidence of the complex elements accompanying the decision to self-identify as Pākehā (Chapter 4).  The very nature of identifying as Pākehā, as illustrated through the interview is not straightforward eliciting responses ranging from abundantly clear, to confusing and to contentious.  

The sheer diversity of responses generated an initial observance that, if this level of diversity in defining the term Pākehā is shown by nine people, how much more diversity would be operating throughout the general population. Here we can see how the basic premise of existential philosophy, that is, there is no essential nature to our existence, can be applied to attempting to seek a definition of being Pākehā that encapsulates all of the possible elements. What became abundantly apparent was the heartening feeling of most people striving for a sense of connectedness, on various levels, and a sense of belonging to this country we all call home.

year: 2014