title: Oil dispersal modelling: reanalysis of the Rena oil spill using open-source modelling tools

authors: Jones, Hannah Frances Emily

subjects: Bay of Plenty

abstract: Oil spill forecast modelling is typically used immediately after a spill to predict oil dispersal and promote mobilisation of more effective response operations. The aim of this work was to map oil dispersal after the grounding of the MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef and to verify the results against observations. Model predictions were broadly consistent with observed distribution of oil contamination. However, some hot spots of oil accumulation, likely due to surf-zone and rip current circulation, were not well represented. Additionally, the model was run with 81 differing wind conditions to show that the events occurring during the grounding represented the typical likely behaviour of an oil spill on Astrolabe Reef. Oil dispersal was highly dependent on prevailing wind patterns; more accurate prediction would require better observations of local wind patterns. However, comparison of predictions with observations indicated that the GNOME model was an effective low-cost approach.

text: Oil dispersal modelling: reanalysis of the Rena oil spill using open-source modelling tools Oil spill forecast modelling is typically used immediately after a spill to predict oil dispersal and promote mobilisation of more effective response operations. The aim of this work was to map oil dispersal after the grounding of the MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef and to verify the results against observations. Model predictions were broadly consistent with observed distribution of oil contamination. However, some hot spots of oil accumulation, likely due to surf-zone and rip current circulation, were not well represented. Additionally, the model was run with 81 differing wind conditions to show that the events occurring during the grounding represented the typical likely behaviour of an oil spill on Astrolabe Reef. Oil dispersal was highly dependent on prevailing wind patterns; more accurate prediction would require better observations of local wind patterns. However, comparison of predictions with observations indicated that the GNOME model was an effective low-cost approach.

year: 2016

title: Anarchists, Punks and Vegans - oh my! Ethnography of an anti-capitalist Community of Dissent

authors: Foote, David Mitchell

subjects: punk

abstract: Although ethnographies dealing with anti-capitalist activism, veganism or the 
punk scene are far from uncommon, until recently the temptation has been to view 
these groups as separate and distinct, rather than diffuse and overlapping.  Using 
data gathered during interviews and participant observation in some parts of urban 
New Zealand, this study offers a sketch of the boundaries of the Community 
embodied by that overlap.   Participants' own definitions for key terms such as 
anarchism, punk and capitalism/consumerism are presented and scrutinised in 
order to provide a starting point for this analysis.  A lineage of thought is 
juxtaposed with each of these terms, with the intention of contesting some of the 
popular stereotypes surrounding them.  The Community's own sense of difference 
is then explored through the responses of participants, which are analysed and 
some commonalities suggested.   The most critical of these is the perception 
amongst participants of a greater engagement with their choices than they 
generally considered to be the case within the mainstream.  Finally, some internal 
divisions within the Community are noted and a model for the radicalisation and 
mediation of dissent is suggested to explain this.

text: Anarchists, Punks and Vegans - oh my! Ethnography of an anti-capitalist Community of Dissent Although ethnographies dealing with anti-capitalist activism, veganism or the 
punk scene are far from uncommon, until recently the temptation has been to view 
these groups as separate and distinct, rather than diffuse and overlapping.  Using 
data gathered during interviews and participant observation in some parts of urban 
New Zealand, this study offers a sketch of the boundaries of the Community 
embodied by that overlap.   Participants' own definitions for key terms such as 
anarchism, punk and capitalism/consumerism are presented and scrutinised in 
order to provide a starting point for this analysis.  A lineage of thought is 
juxtaposed with each of these terms, with the intention of contesting some of the 
popular stereotypes surrounding them.  The Community's own sense of difference 
is then explored through the responses of participants, which are analysed and 
some commonalities suggested.   The most critical of these is the perception 
amongst participants of a greater engagement with their choices than they 
generally considered to be the case within the mainstream.  Finally, some internal 
divisions within the Community are noted and a model for the radicalisation and 
mediation of dissent is suggested to explain this.

year: 2009

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