title: Historical translocations by Maori may explain the distribution and genetic structure of a threatened surf clam in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

authors: Ross, Philip M.

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: The population genetic structure of toheroa (Paphies ventricosa), an Aotearoa (New Zealand) endemic surf clam, was assessed to determine levels of inter-population connectivity and test hypotheses regarding life history, habitat distribution and connectivity in coastal vs. estuarine taxa. Ninety-eight toheroa from populations across the length of New Zealand were sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene with analyses suggesting a population genetic structure unique among New Zealand marine invertebrates. Toheroa genetic diversity was high in Te Ika-a Māui (the North Island of New Zealand) but completely lacking in the south of Te Waipounamu (the South Island), an indication of recent isolation. Changes in habitat availability, long distance dispersal events or translocation of toheroa to southern New Zealand by Māori could explain the observed geographic distribution of toheroa and their genetic diversity. Given that early-Māori and their ancestors, were adept at food cultivation and relocation, the toheroa translocation hypothesis is plausible and may explain the disjointed modern distribution of this species. Translocation would also explain the limited success in restoring what may in some cases be ecologically isolated populations located outside their natural distributions and preferred niches.

text: Historical translocations by Maori may explain the distribution and genetic structure of a threatened surf clam in Aotearoa (New Zealand) The population genetic structure of toheroa (Paphies ventricosa), an Aotearoa (New Zealand) endemic surf clam, was assessed to determine levels of inter-population connectivity and test hypotheses regarding life history, habitat distribution and connectivity in coastal vs. estuarine taxa. Ninety-eight toheroa from populations across the length of New Zealand were sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene with analyses suggesting a population genetic structure unique among New Zealand marine invertebrates. Toheroa genetic diversity was high in Te Ika-a Māui (the North Island of New Zealand) but completely lacking in the south of Te Waipounamu (the South Island), an indication of recent isolation. Changes in habitat availability, long distance dispersal events or translocation of toheroa to southern New Zealand by Māori could explain the observed geographic distribution of toheroa and their genetic diversity. Given that early-Māori and their ancestors, were adept at food cultivation and relocation, the toheroa translocation hypothesis is plausible and may explain the disjointed modern distribution of this species. Translocation would also explain the limited success in restoring what may in some cases be ecologically isolated populations located outside their natural distributions and preferred niches.

year: 2018

title: Why do Maori Disconnect?  From their tikanga and legal associated rights and responsibilities within a contemporary world

authors: Jones, Mary Te Kuini

subjects: Ahi Kaa

abstract: This thesis examines some of the reasons why Māori disconnect from their legal and tikanga rights and responsibilities within the contemporary world of today.  The aim of this research project is to identify some of the associated rights and responsibilities of Māori - as land owners, shareholders, Whānau, hapū and tribal members.  Whilst it seeks to reveal some of the desires and visions of the interview participants, the objective is not to seek resolution.  The focus is to identify what deters or dissuades owners from returning and/or participating.  It also seeks to identify whether the assumption or label of disconnection is a reality or myth. 

‘Māori Diaspora’ particularly refers to the substantial increase in outward migration (also referred to as out migration) of Māori leaving New Zealand, and more significantly migrating to Australia, which was in direct response to the neo-liberal reforms of the late 1980’s (Smith L. , 2006).   With the New Zealand government refusing to acknowledge the negative impact their legislation and policy had on Māori, they continued to introduce new systems that were ultimately designed to push many to breaking point.  
Māori who could no longer bear the cumulative effects of such oppression emigrated in search of better economic opportunities and a higher standard of living for their families.  Meanwhile, back home in Aotearoa, the Māori Diaspora left behind a complex set of problems in its wake with diminishing hapū and tribal members driven from their homeland who are gradually becoming dis-connected and estranged from their whenua tipu.   

Whilst repatriation is an uncomfortable topic for many Māori who wish to retain their overseas residency, many continue to dismiss the compounding effects of their absence and the heavy burden carried by those who remain in Aotearoa to keep the home fires burning (or the ‘ahi kaa’).

text: Why do Maori Disconnect?  From their tikanga and legal associated rights and responsibilities within a contemporary world This thesis examines some of the reasons why Māori disconnect from their legal and tikanga rights and responsibilities within the contemporary world of today.  The aim of this research project is to identify some of the associated rights and responsibilities of Māori - as land owners, shareholders, Whānau, hapū and tribal members.  Whilst it seeks to reveal some of the desires and visions of the interview participants, the objective is not to seek resolution.  The focus is to identify what deters or dissuades owners from returning and/or participating.  It also seeks to identify whether the assumption or label of disconnection is a reality or myth. 

‘Māori Diaspora’ particularly refers to the substantial increase in outward migration (also referred to as out migration) of Māori leaving New Zealand, and more significantly migrating to Australia, which was in direct response to the neo-liberal reforms of the late 1980’s (Smith L. , 2006).   With the New Zealand government refusing to acknowledge the negative impact their legislation and policy had on Māori, they continued to introduce new systems that were ultimately designed to push many to breaking point.  
Māori who could no longer bear the cumulative effects of such oppression emigrated in search of better economic opportunities and a higher standard of living for their families.  Meanwhile, back home in Aotearoa, the Māori Diaspora left behind a complex set of problems in its wake with diminishing hapū and tribal members driven from their homeland who are gradually becoming dis-connected and estranged from their whenua tipu.   

Whilst repatriation is an uncomfortable topic for many Māori who wish to retain their overseas residency, many continue to dismiss the compounding effects of their absence and the heavy burden carried by those who remain in Aotearoa to keep the home fires burning (or the ‘ahi kaa’).

year: 2018

title: FIJICLIM description and users guide

authors: Kenny, Gavin J.

subjects: FIJICLIM

abstract: The FIJICLIM prototype is based on PACCLIM which was developed by the International Global Change Institute (IGCI) as part of the Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme (PICCAP) executed by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Both FIJICLIM and PACCLIM build directly on a comparable model development for New Zealand, known as the CLIMPACTS system (Kenny et al., 1995, 1999; Warrick et al., 1996, 1999). The development of CLIMPACTS has been funded by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology since 1993. Its core components, which include a graphic user interface (GUI), a customised geographic information system (GIS), and data compression routines, have provided the basis for the development of FIJICLIM. The development of FIJICLIM is complementary to similar developments that have evolved from CLIMPACTS, for Bangladesh (BDCLIM), Australia (OZCLIM), and for training in climate change V&A assessment (VANDACLIM).

text: FIJICLIM description and users guide The FIJICLIM prototype is based on PACCLIM which was developed by the International Global Change Institute (IGCI) as part of the Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme (PICCAP) executed by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Both FIJICLIM and PACCLIM build directly on a comparable model development for New Zealand, known as the CLIMPACTS system (Kenny et al., 1995, 1999; Warrick et al., 1996, 1999). The development of CLIMPACTS has been funded by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology since 1993. Its core components, which include a graphic user interface (GUI), a customised geographic information system (GIS), and data compression routines, have provided the basis for the development of FIJICLIM. The development of FIJICLIM is complementary to similar developments that have evolved from CLIMPACTS, for Bangladesh (BDCLIM), Australia (OZCLIM), and for training in climate change V&A assessment (VANDACLIM).

year: 2000-02