title: An integrated biostratigraphy and seismic stratigraphy for the late Neogene continental margin succession in northern Taranaki Basin, New Zealand

authors: Hansen, Rochelle J.

subjects: Ariki Formation

abstract: Our aim has been to develop an integrated biostratigraphy and seismic stratigraphy for the Pliocene and Pleistocene formations (Ariki, Mangaa, Giant Foresets) in northern Taranaki Basin to better understand the evolution of the modern continental margin offshore central-western North Island, New Zealand. Detailed mapping of seismic reflectors in part of the basin, when compared with correlations of late Neogene stage boundaries between 11 well sections, has highlighted crossover between the datasets. To help resolve this issue, the biostratigraphy of the Pliocene-Pleistocene parts of each of four well sections (Arawa-1, Ariki-1, Kora-1, and Wainui-1) has been re-examined using a dense suite of samples. In addition, the biostratigraphy of seven other well sections (Awatea-1, Kahawai-1, Mangaa-1, Taimana-1, Tangaroa-1, Te Kumi-1, and Turi-1) has been re-evaluated. The crossover is partly attributed to a combination of sampling resolution inherent in exploration well sections, the mixed nature of cuttings samples, and the general scarcity of age-diagnostic planktic foraminifera in the late Neogene formations. The achievement of seismic closure suggests that error in the mapping of the seismic reflectors is not a significant source of the uncertainty (crossover). We have developed a workable time-stratigraphic framework by qualitatively weighting the biostratigraphic data in each of the well sections, thereby identifying the parts of particular well sections with the highest resolution microfossil data and the optimal stratigraphic position of stage boundaries with respect to the mapped seismic horizons/seismic units. Hence, it is possible to assign the known numerical ages for these stage boundaries to reflection horizons/seismic units mapped within the basin. We have applied this information to produce a series of isopach maps for successive stage boundaries that help show the sedimentary evolution of the continental margin succession west of central North Island.

text: An integrated biostratigraphy and seismic stratigraphy for the late Neogene continental margin succession in northern Taranaki Basin, New Zealand Our aim has been to develop an integrated biostratigraphy and seismic stratigraphy for the Pliocene and Pleistocene formations (Ariki, Mangaa, Giant Foresets) in northern Taranaki Basin to better understand the evolution of the modern continental margin offshore central-western North Island, New Zealand. Detailed mapping of seismic reflectors in part of the basin, when compared with correlations of late Neogene stage boundaries between 11 well sections, has highlighted crossover between the datasets. To help resolve this issue, the biostratigraphy of the Pliocene-Pleistocene parts of each of four well sections (Arawa-1, Ariki-1, Kora-1, and Wainui-1) has been re-examined using a dense suite of samples. In addition, the biostratigraphy of seven other well sections (Awatea-1, Kahawai-1, Mangaa-1, Taimana-1, Tangaroa-1, Te Kumi-1, and Turi-1) has been re-evaluated. The crossover is partly attributed to a combination of sampling resolution inherent in exploration well sections, the mixed nature of cuttings samples, and the general scarcity of age-diagnostic planktic foraminifera in the late Neogene formations. The achievement of seismic closure suggests that error in the mapping of the seismic reflectors is not a significant source of the uncertainty (crossover). We have developed a workable time-stratigraphic framework by qualitatively weighting the biostratigraphic data in each of the well sections, thereby identifying the parts of particular well sections with the highest resolution microfossil data and the optimal stratigraphic position of stage boundaries with respect to the mapped seismic horizons/seismic units. Hence, it is possible to assign the known numerical ages for these stage boundaries to reflection horizons/seismic units mapped within the basin. We have applied this information to produce a series of isopach maps for successive stage boundaries that help show the sedimentary evolution of the continental margin succession west of central North Island.

year: 2006

title: Indonesia’s great power and superpower environment in the post Cold War era: A study of Indonesia’s search for a dynamic regional equilibrium

authors: Syofian, Ahmad

subjects: Indonesia

abstract: Against the backdrop of regional transformation, during President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) period of office from 2004 – 2014, Indonesian officials have frequently expressed an expectation of a peaceful region through the promotion of a concept called the maintenance of a dynamic equilibrium. The concept was developed in the light of the rise of China, the US’ reengagement and Japan’s transformation, and is a response to the great power and superpower interactions in the region.
This study is thus timely, significant and relevant as well as important in contemporary Indonesia. First, it analyses the impact of regional dynamics on Indonesia, which have been perceived differently and with uncertainty especially by Indonesian elites. Secondly, it provides a study on Indonesia’s foreign relations in pursuit of the country’s search for a dynamic regional equilibrium. In so doing, it sheds light on Indonesia’s foreign policy which, for some scholars, is considered less focused and irrelevant, especially in responding to great powers dynamics in the region.
This thesis uses two main techniques of data collection to explore its main objectives: interviewing and textual / documentary investigation. The data collection was conducted, first, during the SBY Administration (from March to September 2014) and, secondly, during the Jokowi Administration (from June to September 2016). The data collection was primarily through in-depth interviews, which were semi-structured, with more than 50 officials and eminent persons involved in the process of Indonesian foreign policy making. The textual, or documentary, investigation was conducted using both primary and secondary resources. This research is qualitative in nature, but it contains data and statistics to support the analysis. This study sets its time frame into the end of 2016.
The research has two main findings. First, the great powers and superpower dynamics and interactions in the region generate opportunities for and threats to Indonesia’s interests. On the one hand, their presence and interactions enhance Indonesia’s hedging and even-handed policy that provide an opportunity to earn maximal gains and avoid a total loss. On the other, the element of competition between them has the potential to trigger disputes and creates instability in the region. In addition, some elements of opportunities also come along with threatening factors. Secondly, the research finds that Indonesia has displayed an array of efforts conforming to the policy of equilibrium maintenance. Indeed, despite some weaknesses, there has been a degree of maintaining a policy for balancing or even-handed strategies in Indonesia’s foreign relations with the US, China and Japan, as well as in the country’s participation in ASEAN and the Family.
At the end, this research finds that Indonesia’s relations with the superpower and great powers, as well as in ASEAN and the Family, are only a part of Indonesia’s foreign policy practices in the region. Accordingly, the discussion of Indonesia’s foreign policy towards the US, China and Japan in relation to a search for the maintenance of a dynamic equilibrium, is not distinct from that towards other countries in the region. In this respect, promoting a regional dynamic equilibrium is a collaborative effort that requires the support and participation of all states in the region.

text: Indonesia’s great power and superpower environment in the post Cold War era: A study of Indonesia’s search for a dynamic regional equilibrium Against the backdrop of regional transformation, during President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) period of office from 2004 – 2014, Indonesian officials have frequently expressed an expectation of a peaceful region through the promotion of a concept called the maintenance of a dynamic equilibrium. The concept was developed in the light of the rise of China, the US’ reengagement and Japan’s transformation, and is a response to the great power and superpower interactions in the region.
This study is thus timely, significant and relevant as well as important in contemporary Indonesia. First, it analyses the impact of regional dynamics on Indonesia, which have been perceived differently and with uncertainty especially by Indonesian elites. Secondly, it provides a study on Indonesia’s foreign relations in pursuit of the country’s search for a dynamic regional equilibrium. In so doing, it sheds light on Indonesia’s foreign policy which, for some scholars, is considered less focused and irrelevant, especially in responding to great powers dynamics in the region.
This thesis uses two main techniques of data collection to explore its main objectives: interviewing and textual / documentary investigation. The data collection was conducted, first, during the SBY Administration (from March to September 2014) and, secondly, during the Jokowi Administration (from June to September 2016). The data collection was primarily through in-depth interviews, which were semi-structured, with more than 50 officials and eminent persons involved in the process of Indonesian foreign policy making. The textual, or documentary, investigation was conducted using both primary and secondary resources. This research is qualitative in nature, but it contains data and statistics to support the analysis. This study sets its time frame into the end of 2016.
The research has two main findings. First, the great powers and superpower dynamics and interactions in the region generate opportunities for and threats to Indonesia’s interests. On the one hand, their presence and interactions enhance Indonesia’s hedging and even-handed policy that provide an opportunity to earn maximal gains and avoid a total loss. On the other, the element of competition between them has the potential to trigger disputes and creates instability in the region. In addition, some elements of opportunities also come along with threatening factors. Secondly, the research finds that Indonesia has displayed an array of efforts conforming to the policy of equilibrium maintenance. Indeed, despite some weaknesses, there has been a degree of maintaining a policy for balancing or even-handed strategies in Indonesia’s foreign relations with the US, China and Japan, as well as in the country’s participation in ASEAN and the Family.
At the end, this research finds that Indonesia’s relations with the superpower and great powers, as well as in ASEAN and the Family, are only a part of Indonesia’s foreign policy practices in the region. Accordingly, the discussion of Indonesia’s foreign policy towards the US, China and Japan in relation to a search for the maintenance of a dynamic equilibrium, is not distinct from that towards other countries in the region. In this respect, promoting a regional dynamic equilibrium is a collaborative effort that requires the support and participation of all states in the region.

year: 2018

title: The biology and general ecology of the Koaro (Galaxias brevipinnis) in some tributary streams of Lake Taupo

authors: Kusabs, Ian Andrew

abstract: The ecology and general biology of Galaxias brevipinnis were studied in three tributary streams of Lake Taupo between May 1988 and April 1989. Adult koaro were found in relatively high densities in the Waipehi and Omori streams but in low densities in the larger Waiotaka stream. The results of population estimation studies suggest that the distribution and abundance of koaro is negatively correlated with that of trout. There was a general decline in the population density of stream-resident koaro in the winter months. Juvenile koaro were found to migrate into the tributaries from August to December, with migrations being at a peak in October and November.

Population length-frequency distributions and otoliths used to age koaro indicated that there were up to 5 age classes. Growth was allometric and was adequately described by the von Bertalanffy equation after the first year of life. Koaro were found to be in best condition in the Spring and lowest in Winter.

Spawning appeared to occur from December through to April peaking in late Summer to early in the Waipehi Stream was Autumn. The mean fecundity of koaro approximately 5500. A sex-ratio of approximately 1:1 (males: females) were found in the koaro populations in the Omori and Waipehi streams, but during spawning there were always more ripe males than gravid females.

There was considerable overlap in the diets of both koaro and juvenile rainbow trout in the Waipehi and Omori streams, with invertebrates being consumed according to their relative abundance in the benthos. Ephemeroptera larvae were numerically the most important food item in the diet of both species. However, by weight, fish (juvenile koaro) were the most important food · item in the diet of koaro and rainbow trout in the Waipehi stream. In the Omori stream in Winter, trout eggs were the most important food item in terms of weight. Terrestrial prey was found to be of relatively minor importance in the diets of koaro and rainbow trout in the Waipehi and Omori streams.

text: The biology and general ecology of the Koaro (Galaxias brevipinnis) in some tributary streams of Lake Taupo The ecology and general biology of Galaxias brevipinnis were studied in three tributary streams of Lake Taupo between May 1988 and April 1989. Adult koaro were found in relatively high densities in the Waipehi and Omori streams but in low densities in the larger Waiotaka stream. The results of population estimation studies suggest that the distribution and abundance of koaro is negatively correlated with that of trout. There was a general decline in the population density of stream-resident koaro in the winter months. Juvenile koaro were found to migrate into the tributaries from August to December, with migrations being at a peak in October and November.

Population length-frequency distributions and otoliths used to age koaro indicated that there were up to 5 age classes. Growth was allometric and was adequately described by the von Bertalanffy equation after the first year of life. Koaro were found to be in best condition in the Spring and lowest in Winter.

Spawning appeared to occur from December through to April peaking in late Summer to early in the Waipehi Stream was Autumn. The mean fecundity of koaro approximately 5500. A sex-ratio of approximately 1:1 (males: females) were found in the koaro populations in the Omori and Waipehi streams, but during spawning there were always more ripe males than gravid females.

There was considerable overlap in the diets of both koaro and juvenile rainbow trout in the Waipehi and Omori streams, with invertebrates being consumed according to their relative abundance in the benthos. Ephemeroptera larvae were numerically the most important food item in the diet of both species. However, by weight, fish (juvenile koaro) were the most important food · item in the diet of koaro and rainbow trout in the Waipehi stream. In the Omori stream in Winter, trout eggs were the most important food item in terms of weight. Terrestrial prey was found to be of relatively minor importance in the diets of koaro and rainbow trout in the Waipehi and Omori streams.

year: 1989