title: Toitu Te Moananui a Toi – The Effects of the MV Rena on the Water Quality, Chemistry and Zooplankton of Otaiti (Astrolabe Reef)

authors: Dempsey, Te Puea Toni

subjects: metal contamination

abstract: Humans have had a profound effect on the world’s oceans, particularly through pollution. Marine pollution incidents are particularly important and increasingly involve both petrochemical and metal contamination. The effects of complex high level, point source pollution events such as ship wrecks on larval recruitment to reef environments is not well understood. Larval settlement is heavily influenced by chemical cues, hence pollution events could have a long term influence on reef ecology, and the likelihood that planktonic zooplankton can entrain contaminants into the reef food web is also of concern.
This thesis aims to address concerns from local Tangata Whenua, government, researchers, stakeholders and the public about the long term recovery of Otaiti following the MV Rena shipwreck and subsequent reef contamination. The incident is a complex one involving metallic container debris contamination along with oil. Research focussed on assessing the effects of water borne contamination surrounding the wreck site in order to examine acute and chronic responses of planktonic invertebrates: (1) the influence of Rena and associated debris to the chemistry and quality of water in the benthic zone around the wreck, (2) the toxicity of contaminants to survivorship of zooplankton, and (3) the influence on contaminant plumes to zooplankton recruitment behaviour of Otaiti.
There is a clear effect from the Rena and its associated debris field on the water quality and chemistry of Otaiti. Aluminium and copper for example, were consistently elevated in dissolved and total metal concentrations around the debris field. Laboratory based exposure of zooplankton to realistic concentration gradients of Rena contaminated sediments resulted in increased mortality with increased contaminant concentrations. Behavioural responses of pelagic and settling invertebrates to Rena pollution influenced sediment highlighted sensitivity to associated contaminant plumes. This could have significant ecological implications to the recruitment behaviour of other planktonic organisms that rely on reef conspecifics and chemical cues to initiate settlement.
Ecological concepts such as ecosystem function and biodiversity dynamics (including recruitment) relate the life force and longevity of a system. Key concerns within the scope of this research were highlighted that may have implications to Tangata Whenua decision making in assessing the Mauri of Otaiti. It can be implied that the Rena continues to impact the Mauri of Otaiti due to the presence of contaminants within the debris field.

text: Toitu Te Moananui a Toi – The Effects of the MV Rena on the Water Quality, Chemistry and Zooplankton of Otaiti (Astrolabe Reef) Humans have had a profound effect on the world’s oceans, particularly through pollution. Marine pollution incidents are particularly important and increasingly involve both petrochemical and metal contamination. The effects of complex high level, point source pollution events such as ship wrecks on larval recruitment to reef environments is not well understood. Larval settlement is heavily influenced by chemical cues, hence pollution events could have a long term influence on reef ecology, and the likelihood that planktonic zooplankton can entrain contaminants into the reef food web is also of concern.
This thesis aims to address concerns from local Tangata Whenua, government, researchers, stakeholders and the public about the long term recovery of Otaiti following the MV Rena shipwreck and subsequent reef contamination. The incident is a complex one involving metallic container debris contamination along with oil. Research focussed on assessing the effects of water borne contamination surrounding the wreck site in order to examine acute and chronic responses of planktonic invertebrates: (1) the influence of Rena and associated debris to the chemistry and quality of water in the benthic zone around the wreck, (2) the toxicity of contaminants to survivorship of zooplankton, and (3) the influence on contaminant plumes to zooplankton recruitment behaviour of Otaiti.
There is a clear effect from the Rena and its associated debris field on the water quality and chemistry of Otaiti. Aluminium and copper for example, were consistently elevated in dissolved and total metal concentrations around the debris field. Laboratory based exposure of zooplankton to realistic concentration gradients of Rena contaminated sediments resulted in increased mortality with increased contaminant concentrations. Behavioural responses of pelagic and settling invertebrates to Rena pollution influenced sediment highlighted sensitivity to associated contaminant plumes. This could have significant ecological implications to the recruitment behaviour of other planktonic organisms that rely on reef conspecifics and chemical cues to initiate settlement.
Ecological concepts such as ecosystem function and biodiversity dynamics (including recruitment) relate the life force and longevity of a system. Key concerns within the scope of this research were highlighted that may have implications to Tangata Whenua decision making in assessing the Mauri of Otaiti. It can be implied that the Rena continues to impact the Mauri of Otaiti due to the presence of contaminants within the debris field.

year: 2015

title: Biological flora of New Zealand 11. Eleochairs spacelata, kuta, paopao, bamboo spike sedge.

authors: Kapa, Mieke M

subjects: cultural

abstract: Information relevant to the ecology and morphology of Eleocharis sphacelata (Cyperaceae) available through published and unpublished sources is assembled and reviewed. Eleocharis sphacelata is a freshwater wetland sedge found growing at the edge of lake margins, swamps, lagoons, and bogs within New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. It is a perennial rhizomatous herb, with tall green cylindrical culms rising from submerged rhizomes generally buried under water in aerobic soils. A tendency to dominate the deepwater margins makes E. sphacelata crucial to the ecology of this habitat as a source of food, shelter, and protection for invertebrates, birds, and fish. Eleocharis sphacelata is commonly named giant spike-rush, kuta, or paopao. Māori have traditionally used the plant for clothing and warm coverings within whare (houses). Recent interest comes from its use in restoration plantings and constructed wetlands.

text: Biological flora of New Zealand 11. Eleochairs spacelata, kuta, paopao, bamboo spike sedge. Information relevant to the ecology and morphology of Eleocharis sphacelata (Cyperaceae) available through published and unpublished sources is assembled and reviewed. Eleocharis sphacelata is a freshwater wetland sedge found growing at the edge of lake margins, swamps, lagoons, and bogs within New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. It is a perennial rhizomatous herb, with tall green cylindrical culms rising from submerged rhizomes generally buried under water in aerobic soils. A tendency to dominate the deepwater margins makes E. sphacelata crucial to the ecology of this habitat as a source of food, shelter, and protection for invertebrates, birds, and fish. Eleocharis sphacelata is commonly named giant spike-rush, kuta, or paopao. Māori have traditionally used the plant for clothing and warm coverings within whare (houses). Recent interest comes from its use in restoration plantings and constructed wetlands.

year: 2009

title: Ethical leadership: A multi-study Eastern perspective

authors: Dodamgoda, Nadeeja

abstract: Leadership ethics, shaped by diverse cultures, religious beliefs, and philosophical perspectives, exhibit nuanced differences between Western and Eastern perspectives. Despite these differences, ethical leadership scales predominantly adhere to Western conceptualisations, overlooking the unique cultural nuances of the East. The cultural traditions, philosophical views, and religious beliefs in the Eastern world imply culturally specific ethical leadership characteristics that may not align with Western-centric measures. This underscores the need for a comprehensive conceptualisation and scale development for Eastern Ethical Leadership (EEL) that captures the underlying values specific to the East. Drawing on the culturally implicit leadership theory, this thesis aims to address the following research questions, with an overarching focus on conceptualising and developing a scale for EEL:
(1) What is the current state of ethical leadership literature as it pertains to Eastern countries?
(2) What are the dimensions and measures of ethical leadership which are applicable to Eastern
 countries?
(3) What is the validity of these measures across Eastern countries?
To address these research questions, three major studies were conducted. Initially, a systematic review of literature on EEL was performed, revealing the distinct characteristics of EEL and the cultural and philosophical perspectives that distinguish it from the West. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework, the review identified relevant articles from four academic databases, revealing unique dimensions of EEL. These dimensions include leaders' responsibility and concern for long-term sustainability, aspects often overlooked in existing measures. Notably, while some virtues and values align between Eastern and Western philosophical views, past studies predominantly relied on Western theoretical perspectives to interpret ethical leadership. This underscores the need for measures that authentically capture Eastern cultural distinctions, essential for advancing ethical leadership research amidst the East's growing global influence.
The second study reports a qualitative investigation based on interviews with 21 academics across 15 Asian countries to deepen our understanding of EEL characteristics. Thematic analysis of the interview data unveiled culturally specific elements contributing to the conceptualisation of ethical leadership in the East. The findings highlighted the significance of characteristics identified by interviewees, shaped by the societal context of Asian countries. For example, caring for individuals emerges as a crucial characteristic in collectivist societies, along with demonstrating concern for the welfare of the broader community, particularly in regions facing widespread poverty. Furthermore, the perspectives shared by interviewees offer valuable insights that challenge prevalent Western-dominated views on ethical leadership. 
Thirdly, a robust measure for EEL was developed and validated through a rigorous process. This study encompassed item generation based on literature and qualitative interviews, scale purification, cross-cultural validity testing, and an assessment of the psychometric properties of the scale. The developed scale was then applied to examine its impact on employee voice behaviour, serving as a crucial step in testing its nomological validity and providing valuable insights into the practical implications of EEL. The dimensions of EEL identified, including concern for people and concern for wider views, exclusively reflect the cultural nuances of the East and challenge the broad applicability of Western-centric ethical leadership measures, advocating for a more culturally nuanced understanding.
The thesis challenges the prevailing bias in ethical leadership literature towards the West, offering a culturally grounded measure for EEL that enhances conceptual development. The theoretical and practical implications of the scale are discussed, highlighting its potential to bridge the cultural gap in leadership ethics and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and culturally resonant leadership paradigm. Three separate research articles, derived from the systematic review, qualitative study, and scale development, have been submitted to peer-reviewed journals, reflecting the comprehensive approach taken in this endeavour. The outcomes of this research contribute not only to the academic discourse on ethical leadership but also offer practical insights for organisations operating in culturally diverse contexts.

text: Ethical leadership: A multi-study Eastern perspective Leadership ethics, shaped by diverse cultures, religious beliefs, and philosophical perspectives, exhibit nuanced differences between Western and Eastern perspectives. Despite these differences, ethical leadership scales predominantly adhere to Western conceptualisations, overlooking the unique cultural nuances of the East. The cultural traditions, philosophical views, and religious beliefs in the Eastern world imply culturally specific ethical leadership characteristics that may not align with Western-centric measures. This underscores the need for a comprehensive conceptualisation and scale development for Eastern Ethical Leadership (EEL) that captures the underlying values specific to the East. Drawing on the culturally implicit leadership theory, this thesis aims to address the following research questions, with an overarching focus on conceptualising and developing a scale for EEL:
(1) What is the current state of ethical leadership literature as it pertains to Eastern countries?
(2) What are the dimensions and measures of ethical leadership which are applicable to Eastern
 countries?
(3) What is the validity of these measures across Eastern countries?
To address these research questions, three major studies were conducted. Initially, a systematic review of literature on EEL was performed, revealing the distinct characteristics of EEL and the cultural and philosophical perspectives that distinguish it from the West. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework, the review identified relevant articles from four academic databases, revealing unique dimensions of EEL. These dimensions include leaders' responsibility and concern for long-term sustainability, aspects often overlooked in existing measures. Notably, while some virtues and values align between Eastern and Western philosophical views, past studies predominantly relied on Western theoretical perspectives to interpret ethical leadership. This underscores the need for measures that authentically capture Eastern cultural distinctions, essential for advancing ethical leadership research amidst the East's growing global influence.
The second study reports a qualitative investigation based on interviews with 21 academics across 15 Asian countries to deepen our understanding of EEL characteristics. Thematic analysis of the interview data unveiled culturally specific elements contributing to the conceptualisation of ethical leadership in the East. The findings highlighted the significance of characteristics identified by interviewees, shaped by the societal context of Asian countries. For example, caring for individuals emerges as a crucial characteristic in collectivist societies, along with demonstrating concern for the welfare of the broader community, particularly in regions facing widespread poverty. Furthermore, the perspectives shared by interviewees offer valuable insights that challenge prevalent Western-dominated views on ethical leadership. 
Thirdly, a robust measure for EEL was developed and validated through a rigorous process. This study encompassed item generation based on literature and qualitative interviews, scale purification, cross-cultural validity testing, and an assessment of the psychometric properties of the scale. The developed scale was then applied to examine its impact on employee voice behaviour, serving as a crucial step in testing its nomological validity and providing valuable insights into the practical implications of EEL. The dimensions of EEL identified, including concern for people and concern for wider views, exclusively reflect the cultural nuances of the East and challenge the broad applicability of Western-centric ethical leadership measures, advocating for a more culturally nuanced understanding.
The thesis challenges the prevailing bias in ethical leadership literature towards the West, offering a culturally grounded measure for EEL that enhances conceptual development. The theoretical and practical implications of the scale are discussed, highlighting its potential to bridge the cultural gap in leadership ethics and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and culturally resonant leadership paradigm. Three separate research articles, derived from the systematic review, qualitative study, and scale development, have been submitted to peer-reviewed journals, reflecting the comprehensive approach taken in this endeavour. The outcomes of this research contribute not only to the academic discourse on ethical leadership but also offer practical insights for organisations operating in culturally diverse contexts.

year: 2024-10-15