title: Waituna Lagoon modelling: Developing quantitative assessments to assist with lagoon management

authors: Hamilton, David P.

abstract: A decision support tool has been developed to assist with managing Ruppia beds and maintaining the biological diversity of Waituna Lagoon. The results from this tool are presented as outputs from model simulations of physical, chemical and biological variables within the lagoon. Input data for the model simulations were adjusted to simulate sensitivity of the model to (i) input data quality and quantity, (ii) complexity and formulations used in the model itself, (iii) parameters used to adjust physical and biogeochemical environmental responses in the model, and (iv) potential management options. Parts i-iii were necessary to assure a level of confidence in the model so that part iv, the management options, could be used to provide a basis for what might be required to sustain persistent, productive Ruppia beds in the lagoon.

text: Waituna Lagoon modelling: Developing quantitative assessments to assist with lagoon management A decision support tool has been developed to assist with managing Ruppia beds and maintaining the biological diversity of Waituna Lagoon. The results from this tool are presented as outputs from model simulations of physical, chemical and biological variables within the lagoon. Input data for the model simulations were adjusted to simulate sensitivity of the model to (i) input data quality and quantity, (ii) complexity and formulations used in the model itself, (iii) parameters used to adjust physical and biogeochemical environmental responses in the model, and (iv) potential management options. Parts i-iii were necessary to assure a level of confidence in the model so that part iv, the management options, could be used to provide a basis for what might be required to sustain persistent, productive Ruppia beds in the lagoon.

year: 2012

title: Terrorism and maritime shipment of nuclear material

authors: Smith, Ron C.

subjects: terrorism

abstract: Opponents of the nuclear industry often claim that material in transit is vulnerable to attack by
terrorist groups who might seek to take the cargo and make a bomb, or otherwise cause a
radiological incident. This paper lays out a range of conceivable objectives or attack scenarios in
the context of maritime transportation and examines these in the light of what is known of the
relevant security arrangements. It concludes that these arrangements provide a very substantial
deterrent to any attempt at diversion or sabotage and that any such attempt would have little
prospect of success, beyond the immediate media impact of whatever might have occurred.

text: Terrorism and maritime shipment of nuclear material Opponents of the nuclear industry often claim that material in transit is vulnerable to attack by
terrorist groups who might seek to take the cargo and make a bomb, or otherwise cause a
radiological incident. This paper lays out a range of conceivable objectives or attack scenarios in
the context of maritime transportation and examines these in the light of what is known of the
relevant security arrangements. It concludes that these arrangements provide a very substantial
deterrent to any attempt at diversion or sabotage and that any such attempt would have little
prospect of success, beyond the immediate media impact of whatever might have occurred.

year: 2007

title: Harakeke (Phormium tenax) ecology and historical management by Maori: The changing landscape in New Zealand

authors: Wehi, Priscilla M.

subjects: ethnobotany

abstract: Harakeke (Phormium tenax: Phormiaceae) is an important weaving resource for the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. This research project investigates Maori knowledge of harakeke ecology and management practices prior to the early 20th century within the context of a study of relevant environmental parameters that limit its natural distribution. Ecological information referring to harakeke was analysed from interviews with elders and ancestral sayings (whakatauki). As well, documents from the late 181h to the early 20th century were examined, and environmental parameters for both harakeke and wharariki (Phormium cookianum) were quantified and analysed using correlative models. 
Interviews with 11 elders (from Waikato and Northland) identified key issues in harakeke management, including 'correct' harvesting procedures, use of natural harakeke stands, and specific use of different varieties. Planting practices varied regionally. Three different methods of excess harakeke disposal were reported, including burning. The 15 whakatauki analysed emphasise the interconnectedness of ecosystems, including pollinator-plant relationships for kaka and bellbirds. Four whakataukirefer to environmental tolerances for harakeke and two to the use of fire to stimulate harakeke growth. Others refer to competition between shoots, nutrient requirements, and the growth and multiplication of harakeke offsets. 
Numerous early reports indicate that harakeke has been cultivated throughout much of New Zealand, with cultivations ranging in size from a few bushes to at least several acres. Thirty six varieties were linked to specific weaving uses. Twenty varieties were cultivated, but ten prized fibre varieties were also harvested from natural stands. Numbers of recorded varieties varied between districts, with 31 recorded in Taranaki but only two recorded by name for Northland. Valued varieties, including raumoa and oue, were dispersed throughout the North Island. Mapping different varieties revealed a wide spatial spread for varieties such as rataroa and oue. Specific management techniques included seed germination as well as vegetative propagation. Early records of harakeke pests were not found. Records of harakeke irrigation and the use of fire indicate that Maori created suitable conditions for new cultivations or pii harakeke, which may also have prevented insect infestation. Cumulatively, there is evidence of extensive active management of harakeke. Wharariki and harakeke were found to have distinct environmental niches, with wharariki better able to withstand cooler temperatures, higher rainfall and greater frequency of ground frost than harakeke.
Predictive mapping of harakeke for the northern region of New Zealand shows a low probability of naturally occurring harakeke in much of the Northland and Waikato interior, and a high probability in coastal areas with warm temperatures. It seems likely that Maori transported harakeke into areas where it was unlikely to have occurred naturally and that some apparently 'natural' stands ofharakeke were created and maintained by Maori.
Maori cultivation, dispersal and active management of harakeke, as well as possible creation of wetland areas, emphasises the importance of harakeke as an economic resource prior to European colonisation, and indicates how the New Zealand landscape may have been transformed. Maori ecological knowledge can contribute new perspectives to restoration ecology and ecosystem research.

text: Harakeke (Phormium tenax) ecology and historical management by Maori: The changing landscape in New Zealand Harakeke (Phormium tenax: Phormiaceae) is an important weaving resource for the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. This research project investigates Maori knowledge of harakeke ecology and management practices prior to the early 20th century within the context of a study of relevant environmental parameters that limit its natural distribution. Ecological information referring to harakeke was analysed from interviews with elders and ancestral sayings (whakatauki). As well, documents from the late 181h to the early 20th century were examined, and environmental parameters for both harakeke and wharariki (Phormium cookianum) were quantified and analysed using correlative models. 
Interviews with 11 elders (from Waikato and Northland) identified key issues in harakeke management, including 'correct' harvesting procedures, use of natural harakeke stands, and specific use of different varieties. Planting practices varied regionally. Three different methods of excess harakeke disposal were reported, including burning. The 15 whakatauki analysed emphasise the interconnectedness of ecosystems, including pollinator-plant relationships for kaka and bellbirds. Four whakataukirefer to environmental tolerances for harakeke and two to the use of fire to stimulate harakeke growth. Others refer to competition between shoots, nutrient requirements, and the growth and multiplication of harakeke offsets. 
Numerous early reports indicate that harakeke has been cultivated throughout much of New Zealand, with cultivations ranging in size from a few bushes to at least several acres. Thirty six varieties were linked to specific weaving uses. Twenty varieties were cultivated, but ten prized fibre varieties were also harvested from natural stands. Numbers of recorded varieties varied between districts, with 31 recorded in Taranaki but only two recorded by name for Northland. Valued varieties, including raumoa and oue, were dispersed throughout the North Island. Mapping different varieties revealed a wide spatial spread for varieties such as rataroa and oue. Specific management techniques included seed germination as well as vegetative propagation. Early records of harakeke pests were not found. Records of harakeke irrigation and the use of fire indicate that Maori created suitable conditions for new cultivations or pii harakeke, which may also have prevented insect infestation. Cumulatively, there is evidence of extensive active management of harakeke. Wharariki and harakeke were found to have distinct environmental niches, with wharariki better able to withstand cooler temperatures, higher rainfall and greater frequency of ground frost than harakeke.
Predictive mapping of harakeke for the northern region of New Zealand shows a low probability of naturally occurring harakeke in much of the Northland and Waikato interior, and a high probability in coastal areas with warm temperatures. It seems likely that Maori transported harakeke into areas where it was unlikely to have occurred naturally and that some apparently 'natural' stands ofharakeke were created and maintained by Maori.
Maori cultivation, dispersal and active management of harakeke, as well as possible creation of wetland areas, emphasises the importance of harakeke as an economic resource prior to European colonisation, and indicates how the New Zealand landscape may have been transformed. Maori ecological knowledge can contribute new perspectives to restoration ecology and ecosystem research.

year: 2005