title: An analysis of the surface water resources of the upper Taieri River, Otago

authors: Simmers, I.

abstract: To plan a water resource survey data collection programme, it is vital to first establish the purpose for which the gathered data are to be used, and the degree of precision of the information at a particular confidence level that will be adequate. Purpose will determine the required data precision. Precision requirements will in turn dictate minimum record lengths of each variable necessary to estimate population parameters at a point, and the network density needed for parameter estimation over an area. 
This study is concerned with the data requirements and analyses for the planning of an irrigation scheme in the Maniototo Plains and Styx Basin, Central Otago. The 95 percent confidence level is adopted for required data precision. Allowable standard errors of population parameter estimates are stated to be 10 percent for streamflow and precipitation and five percent for temperature. 
Measured monthly, seasonal, and annual parameter values of these variables are summarised and discussed. Although the data collection networks are shown to be theoretically acceptable for most purposes, the measured data do not allow estimation of all the needed total - and sub-catchment population parameters at the required precision level. Record synthesis is necessary in order to increase the amount of information contained at this stage in the precipitation and streamflow data series. 
Techniques chosen for time series extension and spatial extrapolation are linear7 curvilinear and multiple regression analyses, water balance, conceptual and stochastic models. Each model is described, and limitations or advantages outlined. Also discussed are the theoretical aspects which concern precision of population parameter estimates from blended data, standard errors of prediction for synthetic records, and the relative simulation and prediction abilities of the models chosen. Split-record techniques are used to evaluate within and between model efficiencies. 
Addition of synthesised records to the precipitation and streamflow data series still does not permit estimates of all required population parameters at the levels of precision stated as needed. In some instances, record extension results in a decrease in statistical information. For design of any irrigation scheme to proceed now, therefore, the chosen error criteria must be judged too stringent for the Upper Taieri data. If the calculated standard errors cannot be accepted, all precipitation and streamflow records from the study area will require extension by additional observations.
 The study is also used as an opportunity to check the validity of commonly. accepted concepts of 'regional hydrology', at least within the East Otago Region. It is concluded that for low flows, hydrological homogeneity cannot be assumed to equate with uniformity of basin characteristics. Regions are better defined in terms of allowable areal variation for stated hydrological parameters. The study area is not hydrologically homogeneous by the defined criteria. Further, the boundaries of hydrologically similar regions vary dependent on which streamflow parameter is considered. 
Results are presented in British units throughout this study, since these are the units in which the basic data were measured and analysed.

text: An analysis of the surface water resources of the upper Taieri River, Otago To plan a water resource survey data collection programme, it is vital to first establish the purpose for which the gathered data are to be used, and the degree of precision of the information at a particular confidence level that will be adequate. Purpose will determine the required data precision. Precision requirements will in turn dictate minimum record lengths of each variable necessary to estimate population parameters at a point, and the network density needed for parameter estimation over an area. 
This study is concerned with the data requirements and analyses for the planning of an irrigation scheme in the Maniototo Plains and Styx Basin, Central Otago. The 95 percent confidence level is adopted for required data precision. Allowable standard errors of population parameter estimates are stated to be 10 percent for streamflow and precipitation and five percent for temperature. 
Measured monthly, seasonal, and annual parameter values of these variables are summarised and discussed. Although the data collection networks are shown to be theoretically acceptable for most purposes, the measured data do not allow estimation of all the needed total - and sub-catchment population parameters at the required precision level. Record synthesis is necessary in order to increase the amount of information contained at this stage in the precipitation and streamflow data series. 
Techniques chosen for time series extension and spatial extrapolation are linear7 curvilinear and multiple regression analyses, water balance, conceptual and stochastic models. Each model is described, and limitations or advantages outlined. Also discussed are the theoretical aspects which concern precision of population parameter estimates from blended data, standard errors of prediction for synthetic records, and the relative simulation and prediction abilities of the models chosen. Split-record techniques are used to evaluate within and between model efficiencies. 
Addition of synthesised records to the precipitation and streamflow data series still does not permit estimates of all required population parameters at the levels of precision stated as needed. In some instances, record extension results in a decrease in statistical information. For design of any irrigation scheme to proceed now, therefore, the chosen error criteria must be judged too stringent for the Upper Taieri data. If the calculated standard errors cannot be accepted, all precipitation and streamflow records from the study area will require extension by additional observations.
 The study is also used as an opportunity to check the validity of commonly. accepted concepts of 'regional hydrology', at least within the East Otago Region. It is concluded that for low flows, hydrological homogeneity cannot be assumed to equate with uniformity of basin characteristics. Regions are better defined in terms of allowable areal variation for stated hydrological parameters. The study area is not hydrologically homogeneous by the defined criteria. Further, the boundaries of hydrologically similar regions vary dependent on which streamflow parameter is considered. 
Results are presented in British units throughout this study, since these are the units in which the basic data were measured and analysed.

year: 1975

title: Climate change effects on people’s livelihood

authors: Kabir, Mohammad Ehsanul

abstract: Generally climate is defined as the long-term average weather conditions of a particular place, region, or the world. Key climate variables include surface conditions such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) broadly defined climate change as any change in the state of climate which persists for extended periods, usually for decades or longer (Allwood et al. 2014). Climate change may occur due to nature’s both internal and external processes. External process involves anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, and volcanic eruptions. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) made a distinction between climate change attributable to human contribution to atmospheric composition and natural climate variability. In its Article 1, the UNFCCC defines climate change as “a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods” (United Nations 1992, p. 7).

text: Climate change effects on people’s livelihood Generally climate is defined as the long-term average weather conditions of a particular place, region, or the world. Key climate variables include surface conditions such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) broadly defined climate change as any change in the state of climate which persists for extended periods, usually for decades or longer (Allwood et al. 2014). Climate change may occur due to nature’s both internal and external processes. External process involves anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, and volcanic eruptions. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) made a distinction between climate change attributable to human contribution to atmospheric composition and natural climate variability. In its Article 1, the UNFCCC defines climate change as “a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods” (United Nations 1992, p. 7).

year: 2019

title: Viruses without vaccines, or valuing indigenous research? The tensions of introducing Western research assessment practices into an indigenous university

authors: Bruce Ferguson, Pip

abstract: Over my past twenty-five years of educational practice, I have striven to develop a better understanding of indigenous ways of being and doing (in New Zealand’s case, this involves the values and knowledge of Māori). I have done this by visiting and occasionally staying on marae (Māori gathering-places); by reading relevant literature; by engaging in conversations with knowledgeable scholars and by researching the impact of Western practices on indigenous peoples.

In 2003 I managed a research team for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, a Māori tertiary institution with branches across the country. Our Tertiary Education Commission had just introduced a variation of the English RAE, called the Performance-Based Research Fund, through which government research funds would henceforth be distributed. In collaboration with Māori colleagues, we chose to enter this process, believing that Māori research would be recognised and funded by our participation.

While this proved to be the case, there were significant examples of values clashes, such as the requirement for people to ‘boast’ of their research achievements in a context where such boasting is anathema; to claim ownership of knowledge where tradition often indicates that knowledge is not the property of individuals; and worst, at one point I found myself accused by my Māori manager of introducing ‘viruses without vaccines’. By this he meant Westernised ideas and practices which appeared to be benevolent but in fact were toxic (the idea derives from white settlers who apparently gave native Americans blankets permeated with a virus, causing thousands to die).

In this paper I will explore tensions of operating cross-culturally, and whether/how we can protect people from unintended toxic consequences of intended benevolent actions.

text: Viruses without vaccines, or valuing indigenous research? The tensions of introducing Western research assessment practices into an indigenous university Over my past twenty-five years of educational practice, I have striven to develop a better understanding of indigenous ways of being and doing (in New Zealand’s case, this involves the values and knowledge of Māori). I have done this by visiting and occasionally staying on marae (Māori gathering-places); by reading relevant literature; by engaging in conversations with knowledgeable scholars and by researching the impact of Western practices on indigenous peoples.

In 2003 I managed a research team for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, a Māori tertiary institution with branches across the country. Our Tertiary Education Commission had just introduced a variation of the English RAE, called the Performance-Based Research Fund, through which government research funds would henceforth be distributed. In collaboration with Māori colleagues, we chose to enter this process, believing that Māori research would be recognised and funded by our participation.

While this proved to be the case, there were significant examples of values clashes, such as the requirement for people to ‘boast’ of their research achievements in a context where such boasting is anathema; to claim ownership of knowledge where tradition often indicates that knowledge is not the property of individuals; and worst, at one point I found myself accused by my Māori manager of introducing ‘viruses without vaccines’. By this he meant Westernised ideas and practices which appeared to be benevolent but in fact were toxic (the idea derives from white settlers who apparently gave native Americans blankets permeated with a virus, causing thousands to die).

In this paper I will explore tensions of operating cross-culturally, and whether/how we can protect people from unintended toxic consequences of intended benevolent actions.

year: 2012