title: Enrichment planting of late-successional plant species within restored urban forests

authors: Hall, Monique

subjects: Urban ecology

abstract: Successful ecological restoration of early-successional forests should result in highly biodiverse, stable, self-perpetuating ecosystems. This often requires active intervention to transition them to a late-successional state. However, little research has explored specific conditions required for introducing late-successional plant species into urban forests undergoing restoration, especially for different plant functional guilds. This research gap is addressed in this thesis by exploring restored urban forest development with a focus on identifying optimal environmental conditions for re-introducing juveniles of three late-successional species from different functional guilds in Aotearoa New Zealand. Late-successional plant species can have narrow microclimate tolerances and these conditions, e.g., humidity and air temperature, may only be present at certain stages of forest development.
To explore these microclimatic tolerances, three model enrichment plant species were planted and monitored for survival and growth, while recording key abiotic environmental conditions, these included: an epiphyte (Griselinia lucida, akapuka), an understorey shrub (Piper excelsum, kawakawa) and a large canopy tree (Dacrydium cupressinum, rimu). Plants were introduced into 27 forest patches in three North Island cities (Hamilton, New Plymouth and Napier) spanning a chronosequence of 5–47 years since initial forest restoration planting began. This chronosequence design allowed observation of enrichment species’ responses under differing stages of forest development. Linear regression models were used to see how canopy openness, air and soil temperature, relative humidity and non-native herbaceous weed cover within the restored urban forest sites affected the growth and survival of the three model enrichment plant species.
After one year, juvenile enrichment plant survival was 75.5% (G. lucida), 100% (P. excelsum), and 75% (D. cupressinum). As forests developed, the canopies closed, buffering the understorey from the external macroclimate to create a microclimate below. When the forest canopy reached 10.88 years old, there was a significant threshold where canopy closure rates slowed, markedly restricting light reaching the forest floor. Relative humidity fluctuations in the understorey stabilised at 33.86 years of forest age, when the canopy was about 80% closed.
The late-successional plant species from different functional guilds responded differently to changing understorey environmental conditions, driven by the developing forest canopy.
Griselinia lucida growth increased under more open canopies, suggesting a primary dependence on light availability. In contrast, P. excelsum growth increased under more closed canopies with higher relative humidity. Dacrydium cupressinum showed alternate biomass allocation responses to different understorey conditions. Under cooler and wider fluctuations in air temperature, plants were shorter with wider stems. However, under stable, warmer air temperatures, plants grew taller with narrower stems. Further, D. cupressinum growth seemed somewhat uncoupled from canopy cover and responded instead to competition with forest floor plants like non-native herbaceous weeds.
This thesis broadens understanding of enrichment planting approaches for late-successional plant species in forests undergoing restoration. During restoration planning, the requirements of plants’ functional guilds should be considered. Re-introduction of G. lucida should be higher within the canopies of older, taller forests. Piper excelsum should be planted under closed canopies. Dacrydium cupressinum juveniles should be planted within warm, stable temperatures with little non-native plant competition. These conditions generally occur ~10+ years following initial forest restoration planting. These research results highlight the importance of considering timing and thresholds in forest development and the environmental constraints of different plant guilds to ensure successful, biodiverse and long-lived urban forest restoration.

text: Enrichment planting of late-successional plant species within restored urban forests Successful ecological restoration of early-successional forests should result in highly biodiverse, stable, self-perpetuating ecosystems. This often requires active intervention to transition them to a late-successional state. However, little research has explored specific conditions required for introducing late-successional plant species into urban forests undergoing restoration, especially for different plant functional guilds. This research gap is addressed in this thesis by exploring restored urban forest development with a focus on identifying optimal environmental conditions for re-introducing juveniles of three late-successional species from different functional guilds in Aotearoa New Zealand. Late-successional plant species can have narrow microclimate tolerances and these conditions, e.g., humidity and air temperature, may only be present at certain stages of forest development.
To explore these microclimatic tolerances, three model enrichment plant species were planted and monitored for survival and growth, while recording key abiotic environmental conditions, these included: an epiphyte (Griselinia lucida, akapuka), an understorey shrub (Piper excelsum, kawakawa) and a large canopy tree (Dacrydium cupressinum, rimu). Plants were introduced into 27 forest patches in three North Island cities (Hamilton, New Plymouth and Napier) spanning a chronosequence of 5–47 years since initial forest restoration planting began. This chronosequence design allowed observation of enrichment species’ responses under differing stages of forest development. Linear regression models were used to see how canopy openness, air and soil temperature, relative humidity and non-native herbaceous weed cover within the restored urban forest sites affected the growth and survival of the three model enrichment plant species.
After one year, juvenile enrichment plant survival was 75.5% (G. lucida), 100% (P. excelsum), and 75% (D. cupressinum). As forests developed, the canopies closed, buffering the understorey from the external macroclimate to create a microclimate below. When the forest canopy reached 10.88 years old, there was a significant threshold where canopy closure rates slowed, markedly restricting light reaching the forest floor. Relative humidity fluctuations in the understorey stabilised at 33.86 years of forest age, when the canopy was about 80% closed.
The late-successional plant species from different functional guilds responded differently to changing understorey environmental conditions, driven by the developing forest canopy.
Griselinia lucida growth increased under more open canopies, suggesting a primary dependence on light availability. In contrast, P. excelsum growth increased under more closed canopies with higher relative humidity. Dacrydium cupressinum showed alternate biomass allocation responses to different understorey conditions. Under cooler and wider fluctuations in air temperature, plants were shorter with wider stems. However, under stable, warmer air temperatures, plants grew taller with narrower stems. Further, D. cupressinum growth seemed somewhat uncoupled from canopy cover and responded instead to competition with forest floor plants like non-native herbaceous weeds.
This thesis broadens understanding of enrichment planting approaches for late-successional plant species in forests undergoing restoration. During restoration planning, the requirements of plants’ functional guilds should be considered. Re-introduction of G. lucida should be higher within the canopies of older, taller forests. Piper excelsum should be planted under closed canopies. Dacrydium cupressinum juveniles should be planted within warm, stable temperatures with little non-native plant competition. These conditions generally occur ~10+ years following initial forest restoration planting. These research results highlight the importance of considering timing and thresholds in forest development and the environmental constraints of different plant guilds to ensure successful, biodiverse and long-lived urban forest restoration.

year: 2020

title: Untying of hands: Working migrants as social agents

authors: Medel, Coni

subjects: working migrant

abstract: This research elicited in-depth settlement experiences from long-term working migrants who migrated to Aotearoa New Zealand, interpreted through an ecological perspective on immigration. The purpose of this study was to provide a contextualised understanding of working migrants’ experiences as social agents. Immigration policies in New Zealand are primarily formulated to extract the economic benefits of migrant labour and to satisfy workforce shortages in certain industries (Terruhn & Cassim, 2023). At the same time, mainstream psychological literature usually focuses on the individual process of ‘acculturation’, describing how migrants adapt and cope in the new place of living (Berry, 2001; Ward, 2001). The community psychology approach in this research focused on addressing the societal conditions surrounding immigrants' difficulties in settling (Birman & Bray, 2017). This research explored how migrants' settlement experiences are shaped by these broader societal dimensions, examining both the resources that helped migrants to become settled and the barriers that made participation difficult.
This research took a case-based study approach. Five working migrants were interviewed about their experiences of the labour market and navigating the immigration system in their real-life contexts. In this study I explored the precarity of migrant workers, regulatory constraints on the labour market, cases of work exploitation but also constructive employment relationship experiences. This research showed that the individual stories and trajectories of migrant workers cannot be comprehended without considering their context. The findings reflected the heterogeneity and diversity of experiences for working migrants. Not all of their experiences were negative, although there were common threads linked with their precarious migrant status. Working migrants in this study experienced a loss of power, autonomy and social status as migrants, and at some point, in their migratory journey, they all sought to move out of their temporariness and precarity, so they could build their lives with more agency.
Working migrants in this study experienced a precarious migrant status due to the regulatory immigration policies that they were subjected to. The main factors of this precarious migrant status arose from their restricted movement in the labour market and a long-lasting uncertain temporal status. Participants affected by their precarious migrant status pursued more autonomy to be able to learn new skills or enhance their existing skills, which opened new opportunities for them in the labour market and also offered broader contributions to the community. This sense of agency also contributed to their personal growth. Working migrants’ experiences extended beyond their workplaces and encompassed broader social spaces. These experiences included participation in the health and housing system, together with achieving a greater work/life balance. Supportive employment relationships, stable and prosperous working conditions and social support led working migrants to develop a sense of home and a sense of meaning in their migration journeys. Permanent settlement was not a primary settlement objective for four working migrants in this study. However, all working migrants shared a need to gain more agency and autonomy. The findings of this study
tentatively suggest that granting working migrants more/full participation may have benefits that outweigh the costs that immigration policies intend to prevent. Through this thesis and by acknowledging the stories of my participants I showed that with the appropriate support, migrants can contribute fully to the receiving community and at the same time improve their well-being significantly.

text: Untying of hands: Working migrants as social agents This research elicited in-depth settlement experiences from long-term working migrants who migrated to Aotearoa New Zealand, interpreted through an ecological perspective on immigration. The purpose of this study was to provide a contextualised understanding of working migrants’ experiences as social agents. Immigration policies in New Zealand are primarily formulated to extract the economic benefits of migrant labour and to satisfy workforce shortages in certain industries (Terruhn & Cassim, 2023). At the same time, mainstream psychological literature usually focuses on the individual process of ‘acculturation’, describing how migrants adapt and cope in the new place of living (Berry, 2001; Ward, 2001). The community psychology approach in this research focused on addressing the societal conditions surrounding immigrants' difficulties in settling (Birman & Bray, 2017). This research explored how migrants' settlement experiences are shaped by these broader societal dimensions, examining both the resources that helped migrants to become settled and the barriers that made participation difficult.
This research took a case-based study approach. Five working migrants were interviewed about their experiences of the labour market and navigating the immigration system in their real-life contexts. In this study I explored the precarity of migrant workers, regulatory constraints on the labour market, cases of work exploitation but also constructive employment relationship experiences. This research showed that the individual stories and trajectories of migrant workers cannot be comprehended without considering their context. The findings reflected the heterogeneity and diversity of experiences for working migrants. Not all of their experiences were negative, although there were common threads linked with their precarious migrant status. Working migrants in this study experienced a loss of power, autonomy and social status as migrants, and at some point, in their migratory journey, they all sought to move out of their temporariness and precarity, so they could build their lives with more agency.
Working migrants in this study experienced a precarious migrant status due to the regulatory immigration policies that they were subjected to. The main factors of this precarious migrant status arose from their restricted movement in the labour market and a long-lasting uncertain temporal status. Participants affected by their precarious migrant status pursued more autonomy to be able to learn new skills or enhance their existing skills, which opened new opportunities for them in the labour market and also offered broader contributions to the community. This sense of agency also contributed to their personal growth. Working migrants’ experiences extended beyond their workplaces and encompassed broader social spaces. These experiences included participation in the health and housing system, together with achieving a greater work/life balance. Supportive employment relationships, stable and prosperous working conditions and social support led working migrants to develop a sense of home and a sense of meaning in their migration journeys. Permanent settlement was not a primary settlement objective for four working migrants in this study. However, all working migrants shared a need to gain more agency and autonomy. The findings of this study
tentatively suggest that granting working migrants more/full participation may have benefits that outweigh the costs that immigration policies intend to prevent. Through this thesis and by acknowledging the stories of my participants I showed that with the appropriate support, migrants can contribute fully to the receiving community and at the same time improve their well-being significantly.

year: 2024

title: Wāhine Whaiora: Māori Women's Experiences of Bipolar Disorder and their Pathways to Recovery

authors: Harris, Parewahaika Erenora Te Korowhiti

subjects: Māori health

abstract: This research examines the unique, lived experiences of wāhine Māori (Māori women) who have been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and who are currently living ‘well’. Recent literature indicates that Māori present at higher rates than non-Māori with bipolar disorder. However, there is little qualitative information about the nature of their experiences, as well as sparse detail of the impacts that bipolar has on their everyday living.

The purpose of this research is to highlight Māori women’s experiences of bipolar disorder from initial presentation and assessment through to diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  It focuses on the impact bipolar disorder has on women’s relationships with their tamariki (children), whānau (family), and partners, while also exploring social and personal impacts, help-seeking patterns, and stories of recovery.
This research heard the stories of 11 wāhine Māori using a narrative-storying technique to allow wāhine to share their unique experiences as they recalled them. A thematic analysis was then used to identify key themes that depicted their journeys of:

•	Illness and symptom presentation;
•	Consequences and impacts of bipolar disorder; 
•	Support and help-seeking; and
•	Wellness and recovery.

The intent of this research is to create an awareness of the nature of bipolar disorder as it affects wāhine Māori. It endeavours to expose the experiences they have encountered and their aspirations to be better supported by whānau, and community organisations in their attempts to live active and well lives.

text: Wāhine Whaiora: Māori Women's Experiences of Bipolar Disorder and their Pathways to Recovery This research examines the unique, lived experiences of wāhine Māori (Māori women) who have been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and who are currently living ‘well’. Recent literature indicates that Māori present at higher rates than non-Māori with bipolar disorder. However, there is little qualitative information about the nature of their experiences, as well as sparse detail of the impacts that bipolar has on their everyday living.

The purpose of this research is to highlight Māori women’s experiences of bipolar disorder from initial presentation and assessment through to diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  It focuses on the impact bipolar disorder has on women’s relationships with their tamariki (children), whānau (family), and partners, while also exploring social and personal impacts, help-seeking patterns, and stories of recovery.
This research heard the stories of 11 wāhine Māori using a narrative-storying technique to allow wāhine to share their unique experiences as they recalled them. A thematic analysis was then used to identify key themes that depicted their journeys of:

•	Illness and symptom presentation;
•	Consequences and impacts of bipolar disorder; 
•	Support and help-seeking; and
•	Wellness and recovery.

The intent of this research is to create an awareness of the nature of bipolar disorder as it affects wāhine Māori. It endeavours to expose the experiences they have encountered and their aspirations to be better supported by whānau, and community organisations in their attempts to live active and well lives.

year: 2014