title: Vital evidence: Change in the marine ¹⁴C reservoir around New Zealand (Aotearoa) and implications for the timing of Polynesian settlement.

authors: Petchey, Fiona

abstract: Precise and accurate radiocarbon chronologies are essential to achieve tight chronological control for the ~ 750-years since Polynesian settlement of New Zealand. This goal has, however, been elusive. While radiocarbon datasets in the region are typically dominated by marine and estuarine shell dates, such chronological information has been ignored by those interpreting the timing of key events because a detailed regional calibration methodology for marine shell, comparable to the highly precise Southern Hemisphere calibration curve, is lacking. In this paper, we present the first temporal ¹⁴C marine offset (ΔR) model for New Zealand based on paired estuarine/marine and terrestrial radiocarbon dates from 52 archaeological contexts. Our dataset displays significant offsets between the measured New Zealand data and the modelled global marine radiocarbon curve. These shifts are associated with oceanographic fluctuation at the onset of the Little Ice Age ~ AD 1350-1450 (650-500 BP). The application of a regional and temporal correction to archaeological shell dates provides complimentary information to terrestrial radiocarbon production and has the potential to add structure to the blurred chronology that has plagued archaeological theories about the colonization of New Zealand, and other Pacific islands, for decades.

text: Vital evidence: Change in the marine ¹⁴C reservoir around New Zealand (Aotearoa) and implications for the timing of Polynesian settlement. Precise and accurate radiocarbon chronologies are essential to achieve tight chronological control for the ~ 750-years since Polynesian settlement of New Zealand. This goal has, however, been elusive. While radiocarbon datasets in the region are typically dominated by marine and estuarine shell dates, such chronological information has been ignored by those interpreting the timing of key events because a detailed regional calibration methodology for marine shell, comparable to the highly precise Southern Hemisphere calibration curve, is lacking. In this paper, we present the first temporal ¹⁴C marine offset (ΔR) model for New Zealand based on paired estuarine/marine and terrestrial radiocarbon dates from 52 archaeological contexts. Our dataset displays significant offsets between the measured New Zealand data and the modelled global marine radiocarbon curve. These shifts are associated with oceanographic fluctuation at the onset of the Little Ice Age ~ AD 1350-1450 (650-500 BP). The application of a regional and temporal correction to archaeological shell dates provides complimentary information to terrestrial radiocarbon production and has the potential to add structure to the blurred chronology that has plagued archaeological theories about the colonization of New Zealand, and other Pacific islands, for decades.

year: 2020

title: Experiences of New Zealand Māori mothers’ Engagement with health and social services post-COVID-19 2020 lockdown

authors: Barrett, Nikki Maree

subjects: Childbirth

abstract: Background: 
Despite universal provision of maternity care, Māori (Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand) experience significant maternal and infant health disparities compared to their dominant Pākehā (non-Māori) counterparts. This paper examined the lived realities of postnatal Māori māmā (mothers) engaging with health and social services. Enablers and barriers were identified to better understand what is required to strengthen health services’ responsiveness to Māori māmā health needs and aspirations. 

Methods: 
Underpinned by Kaupapa Māori research principles, which are grounded in Māori cultural values, emphasising self-determination, and Māori aspirations, a small cohort of 17 expectant Māori māmā were recruited from a Māori childbirth education programme to participate in a three-phase study. Phase three, the focus of this paper, involved seven semi-structured, open-ended telephone interviews with Māori māmā. A thematic analysis, underpinned by a mana wahine (authority inherent in Māori women) theoretical perspective amplified these experiences. 

Results: 
Five themes were identified that encapsulated participants’ engagement and interactions with health and social services. These themes were as follows: (1) right to enact tino rangatiratanga (autonomy) and self-achievement; (2) responsiveness of services; (3) service and system issues; (4) need for greater choice and opportunity; and (5) impact of COVID-19. 

Conclusions: 
This study privileged the voices of Māori wāhine, highlighting their experiences with a complex and often unresponsive health system. Participants valued services that enabled them to exercise tino rangatiratanga. Echoing the experiences of other Indigenous Peoples, incorporating culturally relevant practices into perinatal health services is crucial for achieving health equity and addressing disparities.

text: Experiences of New Zealand Māori mothers’ Engagement with health and social services post-COVID-19 2020 lockdown Background: 
Despite universal provision of maternity care, Māori (Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand) experience significant maternal and infant health disparities compared to their dominant Pākehā (non-Māori) counterparts. This paper examined the lived realities of postnatal Māori māmā (mothers) engaging with health and social services. Enablers and barriers were identified to better understand what is required to strengthen health services’ responsiveness to Māori māmā health needs and aspirations. 

Methods: 
Underpinned by Kaupapa Māori research principles, which are grounded in Māori cultural values, emphasising self-determination, and Māori aspirations, a small cohort of 17 expectant Māori māmā were recruited from a Māori childbirth education programme to participate in a three-phase study. Phase three, the focus of this paper, involved seven semi-structured, open-ended telephone interviews with Māori māmā. A thematic analysis, underpinned by a mana wahine (authority inherent in Māori women) theoretical perspective amplified these experiences. 

Results: 
Five themes were identified that encapsulated participants’ engagement and interactions with health and social services. These themes were as follows: (1) right to enact tino rangatiratanga (autonomy) and self-achievement; (2) responsiveness of services; (3) service and system issues; (4) need for greater choice and opportunity; and (5) impact of COVID-19. 

Conclusions: 
This study privileged the voices of Māori wāhine, highlighting their experiences with a complex and often unresponsive health system. Participants valued services that enabled them to exercise tino rangatiratanga. Echoing the experiences of other Indigenous Peoples, incorporating culturally relevant practices into perinatal health services is crucial for achieving health equity and addressing disparities.

year: 2025

title: Content-Based Language Learning in a Digital Library

authors: Wu, Shaoqun

subjects: computer science

abstract: Digital libraries have untapped potential for supporting language teaching and learning. This paper describes a new scheme for automating topic-specific language learning using a specially built digital library. Three exercises of different types are generated automatically from the library content: one that learners undertake individually, one in which learners collaborate in pairs, and one in which a group of learners compete. The system aims to foster content-based language learning, which greatly increases students’ motivation, fosters long-term recollection, and can be culturally situated in appropriate ways.

text: Content-Based Language Learning in a Digital Library Digital libraries have untapped potential for supporting language teaching and learning. This paper describes a new scheme for automating topic-specific language learning using a specially built digital library. Three exercises of different types are generated automatically from the library content: one that learners undertake individually, one in which learners collaborate in pairs, and one in which a group of learners compete. The system aims to foster content-based language learning, which greatly increases students’ motivation, fosters long-term recollection, and can be culturally situated in appropriate ways.

year: 2007