title: Telemetric longitudinal measurement of young driver behaviour

authors: Starkey, Nicola J.

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: New Zealand is one of the few countries that currently allows teenagers to become solo drivers at 15 ½ years of age. During their first six months of solo driving, these teenagers are 19 times more likely to crash compared to the period of supervised driving. The behaviour of these adolescent drivers represents the single largest cause of fatalities in that age group and is widely acknowledged as one of the most serious social issues facing New Zealand. This state of affairs, often referred to as ‘the young driver problem,’ with an over representation of young drivers in motor vehicle crashes, is not unique to New Zealand. In fact, a similar situation can be found inmost of the world’s developed nations.

text: Telemetric longitudinal measurement of young driver behaviour New Zealand is one of the few countries that currently allows teenagers to become solo drivers at 15 ½ years of age. During their first six months of solo driving, these teenagers are 19 times more likely to crash compared to the period of supervised driving. The behaviour of these adolescent drivers represents the single largest cause of fatalities in that age group and is widely acknowledged as one of the most serious social issues facing New Zealand. This state of affairs, often referred to as ‘the young driver problem,’ with an over representation of young drivers in motor vehicle crashes, is not unique to New Zealand. In fact, a similar situation can be found inmost of the world’s developed nations.

year: 2008

title: New Zealand seagrass (Zostera muelleri) response to acute sedimentation: Linking non-structural carbohydrate reserves to resilience

authors: Soerensen, Stine Tang

subjects: seagrass

abstract: Seagrass meadows form healthy near-coastal marine environments that provide a wide range of ecosystem services in New Zealand and Australia. However, seagrass habitats are declining regionally and globally. It is therefore essential that research fills the current knowledge gaps associated with seagrass disturbance-response regimes and develops standardised methods to measure seagrass health and resilience. Sedimentation associated with increased human activity is a major environmental stressor to seagrass; yet little is known about how sedimentation affects New Zealand’s only seagrass species, Zostera muelleri. This thesis, therefore explores how Z. muelleri responds to catastrophic burial (acute) events in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand. 

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are synthesised and stored in seagrass tissues when photosynthetic outputs exceed metabolic demands and, in turn, are mobilised when photosynthesis is unable to meet metabolic demands. Hence, NSC reserves can be used to measure the impact of a disturbance and/or the resilience of seagrass. A literature review in Chapter 2 illustrates that multiple methods are used to estimate NSC reserves. Experimental comparisons of a selection of these methods demonstrate that NSC estimates by different analytical methods cannot be compared. The outcome of Chapter 2 is the development of a 5-step standard analytical protocol for the quantitation of NSC reserves in seagrass (specifically Z. muelleri). The implementation of a standardised protocol will enable researchers to compare and synthesise results and, thus, increase the application of NSC as a seagrass health measure. 

Chapter 3 investigates the effects of acute sedimentation (i.e. burial) on Z. muelleri. In situ manipulative experiments across three sites in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand were used to assess the spatial variation in resilience (i.e. resistance and recovery) to burial. Resistance and recovery following burial varied significantly between the three distinct morphotypes that existed in the three sites; a large, a small and an intermediate morphotype that overlapped with the small and the large morphotypes. These morphometric differences were believed to be phenotypic responses to site-specific environmental conditions. Having a large morphotype maximises the potential to capture light and store reserves and presumably an acclimation of Z. muelleri existing in a chronically impacted environment (high sediment mud/organic matter (SOM) and low sediment grain size). The largest seagrass displayed high resistance to both single and repeated burial events of 2 cm (no significant effects). In contrast, the smaller seagrass had low resistance and the slowest ability to recover following burial (up to 251 days), whereas, the intermediate morphotype displayed a faster ability to recover (up to 168 days). Results, therefore, suggest that the resilience to burial events increases in populations that have acclimated to a chronically impacted environment. It is, however, noted that a degraded environment will eventually reach a limiting threshold from which recovery is not plausible and results should therefore be interpreted with some caution. 

While rhizome NSC reserves were not affected by burial treatments, these varied significantly throughout a full growing year across the three locations. NSC reserves were at the lowest levels in winter and spring, consistent with seasonal trends. Sucrose levels at the peak of the growing season (February) were significantly related to relative shoot cover the following winter (r² = 0.54, P < .001) and spring (r² = 0.66, P < .001). As such, chapter 3 also documented a link between seagrass cover and sucrose reserves.

Estimates of NSC reserves from the literature vary greatly, presumably due to the wide variety of analytical methods used. Chapter 4 explores the variability of Z. muelleri NSC reserves and the specific partitioning of carbohydrate groups (sucrose and starch) across different spatial scales (within meadow, between sites, between regions), including temperate (Port Phillip Bay) and tropical populations (Townville and Magnetic Island) in Australia. When measured in spring, the total NSC reserves were similar across all spatial scales (193.59 ± 10.88 mg g⁻¹ DW); however, the proportional contents of sucrose and starch varied significantly at different spatial scales. Sucrose contents varied at site level and were best explained by a combination of sediment pH and aboveground to belowground biomass ratio (r² = 0.49, P <0.001). Starch contents varied between regions, with seagrass in the tropical Townsville containing significantly higher starch levels and as such lower sucrose to starch ratios. The best model for starch included only one variable; sediment surface temperature (r² = 0.33, P < 0.001) and results therefore suggest that starch is influenced by large-scale processes linked to climatic processes. The adaptive strategies of seagrass to moderate NSC allocation appear to be of particular importance to seagrass’ ability to acclimate to a diverse range of environments. 

Chapter 5 synthesises the results of the three research chapters and provides recommendations for best practices. Of particular importance, is the method that was developed to ensure accurate measurements of NSC reserves in seagrasses, allowing this measure to be used as a monitoring tool of potential resilience and health of seagrass meadows. This thesis clearly illustrates that the partitioning of NSC groups (sucrose/starch) vary spatially and temporally and that these are influenced by distinct processes. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the phenotypic plasticity of Z. muelleri in New Zealand enhances their resilience to acute sedimentation events (i.e. burial). It is therefore suggested that the timing and location of human-induced disturbances (i.e. catchment developments, dredging of harbours and ports) should match optimum seagrass resilience (e.g., high sucrose reserves and consideration of phenotypic expression), as this is likely to increase the survival rates of the impacted seagrass meadows. The new insights gained from this research provides crucial information to ensure sustainable management of Z. muelleri into the future.

text: New Zealand seagrass (Zostera muelleri) response to acute sedimentation: Linking non-structural carbohydrate reserves to resilience Seagrass meadows form healthy near-coastal marine environments that provide a wide range of ecosystem services in New Zealand and Australia. However, seagrass habitats are declining regionally and globally. It is therefore essential that research fills the current knowledge gaps associated with seagrass disturbance-response regimes and develops standardised methods to measure seagrass health and resilience. Sedimentation associated with increased human activity is a major environmental stressor to seagrass; yet little is known about how sedimentation affects New Zealand’s only seagrass species, Zostera muelleri. This thesis, therefore explores how Z. muelleri responds to catastrophic burial (acute) events in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand. 

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are synthesised and stored in seagrass tissues when photosynthetic outputs exceed metabolic demands and, in turn, are mobilised when photosynthesis is unable to meet metabolic demands. Hence, NSC reserves can be used to measure the impact of a disturbance and/or the resilience of seagrass. A literature review in Chapter 2 illustrates that multiple methods are used to estimate NSC reserves. Experimental comparisons of a selection of these methods demonstrate that NSC estimates by different analytical methods cannot be compared. The outcome of Chapter 2 is the development of a 5-step standard analytical protocol for the quantitation of NSC reserves in seagrass (specifically Z. muelleri). The implementation of a standardised protocol will enable researchers to compare and synthesise results and, thus, increase the application of NSC as a seagrass health measure. 

Chapter 3 investigates the effects of acute sedimentation (i.e. burial) on Z. muelleri. In situ manipulative experiments across three sites in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand were used to assess the spatial variation in resilience (i.e. resistance and recovery) to burial. Resistance and recovery following burial varied significantly between the three distinct morphotypes that existed in the three sites; a large, a small and an intermediate morphotype that overlapped with the small and the large morphotypes. These morphometric differences were believed to be phenotypic responses to site-specific environmental conditions. Having a large morphotype maximises the potential to capture light and store reserves and presumably an acclimation of Z. muelleri existing in a chronically impacted environment (high sediment mud/organic matter (SOM) and low sediment grain size). The largest seagrass displayed high resistance to both single and repeated burial events of 2 cm (no significant effects). In contrast, the smaller seagrass had low resistance and the slowest ability to recover following burial (up to 251 days), whereas, the intermediate morphotype displayed a faster ability to recover (up to 168 days). Results, therefore, suggest that the resilience to burial events increases in populations that have acclimated to a chronically impacted environment. It is, however, noted that a degraded environment will eventually reach a limiting threshold from which recovery is not plausible and results should therefore be interpreted with some caution. 

While rhizome NSC reserves were not affected by burial treatments, these varied significantly throughout a full growing year across the three locations. NSC reserves were at the lowest levels in winter and spring, consistent with seasonal trends. Sucrose levels at the peak of the growing season (February) were significantly related to relative shoot cover the following winter (r² = 0.54, P < .001) and spring (r² = 0.66, P < .001). As such, chapter 3 also documented a link between seagrass cover and sucrose reserves.

Estimates of NSC reserves from the literature vary greatly, presumably due to the wide variety of analytical methods used. Chapter 4 explores the variability of Z. muelleri NSC reserves and the specific partitioning of carbohydrate groups (sucrose and starch) across different spatial scales (within meadow, between sites, between regions), including temperate (Port Phillip Bay) and tropical populations (Townville and Magnetic Island) in Australia. When measured in spring, the total NSC reserves were similar across all spatial scales (193.59 ± 10.88 mg g⁻¹ DW); however, the proportional contents of sucrose and starch varied significantly at different spatial scales. Sucrose contents varied at site level and were best explained by a combination of sediment pH and aboveground to belowground biomass ratio (r² = 0.49, P <0.001). Starch contents varied between regions, with seagrass in the tropical Townsville containing significantly higher starch levels and as such lower sucrose to starch ratios. The best model for starch included only one variable; sediment surface temperature (r² = 0.33, P < 0.001) and results therefore suggest that starch is influenced by large-scale processes linked to climatic processes. The adaptive strategies of seagrass to moderate NSC allocation appear to be of particular importance to seagrass’ ability to acclimate to a diverse range of environments. 

Chapter 5 synthesises the results of the three research chapters and provides recommendations for best practices. Of particular importance, is the method that was developed to ensure accurate measurements of NSC reserves in seagrasses, allowing this measure to be used as a monitoring tool of potential resilience and health of seagrass meadows. This thesis clearly illustrates that the partitioning of NSC groups (sucrose/starch) vary spatially and temporally and that these are influenced by distinct processes. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the phenotypic plasticity of Z. muelleri in New Zealand enhances their resilience to acute sedimentation events (i.e. burial). It is therefore suggested that the timing and location of human-induced disturbances (i.e. catchment developments, dredging of harbours and ports) should match optimum seagrass resilience (e.g., high sucrose reserves and consideration of phenotypic expression), as this is likely to increase the survival rates of the impacted seagrass meadows. The new insights gained from this research provides crucial information to ensure sustainable management of Z. muelleri into the future.

year: 2020

title: Examining Culturally Responsive Leadership: An investigation into how one school leader, in a primary school setting, provides culturally responsive leadership that ensures Maori students achieve

authors: Ford, Therese

subjects: Culture

abstract: Addressing the achievement disparities that exist within New Zealand education between Maori and non-Maori is a major government priority and is identified by the Ministry of Education as being a critical challenge for school leadership (Ministry of Education, 2008a). Therefore, an important question for school leaders to contemplate is: How do we raise Maori student achievement and eliminate the ‘gap’, or more specifically, what are the teaching and leadership practices that will make a difference? The research project presented in this thesis examines how one school leader, in a mainstream primary school setting, provides culturally responsive leadership practice that ensures Maori students achieve. This case study was conducted within a kaupapa Maori theoretical framework and used a mixed methods approach that incorporated the triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data included student achievement data in reading, while qualitative data collection and analysis included school documents, participant observations of the principal, a series of semi-structured interviews and a stimulated recall interview with the principal and focus group interviews with the school leadership team and a group of teachers. The literature reviewed highlighted the centrality of culture in education, the implications for relationships and interactions between teachers and students that are born out of cultural deficit theorising and the potential culturally responsive teaching practices hold for students from minority groups. It also identified a series of effective leadership practices that enable school leaders to influence classroom teaching and have a subsequent impact on student outcomes. The case study school reflects a mainstream primary school context where the majority of Maori students are achieving at or above national expectations in reading. The findings indicate that the principal is implementing many of the practices that characterise effective leadership in successful schools. The principal’s leadership practice is guided by her understandings of culturally responsive leadership, which emphasises the importance of developing quality relationships and quality teaching and learning. Consequently, she has focused her leadership practice on three interrelated strategies that reflect this theorising. The strategies include: prioritising the development of relationships with and between school stakeholders, establishing systems and structures to support the development of relationships and creating a school culture of learning where teachers reject deficit theorising, accept ownership for the performance of students, implement culturally responsive teaching practices and are critically reflective about their practice. This study suggests that further research examining culturally responsive leadership in mainstream education is needed to provide a more comprehensive profile of a culturally responsive leader in the New Zealand context. However, this report does provide an interesting point for reflection and discussion amongst school leaders who want to raise Maori student achievement and reduce disparities.

text: Examining Culturally Responsive Leadership: An investigation into how one school leader, in a primary school setting, provides culturally responsive leadership that ensures Maori students achieve Addressing the achievement disparities that exist within New Zealand education between Maori and non-Maori is a major government priority and is identified by the Ministry of Education as being a critical challenge for school leadership (Ministry of Education, 2008a). Therefore, an important question for school leaders to contemplate is: How do we raise Maori student achievement and eliminate the ‘gap’, or more specifically, what are the teaching and leadership practices that will make a difference? The research project presented in this thesis examines how one school leader, in a mainstream primary school setting, provides culturally responsive leadership practice that ensures Maori students achieve. This case study was conducted within a kaupapa Maori theoretical framework and used a mixed methods approach that incorporated the triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data included student achievement data in reading, while qualitative data collection and analysis included school documents, participant observations of the principal, a series of semi-structured interviews and a stimulated recall interview with the principal and focus group interviews with the school leadership team and a group of teachers. The literature reviewed highlighted the centrality of culture in education, the implications for relationships and interactions between teachers and students that are born out of cultural deficit theorising and the potential culturally responsive teaching practices hold for students from minority groups. It also identified a series of effective leadership practices that enable school leaders to influence classroom teaching and have a subsequent impact on student outcomes. The case study school reflects a mainstream primary school context where the majority of Maori students are achieving at or above national expectations in reading. The findings indicate that the principal is implementing many of the practices that characterise effective leadership in successful schools. The principal’s leadership practice is guided by her understandings of culturally responsive leadership, which emphasises the importance of developing quality relationships and quality teaching and learning. Consequently, she has focused her leadership practice on three interrelated strategies that reflect this theorising. The strategies include: prioritising the development of relationships with and between school stakeholders, establishing systems and structures to support the development of relationships and creating a school culture of learning where teachers reject deficit theorising, accept ownership for the performance of students, implement culturally responsive teaching practices and are critically reflective about their practice. This study suggests that further research examining culturally responsive leadership in mainstream education is needed to provide a more comprehensive profile of a culturally responsive leader in the New Zealand context. However, this report does provide an interesting point for reflection and discussion amongst school leaders who want to raise Maori student achievement and reduce disparities.

year: 2010