title: Subcanopy responses to human-induced disturbances: Astrolabe/Otāiti and Motiti Reefs under the MV Rena and climate change stressors

authors: Elizabeth , Thompson

abstract: Disturbances are recognised as key drivers of ecosystem change, yet there remains limited consensus on how different disturbance types interact, particularly across trophic levels and within subcanopy communities. Existing theories often overlook the nonlinear relationships between climate-driven stressors and species interactions, underscoring the need for system-specific studies to clarify recovery mechanisms. The grounding of the MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef/Otāiti in 2011 resulted in New Zealand’s worst maritime environmental disaster. Fourteen years later, this provides a rare opportunity to assess how legacy disturbance interacts with natural variability to influence subcanopy assemblages. This thesis investigated subcanopy dynamics at two Bay of Plenty locations: Astrolabe Reef, directly impacted by the MV Rena wreck, and Motiti Island, a nearby reef indirectly affected by the wreck, but directly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, and both systems subject to fishing pressure, sedimentation, and other stressors. Biodiversity surveys, species inventories and Baited Remote Underwater Videos, were combined with manipulative clearance experiments to test environmental responses. At Astrolabe Reef, small-scale clearances were established in high and low impact zones, while at Motiti Island, large canopy removals in Carpophyllum spp and Ecklonia radiata transition zones simulated storm-driven disturbance. Quantitative assessments after eleven weeks of the clearances revealed rapid recolonisation but divergent trajectories. At Astrolabe Reef, sites nearer the wreck were dominated by turfing algae and urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii), while more distant sites supported greater sponge richness and habitat heterogeneity. At Motiti Island, opportunists such as kina (Evechinus chloroticus) and turfing algae shifted into available space. Carpophyllum spp. recovered strongly and expanded downslope, contrasting with the weak recovery of Ecklonia radiata. These findings demonstrate that outward canopy recovery can mask deeper structural shifts in subcanopy communities. More broadly, they highlight how legacy disturbance, grazer dynamics, and climate-driven pressures interact to shape resilience pathways in temperate reefs.

text: Subcanopy responses to human-induced disturbances: Astrolabe/Otāiti and Motiti Reefs under the MV Rena and climate change stressors Disturbances are recognised as key drivers of ecosystem change, yet there remains limited consensus on how different disturbance types interact, particularly across trophic levels and within subcanopy communities. Existing theories often overlook the nonlinear relationships between climate-driven stressors and species interactions, underscoring the need for system-specific studies to clarify recovery mechanisms. The grounding of the MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef/Otāiti in 2011 resulted in New Zealand’s worst maritime environmental disaster. Fourteen years later, this provides a rare opportunity to assess how legacy disturbance interacts with natural variability to influence subcanopy assemblages. This thesis investigated subcanopy dynamics at two Bay of Plenty locations: Astrolabe Reef, directly impacted by the MV Rena wreck, and Motiti Island, a nearby reef indirectly affected by the wreck, but directly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, and both systems subject to fishing pressure, sedimentation, and other stressors. Biodiversity surveys, species inventories and Baited Remote Underwater Videos, were combined with manipulative clearance experiments to test environmental responses. At Astrolabe Reef, small-scale clearances were established in high and low impact zones, while at Motiti Island, large canopy removals in Carpophyllum spp and Ecklonia radiata transition zones simulated storm-driven disturbance. Quantitative assessments after eleven weeks of the clearances revealed rapid recolonisation but divergent trajectories. At Astrolabe Reef, sites nearer the wreck were dominated by turfing algae and urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii), while more distant sites supported greater sponge richness and habitat heterogeneity. At Motiti Island, opportunists such as kina (Evechinus chloroticus) and turfing algae shifted into available space. Carpophyllum spp. recovered strongly and expanded downslope, contrasting with the weak recovery of Ecklonia radiata. These findings demonstrate that outward canopy recovery can mask deeper structural shifts in subcanopy communities. More broadly, they highlight how legacy disturbance, grazer dynamics, and climate-driven pressures interact to shape resilience pathways in temperate reefs.

year: 2026-01-27

title: 2-D histories: media texts and the creation of the past

authors: Havemann, Leo

abstract: Why might it be desirable or possible for historians to analyse media texts? The objective of this paper is to outline some theoretical considerations which seem necessary to the planning and execution of such a research project. I will discuss the question of how both media and history relate to the past, examine the significance of narrative as a device that brings coherence to media and historical texts, and finally relate these points to the construction of national identity.

text: 2-D histories: media texts and the creation of the past Why might it be desirable or possible for historians to analyse media texts? The objective of this paper is to outline some theoretical considerations which seem necessary to the planning and execution of such a research project. I will discuss the question of how both media and history relate to the past, examine the significance of narrative as a device that brings coherence to media and historical texts, and finally relate these points to the construction of national identity.

year: 1996

title: Understanding the Happiness of Māori and the Role of Consumption: Experiences of the Millennial Generation

authors: de Thierry, Ebony

subjects: Māori Well-Being

abstract: Happiness is commonly perceived as the ideal state of being for  all of human kind. Although a universal definition of the term remains elusive, happiness is a goal that everybody wants to achieve. In understanding the different aspects that shape happiness, the literature has shown that this can vary depending on the cultural context. As such, this study investigates the essence of happiness as it is experienced by Māori. In understanding the experiences of the Millennial generation, the role that consumption plays is also explored. This group of young adults have been raised in an era when consumerism and cultural revitalisation are the norm.  

This investigation was guided by hermeneutic phenomenology using a kaupapa Māori research perspective. Through this, thirteen young Māori individuals were interviewed to gain their experiences of happiness. Photo elicitation techniques were utilised as a means to facilitate these interviews. Stories of the participants’ experiences of happiness were crafted and then analysed to explore the role of consumption.

Findings show that the happiness of Māori is shaped by the five themes of; sense of belonging, whānau and relationships, spirituality, achievement and success, and sense of freedom. These themes interrelate as they are underpinned by the collective values of Māori. In particular, the aspects of spirituality and sense of belonging appear to be specific to the Māori realm. These are based on customs, values and beliefs that are inherited from our ancestors yet are still prevalent today. In terms of consumption, happiness can be positively linked to experiential consumption. In this case, it can play three different roles on the happiness of Māori through either; a direct connection, an indirect connection, or a negative connection. For Māori, consumption is more likely to have an indirect connection. This implies that it is able to facilitate, maintain and enhance happiness, but is not essential to creating these feelings. This investigation contributes to the literature in four ways. First, this study serves as a starting point to developing a comprehensive framework of happiness that is specific to the culture, views and values of Māori. This will assist Māori through ensuring that they are accurately represented in policies, frameworks and statistics. Second, it proposes five guidelines for Māori which suggest how they can maximise happiness through consumption. Third, this study provides a more up-to-date understanding of the happiness of Māori at the individual level whilst incorporating the impact of collective values. Marketers, researchers and practitioners can utilise this information in an attempt to aid in improving the happiness of Māori society. Finally, it shows that consumption can continue to be positively related to happiness once basic needs have been met. The positive role that consumption can play on happiness is identified, showing that marketers and consumers can work together to achieve happiness.

text: Understanding the Happiness of Māori and the Role of Consumption: Experiences of the Millennial Generation Happiness is commonly perceived as the ideal state of being for  all of human kind. Although a universal definition of the term remains elusive, happiness is a goal that everybody wants to achieve. In understanding the different aspects that shape happiness, the literature has shown that this can vary depending on the cultural context. As such, this study investigates the essence of happiness as it is experienced by Māori. In understanding the experiences of the Millennial generation, the role that consumption plays is also explored. This group of young adults have been raised in an era when consumerism and cultural revitalisation are the norm.  

This investigation was guided by hermeneutic phenomenology using a kaupapa Māori research perspective. Through this, thirteen young Māori individuals were interviewed to gain their experiences of happiness. Photo elicitation techniques were utilised as a means to facilitate these interviews. Stories of the participants’ experiences of happiness were crafted and then analysed to explore the role of consumption.

Findings show that the happiness of Māori is shaped by the five themes of; sense of belonging, whānau and relationships, spirituality, achievement and success, and sense of freedom. These themes interrelate as they are underpinned by the collective values of Māori. In particular, the aspects of spirituality and sense of belonging appear to be specific to the Māori realm. These are based on customs, values and beliefs that are inherited from our ancestors yet are still prevalent today. In terms of consumption, happiness can be positively linked to experiential consumption. In this case, it can play three different roles on the happiness of Māori through either; a direct connection, an indirect connection, or a negative connection. For Māori, consumption is more likely to have an indirect connection. This implies that it is able to facilitate, maintain and enhance happiness, but is not essential to creating these feelings. This investigation contributes to the literature in four ways. First, this study serves as a starting point to developing a comprehensive framework of happiness that is specific to the culture, views and values of Māori. This will assist Māori through ensuring that they are accurately represented in policies, frameworks and statistics. Second, it proposes five guidelines for Māori which suggest how they can maximise happiness through consumption. Third, this study provides a more up-to-date understanding of the happiness of Māori at the individual level whilst incorporating the impact of collective values. Marketers, researchers and practitioners can utilise this information in an attempt to aid in improving the happiness of Māori society. Finally, it shows that consumption can continue to be positively related to happiness once basic needs have been met. The positive role that consumption can play on happiness is identified, showing that marketers and consumers can work together to achieve happiness.

year: 2012