title: 2024 Moana Oceania soil judging competition handbook

authors: Smith, Carol

subjects: Allophanic Soils

abstract: Welcome to the 2024 Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition, jointly hosted by the New Zealand Society of Soil Science (NZSSS) and Soil Science Australia (SSA) and held this year in the stunning volcanic landscape of Rotorua, New Zealand.

This prestigious competition has become a much-anticipated event on both of our Societies’ calendars. This year's event provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn alongside participants from various soil-related backgrounds, including university students, regional council scientists, land managers, consultants, and general soil enthusiasts. Participants have travelled from every Australian state, across New Zealand and from a number of Pacific Island nations.

Soil judging is one of the best possible training grounds for aspiring soil professionals and those working professionals who wish to add a string to their bow of skills. Whether you have an interest in research, teaching, or consultancy, within academia, government or the private sector, there is no shortage of career possibilities in soils.

Students are our next generation of soil scientists and land managers and for that reason you play a critical role in both the NZSSS and SSA. Both nationally, and through our branches, our societies support students through a range of initiatives:
• Travel grants to attend the biennial national soil science conference.
• Financial support to attend the national soil judging competition and for the absolute best competitors, to attend the World Congress of Soil Science.
• Awards, presented at national conferences and by our branches.
• Reduced membership fees for our societies and registration fees for events.
• Great opportunities for mentoring and networking.

Over 3 days, we aim to equip participants with the soil description and classification skills that are vital for interpreting the best management and land use for any given soils. The practice and competition days will be intense, as your problem-solving skills, academic credentials and practical experience will be put to the test. This is your opportunity to show how much you have learned about soil description and classification and how you apply that knowledge in the field, often under pressure. Make the most of the training sessions, in the lead up to the competition day, and the chance to learn from some of our finest soil scientists as well as your fellow entrants.

Remember, beyond the technical challenges, you will also discover the value of ongoing education and professional development and the satisfaction that comes from strong teamwork. Most importantly, we hope this experience reinforces your commitment to sustainable land management and to protecting one of our nation’s most precious natural assets - our soil.

text: 2024 Moana Oceania soil judging competition handbook Welcome to the 2024 Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition, jointly hosted by the New Zealand Society of Soil Science (NZSSS) and Soil Science Australia (SSA) and held this year in the stunning volcanic landscape of Rotorua, New Zealand.

This prestigious competition has become a much-anticipated event on both of our Societies’ calendars. This year's event provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn alongside participants from various soil-related backgrounds, including university students, regional council scientists, land managers, consultants, and general soil enthusiasts. Participants have travelled from every Australian state, across New Zealand and from a number of Pacific Island nations.

Soil judging is one of the best possible training grounds for aspiring soil professionals and those working professionals who wish to add a string to their bow of skills. Whether you have an interest in research, teaching, or consultancy, within academia, government or the private sector, there is no shortage of career possibilities in soils.

Students are our next generation of soil scientists and land managers and for that reason you play a critical role in both the NZSSS and SSA. Both nationally, and through our branches, our societies support students through a range of initiatives:
• Travel grants to attend the biennial national soil science conference.
• Financial support to attend the national soil judging competition and for the absolute best competitors, to attend the World Congress of Soil Science.
• Awards, presented at national conferences and by our branches.
• Reduced membership fees for our societies and registration fees for events.
• Great opportunities for mentoring and networking.

Over 3 days, we aim to equip participants with the soil description and classification skills that are vital for interpreting the best management and land use for any given soils. The practice and competition days will be intense, as your problem-solving skills, academic credentials and practical experience will be put to the test. This is your opportunity to show how much you have learned about soil description and classification and how you apply that knowledge in the field, often under pressure. Make the most of the training sessions, in the lead up to the competition day, and the chance to learn from some of our finest soil scientists as well as your fellow entrants.

Remember, beyond the technical challenges, you will also discover the value of ongoing education and professional development and the satisfaction that comes from strong teamwork. Most importantly, we hope this experience reinforces your commitment to sustainable land management and to protecting one of our nation’s most precious natural assets - our soil.

year: 2024

title: Personal therapy in psychology training: Perspectives from the practising field

authors: Mills, Briar

subjects: psychologist trainees

abstract: The potential relevance of personal therapy for psychologists in training has long been discussed, yet few empirical studies have explored how it is perceived by psychologists themselves. This study investigated the views of 219 Australian psychologists who had engaged in personal therapy, drawing on their written qualitative responses to a larger online survey distributed across Australia. Thematic analysis was used to explore participants’ perspectives on personal therapy during training. Seven key themes were identified, reflecting diverse views on whether therapy should be required, the challenges and barriers that can affect access, and how stigma or normalisation influence uptake. Participants described how personal therapy during training was viewed as contributing to professional and personal development, enhancing self-awareness, emotional insight, and relational capacities, as well as offering support that extended beyond the limits of supervision. Some also highlighted the protective and sustaining role of therapy and its alignment with professional values. Views on whether therapy should be mandated varied, but many supported increased encouragement and visibility within training contexts. These findings offer timely insight into how psychologists with lived experience of personal therapy reflect on its role during training, highlighting considerations for professional development, trainee wellbeing, and the broader training environment.

text: Personal therapy in psychology training: Perspectives from the practising field The potential relevance of personal therapy for psychologists in training has long been discussed, yet few empirical studies have explored how it is perceived by psychologists themselves. This study investigated the views of 219 Australian psychologists who had engaged in personal therapy, drawing on their written qualitative responses to a larger online survey distributed across Australia. Thematic analysis was used to explore participants’ perspectives on personal therapy during training. Seven key themes were identified, reflecting diverse views on whether therapy should be required, the challenges and barriers that can affect access, and how stigma or normalisation influence uptake. Participants described how personal therapy during training was viewed as contributing to professional and personal development, enhancing self-awareness, emotional insight, and relational capacities, as well as offering support that extended beyond the limits of supervision. Some also highlighted the protective and sustaining role of therapy and its alignment with professional values. Views on whether therapy should be mandated varied, but many supported increased encouragement and visibility within training contexts. These findings offer timely insight into how psychologists with lived experience of personal therapy reflect on its role during training, highlighting considerations for professional development, trainee wellbeing, and the broader training environment.

year: 2025

title: Mā te hangarau te oranga o te reo Māori e tautoko ai? Can technology support the long-term health of the Māori language?

authors: Mato, Paora James

subjects: Te reo Māori

abstract: Can contemporary technologies be used to support the ongoing health of an endangered language? Since the late twentieth century unprecedented and substantial social changes have been propelled by advances in contemporary technologies. Continuous connectivity harnessing digital communication, mass media and social networking has enabled instant diffusions of ideas, viewpoints and values. Unrestrained broadcasting and publishing by the general populace and the absence of the traditional media gatekeepers has been linked to the weakening of traditional cultural and linguistic ties as the private, more intimate oral domains inherent to minority indigenous cultures are being opened up to more public modes of consumption. Additionally, significant numbers of minority language speakers switch from the use of their own languages in digital environments to a language that is globally more recognisable. This type of digital language switching emulates the historical occurrence of language shift as minority language speakers opt to use a language that they perceive to be of more benefit to themselves and to their children.

Ironically, language revitalisation initiatives are embracing the ubiquitous attributes of digital technology. A joint venture between the Microsoft Corporation and the University of Waikato resulted in Māori-language interfaces for Microsoft Office and Windows. These and similar interfaces for a range of other applications were investigated. The testing groups were largely unaware the translated interfaces existed and expressed pleasure and pride to see te reo Māori within the various technologies. Following engagement the feedback was less positive. New words, unfamiliar uses of words and poor translations were cited as significant difficulties. Ensuing navigation was often hesitant and uncertain. Were the translations unsuitable? Is te reo Māori unusable within these technologies? The high incidence of task completion suggests difficulties may have arisen from a previous competence with the technologies in another language - English in this case. Future initiatives would do well to consider that perceived difficulties might arise from factors other than the design of the interfaces themselves.

 
Te reo Māori is being used on Twitter. Particular events significantly impacted the use of tweeting in te reo. During Māori Language Week the number of tweeters increased. During the Matatini Festival the volume of tweets increased. While creating an online Māori-language community, a range of strategies became necessary to maintain and prolong some conversations. At times, bilingual tweets extended faltering conversations. Sometimes forwarding tweets drew success. Furthermore, a significant number of people preferred to watch without engaging directly – perhaps a target area for future strategies.

Te reo Māori is a viable option within various technologies as evidenced by the increasing use of the language on a range of contemporary platforms. Translated interfaces provide opportunities for language promotion and extensive language visibility. The development of an online language forum has shown that conversations in te reo Māori can be successfully fostered using social media. Understanding the differences between the static visibility of translated interfaces and the dynamic nature of online conversations can be a huge asset for language strategies once issues of awareness, perception and extended engagement are successfully addressed.

text: Mā te hangarau te oranga o te reo Māori e tautoko ai? Can technology support the long-term health of the Māori language? Can contemporary technologies be used to support the ongoing health of an endangered language? Since the late twentieth century unprecedented and substantial social changes have been propelled by advances in contemporary technologies. Continuous connectivity harnessing digital communication, mass media and social networking has enabled instant diffusions of ideas, viewpoints and values. Unrestrained broadcasting and publishing by the general populace and the absence of the traditional media gatekeepers has been linked to the weakening of traditional cultural and linguistic ties as the private, more intimate oral domains inherent to minority indigenous cultures are being opened up to more public modes of consumption. Additionally, significant numbers of minority language speakers switch from the use of their own languages in digital environments to a language that is globally more recognisable. This type of digital language switching emulates the historical occurrence of language shift as minority language speakers opt to use a language that they perceive to be of more benefit to themselves and to their children.

Ironically, language revitalisation initiatives are embracing the ubiquitous attributes of digital technology. A joint venture between the Microsoft Corporation and the University of Waikato resulted in Māori-language interfaces for Microsoft Office and Windows. These and similar interfaces for a range of other applications were investigated. The testing groups were largely unaware the translated interfaces existed and expressed pleasure and pride to see te reo Māori within the various technologies. Following engagement the feedback was less positive. New words, unfamiliar uses of words and poor translations were cited as significant difficulties. Ensuing navigation was often hesitant and uncertain. Were the translations unsuitable? Is te reo Māori unusable within these technologies? The high incidence of task completion suggests difficulties may have arisen from a previous competence with the technologies in another language - English in this case. Future initiatives would do well to consider that perceived difficulties might arise from factors other than the design of the interfaces themselves.

 
Te reo Māori is being used on Twitter. Particular events significantly impacted the use of tweeting in te reo. During Māori Language Week the number of tweeters increased. During the Matatini Festival the volume of tweets increased. While creating an online Māori-language community, a range of strategies became necessary to maintain and prolong some conversations. At times, bilingual tweets extended faltering conversations. Sometimes forwarding tweets drew success. Furthermore, a significant number of people preferred to watch without engaging directly – perhaps a target area for future strategies.

Te reo Māori is a viable option within various technologies as evidenced by the increasing use of the language on a range of contemporary platforms. Translated interfaces provide opportunities for language promotion and extensive language visibility. The development of an online language forum has shown that conversations in te reo Māori can be successfully fostered using social media. Understanding the differences between the static visibility of translated interfaces and the dynamic nature of online conversations can be a huge asset for language strategies once issues of awareness, perception and extended engagement are successfully addressed.

year: 2018