title: Vegetation studies in the Taranaki land district, New Zealand

authors: Clarkson, Bruce D.

abstract: Sampling of the indigenous vegetation of the Taranaki Land District was carried out to describe and explain significant features of vegetational change along environmental gradients. Five major locations were sampled; the three volcanic mountains of Egmont National Park (Egmont, Pouakai and Kaitake), the associated volcanic ring plain and the Taranaki Upland. The sampling which was mainly along altitudinal and moisture gradients involved the collection of both quantitative and semi-quantitative plot data.

Direct and indirect gradient analyses were then carried out on the data; the techniques employed included graphing, ordination and classification. Analysis enabled the definition of the main vegetation types at each of the sampling locations and of the important environmental factors associated with the vegetation pattern. 

Comparison of the results obtained at each of the sampling locations revealed differences in the structure and composition of the vegetation and in the pattern of vegetational change along the gradients. The three volcanic mountains within Egmont National Park show differences in the vegetation consistent with the sequence of volcanic activity (the Taranaki Volcanic Succession). Sectors of Mt Egmont exhibit differences which relate closely to the pattern of recent eruptions particularly the Burrell eruption of 1655 A.D. The vegetation at equivalent altitudes on Pouakai, an older more eroded volcanic remnant, is at a more advanced stage of development. A complex pattern of species (woody species and tree ferns) distribution on the three mountains (Egmont, Pouakai and Kaitake) is outlined and attributed in some instances to the changing availability of habitats on each mountain. This is associated with the sequence of mountain building, erosion and dissection. The vegetation pattern of the Taranaki Upland by contrast more closely reflects the pattern of topography and substrate and the forests are richer in vascular species. Analysis of the distribution of species (woody species and tree ferns) shows that inland Taranaki was the probable source for almost all of the species found in the forests of Egmont National Park. 

Comparisons of the pattern of vegetational change along altitudinal gradients of the mountains of Egmont National Park and some other southern hemisphere mountains reveal certain similarities. With respect to other North Island (New Zealand) volcanic mountains examined the similarities are marked. Like Mt Egmont, Pouakai and Kaitake these mountains all support podocarp-broadleaved forests from which the beech species (Nothofagus spp.) are absent. The forests of Egmont National Park are interpreted as illustrating stages of a landscape and vegetation succession apparent on volcanic mountains throughout the North Island. Features which characterise the present stage of development of the forests of Mt Egmont include the overwhelming dominance of kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa var. racemose), the absence of forest tree species such as quintinia (Quintinia serrata) and the relatively low altitude tree-line.

text: Vegetation studies in the Taranaki land district, New Zealand Sampling of the indigenous vegetation of the Taranaki Land District was carried out to describe and explain significant features of vegetational change along environmental gradients. Five major locations were sampled; the three volcanic mountains of Egmont National Park (Egmont, Pouakai and Kaitake), the associated volcanic ring plain and the Taranaki Upland. The sampling which was mainly along altitudinal and moisture gradients involved the collection of both quantitative and semi-quantitative plot data.

Direct and indirect gradient analyses were then carried out on the data; the techniques employed included graphing, ordination and classification. Analysis enabled the definition of the main vegetation types at each of the sampling locations and of the important environmental factors associated with the vegetation pattern. 

Comparison of the results obtained at each of the sampling locations revealed differences in the structure and composition of the vegetation and in the pattern of vegetational change along the gradients. The three volcanic mountains within Egmont National Park show differences in the vegetation consistent with the sequence of volcanic activity (the Taranaki Volcanic Succession). Sectors of Mt Egmont exhibit differences which relate closely to the pattern of recent eruptions particularly the Burrell eruption of 1655 A.D. The vegetation at equivalent altitudes on Pouakai, an older more eroded volcanic remnant, is at a more advanced stage of development. A complex pattern of species (woody species and tree ferns) distribution on the three mountains (Egmont, Pouakai and Kaitake) is outlined and attributed in some instances to the changing availability of habitats on each mountain. This is associated with the sequence of mountain building, erosion and dissection. The vegetation pattern of the Taranaki Upland by contrast more closely reflects the pattern of topography and substrate and the forests are richer in vascular species. Analysis of the distribution of species (woody species and tree ferns) shows that inland Taranaki was the probable source for almost all of the species found in the forests of Egmont National Park. 

Comparisons of the pattern of vegetational change along altitudinal gradients of the mountains of Egmont National Park and some other southern hemisphere mountains reveal certain similarities. With respect to other North Island (New Zealand) volcanic mountains examined the similarities are marked. Like Mt Egmont, Pouakai and Kaitake these mountains all support podocarp-broadleaved forests from which the beech species (Nothofagus spp.) are absent. The forests of Egmont National Park are interpreted as illustrating stages of a landscape and vegetation succession apparent on volcanic mountains throughout the North Island. Features which characterise the present stage of development of the forests of Mt Egmont include the overwhelming dominance of kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa var. racemose), the absence of forest tree species such as quintinia (Quintinia serrata) and the relatively low altitude tree-line.

year: 1981

title: The Electrical Properties of Interfacial Double Layers

authors: Jones, Mark Hedley

subjects: Electrode modelling

abstract: When solids and liquids are brought together, interfacial double-layers are likely to form. They are too small to feel or see so their presence goes mostly unnoticed at the macroscopic level. A double layer is essentially a cluster of ions and/or charged molecules which are drawn from the body of a liquid to the surface of a solid. They are responsible for stabilising some of our most important fluids -- blood, milk, paints, and inks. Without the protection of double-layers, these mixtures clump and lose their fluidity.

This thesis examines both electricity generation from, and the electrical impedance of, interfacial double layers.  
Interfacial double-layers represent the underlying theme of this work, which is broken into two parts. In part I, double layers are used as a means of converting fluid-mechanical energy into electrical energy. My application for this is an energy harvester that could power electronic water meters. Domestic water meters are typically installed where electrical connection is not feasible. Harvesting energy at the meter may make electronic metering a feasible long-term solution. My findings show that double layer based energy harvesters are not efficient enough for this application yet. However, recent literature on the subject suggests large gains in efficiency may be possible using more exotic materials. Such gains would allow a compact harvester to generate enough energy to operate an electronic meter with wireless transmitter.

Part II models the electrical impedance of electrodes submerged in electrolytes. Double-layers contribute to the electrical impedance between solid-fluid interfaces. This work is important to designers of medical implants. Engineers use solutions of saline to mimic the environment experienced by their implants once implanted. This provides a way to test implant electronics without putting a patient at risk. A way of characterising the interface between electrodes and an electrolyte is to model it mathematically. An electrical model of an electrode-electrolyte interface was recently developed by my supervisor, Jonathan Scott. I use that model to compare electrodes placed in solutions of saline to those placed in a living animal. Measurements of the two show that no one concentration of saline matches the situation inside a live spinal cavity. I then create a low-cost electrolyte test solution that better matches the impedance measured in a living animal's spinal cavity.

text: The Electrical Properties of Interfacial Double Layers When solids and liquids are brought together, interfacial double-layers are likely to form. They are too small to feel or see so their presence goes mostly unnoticed at the macroscopic level. A double layer is essentially a cluster of ions and/or charged molecules which are drawn from the body of a liquid to the surface of a solid. They are responsible for stabilising some of our most important fluids -- blood, milk, paints, and inks. Without the protection of double-layers, these mixtures clump and lose their fluidity.

This thesis examines both electricity generation from, and the electrical impedance of, interfacial double layers.  
Interfacial double-layers represent the underlying theme of this work, which is broken into two parts. In part I, double layers are used as a means of converting fluid-mechanical energy into electrical energy. My application for this is an energy harvester that could power electronic water meters. Domestic water meters are typically installed where electrical connection is not feasible. Harvesting energy at the meter may make electronic metering a feasible long-term solution. My findings show that double layer based energy harvesters are not efficient enough for this application yet. However, recent literature on the subject suggests large gains in efficiency may be possible using more exotic materials. Such gains would allow a compact harvester to generate enough energy to operate an electronic meter with wireless transmitter.

Part II models the electrical impedance of electrodes submerged in electrolytes. Double-layers contribute to the electrical impedance between solid-fluid interfaces. This work is important to designers of medical implants. Engineers use solutions of saline to mimic the environment experienced by their implants once implanted. This provides a way to test implant electronics without putting a patient at risk. A way of characterising the interface between electrodes and an electrolyte is to model it mathematically. An electrical model of an electrode-electrolyte interface was recently developed by my supervisor, Jonathan Scott. I use that model to compare electrodes placed in solutions of saline to those placed in a living animal. Measurements of the two show that no one concentration of saline matches the situation inside a live spinal cavity. I then create a low-cost electrolyte test solution that better matches the impedance measured in a living animal's spinal cavity.

year: 2016

title: Whanau Whakapakari: a Māori-centred approach to child rearing and Parent-training programmes

authors: Herbert, Averil May Lloyd

subjects: Whanau Whakapakari

abstract: The goal of this Whanau Whakapakari (Strengthening Families) research was to define critical aspects of Māori experiences and views on child-rearing practices, and to describe whanau (extended family) values and expectations for tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren).  Furthermore, these Māori views were included in culturally adapted parent-training programmes.  The overall aim was to devise an approach to emphasise client strengths and provide best outcomes for research participants.  Qualitative aspects included discussing the research processes in the Māori community by acknowledging the roles of whanau, hapu (sub-tribal), and iwi (tribal) structures.  I also identified the importance of pan-tribal and urban Māori groups in the current research.  As the project developed, an ongoing consultation and feedback protocol was established to ensure that Māori views on the research and the written outcomes were recognised.  In-depth interviews with kaumatua (elders), and focus groups with Māori service providers and Māori parents were analysed qualitatively to establish Māori values in child rearing and parenting, and the knowledge and skills that contribute to effective parenting and family functioning.  Values identified from these participants confirmed the central role of whanaungatanga (family connections), whakapapa (genealogy), and awhinatanga (support) for Māori. Two culturally adapted parent-training programmes, the Matuatanga (Parenting) Relationships Model and the Matuatanga Values Model programmes, were developed and compared with a Standard Parent Training programme.  The Matuatanga Relationships Model programme emphasised the importance of child, parent and whanau relationships and interactions.  The Matuatanga Values Model programme emphasised Māori values derived from the qualitative data - whanaungatanga, whakapapa and awhinatanga.  A range of pre- and post-training measures were undertaken to identify acceptable and appropriate measures for quantifying parent-training outcomes.  These included questions on support networks, parent expectations of children, parental self-efficacy, parental self-rating, critical-incident scenarios, and programme evaluation.  While 78 participants attended at least one of the research sessions 22 participants provided pre- and post-training measures for the Whanau Whakapakari programmes.  Results showed that there was a medium effect size improvement across all Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Model programmes and a statistically significant improvement in the Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Relationship Model programmes.  There were no statistically significant differences between the outcomes of the different programmes but qualitative differences from evaluation and feedback data were considered in identifying specific skills acquisition, general understanding and enjoyment components in the programmes.  Results from the different measures indicated that parent expectations and critical-incident scenario measures provided the most information on post-training changes.  Analysis of the outcome data with the attendance patterns confirmed the value of parent-training programmes per se and indicated that at least in the short term, parent effectiveness scores continued to improve for participants who continued to attend for more than one programme.  Programme follow-ups considered natural whanau supports in the Māori community and issues of social and cultural validity.  Integration of standard parent-training concepts and cultural concepts suggest a multi-dimensional approach which recognises parenting skills acquisition and cultural validation of whanau concepts relevant to parenting for Māori.

text: Whanau Whakapakari: a Māori-centred approach to child rearing and Parent-training programmes The goal of this Whanau Whakapakari (Strengthening Families) research was to define critical aspects of Māori experiences and views on child-rearing practices, and to describe whanau (extended family) values and expectations for tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren).  Furthermore, these Māori views were included in culturally adapted parent-training programmes.  The overall aim was to devise an approach to emphasise client strengths and provide best outcomes for research participants.  Qualitative aspects included discussing the research processes in the Māori community by acknowledging the roles of whanau, hapu (sub-tribal), and iwi (tribal) structures.  I also identified the importance of pan-tribal and urban Māori groups in the current research.  As the project developed, an ongoing consultation and feedback protocol was established to ensure that Māori views on the research and the written outcomes were recognised.  In-depth interviews with kaumatua (elders), and focus groups with Māori service providers and Māori parents were analysed qualitatively to establish Māori values in child rearing and parenting, and the knowledge and skills that contribute to effective parenting and family functioning.  Values identified from these participants confirmed the central role of whanaungatanga (family connections), whakapapa (genealogy), and awhinatanga (support) for Māori. Two culturally adapted parent-training programmes, the Matuatanga (Parenting) Relationships Model and the Matuatanga Values Model programmes, were developed and compared with a Standard Parent Training programme.  The Matuatanga Relationships Model programme emphasised the importance of child, parent and whanau relationships and interactions.  The Matuatanga Values Model programme emphasised Māori values derived from the qualitative data - whanaungatanga, whakapapa and awhinatanga.  A range of pre- and post-training measures were undertaken to identify acceptable and appropriate measures for quantifying parent-training outcomes.  These included questions on support networks, parent expectations of children, parental self-efficacy, parental self-rating, critical-incident scenarios, and programme evaluation.  While 78 participants attended at least one of the research sessions 22 participants provided pre- and post-training measures for the Whanau Whakapakari programmes.  Results showed that there was a medium effect size improvement across all Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Model programmes and a statistically significant improvement in the Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Relationship Model programmes.  There were no statistically significant differences between the outcomes of the different programmes but qualitative differences from evaluation and feedback data were considered in identifying specific skills acquisition, general understanding and enjoyment components in the programmes.  Results from the different measures indicated that parent expectations and critical-incident scenario measures provided the most information on post-training changes.  Analysis of the outcome data with the attendance patterns confirmed the value of parent-training programmes per se and indicated that at least in the short term, parent effectiveness scores continued to improve for participants who continued to attend for more than one programme.  Programme follow-ups considered natural whanau supports in the Māori community and issues of social and cultural validity.  Integration of standard parent-training concepts and cultural concepts suggest a multi-dimensional approach which recognises parenting skills acquisition and cultural validation of whanau concepts relevant to parenting for Māori.

year: 2001