title: Catchment modelling with SWAT – fact sheet

authors: Me, W

abstract: Catchment models determine the source and extent of water quality problems in a catchment. Catchment models may be used to identify 'hotspots' in a region and once calibrated these models may be used to test various land management, land use, and climate-change scenarios. SWAT (Soil & Water assessment tool) is a relatively complex model. The development of SWAT is a continuation of USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) modelling experience spanning more than 30 years. SWAT has been used with some degree of success by the LERNZ group at The University of Waikato and it has been applied to several New Zealand catchments. The model is capable of producing daily discharge and nutrient and sediment loads to streams at a sub-catchment level. ArcSWAT is an ArcGIS-ArcView extension and graphical user input interface for SWAT.

text: Catchment modelling with SWAT – fact sheet Catchment models determine the source and extent of water quality problems in a catchment. Catchment models may be used to identify 'hotspots' in a region and once calibrated these models may be used to test various land management, land use, and climate-change scenarios. SWAT (Soil & Water assessment tool) is a relatively complex model. The development of SWAT is a continuation of USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) modelling experience spanning more than 30 years. SWAT has been used with some degree of success by the LERNZ group at The University of Waikato and it has been applied to several New Zealand catchments. The model is capable of producing daily discharge and nutrient and sediment loads to streams at a sub-catchment level. ArcSWAT is an ArcGIS-ArcView extension and graphical user input interface for SWAT.

year: 2015

title: Improving cervical screening rates among sexual minorities: Insights from Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Ellis, Sonja J.

subjects: early detection of cancer

abstract: Issue Addressed: Sexual minority women (SMW) experience inequities in health outcomes. The extant literature consistently suggests that SMW are much less likely than their heterosexual peers to engage in cervical screening. Using participant's voices, the focus of this study was to explore the ways in which cervical screening rates for SMW might be improved. Methods: An online survey was completed by SMW (N = 177) aged 25–69 based in Aotearoa New Zealand and representing a range of sexual identities, ethnicities, and geographical regions. The analysis presented here was derived from open-ended qualitative responses to a single survey item: What do you think could be done to encourage more SMW (lesbians, wahine takatāpui, bisexual women, etc.) to engage in smear testing?. Results: Analysis of the data generated three main themes around how public health services could encourage more SMW to engage in cervical screening: Inclusive health services, clarity of information, and targeted health promotion. Conclusion: The analysis showed that the inherent heteronormativity among health care professionals and the lack of clear and consistent information specific to SMW may be key factors contributing to lower rates of engagement in screening. So What?: Given that not engaging in screening is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, it is imperative that active consideration is given to these issues with a view to increasing participation rates among SMW.

text: Improving cervical screening rates among sexual minorities: Insights from Aotearoa New Zealand Issue Addressed: Sexual minority women (SMW) experience inequities in health outcomes. The extant literature consistently suggests that SMW are much less likely than their heterosexual peers to engage in cervical screening. Using participant's voices, the focus of this study was to explore the ways in which cervical screening rates for SMW might be improved. Methods: An online survey was completed by SMW (N = 177) aged 25–69 based in Aotearoa New Zealand and representing a range of sexual identities, ethnicities, and geographical regions. The analysis presented here was derived from open-ended qualitative responses to a single survey item: What do you think could be done to encourage more SMW (lesbians, wahine takatāpui, bisexual women, etc.) to engage in smear testing?. Results: Analysis of the data generated three main themes around how public health services could encourage more SMW to engage in cervical screening: Inclusive health services, clarity of information, and targeted health promotion. Conclusion: The analysis showed that the inherent heteronormativity among health care professionals and the lack of clear and consistent information specific to SMW may be key factors contributing to lower rates of engagement in screening. So What?: Given that not engaging in screening is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, it is imperative that active consideration is given to these issues with a view to increasing participation rates among SMW.

year: 2024

title: Teaching te reo Māori as a second language in primary schools: two case studies.

authors: Hill, Richard Kenneth

subjects: second languages

abstract: The provision of second language education in New Zealand primary schools has been, until recently, a rare addition to programmes. Its wider implementation in New Zealand primary schools has always been limited by low numbers of fluent bilingual teachers, and a perception that in a predominantly English speaking country such as New Zealand there is no need to teach additional languages in primary schools. The New Zealand Curriculum (Ministry of Education, 2007) provides the first opportunity to formally include second language education in primary schools, and to establish the learning of second languages as a worthwhile pursuit in New Zealand. However, the success of such a policy change will depend on the ability of the Ministry of Education and course providers to upskill teachers in their ability to speak additional languages and teach them. This article reports on the outcomes of a Ministry-funded project designed to strengthen the second language teaching approaches of upper primary school teachers who teach te reo Maori. It provides case studies of two of the teachers who completed this course, and finds that while there are clear benefits to be derived from such teacher professional development courses, these courses need to focus on long-term objectives and be channelled to those teachers and students who stand to benefit the most from professional development courses.

text: Teaching te reo Māori as a second language in primary schools: two case studies. The provision of second language education in New Zealand primary schools has been, until recently, a rare addition to programmes. Its wider implementation in New Zealand primary schools has always been limited by low numbers of fluent bilingual teachers, and a perception that in a predominantly English speaking country such as New Zealand there is no need to teach additional languages in primary schools. The New Zealand Curriculum (Ministry of Education, 2007) provides the first opportunity to formally include second language education in primary schools, and to establish the learning of second languages as a worthwhile pursuit in New Zealand. However, the success of such a policy change will depend on the ability of the Ministry of Education and course providers to upskill teachers in their ability to speak additional languages and teach them. This article reports on the outcomes of a Ministry-funded project designed to strengthen the second language teaching approaches of upper primary school teachers who teach te reo Maori. It provides case studies of two of the teachers who completed this course, and finds that while there are clear benefits to be derived from such teacher professional development courses, these courses need to focus on long-term objectives and be channelled to those teachers and students who stand to benefit the most from professional development courses.

year: 2010