title: The Value of Irrigation Water in New Zealand

authors: Kravchenko, Alexey

subjects: irrigation

abstract: The aim of this thesis is to examine issues pertaining to freshwater quantity in New Zealand agriculture. Currently, freshwater is managed under the Resource Management Act (1991) and the allocation system is essentially on a “first-come first-served” basis – whoever gains access to water rights first blocks out subsequent users, if catchment allocation limits have been reached.   One of the recommendations from a government taskforce engaged to look at the issues of freshwater management suggests that market mechanisms or charges could be viable options of demand management. For any such market or price mechanism to work, it is imperative to know the value of irrigation water in New Zealand as well as to understand wider economic ramifications of establishing such mechanisms. Currently, there is relatively little research concerning these issues and this thesis aims to fill this research gap. The methodologies used include an econometric analysis of dairy farm panel data, a stated choice experiment of irrigation consent holders and a computable general equilibrium [CGE] analysis. In addition to filling the research gap, this thesis also aims to provide improvements in each of the methodologies used. Panel data analysis imputes the water demand function without actual data on water through examining the relationship between milksolid production and output-weighted expected payout – a unique dairy price index developed that more accurately reflects farmers’ incentives than the final payout. The choice modelling section pays particular attention to the issue of attribute non-attendance [ANA], eexamining  its effects on model outputs and compares methods of data collection on ANA. The main findings of the survey suggest that the majority of farmers would be willing to pay for water instead of facing an abstraction ban. In terms of ANA, the results indicate that not accounting for ANA, particularly if it is due to heuristics or respondent fatigue, may significantly bias the welfare estimates and decrease statistical significance. A novel calibration method is presented to negate the ANA bias. Finally, the CGE modelling work modifies the well-known GTAP model to include water as factor of production, as well as to disaggregate the results to a regional level within the New Zealand economy. The findings indicate strong interconnectedness between sectors and regions, with policies in one region having the potential to affect economic activity and resource demand in other regions.

text: The Value of Irrigation Water in New Zealand The aim of this thesis is to examine issues pertaining to freshwater quantity in New Zealand agriculture. Currently, freshwater is managed under the Resource Management Act (1991) and the allocation system is essentially on a “first-come first-served” basis – whoever gains access to water rights first blocks out subsequent users, if catchment allocation limits have been reached.   One of the recommendations from a government taskforce engaged to look at the issues of freshwater management suggests that market mechanisms or charges could be viable options of demand management. For any such market or price mechanism to work, it is imperative to know the value of irrigation water in New Zealand as well as to understand wider economic ramifications of establishing such mechanisms. Currently, there is relatively little research concerning these issues and this thesis aims to fill this research gap. The methodologies used include an econometric analysis of dairy farm panel data, a stated choice experiment of irrigation consent holders and a computable general equilibrium [CGE] analysis. In addition to filling the research gap, this thesis also aims to provide improvements in each of the methodologies used. Panel data analysis imputes the water demand function without actual data on water through examining the relationship between milksolid production and output-weighted expected payout – a unique dairy price index developed that more accurately reflects farmers’ incentives than the final payout. The choice modelling section pays particular attention to the issue of attribute non-attendance [ANA], eexamining  its effects on model outputs and compares methods of data collection on ANA. The main findings of the survey suggest that the majority of farmers would be willing to pay for water instead of facing an abstraction ban. In terms of ANA, the results indicate that not accounting for ANA, particularly if it is due to heuristics or respondent fatigue, may significantly bias the welfare estimates and decrease statistical significance. A novel calibration method is presented to negate the ANA bias. Finally, the CGE modelling work modifies the well-known GTAP model to include water as factor of production, as well as to disaggregate the results to a regional level within the New Zealand economy. The findings indicate strong interconnectedness between sectors and regions, with policies in one region having the potential to affect economic activity and resource demand in other regions.

year: 2016

title: Three variations of observation equivalence preserving synthesis abstraction

authors: Mohajerani, Sahar

subjects: computer science

abstract: In a previous paper we introduced the notion of synthesis abstraction, which allows efficient compositional synthesis of maximally permissive supervisors for large-scale systems of composed finite-state automata. In the current paper, observation equivalence is studied in relation to synthesis abstraction. It is shown that general observation equivalence is not useful for synthesis abstraction. Instead, we introduce additional conditions strengthening observation equivalence, so that it can be used with the compositional synthesis method. The paper concludes with an example showing the suitability of these relations to achieve substantial state reduction while computing a modular supervisor.

text: Three variations of observation equivalence preserving synthesis abstraction In a previous paper we introduced the notion of synthesis abstraction, which allows efficient compositional synthesis of maximally permissive supervisors for large-scale systems of composed finite-state automata. In the current paper, observation equivalence is studied in relation to synthesis abstraction. It is shown that general observation equivalence is not useful for synthesis abstraction. Instead, we introduce additional conditions strengthening observation equivalence, so that it can be used with the compositional synthesis method. The paper concludes with an example showing the suitability of these relations to achieve substantial state reduction while computing a modular supervisor.

year: 2011-01-26

title: Ko Tikanga Te Mātāmua:  ngā pūrākau, ngā pakiwaitara, me mihi, ka tika

authors: Carrucan, Edmond Thomas

subjects: Law

abstract: This study highlights pūrākau and pakiwaitara as legal precedents that can bring Tikanga to life in unique ways. Using Kaupapa Māori and Mana Tāne methodologies, I address two problems within a larger project towards further normalising Tikanga within the legal system and legal education.

The first problem is the key misconception that there are two primary sources of law: statutes and common law. My proposed solution involves reconceiving three primary sources of law: Tikanga, statutes and common law. The second problem is how to source from Tikanga in making legal arguments. My proposed solution encourages story analysis of pūrākau and pakiwaitara and the use of these legal precedents within legal submissions. Accordingly, this study has two purposes.

In embarking on my journey of storytelling, I address the first purpose which is to test whether Tikanga is the first law and supreme law of Aotearoa, as was the seminal proposition of Ani Mikaere. This addresses the key misconception referred to above, that there are only two primary sources of law. Through analysis of Tikanga jurists and Western jurists I conclude Mikaere was right. Tikanga is the supreme law of Aotearoa: Ko Tikanga Te Mātāmua. I propose a new model called Te Whānau Ture as a legal family of three primary law sources representing this finding.

This research then addresses the second purpose in showing how ngā pūrākau me ngā pakiwaitara make valuable contributions to the body of law: me mihi, ka tika. Here, this study proposes a new model called, Whai Matua o Te Ture Māori, a symbolic stingray comprised of fourteen objects of Māori law. Later, I propose a further model Ātea Whakaaro, to enable ethical legal story analysis.

This study responds to (a) indigenising legal education, (b) the inevitability of Tikanga test cases and (c) the current Ao Mārama model. The significance of pūrākau and pakiwaitara in legal settings emerges from this study and a reclaiming of a Māori Legal Method becomes inevitable.

text: Ko Tikanga Te Mātāmua:  ngā pūrākau, ngā pakiwaitara, me mihi, ka tika This study highlights pūrākau and pakiwaitara as legal precedents that can bring Tikanga to life in unique ways. Using Kaupapa Māori and Mana Tāne methodologies, I address two problems within a larger project towards further normalising Tikanga within the legal system and legal education.

The first problem is the key misconception that there are two primary sources of law: statutes and common law. My proposed solution involves reconceiving three primary sources of law: Tikanga, statutes and common law. The second problem is how to source from Tikanga in making legal arguments. My proposed solution encourages story analysis of pūrākau and pakiwaitara and the use of these legal precedents within legal submissions. Accordingly, this study has two purposes.

In embarking on my journey of storytelling, I address the first purpose which is to test whether Tikanga is the first law and supreme law of Aotearoa, as was the seminal proposition of Ani Mikaere. This addresses the key misconception referred to above, that there are only two primary sources of law. Through analysis of Tikanga jurists and Western jurists I conclude Mikaere was right. Tikanga is the supreme law of Aotearoa: Ko Tikanga Te Mātāmua. I propose a new model called Te Whānau Ture as a legal family of three primary law sources representing this finding.

This research then addresses the second purpose in showing how ngā pūrākau me ngā pakiwaitara make valuable contributions to the body of law: me mihi, ka tika. Here, this study proposes a new model called, Whai Matua o Te Ture Māori, a symbolic stingray comprised of fourteen objects of Māori law. Later, I propose a further model Ātea Whakaaro, to enable ethical legal story analysis.

This study responds to (a) indigenising legal education, (b) the inevitability of Tikanga test cases and (c) the current Ao Mārama model. The significance of pūrākau and pakiwaitara in legal settings emerges from this study and a reclaiming of a Māori Legal Method becomes inevitable.

year: 2021