title: Paleolimnology to determine lake reference conditions – fact sheet

authors: Kpodonu, Alfred Theodore Nutefe Kwasi

abstract: Paleolimnology is the study of the early history of lakes based on sediment composition. Lake sediments build up in undisturbed areas of lake bottoms (e.g. in deep central basins) over long periods of time. These sediments will reflect the prevailing conditions in the catchment, climate and in-lake processes at the time of deposition. Specific 'markers' can be used to determine when a particular layer of sediment was deposited. For example, in volcanic areas lakes sediments may contain volcanic ash layers from historical eruptions that can be used to date the sediment (Figure 1). Where it is possible to take long sediment cores in relatively undisturbed areas the historical record of the lake may stretch back far enough to give insights into historical climatic conditions and pre-human settlement state of the lake. This pre-human condition is sometimes referred to as a "reference state". Defining the reference state is important as it provides an indication of the extent to which the current state differs from it. This difference provides a useful reference point for setting targets to improve the state of a lake (e.g., as part of the limiting-setting process envisaged under the National Objectives Framework for Freshwater Management 2011).

text: Paleolimnology to determine lake reference conditions – fact sheet Paleolimnology is the study of the early history of lakes based on sediment composition. Lake sediments build up in undisturbed areas of lake bottoms (e.g. in deep central basins) over long periods of time. These sediments will reflect the prevailing conditions in the catchment, climate and in-lake processes at the time of deposition. Specific 'markers' can be used to determine when a particular layer of sediment was deposited. For example, in volcanic areas lakes sediments may contain volcanic ash layers from historical eruptions that can be used to date the sediment (Figure 1). Where it is possible to take long sediment cores in relatively undisturbed areas the historical record of the lake may stretch back far enough to give insights into historical climatic conditions and pre-human settlement state of the lake. This pre-human condition is sometimes referred to as a "reference state". Defining the reference state is important as it provides an indication of the extent to which the current state differs from it. This difference provides a useful reference point for setting targets to improve the state of a lake (e.g., as part of the limiting-setting process envisaged under the National Objectives Framework for Freshwater Management 2011).

year: 2015

title: The law for the emerging active role of electricity consumers

authors: Aguilar Abaunza, Daniela

subjects: prosumers

abstract: This thesis investigates the role of law in shaping the liberalised electricity system for a more active role of consumers. The research studies three countries, New Zealand, Colombia and the Netherlands, to analyse how different electricity systems and legal frameworks are responding to the new technologies that enable active consumers. In order to provide a better understanding of the current law, this thesis classifies the multiple regulatory responses in terms of conventional regulation, decentred regulation and market-driven approach. In addition, the research applies legal theories regarding law and innovation such as the existence of regulatory disconnection, risks of disruptive technologies and the role of law in stimulating technological change. 
Law and regulation have the role of creating a level playing field for active consumers to participate and compete in the market together with traditional actors. In this sense, the role of consumers, distribution companies, markets and retailers should be reconsidered and therefore, the need to update the regulation and avoid regulatory disconnection. The main features that such legislation should include are different regulatory treatments depending on the size of the project and fair remuneration for the supply of energy and services provided by prosumers. The distribution tariffs or their methodologies should not deter the participation of prosumers , also it is necessary the existence of simplified licensing and procedures for small prosumers. It is also vital to undertake pilot projects and legal experimentation to help underpin future regulation.

text: The law for the emerging active role of electricity consumers This thesis investigates the role of law in shaping the liberalised electricity system for a more active role of consumers. The research studies three countries, New Zealand, Colombia and the Netherlands, to analyse how different electricity systems and legal frameworks are responding to the new technologies that enable active consumers. In order to provide a better understanding of the current law, this thesis classifies the multiple regulatory responses in terms of conventional regulation, decentred regulation and market-driven approach. In addition, the research applies legal theories regarding law and innovation such as the existence of regulatory disconnection, risks of disruptive technologies and the role of law in stimulating technological change. 
Law and regulation have the role of creating a level playing field for active consumers to participate and compete in the market together with traditional actors. In this sense, the role of consumers, distribution companies, markets and retailers should be reconsidered and therefore, the need to update the regulation and avoid regulatory disconnection. The main features that such legislation should include are different regulatory treatments depending on the size of the project and fair remuneration for the supply of energy and services provided by prosumers. The distribution tariffs or their methodologies should not deter the participation of prosumers , also it is necessary the existence of simplified licensing and procedures for small prosumers. It is also vital to undertake pilot projects and legal experimentation to help underpin future regulation.

year: 2020

title: He Māori, He Turi, He Turi, He Māori. Advancing the aspirations of Māori Deaf with their indigenous Connections: A case study

authors: Dunn, Katie Merepaea

subjects: Māori Deaf

abstract: Indigenous peoples consider their connection to whenua (land), whakapapa (genealogy), te reo (language) and tikanga (cultural values) to be an integral part of their worldview (Mead, 2003 & Barlow, 1991).

The identity struggle for indigenous minorities living within a colonised environment has been well documented (Bishop, 1995; Smith G, 1997; Smith L, 1999, & Walker, 2004). The controversies over land, customs, culture and language are major issues to understanding and maintaining one’s own cultural identity and, when considering the Deaf indigenous minorities, the task seems colossal.

When a Māori individual belongs to the hearing majority, the ability to find a place to stand, a connection to one’s turangawaewae (standing place), whakapapa, and marae (village) can be a personal struggle; however, this can often be overcome through a shared experience, through communication at a whānau (family), hapū (sub tribe) and iwi (tribe) level.  However, when the individual is part of a double minority such as the Māori Deaf community, the ability to engage and establish a relationship to enhance their connection to their turangawaewae, can become difficult due to the need to communicate in three different languages: English, Māori and Sign Language.  These language issues can create barriers for the Deaf, Māori and hearing communities at a whānau, hapū and iwi level.

This thesis examines a series of workshops created to advance the indigenous connections and understanding within the Māori Deaf community and Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview). It explores how the integration of the Deaf and hearing, indigenous Māori language and New Zealand Sign Language along with practical workshops can assist the aspirations of Māori Deaf within the advancement of Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori.  Within this thesis I will undertake a series of interviews with participants who are at the forefront of the Māori Deaf community. A suggestion of moving forward to address the needs of the Māori Deaf community within the desire to connect to their Māori language and customs is also offered within this thesis.

text: He Māori, He Turi, He Turi, He Māori. Advancing the aspirations of Māori Deaf with their indigenous Connections: A case study Indigenous peoples consider their connection to whenua (land), whakapapa (genealogy), te reo (language) and tikanga (cultural values) to be an integral part of their worldview (Mead, 2003 & Barlow, 1991).

The identity struggle for indigenous minorities living within a colonised environment has been well documented (Bishop, 1995; Smith G, 1997; Smith L, 1999, & Walker, 2004). The controversies over land, customs, culture and language are major issues to understanding and maintaining one’s own cultural identity and, when considering the Deaf indigenous minorities, the task seems colossal.

When a Māori individual belongs to the hearing majority, the ability to find a place to stand, a connection to one’s turangawaewae (standing place), whakapapa, and marae (village) can be a personal struggle; however, this can often be overcome through a shared experience, through communication at a whānau (family), hapū (sub tribe) and iwi (tribe) level.  However, when the individual is part of a double minority such as the Māori Deaf community, the ability to engage and establish a relationship to enhance their connection to their turangawaewae, can become difficult due to the need to communicate in three different languages: English, Māori and Sign Language.  These language issues can create barriers for the Deaf, Māori and hearing communities at a whānau, hapū and iwi level.

This thesis examines a series of workshops created to advance the indigenous connections and understanding within the Māori Deaf community and Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview). It explores how the integration of the Deaf and hearing, indigenous Māori language and New Zealand Sign Language along with practical workshops can assist the aspirations of Māori Deaf within the advancement of Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori.  Within this thesis I will undertake a series of interviews with participants who are at the forefront of the Māori Deaf community. A suggestion of moving forward to address the needs of the Māori Deaf community within the desire to connect to their Māori language and customs is also offered within this thesis.

year: 2012