title: Does New Zealand law protect organic production?

authors: Wallace, Philippa Jane

subjects: organic farming

abstract: The primary focus of this thesis is to examine the extent to which New Zealand law enables effects of activities to be controlled for the purpose of preserving the integrity of an organic farm. In particular the thesis examines the impact of contaminant discharge, emanating from non-organic farming activities, in the form of agrichemicals and genetically modified organisms ( GMO ). Both types of discharge pose a serious threat to the continued existence and development of organic farms in New Zealand. The thesis explores the nature of the threats and possible approaches to resolving conflicts between organic and non-organic farming.
The issues raised are of contemporary importance, and although land use conflict has been thoroughly considered by courts and commentators, this particular conflict has not received the same degree of attention. The increase in organic farming and the introduction of GMO into the New Zealand environment are factors, which give impetus to the need to explore ways in which to resolve any conflict.
In New Zealand organic farms can be certified, pursuant to several different schemes, to provide an assurance that product has been produced in accordance certification standards. Those standards generally place restrictions upon the use of artificial substances and GMO. Organic farms are commonly located alongside non-organic farms, and therefore organic farmers must ensure that there is no incursion by these substances across the boundary of an organic farm.
The thesis examines the extent to which non-organic farmers can be constrained in relation to the emanation of contaminant discharge. It identifies internalisation of effects as being of critical importance to the continued existence and development of organic farming within New Zealand. Theoretical justifications are examined, and support for a requirement for internalisation of effects, which cause decertification, is identified from different sources including an economic approach, arguments from property rights, ethical duties to the environment and the tort liability theory of outcome responsibility.
A critical issue that threatens the preservation and viability of the organic farm is whether the organic farm can be termed a sensitive activity, thereby reducing the right to protection by the law. At common law, sensitivity represents an obstacle to recovery for loss suffered in both negligence and nuisance. The thesis explores the application of the concept of known vulnerability as a means by which to overcome the notion of sensitivity, as well as considering other theoretical justifications. It suggests evolution of the law, so as to preserve the opportunity to farm organically in New Zealand, and thus be in step with leading international initiatives to promote organic farming.
The research examines the statutory framework, and it is contended that in order to achieve integrated management of resources the RMA should be used in conjunction with HSNO to regulate the effects of hazardous substance and new organisms. The RMA is identified as a primary measure capable of providing effective protection of an organic farm. A requirement for internalisation of effects is recognised as the most flexible method to secure co-existence of conflicting activities.

text: Does New Zealand law protect organic production? The primary focus of this thesis is to examine the extent to which New Zealand law enables effects of activities to be controlled for the purpose of preserving the integrity of an organic farm. In particular the thesis examines the impact of contaminant discharge, emanating from non-organic farming activities, in the form of agrichemicals and genetically modified organisms ( GMO ). Both types of discharge pose a serious threat to the continued existence and development of organic farms in New Zealand. The thesis explores the nature of the threats and possible approaches to resolving conflicts between organic and non-organic farming.
The issues raised are of contemporary importance, and although land use conflict has been thoroughly considered by courts and commentators, this particular conflict has not received the same degree of attention. The increase in organic farming and the introduction of GMO into the New Zealand environment are factors, which give impetus to the need to explore ways in which to resolve any conflict.
In New Zealand organic farms can be certified, pursuant to several different schemes, to provide an assurance that product has been produced in accordance certification standards. Those standards generally place restrictions upon the use of artificial substances and GMO. Organic farms are commonly located alongside non-organic farms, and therefore organic farmers must ensure that there is no incursion by these substances across the boundary of an organic farm.
The thesis examines the extent to which non-organic farmers can be constrained in relation to the emanation of contaminant discharge. It identifies internalisation of effects as being of critical importance to the continued existence and development of organic farming within New Zealand. Theoretical justifications are examined, and support for a requirement for internalisation of effects, which cause decertification, is identified from different sources including an economic approach, arguments from property rights, ethical duties to the environment and the tort liability theory of outcome responsibility.
A critical issue that threatens the preservation and viability of the organic farm is whether the organic farm can be termed a sensitive activity, thereby reducing the right to protection by the law. At common law, sensitivity represents an obstacle to recovery for loss suffered in both negligence and nuisance. The thesis explores the application of the concept of known vulnerability as a means by which to overcome the notion of sensitivity, as well as considering other theoretical justifications. It suggests evolution of the law, so as to preserve the opportunity to farm organically in New Zealand, and thus be in step with leading international initiatives to promote organic farming.
The research examines the statutory framework, and it is contended that in order to achieve integrated management of resources the RMA should be used in conjunction with HSNO to regulate the effects of hazardous substance and new organisms. The RMA is identified as a primary measure capable of providing effective protection of an organic farm. A requirement for internalisation of effects is recognised as the most flexible method to secure co-existence of conflicting activities.

year: 2004

title: A descriptive study exploring the potential benefits of a model train club community for children with developmental disabilities

authors: Geary, Tamara

subjects: Autistic people

abstract: Approximately 1 in 100 individuals in New Zealand are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), facing significant challenges in socialisation and communication. Identifying effective methods to enhance these skills is important, as difficulties can lead to adversity in independent living, employment, and relationships.
Research indicates that utilising items of interest can boost social interaction motivations in autistic individuals. For example, Le Goff’s study demonstrated how structured, interest-based activities like LEGO can promote social engagement.
Building on Le Goff’s (2004) findings, this study examined opportunities for facilitating social interactions and communication among autistic children through a model train club. A mixed-methods approach was applied, gathering data via observations, caregiver interviews, a volunteer focus group, and case studies. Observational data confirmed instances of social interaction and engagement with trains. Caregiver interviews revealed the club’s beneficial impact on their children and their reasons for ongoing involvement. The volunteer focus group expressed dedication to maintaining an inclusive and engaging atmosphere, emphasising the club's social value. Meanwhile, case studies showed that neurodivergent individuals participated in social interactions, joint attention, and engagement with trains within this environment. 
The findings indicate that the model train club is a valuable space for neurodivergent children, particularly those with milder autism, to practice and improve their social interaction skills in a supportive setting.

text: A descriptive study exploring the potential benefits of a model train club community for children with developmental disabilities Approximately 1 in 100 individuals in New Zealand are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), facing significant challenges in socialisation and communication. Identifying effective methods to enhance these skills is important, as difficulties can lead to adversity in independent living, employment, and relationships.
Research indicates that utilising items of interest can boost social interaction motivations in autistic individuals. For example, Le Goff’s study demonstrated how structured, interest-based activities like LEGO can promote social engagement.
Building on Le Goff’s (2004) findings, this study examined opportunities for facilitating social interactions and communication among autistic children through a model train club. A mixed-methods approach was applied, gathering data via observations, caregiver interviews, a volunteer focus group, and case studies. Observational data confirmed instances of social interaction and engagement with trains. Caregiver interviews revealed the club’s beneficial impact on their children and their reasons for ongoing involvement. The volunteer focus group expressed dedication to maintaining an inclusive and engaging atmosphere, emphasising the club's social value. Meanwhile, case studies showed that neurodivergent individuals participated in social interactions, joint attention, and engagement with trains within this environment. 
The findings indicate that the model train club is a valuable space for neurodivergent children, particularly those with milder autism, to practice and improve their social interaction skills in a supportive setting.

year: 2025-06-14

title: Mana Motuhake Ringa: The non-invasive neural interface based artificial hand

authors: Owen, Mahonri W.

subjects: Prosthetics

abstract: Ten million people on the earth at any given time suffer from the loss or lack of a limb. Three million of these are upper extremity amputees. No matter the cause or reason for amputation the amputees’ life is never the same again. Independence can be lost and never regained. The loss of a limb can be an overpowering event that effects the mental, social, and physical well-being of a person. Although there has been many attempts to restore hand function through neural prosthetics there is little to no credible solutions to regain it. This thesis presents methods to restore hand function based on the human grasping system and addresses key challenges in the practical application of those methods. The contribution of this work lies in improving artificial hand function by mimicking the human grasping system. The human grasping system consists of the brain, the nervous system and the hand. The methods used investigate: biomechanical design principles for artificial hands, the limitations of machine learning in non-invasive neural interfaces (NI’s) and the development of an autonomous hand control framework for artificial hand control. 

The application of the Support Vector Machine (SVM) to a non-invasive neural interface is principally limited to binary applications in the real world. In order to overcome this limitation an autonomous approach is developed to achieve better response and accuracy from NI control frameworks. In binary applications the SVM performed well with a classification accuracy of around 80% accompanied by a response time of just under 5 seconds. When applied to multiple classifications the SVM decreased in accuracy and response dramatically. The accuracy of the autonomous hand control framework had a classification accuracy of 95% with a response time comparable to that of the SVM. This outcome has the potential to move non-invasive NI research into the real world and to restore hand function in an intuitive and meaningful way. A key learning of this research is that machine learning methods for non-invasive neural interfaces are not the best way to restore hand function for amputees. Hand function is best restored through the combining of machine learning and machine vision into a single NI based control framework. Additionally, this work is based in Mātauranga Māori with a western science approach. By so doing, amputees will be empowered, have increased independence and enjoy a better quality of life.

The scope of this work is limited to the consideration of hand function restoration for upper extremity amputees. In particular trans-radial amputees. Focus is given to non-invasive methods of control, therefore, investigations are limited to the electroencephalography (EEG) signal. Mimicking the human grasping system is a complex and difficult process, therefore, the attempts in this work to restore hand function only consider mechanisms and processes related directly to the motor control of the human hand.

text: Mana Motuhake Ringa: The non-invasive neural interface based artificial hand Ten million people on the earth at any given time suffer from the loss or lack of a limb. Three million of these are upper extremity amputees. No matter the cause or reason for amputation the amputees’ life is never the same again. Independence can be lost and never regained. The loss of a limb can be an overpowering event that effects the mental, social, and physical well-being of a person. Although there has been many attempts to restore hand function through neural prosthetics there is little to no credible solutions to regain it. This thesis presents methods to restore hand function based on the human grasping system and addresses key challenges in the practical application of those methods. The contribution of this work lies in improving artificial hand function by mimicking the human grasping system. The human grasping system consists of the brain, the nervous system and the hand. The methods used investigate: biomechanical design principles for artificial hands, the limitations of machine learning in non-invasive neural interfaces (NI’s) and the development of an autonomous hand control framework for artificial hand control. 

The application of the Support Vector Machine (SVM) to a non-invasive neural interface is principally limited to binary applications in the real world. In order to overcome this limitation an autonomous approach is developed to achieve better response and accuracy from NI control frameworks. In binary applications the SVM performed well with a classification accuracy of around 80% accompanied by a response time of just under 5 seconds. When applied to multiple classifications the SVM decreased in accuracy and response dramatically. The accuracy of the autonomous hand control framework had a classification accuracy of 95% with a response time comparable to that of the SVM. This outcome has the potential to move non-invasive NI research into the real world and to restore hand function in an intuitive and meaningful way. A key learning of this research is that machine learning methods for non-invasive neural interfaces are not the best way to restore hand function for amputees. Hand function is best restored through the combining of machine learning and machine vision into a single NI based control framework. Additionally, this work is based in Mātauranga Māori with a western science approach. By so doing, amputees will be empowered, have increased independence and enjoy a better quality of life.

The scope of this work is limited to the consideration of hand function restoration for upper extremity amputees. In particular trans-radial amputees. Focus is given to non-invasive methods of control, therefore, investigations are limited to the electroencephalography (EEG) signal. Mimicking the human grasping system is a complex and difficult process, therefore, the attempts in this work to restore hand function only consider mechanisms and processes related directly to the motor control of the human hand.

year: 2019