title: Exploring local perceptions on visual media representations of climate change and last chance tourism in Tuvalu

authors: Henry, Todd Marvel

subjects: Tuvalu

abstract: This thesis seeks to explore local Tuvaluan feelings and perceptions on the visual representation of Tuvalu in international climate change media stories in conjunction with the island nation’s growing status as a last chance tourism (LCT) destination. The study assesses, from a local Tuvaluan perspective, common visual themes that feature in international media stories on Tuvalu, while also investigating the potential connections between climate change imagery and the implications of Tuvalu being seen as a last chance tourism destination by foreign tourists. Using a qualitative research approach, with talanoa-informed interviews in Tuvalu and open-ended questionnaires for individuals who have visited Tuvalu as tourists, the study recorded the feedback of average Tuvaluan citizens representing a variety of educational, professional and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Findings from this research indicate that there are feelings of misrepresentation among local Tuvaluans in relation to visual imagery that features in media stories on climate change. Such imagery contributes to visual narratives that often portray Tuvaluans as powerless victims of climate change. In addition, there is evidence that misrepresentative media imagery, as perceived by local Tuvaluans, plays a role in encouraging last chance tourists to visit due to a perception that Tuvalu’s islands are rapidly disappearing, and the country’s very existence is under imminent threat.
Although last chance tourism is a potentially viable source of revenue for Tuvalu, locals appear divided as to whether or not it would be an ideal approach due to a range of possible long-term negative implications. Furthermore, interviews with tourists who have previously visited Tuvalu suggest that pre-travel low expectations for the country are generally not fulfilled once the unique culture and relaxed lifestyle of Tuvalu is experienced firsthand.

While visual media misrepresentations of Tuvalu are commonplace and should be avoided through improvements in professional photojournalistic practices, such imagery appears to be placing additional attention on the country and influencing foreign tourists to travel to Tuvalu. This research shows that these tourists often tend to arrive with expectations of witnessing abject environmental degradation and human suffering as is often portrayed in media imagery, only to discover the presence of a resilient local population who are dedicated to remaining on their islands despite the environmental challenges they face.

text: Exploring local perceptions on visual media representations of climate change and last chance tourism in Tuvalu This thesis seeks to explore local Tuvaluan feelings and perceptions on the visual representation of Tuvalu in international climate change media stories in conjunction with the island nation’s growing status as a last chance tourism (LCT) destination. The study assesses, from a local Tuvaluan perspective, common visual themes that feature in international media stories on Tuvalu, while also investigating the potential connections between climate change imagery and the implications of Tuvalu being seen as a last chance tourism destination by foreign tourists. Using a qualitative research approach, with talanoa-informed interviews in Tuvalu and open-ended questionnaires for individuals who have visited Tuvalu as tourists, the study recorded the feedback of average Tuvaluan citizens representing a variety of educational, professional and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Findings from this research indicate that there are feelings of misrepresentation among local Tuvaluans in relation to visual imagery that features in media stories on climate change. Such imagery contributes to visual narratives that often portray Tuvaluans as powerless victims of climate change. In addition, there is evidence that misrepresentative media imagery, as perceived by local Tuvaluans, plays a role in encouraging last chance tourists to visit due to a perception that Tuvalu’s islands are rapidly disappearing, and the country’s very existence is under imminent threat.
Although last chance tourism is a potentially viable source of revenue for Tuvalu, locals appear divided as to whether or not it would be an ideal approach due to a range of possible long-term negative implications. Furthermore, interviews with tourists who have previously visited Tuvalu suggest that pre-travel low expectations for the country are generally not fulfilled once the unique culture and relaxed lifestyle of Tuvalu is experienced firsthand.

While visual media misrepresentations of Tuvalu are commonplace and should be avoided through improvements in professional photojournalistic practices, such imagery appears to be placing additional attention on the country and influencing foreign tourists to travel to Tuvalu. This research shows that these tourists often tend to arrive with expectations of witnessing abject environmental degradation and human suffering as is often portrayed in media imagery, only to discover the presence of a resilient local population who are dedicated to remaining on their islands despite the environmental challenges they face.

year: 2019

title: Symmetries of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation

authors: Boyer, C.P.

subjects: Mathematics

abstract: We present a detailed discussion of the infinit esimal symmetries of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation (an arbitrary first order partial equation) Our presentation clucidates the role played by the characteristic system in determining the symmetries. We then specialize to the case of a free particle in one space and one time dimension, and study of local Lie group of point transformations locally isomorphie to O(3,2). We show that the separation of variables of the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi equation n the form of a sum is related to orbits in the Schrödinger subalgebra of c(3,2). The remaining orbits of o(3,2) yield symmetry related solutions which separate in more complicated product forms. Finally some connections with the primordial equation of hydrodynamics (without force terms) are made.

text: Symmetries of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation We present a detailed discussion of the infinit esimal symmetries of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation (an arbitrary first order partial equation) Our presentation clucidates the role played by the characteristic system in determining the symmetries. We then specialize to the case of a free particle in one space and one time dimension, and study of local Lie group of point transformations locally isomorphie to O(3,2). We show that the separation of variables of the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi equation n the form of a sum is related to orbits in the Schrödinger subalgebra of c(3,2). The remaining orbits of o(3,2) yield symmetry related solutions which separate in more complicated product forms. Finally some connections with the primordial equation of hydrodynamics (without force terms) are made.

year: 1977-05

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