title: Allocation, stress tolerance and carbon transport in plants: How does phloem physiology affect plant ecology?

authors: Savage, Jessica A.

abstract: Despite the crucial role of carbon transport in whole plant physiology and its impact on plant-environment interactions and ecosystem function, relatively little research has tried to examine how phloem physiology impacts plant ecology. In this review, we highlight several areas of active research where inquiry into phloem physiology has increased our understanding of whole plant function and ecological processes. We consider how xylem-phloem interactions impact plant drought tolerance and reproduction, how phloem transport influences carbon allocation in trees and carbon cycling in ecosystems, and how phloem function mediates plant relations with insects, pests, microbes and symbiotes. We argue that in spite of challenges that exist in studying phloem physiology, it is critical that we consider the role of this dynamic vascular system when examining the relationship between plants and their biotic and abiotic environment.

text: Allocation, stress tolerance and carbon transport in plants: How does phloem physiology affect plant ecology? Despite the crucial role of carbon transport in whole plant physiology and its impact on plant-environment interactions and ecosystem function, relatively little research has tried to examine how phloem physiology impacts plant ecology. In this review, we highlight several areas of active research where inquiry into phloem physiology has increased our understanding of whole plant function and ecological processes. We consider how xylem-phloem interactions impact plant drought tolerance and reproduction, how phloem transport influences carbon allocation in trees and carbon cycling in ecosystems, and how phloem function mediates plant relations with insects, pests, microbes and symbiotes. We argue that in spite of challenges that exist in studying phloem physiology, it is critical that we consider the role of this dynamic vascular system when examining the relationship between plants and their biotic and abiotic environment.

year: 2015-02-01

title: Shoreline Variation and Beach Rotation of Pauanui Beach

authors: Foster, Renee Abigail

abstract: Shoreline variation over short, medium and long term time scales is well studied and documented. Rotation studies however have only focused on the phenomenon occurring on embayed beaches. This type morphological change is known to be caused by variations in wave climate such as wave approach direction and energy flux.  Rotation studies on other beach classifications are limited, specifically on the potential of harbour adjacent beaches to rotate. Given the highly variable nature of estuaries and their impact on sediment supply to these flanking beaches, rotation could be exacerbated and aggravate existing localised erosion as a result.  This thesis uses a video imagery shoreline dataset to determine the shoreline variation and beach rotation of Pauanui Beach, a harbour adjacent beach. Comparisons are then made to neighbouring Tairua Beach, an embayed beach.

The shoreline over 2002, 2003 and 2004 displayed variation at short, medium and long term scales. Large wave events exceeding 4 m in significant wave height eroded beach profiles until accretion occurred during lull periods. Alongshore uniformity of this erosion pattern was not consistent throughout the timeseries at both beaches indicating the phenomenon of beach rotation. Pauanui transects moved in unison with each other, while an out of phase relationship existed between the Tairua transects.  Seasonal changes in wave climate also influenced shoreline change however consistent cycles were not evident at both Pauanui and Tairua until 2004 where summer accretion and winter erosion dominated.    The effects of ENSO were also observable in the long term where the shoreline gradually accreted with the long term negative ENSO index. Pauanui accretion quantity was much larger than Tairua over the same period. Rotation phenomenon at Pauanui was caused by a strong variation in cross shore shoreline position while Tairua demonstrated a strong out of phase behaviour at either end of the beach. Wave models were generated to determine the effect of islands inshore of the generating conditions. Shadowing effects were highly noticeable on the wave climate projected onto the beach, affecting the rotation and mean shoreline position. Alongshore currents were generated which affected the sediment transport to these rotated areas of beach. 

Based on these results, the two beaches responded similarly during erosion, accretion and rotation events.  Alongshore uniformity does not exist alongshore of the two beaches as wave climate variations are created by the offshore island.

text: Shoreline Variation and Beach Rotation of Pauanui Beach Shoreline variation over short, medium and long term time scales is well studied and documented. Rotation studies however have only focused on the phenomenon occurring on embayed beaches. This type morphological change is known to be caused by variations in wave climate such as wave approach direction and energy flux.  Rotation studies on other beach classifications are limited, specifically on the potential of harbour adjacent beaches to rotate. Given the highly variable nature of estuaries and their impact on sediment supply to these flanking beaches, rotation could be exacerbated and aggravate existing localised erosion as a result.  This thesis uses a video imagery shoreline dataset to determine the shoreline variation and beach rotation of Pauanui Beach, a harbour adjacent beach. Comparisons are then made to neighbouring Tairua Beach, an embayed beach.

The shoreline over 2002, 2003 and 2004 displayed variation at short, medium and long term scales. Large wave events exceeding 4 m in significant wave height eroded beach profiles until accretion occurred during lull periods. Alongshore uniformity of this erosion pattern was not consistent throughout the timeseries at both beaches indicating the phenomenon of beach rotation. Pauanui transects moved in unison with each other, while an out of phase relationship existed between the Tairua transects.  Seasonal changes in wave climate also influenced shoreline change however consistent cycles were not evident at both Pauanui and Tairua until 2004 where summer accretion and winter erosion dominated.    The effects of ENSO were also observable in the long term where the shoreline gradually accreted with the long term negative ENSO index. Pauanui accretion quantity was much larger than Tairua over the same period. Rotation phenomenon at Pauanui was caused by a strong variation in cross shore shoreline position while Tairua demonstrated a strong out of phase behaviour at either end of the beach. Wave models were generated to determine the effect of islands inshore of the generating conditions. Shadowing effects were highly noticeable on the wave climate projected onto the beach, affecting the rotation and mean shoreline position. Alongshore currents were generated which affected the sediment transport to these rotated areas of beach. 

Based on these results, the two beaches responded similarly during erosion, accretion and rotation events.  Alongshore uniformity does not exist alongshore of the two beaches as wave climate variations are created by the offshore island.

year: 2012

title: Te mana o te wahine: Young mothers healthcare experiences in pregnancy, birth, and into motherhood

authors: Kolo, Mia Elaine

subjects: Health

abstract: In Aotearoa-New Zealand being a young mother is often associated with clinical and societal ‘risks.’ Younger women have higher rates of maternal depression and suicide, complications during birth, and their babies are more likely to be born preterm, and of smaller gestational age and weight (Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee, 2012; Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, 2023b, 2023a). Research also indicates that young mothers experience stigmatisation and discrimination that they attribute to their age and/or ethnicity (Adcock, 2016; Makowharemahihi et al., 2014; Rawiri, 2007; Ware, 2019).
In discussion with researchers, discrimination was the topic that young mothers at He Puaawai Teen Parent Centre wanted to talk about. They shared a strong desire to see change in the way that doctors, nurses, and midwives service young parents and were passionate about ensuring that future young mothers had more support. Thus, in responding to their call, 22 parents, including two fathers attending (or recent school-leavers of) He Puaawai Teen Parent Centre volunteered to participate in this study. This qualitative kaupapa Māori study employed a series of wānanga, individual kōrero, and an investigator-triangulation thematic analysis. The research questions explored both the positive and negative healthcare experiences of this cohort during pregnancy, birth, and into motherhood.
The aim of this study was to listen and learn about the experiences of these young parents and co-design informational and/or educational materials to help healthcare practitioners better understand and support young mothers/parents. To spread awareness of the experiences of these young parents, the co-design materials and findings of this study were disseminated via various healthcare seminars and meetings around the Waikato region. The findings of this study contribute to previous research that revealed over the last 20 years young parents have continued to report predominantly negative experiences in their maternity journey. Participants of this study reported experiences of unsolicited judgement and advice, a general lack of manaakitanga (care, empathy, respect), communication, and support from doctors, nurses, and midwives. The relatively small number of positive experiences shared in this study emphasises the importance of manaakitanga regardless of age. An unexpected finding was the impact that receptionists had on young parents’ healthcare experiences, as the face and entry point of healthcare services.

text: Te mana o te wahine: Young mothers healthcare experiences in pregnancy, birth, and into motherhood In Aotearoa-New Zealand being a young mother is often associated with clinical and societal ‘risks.’ Younger women have higher rates of maternal depression and suicide, complications during birth, and their babies are more likely to be born preterm, and of smaller gestational age and weight (Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee, 2012; Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, 2023b, 2023a). Research also indicates that young mothers experience stigmatisation and discrimination that they attribute to their age and/or ethnicity (Adcock, 2016; Makowharemahihi et al., 2014; Rawiri, 2007; Ware, 2019).
In discussion with researchers, discrimination was the topic that young mothers at He Puaawai Teen Parent Centre wanted to talk about. They shared a strong desire to see change in the way that doctors, nurses, and midwives service young parents and were passionate about ensuring that future young mothers had more support. Thus, in responding to their call, 22 parents, including two fathers attending (or recent school-leavers of) He Puaawai Teen Parent Centre volunteered to participate in this study. This qualitative kaupapa Māori study employed a series of wānanga, individual kōrero, and an investigator-triangulation thematic analysis. The research questions explored both the positive and negative healthcare experiences of this cohort during pregnancy, birth, and into motherhood.
The aim of this study was to listen and learn about the experiences of these young parents and co-design informational and/or educational materials to help healthcare practitioners better understand and support young mothers/parents. To spread awareness of the experiences of these young parents, the co-design materials and findings of this study were disseminated via various healthcare seminars and meetings around the Waikato region. The findings of this study contribute to previous research that revealed over the last 20 years young parents have continued to report predominantly negative experiences in their maternity journey. Participants of this study reported experiences of unsolicited judgement and advice, a general lack of manaakitanga (care, empathy, respect), communication, and support from doctors, nurses, and midwives. The relatively small number of positive experiences shared in this study emphasises the importance of manaakitanga regardless of age. An unexpected finding was the impact that receptionists had on young parents’ healthcare experiences, as the face and entry point of healthcare services.

year: 2024