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Assessing key drivers of cyanobacterial blooms in urban stormwater ponds: a case study in Ōtautahi | Christchurch.
No full textAs urbanisation increases and flooding events become more frequent and severe, it likely that the number of stormwater ponds will increase, and they will become more eutrophic. Stormwater ponds are often nutrient-rich environments ideal for cyanobacteria. Some cyanobacteria are known to produce cyanotoxins which have been associated with numerous dog deaths in Aotearoa|New Zealand. Concerns over cyanobacterial blooms and toxic production in stormwater ponds has led to increased interest to identify the underlying cause. Previous studies have inferred that environmental drivers for cyanobacterial blooms in stormwater ponds are similar to those identified for lakes and other eutrophic environments, but there is a limited understanding of the influence of stormwater pond design and physicochemical factors on cyanobacterial communities. To address this knowledge gap, I undertook two studies to investigate cyanobacterial community composition in stormwater and urban ponds to determine how design attributes and physicochemical factors influence cyanobacterial dynamics.
The first study involved analysing temporal patterns in physicochemical variables and the abundance of cyanobacteria using conventional microscopic techniques. This revealed that cyanobacteria were present in stormwater ponds with evidence of cyanobacterial blooms in some, but not all, ponds. In general the cyanobacterial biovolumes were low. Linear mixed models identified physicochemical variables associated with total algal biomass, with total phosphorus being the most important explanatory variable. I identified linkages between hydraulic residence times, nutrients, and cyanobacterial biovolumes where stormwater ponds with high flush rates had lower total phosphorus and cyanobacterial biovolumes.
The second study involved a broad spatial survey of cyanobacterial communities in stormwater and urban ponds using a molecular technique known as metabarcoding. This revealed that cyanobacteria are prevalent and that communities differ across trophic gradients. Picocyanobacteria were identified as a dominant taxon. Known bloom forming species Aphanizomenon and Planktothrix dominated hypertrophic environments. Nutrients, temperature, and conductivity were all correlated with different cyanobacterial taxa, confirming their importance in bloom development. Surface area showed a general positive association with Aphanizomenon. However, this trend was not universal, as the species was absent in some larger ponds, indicating that factors beyond pond size, such as environmental conditions or ecological interactions, may influence its presence and abundance. Lastly, by using molecular techniques, I confirmed the absence of microcystin (a hepatoxic cyanotoxin) producing genes, confirming that this cyanotoxin was not present in these ponds at the time of sampling.
My research highlights the importance of understanding how stormwater pond design and environmental factors interact to influence cyanobacterial dynamics, offering insights to inform strategies for mitigating cyanobacterial blooms and associated risks. Future studies could explore how climate-driven changes, such as altered rainfall patterns and warming temperatures, might further influence cyanobacterial community composition and bloom dynamics in stormwater ponds, providing critical information for adaptive management
Brightoning the Landscape: Improving Unsightly Buildings and Spaces in New Brighton. Report prepared part of the GEOG309 Research for Resilient Communities and Environments course, University of Canterbury, 2025.
No full text• Context: This research investigates strategies to activate underutilised spaces in New Brighton Mall, Christchurch. Even with ongoing long term development plans, the area faceslow foot traffic and little vibrancy. Our study aimed to identify low-cost, creative, community led activations to revitalise the Mall.• Research Question: What low-cost interventions could be implemented to activate underutilised spaces and buildings along New Brighton Mall?• Summary of Methods: Different research methods were used including combining survey data with structured interviews from local business owners. Alongside this secondary data was gathered from a range of sources.• Key Findings: The main challenges identified were a lack of connection between the beach and the Mall as well as vacant spaces and low foot traffic. Community members and business owners showed an interest in creative short-term activations such as music and events to improve the vibrancy of the area.• Recommendations: The recommendations of relocating the dance-o-mat and creating a community arts festival could overcome the challenges the Mall faces by enhancing the existing environment, creating places for social connection and celebrating the community
Imperfect detection can underestimate urban bird and butterfly richness predictions in joint species distribution models.
No full textUrbanization has clear and significant effects on biodiversity, leading to habitat loss and degradation,
homogenisation, and introduction of exotic species. As the global population increases and
urbanization continues to threaten natural ecosystems, it becomes more vital to mitigate biodiversity
loss by making well informed management decisions. A tool that is being used increasingly to
understand how the land cover affects species, thereby assisting these management decisions, is the
joint species distribution model. Joint species distribution models allow for species- and community level
inferences; however, the ecological data they take is prone to biases due to variation in
detectability of the species or environment. This can lead to inaccurate inferences on the drivers of
occupancy and significant underestimations of species richness, both of which can hinder efforts to
maintain biodiversity as urbanization and other global change drivers take effect. Nonetheless, few
studies consider imperfect detection when analysing urban ecological data.
Here, I conduct a historical literature review of the development of joint species distribution models to
give context to the current state of this methodology, showing where each component of the model
has its origin and when each line of research has converged. Following this, I develop a framework
that accounts for imperfect detection in joint species distribution models, as well as providing a stepby-
step user guide for future reference and to aid in usability of the framework described, using Just
Another Gibbs Sampler (JAGS) and R. Finally, I use the developed framework in the context of bird
and butterfly communities in Singapore with the aim of understanding how urbanization and
detectability affect both bird and butterfly occupancy. By doing this I fill the gap in accounting for
imperfect detection in joint species distribution models in urban ecosystems. I make comparisons
between my analysis and models that overlook detectability by using information criteria, and I
compare occupancy and detection responses of birds and butterflies to land cover variables including
various vegetation types and traffic density. In doing so, I found that accounting for detectability
increased prediction accuracy of the model, and that when detectability was overlooked while making
species richness predictions, the values were considerably lower than when detectability was
accounted for. This work shows the importance of accounting for detectability when making
predictions of species richness, and it describes the species– and community–environment
relationships that can guide effective conservation decisions in urban ecosystems. Using this
framework can help with the identification of effective indicator species, as well as guide urban
development to minimise loss of essential habitat and consequently urban biodiversity
Exploring the Relationship Between Plant Diversity and Bird Abundance at Tūhaitara Trust. Report prepared part of the GEOG309 Research for Resilient Communities and Environments course, University of Canterbury, 2025.
No full text❖ Tūhaitara Trust manages Tūhaitara Coastal Park and Katiritiri Ridge with the intention of restoring these areas back to their original state. A key part of this plan is the establishment of biota nodes, which are meant to support native bird populations. To assess whether the biota nodes were having the desired effect on native bird abundance, the following research question was posed:❖ Is there a relationship between plant diversity and bird abundance in the land managed by Tūhaitara Trust, and if so, how can this inform future planting and management plans?❖ Tūhaitara Trust were also struggling with low survivorship of immature native plants. Since dry soil was a main concern, soil moisture content was explored throughout the park.❖ Ten sites were selected for sampling; at each site a soil moisture logger was placed in the centre and a soil sample was taken. Two 5-minute bird counts were performed at each site on each day of data collection and vegetation was assessed using a 10 x 10 m quadrat created around the soil moisture logger. Data analysis was completed using Excel, RStudio, and ArcGIS.❖ Although plant diversity did not predict bird abundance, plant cover and site type did. Bird abundance was the highest at the wetland and lagoon sites and the lowest at the pine sites. Alternately, soil moisture was highest at the pine sites and lower at the other site types.❖ Although this study had several limitations, recommendations can be made based on the results. Notably, Tūhaitara Trust should develop a network of biota nodes in pine plantations, apply mulch to biota nodes in dry zones, and prioritise planting high-tolerance native plants suited to low-moisture soils.❖ Future research should explore utilising satellite imagery to up-scale monitoring, developing species recognition software to enable the use of audio recording units, sampling during different seasons, and exploring drivers of low immature native plant survivorship
Tagata Sa'ilimalo Pacific Peoples Living with Disability
No full textThis booklet is intended for people living with disability and their Vuvale (Family), Pacific peoples service providers, academics, tertiary students and the community.
The stories in this booklet were derived from Pacific peoples lived experiences of disability. During fortnightly meetings with the Tagata Sa'ilimalo group at Vaka Tautua in Christchurch, we were deeply moved by our people's challenge, and we hope that these stories can inspire others with disabilities to speak up and ask for help. If you are living with a disability and feeling like you are alone and have reached the end of the road, remember that there is someone out there who is also fighting to make it through the day, just like you.
The booklet will serve as a reference guide for Pacific service providers who provide fundamental assistance for Pacific families and their Vuvale. The booklet will provide lived experience perspectives for academics and the research community, providing novel insights into disability, support, and Pacific disability framework
Sustainable entrepreneurship education for agriculture undergraduates : case studies from Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
No full textThis research explores how education institutes teach sustainable entrepreneurship to
agriculture undergraduates in Sri Lanka and New Zealand. As global concerns around
sustainability continue to grow, it becomes more important for universities to prepare students
who can think critically, act ethically, and create value for both society and the environment.
Therefore, the research focuses on how experiential education helps students connect what they
learn in the classroom to real-world challenges in agriculture.
The research uses case studies from three education sites across two countries. It applies
Itin’s (1999) Diamond Model of experiential education to understand how the interaction
among the learning environment, subject matter, the students, the teacher, and the teaching
process works together in experiential education. Data was collected through interviews and
document reviews. These data helped me to understand how sustainable entrepreneurship is
taught and experienced by students and teachers in the selected educational settings.
The findings show that while academic interest in sustainability is increasing, its
integration into agriculture education is still limited. In Sri Lanka, teaching often remains
focused on exams and theory, with fewer opportunities for hands-on learning. While there is
more space for innovation in New Zealand, sustainable entrepreneurship is still not central to
agriculture programmes. However, in both contexts, some teachers are creating meaningful
learning experiences that support students to apply their knowledge, reflect on their actions,
and engage with local communities.
The research proposes a Flexible Diamond Model that better reflects the differences
between institutions and contexts of different education settings. It also offers ideas that can
support educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers who want to strengthen the role of
sustainability in agriculture education. This research highlights the value of connecting
sustainability and entrepreneurship through experiential education. It encourages a shift in how
universities prepare students for the future, by drawing attention to the local context and placing
community collaborations at the centre of sustainable entrepreneurship education in agriculture
education
Harshing the Vibes: Behavioural Responses to Predation and Deterrent Vibrational Playback in Scolypopa Australis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae)
No full textThe use of substrate borne vibrational playback to control insect pests is a rapidly growing line of research targeting many problematic species. Among the control approaches currently being tested, vibrational deterrent playbacks that aim to prevent feeding and to drive pests away from the target area are comparatively under-explored. In experiments involving an introduced pest of New Zealand orchards, the passion vine hopper (PVH, Scolypopa australis), we investigated PVH anti-predator behaviour and alarm call responses and the potential use of alarm calls as vibration-based deterrent stimuli. We used laser-Doppler vibrometry and video recordings to assess the vibrational and behavioural responses of PVH to the presence of a predator (Maratus griseus jumping spider), serendipitously discovering a new female call possibly involved in mate rejection. In our tests, we did not find evidence of any vibrational alarm calls in PVH, which showed a significantly reduced rate of general vibration-based signalling and reduced propensity to call overall compared to control recordings. Instead, PVH responded to a predator threat with a rapid jumping escape response in 87.5% of attacks. We also tested the efficacy of three deterrent vibrational playbacks on driving PVH movement away from a source point, finding that a broad-band white noise playback spanning 301–688 Hz induced significant movement away from the playback source compared with silent controls. As preliminary proof of concept, we hope these results will assist in developing successful vibrational deterrence for PVH
BANK LIQUIDITY: THE RELEVANCE OF COMMERCIAL LOAN THEORY IN THE CONTEXT OF INDONESIAN BANKING INSTITUTIONS
No full textThis study investigates the effect of leverage, profitability, and firm size on the liquidity of banking firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), with particular attention to the moderating role of firm size. This study uses a quantitative approach. The population of this study is banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2020 to 2024. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling, which produces a sample of 235 analysis units. Data collection in this study uses documentation techniques. Data analysis uses panel data regression and moderated regression analysis (MRA). The findings reveal that leverage significantly negatively affects liquidity, supporting the principles of Commercial Loan Theory, which emphasizes maintaining liquidity through short-term, self-liquidating assets. The results demonstrate that firm size significantly enhances liquidity, while profitability shows no significant direct effect. Moreover, firm size moderates the relationship between leverage and liquidity in a positive direction, suggesting that larger banks can better withstand the liquidity risks associated with high leverage. Conversely, firm size negatively moderates the relationship between profitability and liquidity, implying that larger banks may reinvest profits into long-term, less liquid assets. This study contributes to the financial management literature by revisiting the relevance of Commercial Loan Theory in the context of Indonesian banking institutions. By integrating firm size as a moderating variable, the research offers a novel perspective on how internal firm characteristics influence the relationship between financial structure and liquidity. Furthermore, using the quick ratio to measure bank liquidity introduces a conservative and less common approach in banking studies, enriching the methodological diversity in liquidity research
PERAN CONVIVIALITY DALAM MENDUKUNG TRANSFORMASI DIGITAL (STUDI PADA KOMUNITAS RITEL TRADISIONAL DI BARLINGMASCAKEB)
No full textTraditional retail in the Barlingmascakeb region of Central Java faces significant challenges in adopting digital technology, primarily due to limited understanding, skills, and infrastructure. This study aims to explore the role of conviviality in traditional retail communities in the Barlingmascakeb region to strengthen social interaction and collaboration among community members to accelerate digital transformation. The study uses a qualitative approach with purposive sampling, with informants consisting of active community members, community mentors, community promoters, and community retail consumers. Data were collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation, and analysed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model. The results of the study show that the digital transformation process involves five stages: initiation, adoption, adaptation, integration, and transformation. Community support is crucial, including building strong interpersonal relationships, holding digitalisation business training sessions, and sharing resources. Conviviality is demonstrated through close relationships between members, active participation, openness to sharing ideas, taking the initiative to organise activities, forming social networks, and flexible norms to encourage creativity. Ultimately, conviviality plays a role in the success of traditional retail communities in the Barlingmascakeb region of Central Java
PENGARUH KUALITAS INFORMASI DAN KEMUDAHAN PENGGUNAAN TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN MELALUI KEPERCAYAAN MEREK PADA E-COMMERCE
No full textThis study investigates the factors influencing online purchasing decisions among university students, with a particular emphasis on the roles of information quality and ease of use. It further examines trust as a mediating variable in the relationship between these factors and purchasing decisions. The rapid growth of online booking applications has shifted consumer behavior, particularly among younger demographics, making it essential to understand how current behavior may predict future trends. An explanatory research design was employed, targeting university students in East Java who had used online booking applications during the 2023–2024 period. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed using purposive sampling, resulting in 380 valid responses. The analysis was conducted using path analysis with the support of SPSS version 25.The results indicate that both information quality and ease of use significantly influence students' purchasing decisions through the mediating role of trust. These findings highlight the importance of building user trust to enhance the effectiveness of online booking platforms. The implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed in detail