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    Methods of assessment of macroinvertebrate biodiversity in New Zealand streams : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2002) Murray, Angela Louise
    In this study different sampling methodology and strategy was explored to develop an efficient inventory protocol for assessing biodiversity of stream macroinvertebrates in New Zealand. In a preliminary study 3 benthic invertebrate sampling techniques (Surber, kicknet and individual stone sampling) were compared to examine which maximised collected biodiversity per unit effort. Kicknet samples collected a higher number of taxa than either Surber or individual stone samples. Three-minute kicknets collected significantly more taxa than the other techniques, although 30-second kicknets collected the most taxa per unit effort. Detrended correspondence analysis of sampling techniques showed groupings of 30-second and 1-minute kicknets, 5 or more Surber samples, or individual stones samples collected the best representation of the community. Three strategies of sample collection using kicknet samples were investigated in 54 streams, in 3 conservation regions in the South Island, to see which collected greater taxa richness per unit effort. These strategies examined taxa accumulation in three samples in a) the same stream, b) different streams within one region, c) different streams in each of the 3 regions. Collected taxa richness was higher when sampling effort was spread over more habitats and a larger area i.e., strategy b and c. Environmental characteristics measured at each stream, were assessed to examine links between community structure and habitat characteristics. Community structure was most strongly linked with altitude, canopy cover, moss cover, stream width, and temperature. Five groups of communities were identified ranging from small high altitude streams with moss and high canopy cover, to larger more open low altitude streams. These groups had a common core of invertebrate taxa that differed in density and relative abundance. To test for the presence of indicator taxa of biodiversity, individual taxa densities were correlated with total taxa richness. Several taxa e.g., Archichauliodes diversus and Coloburiscus humeralis showed positive linkages with taxa richness, but none were particularly strong suggesting indicator taxa might not be appropriate for the measurement of invertebrate biodiversity in New Zealand streams.
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    Integrated management : from concept to practice : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1998) Rennison, David Stanhope
    New Zealand's key environmental management statutes are notable for requiring the integrated management of resources. This thesis explores the extent to which integrated management is actually occurring between two different agencies operating under the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Conservation Act 1987. The level of integration between Tasman District Council and the Department of Conservation is analysed with reference to a case study of management issues along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park. The primary issue here is that increased human activity along the Park coast has attendant social and environmental impacts; these should be addressed in an integrated manner by both agencies. The concept of integrated environmental management is defined and explained by means of a literature review. Following this, the potential for integrated management in the New Zealand context is assessed by reviewing the requirements of legislation and relevant commentary. Subsequent to developing this theoretical framework, research investigations centre on the Abel Tasman case study. First, interviews are conducted with those who prepared the Proposed Tasman Regional Policy Statement and Proposed Tasman Resource Management Plan; and the Nelson-Marlborough Conservation Management Strategy and Abel Tasman National Park Draft Management Plan, amongst other practitioners. Second, these plans are coded; and the findings of both research methods are then analysed. It is shown that the degree to which integrated management can be achieved is dependent on institutional factors. New Zealand's environmental management regime contains both opportunities and barriers to the implementation of integrated management, and this is reflected in the case study. The extent to which integration is achieved between Tasman District Council and the Department of Conservation is limited, due to inadequate funding, staffing and statutory deadlines. Statutory and informal processes followed by the two agencies in preparing plans lacked the comprehensive interaction and effective co-ordination that are the key operational ingredients to integrated management. The lack of capacity within agencies is attributed to a lack of political commitment to the processes of integration. The intentions embodied in the legislation are being compromised by pressure on agencies and staff to be cost-effective. Nevertheless, significant improvements to the regime were noted by practitioners.
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    The application of choice modelling to determine the economic values of non-market goods and services : a national park case study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Management at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Lee, Peter Shou Lern
    National parks and protected areas form the basis of global conservation initiatives and provide a raft of benefits in the form of various consumptive and non-consumptive uses. However, it is extremely difficult to express these economic benefits in monetary terms. The lack of economic values for these areas often results in sub-optimal conservation outcomes. Non-market valuation techniques can be used to estimate monetary values for these key environmental assets. These values are able to provide critical information which can be used to inform management decisions and ensure the implementation of effective conservation policy. This research applied the choice modelling stated preference technique to estimate the value of non-market goods and services associated with national parks. The study focuses on the ecological and recreational attributes of Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand. The park receives high levels of visitor usage and is well regarded for its unique intrinsic values. A standard multinomial logit model was used to estimate the non-market values. The results indicate park users were willing to pay an actual cash value for the protection of native bird species, better onsite educational material and less congestion. Respondents also revealed a cash value associated with their preference for retaining the existing accommodation facilities which they felt suited their wilderness experience. The monetary values revealed in this study can be used to guide future park development, inform resource allocation decisions and ensure adequate conservation financing. Accordingly, it is recommended choice experiments be adopted as standard management practice.