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    Comparative seasonality and diets of German (Vespula germanica) and common (V. vulgaris) wasp colonies in Manawatu, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Zoology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Godfrey, Peter Lance
    German wasp (Vespula germanica) and common wasp (v. vulgaris) colonies were studied in urban and rural habitats in Manawatu, from January to August 1993. Relative abundance of colonies, nest site preferences, colony dynamics, phenology and diet are described. Data quantifying vespulid wasp nest abundance in Manawatu between 1991-1994 were sourced from pest control companies and the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council. These data were compared with rainfall records for the same period. Over 75% of nests examined in urban and rural Manawatu were built by common wasps. This trend persisted through the season with German wasps accounting for no more than 28% of nests reported in any one month. Most reports of wasps were made in January, with February and March also being high. Heavy rainfall in spring appeared to promote colony formation in the following year. Continued high rainfall between January-June, especially over 600 mm appeared, however, to suppress colonies during this time. Nest drowning is a possible reason for this. Different nest site preferences between the two species were evident in urban and rural habitats. Over half of all urban common wasp nests and a third of urban German wasp nests reported were in sites associated with buildings. Nests in such sites grow faster and larger than those in other sites. In contrast, all rural German wasp nests and 85% of rural common wasp nests were built in the ground. The invasion of Manawatu by common wasps does not appear to have modified the nest site preferences of German wasps. Seasonal traffic rates for both species were similar, with colonies peaking in late March. Common wasp traffic rates were significantly higher in January-February, probably because of earlier nest initiations. Prior to queen production common wasp colonies were most active in the early afternoon. Around the time of queen production early evening activity increased, possibly as a result of the seasonal decrease in day length. Nests with high numbers of worker/male cells built before male production began produced significantly more queens than those with fewer cells. Although similar in size to German wasp nests, common wasp nests contained more queen cells. Cell weights differed between the castes and species. German wasp nests therefore required more than twice as much effort to build as a common wasp nest of a similar size. The possible competitive effects of such differences are discussed. Manawatu German wasp colonies appear to produce males earlier (early February) than common wasp colonies (early March). The reverse applies to queen production which may have started earlier (March 12) in common wasp colonies than in German wasp colonies (March 20). However, variation within and between the species does occur. The egg laying ability of the founder queen appears to limit oviposition in worker/male cells but the availability of empty queen cells appears to limit oviposition in queen cells. The size of the worker force limits the number of larvae that can be cared for. Reproductives were seen leaving nests from early May and continued until the colonies died. In an overwintering German wasp nest production of all three castes were at levels equivalent to an annual nest at peak. German wasp foragers returned with a higher percentage of protein items (16%) than common wasp foragers (11%). Similar percentages of woodpulp were returned to colonies by both species. Diptera, Lepidoptera. Araneae, and Hemiptera were the main animal prey returned to urban and rural colonies. German wasp foragers returned with prey items that were significantly heavier than those carried by common wasps but woodpulp weight did not differ. However, common wasp colonies killed more invertebrates to meet their needs, suggesting that they represent a substantial threat to invertebrate communities. Both prey provision and woodpulp foraging increased dramatically with the onset of queen rearing, indicating the increased needs of colonies at this time. The ecological significance of woodpulp foraging on both species is discussed. Key areas for future wasp research that are applicable within Manawatu and more widely in New Zealand, are outlined. Main areas needing investigation concern aspects of colony dynamics and phenology.
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    Dynamics of some parabolic dunes in the Manawatu region, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2003) Page, Jeffrey David
    Parabolic dunes are U-shaped dunes which may be found in deserts and coastal locations around the world. They occur along much of the coastal area of the West Coast of the North Island of New Zealand, including the Manawatu Region. The parabolic dunes of the Manawatu coast comprise the largest parabolic dune fields in New Zealand. This research was conducted to identify the rates of movement of the parabolic dunes, and establish whether there is a relationship between parabolic dune development along the Manawatu coast and El Nino Southern Oscillation. Morphological changes in parabolic dunes over time are also examined, and a model of parabolic dune development which deals specifically with the parabolic dunes of the Manawatu coast is produced. Examination of the parabolic dunes was conducted by ground surveying using Global Positioning System (GPS) and through the use of aerial photographs and aerial photograph mapping. Rates of parabolic dune migration along the Manawatu coast were found to be significantly higher than has been recorded elsewhere in the world. By examining the wind regime and the El Nino Southern Oscillation, and comparing these with parabolic dune migration a pattern of increased parabolic dune activity under El Nino conditions was identified. A pattern of parabolic dune formation from blowout initiation through to parabolic dune maturity was identified and a model for parabolic dune development along the Manawatu coast designed.
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    The dynamics of temporary wetlands in dune slacks at Tangimoana, Manawatu, New Zealand with special reference to the endangered sand spiked sedge, Eleocharis neozelandica Kirk (Cyperaceae) : a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Ecology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1997) Singers, Nicholas
    Parabolic dunes are a feature of the Manawatu, New Zealand coastline. Moving inland, the dunes form temporary wetlands in deflation hollows (dune slacks) on their seaward side. One of the few remaining natural dune systems lift in the Manawatu is located south of the Rangitikei River mouth at Tangimoana, the "Tangimoana dump dunes", a proposed DoC reserve. The area contains excellent examples of temporary wetlands in dune slacks, with early successional vegetation well represented. This vegetation is being eliminated by larger wetland plants and is unable to colonize new habitat, as dune stabilization prevents its formation. The vegetation of the proposed reserve was sampled and vegetation patterns were related to environmental factors. Foredune, dune plain, slack, marram dune, shrub dune and grassland communities were identitied. A low species diversity was found, which included a high proportion of exotic species in the grassland, shrub and marram dune communities. The low number of communities and species richness may be related to the area's youth and the dune's dynamic nature. Water table fluctuation were monitored in two temporary wetlands, which contained the endangered sand spiked sedge, Eleocharis neozelandica, an early successional species. The water table fluctuation were directly related to rainfall and season. A high winter and spring water table in 1995 resulted in dramatic changes in the distributions of some dune slack plants. Control and exclosure plots were used to assess the effects of rabbit browse on the dune slack vegetation. These plots also provided valuable information of the vegetation change to water table heights. Species more suited to permanently wet location increased greatly, while species suited to more temporary wet areas moved higher in elevation, to around the winter high water line. Two endangered plants of the Manawatu dunelands, Eleocharis neozelandica and Pimelea "Turakina" were cultivated and then established at the Tangimoana dump dunes. Pimelea "Turakina" appears to be well adapted to the Manawatu dune lands and produced abundant seedlings at Tangimoana. Creation of deflation hollows for E. neozelandica habitat was undertaken. E. neozelandica was planted in the constructed hollows at three separate elevation, and survived winter submergence at the medium and high elevation sites, of at least seven months at the medium site, and appears to be a valuable and effective management tool for the conservation of dune slack species. The tolerance and growth of E. neozelandica and other dune slack species in relation to sand burial, waterlogging and submergence was studies in controlled experiments. They appear to be generally intolerant of sand burial, but all survived submergence and thrived in waterlogged conditions. Temporary wetlands in dune slacks at the Tangimoana are incredible dynamic in relation to the water table fluctuation, and changes in species distributions resulting from them. Management solutions need to be active and address these results in order to maintain the indigenous flora of the area.
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    Gap regeneration and forest dynamics in a lowland podocarp-broadleaved forest remnant, Keeble's Bush, Manawatu : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1996) Whaley, Kathryn Janet
    Gap phase regeneration and forest dynamics were investigated in a lowland podocarp-broadleaved forest remnant, Keeble's Bush, Manawatu, in order to assess its ecological integrity. To this end the seed rain (i.e., viability and diversity of fresh seed input), seedling diversity and survival, and soil seed bank composition were all assessed. A total of 40 different species were trapped in the seed rain, contributing a total of 2398 seeds/m2/yr. A high coefficient of variation for seed number and diversity was recorded between traps, illustrating the spatial heterogeneity of the seed rain. Strong seasonal patterns were recorded in the fruiting phenology of the species trapped. A lack of red-arilled viable seeds suggested that 1992 was not a mast year for rimu. Most of the seeds likely originated from individuals less than 50 m from the seed traps, reflecting the paucity of native frugivores to disperse seeds further, particularly those less than 10 mm in size. Virtually all the adventive species trapped were herbaceous with most having wind dispersed seeds. All of them were local in origin; i.e., already present within the gaps at the time of trapping. The total number of seedlings, and the seedling densities in the two gap sites studied were very similar in both 1992 and 1993. Despite the flux of seedlings into and out of the populations at each site seedling numbers remained stable. Species diversity and number of species/m2, varied between gaps, with the species population in Gap Two species poor compared with that in Gap One (10 species were shared, with 9 exclusive to Gap One, and 3 present only in Gap Two). Seedling mortality in Gap One fitted the well documented phenomenon of huge mortality during the initial period of establishment and growth. Seedlings in Gap Two, however, showed equal probability of mortality in all height classes. Competition (both above and below ground), browsing by exotic herbivores, drought stress, and litter burial all likely contribute to seedling mortality. The results suggest that the seedling populations in gaps differ between those gaps within the forest interior (Gap One), and those at the forest margin (Gap Two). Seedlings from 36 species emerged and were identified from the sampled soil seed bank, contributing a total of 821 seedlings. Herbs were the most important life-form in the soil seed bank, making up 77.5% of the total seedlings. Adventive species accounted for 16 of the 36 species, 14 of which were herbaceous. Seedlings of primary forest trees contributed only 1.2% of the seedlings, and emerged from only three of the eight sampling sites. Germination was rapid with the first seedlings emerging from the soil samples within seven days of the start of the experiment; over 86% of the seedlings emerged within the first month. Adventive species dominated the seedlings emerging for the first five weeks. The number of species and individuals which germinated decreased with soil sample depth. The highest number of seedlings and species occurred in the top 2 cm of soil, with 80% of the seedlings within the top 4 cm. The soil seed banks of the gaps were more diverse, with greater numbers of species and seedlings, compared with sites beneath intact canopy. The results of the longevity experiment suggest tawa and titoki may maintain a short-term transient seed bank, if the seeds are buried rapidly. Kawakawa seeds appear to suffer high predation/decomposition and are likely to last for a shorter period in the soil. Radiata pine does not maintain a seed bank in the soil. Management implications for Keeble's Bush were discussed, and directions for future research suggested.
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    The possum problem in the Manawatu-Wanganui region : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Agricultural Science in Resource Economics at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1992) Lock, Glenda Margaret
    Since their introduction to the Manawatu-Wanganui region possums have increased dramatically in number and are now causing problems in both rural and urban areas. They are responsible for the destruction of indigenous forests and the spread of bovine tuberculosis, a disease that threatens the access of dairy, meat and several other animal products into a number of key overseas markets. The study addresses this by looking at the problems associated with possums and the value that the region places on their control. This was done via two contingent valuation surveys, one in the form of a dichotomous choice question and the other in the form of an open ended question. It was found that 97.8 percent of respondents were aware that possums were causing problems in New Zealand. The region placed a value of between $1.5 million and $7.0 million per year on possum control. Farmers' valuation of possum control was approximately twice that of nonfarmers, possibly reflecting the adverse effect that possums could have on farmers' income stream.
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    Erosion and land use in the Pohangina region : a study using GIS and remote sensing : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Soil Science, Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Miri, Seyed Abbas
    In this study a combined remote sensing and GIS approach, using aerial photographs, a SPOT satellite image and a digital elevation model was employed to extract hillslope units and watershed boundary maps. The acquired data were also used to investigate relationships between topographical features (slope angles and slope aspects) and soil slip erosion and land management practices in the Pohangina region. The procedures were first developed on a representative area. It was typical of the district in term of the climate, topography, soils, geology and land management practices. These methods were then used to identify those areas most susceptible to soil slip erosion in the Pohangina region. A raster GIS and image processing package (IDRISI for Windows) was used to analyse the remotely sensed data/digital elevation model and to create different maps for investigation. A simple technique for extracting watershed boundaries and mapping hillslope units was also developed. The slope aspects facing N & NE are more susceptible to soil slip erosion than other aspects. It was also found that this erosion occurs equally on all slope classes. Four major land management practices were used in the representative area. These were pasture, exotic forest, spaced planting and reversion to bush. Nearly 95 % of erosion has occurred in pasture, 4.1 % in space planted areas, 1.3 % in exotic forest, and no erosion occurred in areas reverted to bush. The soil slip susceptibility map of the Pohangina region was created to assist in the allocation of soil conservation practices. This study has shown nearly 90% of the areas susceptible to slip erosion (2850 hectares) are presently not covered with suitable vegetation.