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    Volatile organic compounds emitted by invasive and native plant species under invasion scenarios and their potential ecological roles : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Effah, Evans
    Climate change, human migration, and global trade favour the spread of plant species beyond their natural ranges. Many of these plants become invasive, posing a risk to the persistence and survival of native species and the ecosystems they invade. In New Zealand, the European woody shrub Calluna vulgaris (heather) is the most widespread invasive weed on the Central Plateau of North Island. Like most exotic invasive plants, the chemical behaviour (i.e. chemical production and chemical mediated interactions) of heather in its invaded habitat is poorly understood. Moreover, despite the struggles of native plants to endure the stress induced by exotic weeds, no study has documented the chemical behaviour of native plant species in plant invasion scenarios. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are secondary plant metabolites that play a vital role in plant communication with other organisms and are highly responsive to biotic and abiotic stress. Therefore, measuring VOC emissions during plant invasion could provide valuable information about plant responses to the changing environment and their potential impacts on other community members. This thesis aimed to investigate VOCs emitted by the invasive weed heather and a New Zealand native plant Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka) under field conditions, while determining the environmental factors regulating their emissions and exploring their potential ecological impacts under lab and field conditions. Results from the field trials on the Central North Plateau showed variations in the volatile profiles of heather and mānuka growing at different sites, with both plants emitting lower amounts of VOCs at sites where other exotic invasive plants were present. This reduction in VOC emissions was mostly due to indirect changes in environmental factors, like soil properties, which were driven by the invasive weeds heather and Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom; henceforth broom). This thesis also documents the chemical responses of heather to two major stresses encountered in New Zealand; 1) elevated solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) and 2) damage caused by its introduced specialist herbivore and biocontrol agent Lochmaea suturalis (heather beetle). Results from these trials demonstrate that high UV radiation reduced the volatile emissions of some compounds (mainly terpenoids) and that the impacts of herbivory by heather beetle on VOC emission depended on the developmental stage of the herbivore, plant phenology, and season. The ability of VOCs emitted from heather and broom to affect the germination and growth of mānuka was also tested in the lab, while the impact on arthropod communities were investigated at sites on the Central North Plateau. The results suggest that VOCs produced by invasive plants may have phytotoxic effects toward mānuka and may alter arthropod community structure. This thesis highlights the complexity of plant chemical communication under invasion scenarios and invites further exploration of the interactions between exotic invasive plants and native species to broaden our understanding of invasion ecology to support weed management, biocontrol, and conservation efforts.
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    Local tourism planning and urban design : the reinforcement of "image" at National Park township, Tongariro, National Park : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Regional Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1990) Vivian, Brent A
    This study addresses a tourism planning problem at a small service settlement on the western border of Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island of New Zealand. The name of this settlement is National Park Township. Over the past 10 years, National Park Township has become an increasingly important accommodation base for Tongariro National Park. The Park itself is internationally renowned for its spectacular volcanic and mountainous landscapes, and offers a variety of recreational activities. Additionally, it is easily accessible by road. The tourism planning problem addressed by this study is related to research indicating that the physical appearance of National Park Township detracts from its overall 'image' as a desirable tourist destination. As such, it is one of many initiatives being organised by the Ruapehu District Council (formerly the Taumarunui County Council) to promote and develop the township as a tourist resort. The subsequent overall aim of the study is to improve the image of the township through formulation of urban design suggestions relating to a new zoning may, design guidelines, and works programmes. These suggestions will seek to achieve a satisfactory visual and physical environment, and build form that harmonises with the 'unique' features of the surroundings. They will be formulated through implementation of a 'National Park Township Design Process' involving analysis of the visual elements of the township and of existing guidelines. Implementation of the suggestions by the Ruapehu District Council will help to improve the image of National Park Township in terms of its physical appearance, both in the short and long term. This in turn will make the township a more desirable accommodation base from which to experience the many and varied recreational activities of the Ruapehu region. Ultimately, they will accrue econonic benefits to the Council and district alike.
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    Ahi-kā-roa : identifying the resilience of iwi to natural hazards : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Earth Science at Massey University, Manawatū campus, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Gabrielsen, Hollei Whiungarangi
    Maori indicators of resilience derive from strong cultural foundations based on key Maori concepts. The resilience of Ngati Rangi, a central North Island iwi, originates from their continued residence under the shelter of their volcanic ancestor, Mt. . Ruapehu, for over 1,000 years; ahi-ka-roa. The research considered the relationship between marae placement and volcanic processes, particularly volcanic flows, and prioritised Ngati Rangi marae for civil defence use during an emergency. Several discussions were held with members of Ngati Rangi to understand what key cultural factors make up their resilience. Emerging findings were that (1) a correlation exists between key Maori concepts and the resilience of Ngati Rangi which strongly formed their baseline indicators; (2) ahi-ka-roa, physically supported by population and active marae, is a measurable construct for resilience. The findings also blended together matauranga Maori and natural hazards research, which is lacking in current emergency management approaches.
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    Palaeoecology by palynology : a palaeoecological study of the vegetation of the Tongariro Volcanic Centre, New Zealand, immediately prior to the c. 232 AD Taupo eruption : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Plant Biology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2001) Banks, Natalie Jane
    The usual source of pollen for analysis has been from within deposits of peat from lakes, bogs and mires. Soils have not generally been considered a potentially useful pollen source. Under some circumstances, however, (such as volcanic eruptions) a soil may be buried so rapidly that the pollen it contains will be more or less completely preserved in the resulting palaeosol. Studies of such volcanically buried palaeosol pollen have been made overseas. The last eruption from the Taupo Volcanic Centre occurred approximately 1800 years ago. The culminating phase of the eruption ejected ca 30 cubic kilometres of ignimbrite as a very hot and fluid pyroclastic flow which covered an area with a radius of 70-90 km centred on Lake Taupo. This deposit is known as the Taupo Tephra. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine peats and palaeosols directly beneath the Taupo Tephra from a variety of sites within the Tongariro area and to analyse any pollen preserved. Samples were taken from a total of 42 sites at various altitudes and distances from the eruptive source, and pollen extracted. Each sample taken, therefore, was from a buried soil or peat directly below the Taupo Tephra. The pollen contained within these samples and contains pollen deposited immediately prior to the eruption. An initial qualitative investigation indicated that the ignimbrite acts as an effective filter in preventing any contemporary pollen and spores from percolating through into underlying layers. The preservation of pollen was reasonably good at most sites allowing some conclusions to be drawn as to the structure and composition of the pre-eruption forests of the Tongariro area. Beech forest was widespread throughout, especially at higher altitudes, although mixed conifer associations were also evident, particularly in the west. At those sites where pollen preservation was poor, some alternative conclusions can be drawn about preservation environments within palaeosols. The pH value is particularly important, and pollen and spores are not well preserved when the soil pH value is in excess of 6.0. The possibility of differential preservation within the New Zealand flora is also examined.