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    Applying a landscape ecological approach and geodesign from a farmer-centric position to inform the creation of future multifunctional, sustainable agricultural landscapes : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resources Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Tran, Duy Xuan
    In the wake of environmental challenges, it is important to improve the environmental sustainability of farm systems and landscapes whilst ensuring profitability for the farmers that manage them. This PhD study draws on theories from landscape ecology and geodesign to plan and design multifunctional agricultural landscapes from a farmer-centric position with sustainability in mind. A hill country and steep-land farm in New Zealand is used as a case study. A conceptual framework is proposed to guide landscape planning. The framework applies an ecosystem-based management approach (i.e., ecosystem services approach) coupled with geodesign at the farm scale. A comprehensive spatially explicit assessment of landscape multifunctionality and associated ecosystem services at the farm scale is carried out to understand the spatial variation of ecosystem services provision and how land use and land management goals of the landowners reflect the value and quality of landscape multifunctionality. Afterwards, spatially detailed variations in the relationship between landscape structure and the provision of ecosystem services is quantified to understand how landscape structure can affect the provision of ecosystem services in the farmed landscape. Finally, collaboration with the case farmers and application of different tools and models are carried out to generate future land use and management scenarios for the case study farm, visualise changes, and assess the impacts of future land use on landscape multifunctionality and the provision of associated ecosystem services and economic outcomes. This helps to demonstrate how the proposed approach can be applied to plan and design multifunctional agricultural landscapes that offer improved sustainability in the NZ hill country farmed landscapes. The results from the case study suggest that the proposed approach provides an effective solution for sustainable farm system design and that it can make an important contribution to advancing environmental management in New Zealand, as well as in other countries which face similar issues.
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    An assessment of local perceptions towards natural resource management practices in the Tuvalu Islands, South Pacific : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Ecology, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2018) Finaunga, Moeo
    As the role of local people in natural resource management continues to be recognized in global conservation interventions, so too does the need to understand the perspectives of local people towards various resource management practices. This study examines local perceptions in Tuvalu towards traditional versus modern resource management practices, and furthermore assesses compliance and enforcement with protected areas village rules or legislation at the community level in the Tuvalu Islands, South Pacific. A mixed method research approach was adopted that includes a nationwide questionnaire survey, a review of the literature and triangulation. The study findings emphasize the dedicated support for local government to deal with most of the aspects of resource management in Tuvalu. The survey findings showed a strong preference by participants to have their Island Councils or Kaupules as the appropriate and responsible authority to be the key informant on the stock status of their natural resources, to manage their island land and marine resources, and to report and impose penalties for violations against their village resource management rules. Participants also indicated a strong preference for a mix resource management system that combines both scientific-based and traditional resource management approaches over a system that uses only traditional resource management strategies. Despite the weakness in the enforcement of existing resource management legislation in Tuvalu, where a monetary fine and imprisonment are the main prosecution methods, monetary fines was strongly perceived in this study as the most preferred method to promote village compliance and enforcement of both formal and informal village laws. In contrast, there was little support to use other common discipline methods such as imprisonment, public shaming, and traditional penalties such as public beating, and feeding of the whole island community by the caught violators; however, this is argued as either being morally wrong or no longer valid due to the Church’s influence and the adoption of laws pertaining to human rights. Although the findings of this study acknowledges that demographic and socio-economic factors can influence local perceptions towards resource management, there is generally very little evidence to conclude that there were significant differences in the perceptions of survey participants based on the many years they have resided in their home islands, having held a leadership role and age. The minor differences in the perceptions may be associated with lack of diversity in the culture of each island, small national population, weak hierarchy in economic status at the individual level as seen in other developing nations. This research provides a deeper understanding of the uncertainties associated with the need and obligation to impose stricter or more resource management measures in small local communities in response to the global move to protect biodiversity. Most importantly, it emphasizes the argument to consider the influence and engagement of local government as an opportunity to promote resource management interventions in Tuvalu and in other local communities of similar constitutional settings.
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    Heretaunga haukū nui : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Māori Studies) at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Paku, Pōhatu
    Relationships with the environment for Ngati Hawea sit at the core of everyday living. Everything is connected. The essence of this philosophy arises from whakapapa, mauri, mana and tikanga. Practices based on an understanding of the environment have supported Ngati Hawea in maintaining and sustaining whanau and communities for many centuries. At present, key natural and physical resource management legislation define obligations and relationships when working with Maori in this space. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Local Government Act 2002 and the Resource Management Act 1991 requires engagement and capacity for Maori to contribute to the decision-making processes of any local authority in its operations. This project aims to contribute to the bigger picture around engagement with Maori, and furthermore Maori-Council relationships. This project seeks how effective engagement brings with it not only opportunities for Maori, hapu and local government players, but also the different meanings and expectations that stakeholders bring to inclusive practices and the implications for policy engagement. This study is interested in the processes by which Maori and the Hawkes Bay Regional Council engage with each other, and examines the ways in which natural resource management operations recognize and facilitate hapu values, interests and aspirations under statute. A Kaupapa Maori approach provided a vital lens as a methodological direction drawing upon the synergies and critical qualitative methodologies in relation to creating culturally appropriate research. I was able to explore the mechanisms of engagement and factors affecting the recognition and facilitation of hapu values, rights, and interests aspirations in natural resource management operations in Te matau a Maui tikitiki-a-Taranga. Responces shared by participants in this study highlighted that the mechanisms the Hawkes Bay Regional Council use to engage with Maori need to be reviewed and enhanced as there are issues related to the recognition and integration of hapu values, rights, interests and aspirations in local government resource management operations. This Thesis offers recommendations to the Hawkes Bay Regional Council, Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incoporated and Mana Whenua around the importance is recognising philosophical ideologies around the ancestral relationship Maori have with the environment, which are key to asserting hapu values, interests and aspirations over whenua and water. Furthermore, it offers recommendations around effective and meaningful engagement with Maori, and the recognition and facilitation of hapu values, rights, interests and aspirations in natural resource management operations in Te Matau a Maui tikitiki-a-Taranga, Hawkes Bay.
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    Environmental dispute resolution and consultation within the RMA : a case study : the Fitzherbert Avenue, cross river transportation dispute : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the Master of Philosophy in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1988) Johnston, Jane Ellen
    This thesis examines how democratically described new and revolutionary ideas came to be elucidated in the resource and environmental management framework provided within the Resource Management Act, 1991, and considers how they are given effect in current planning practice. The research focuses on consultation which seeks to resolve environmental disputes not only to achieve sustainable environment outcomes in an ecological sense, but also to give greater expression to democratic principles. This research undertaking is in response to a continually reiterated need to evaluate the effectiveness of planning practice in achieving its aims, together with a necessity to then take appropriate responses to the results of the evaluation, for instance as found within the Resource Management Law Reform reports of the 1980's, in planning publications, as well as in the Resource Management Act, 1991, itself. This thesis identifies the principles and objectives intended and anticipated to be realized through public participatory planning and environmental dispute resolution processes. It provides a theoretical framework for consideration of consultation and environmental dispute resolution processes, as it explores theory informing the characteristics of environmental disputes, and also the different types of consultation process able to be utilized for dispute resolution. The efficacy of resource and environmental management in achieving the principles underpinning, and objectives of, public participation in EDR processes is evaluated by consideration of participant perspectives of consultation processes. This research identifies and analyzes the benefits and strengths, problems and limitations experienced by participants in a variety of EDR processes that were employed to resolve a particular dispute - the 'Fitzherbert Avenue - cross river transportation dispute' - in Palmerston North, as a case study. An analysis between expectations and experience is extrapolated into an indicator of whether these EDR processes are achieving the RMA's intentions, in terms of the principles and objectives which necessitate public consultation. This research also provides some explanation for the experiences of participants, thereby indicating how and why the underlying principles and objectives are or are not being met. The research conclusions address the question, 'how well were the principles and objectives of consultation, within the context of the RMA, given effect or realised in practice?'. In drawing conclusions this thesis explores the uniqueness of a case study, but also identifies RMA implementation issues of more general relevance and interest. Analysis of generic RMA implementation issues describes consistent themes that indicate more needs to be done to effectively achieve the objectives of the RMA, as there are concerns about the abilities of planning practice and those responsible for implementing the Act to realise all its intentions. Concerns of relevance to consultation processes are discussed and suggestions for improving practical implementation of the RMA are made.
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    Non market value of biodiversity on agricultural land by rural landowners : a 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, 2014) Piddock, James Nugent
    The loss of biodiversity on agricultural land is of increasing concern, both in New Zealand and globally. In New Zealand, historically, that loss is largely a result of the clearing of lowland forests and the draining of wetlands for increased agricultural production. Biodiversity is a critical component of our natural environment and necessary for sustainable development, particularly for the ecosystem services (such as, soil stability, nutrient retention, and flood protection) it provides. However, it has too long been under-valued. The aim of this research is to use a stated preference approach, choice modelling, to determine the non-market value rural landowners place on biodiversity on agricultural land. It employs different attributes for biodiversity, and a payment vehicle of an annual contribution, for a 10-year period, into a council designated fund to which farmers can apply for funding to take actions to enhance indigenous biodiversity on their land. The focus of this study is the Waikato Region, due to its diversity of native flora and fauna and the pressures placed on it from the region's strong agriculture based economy. An online survey was used to survey rural landowners in the region. Usable responses were obtained from 146 respondents, three-quarters of whom operate their own farm and two-thirds of whom have indigenous biodiversity present on their farm. A latent class model was used to estimate non-market values, since revealed attribute non-attendance (or avoidance) had taken place. The results highlight the importance to farmers of ecosystem services provided by indigenous biodiversity, as those attending to all attributes were willing to pay toward maintaining current actions ($43.90/year for 10 years) or, for increasing actions to enhance ecosystem services ($59.65/year for 10 years). In contrast, however, they were willing to accept an annual payment ($49.22/year for 10 years) toward controlling possums and other pests. Other results were not clear-cut, making recommendations difficult. Perhaps a future study could investigate whether society as a whole places value on indigenous biodiversity being present on agricultural land, and whether there is a willingness, by society, to pay for this. Keywords: choice modelling, biodiversity, non-market valuation, agriculture, latent class model, Waikato region, attribute non-attendance. .
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    Environmental guardianship in New Zealand : a cross cultural encounter : a thesis submitted for the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2002) Fernández, Paulina Hassey
    In New Zealand, managing natural resources and planning for the environment entail a cross-cultural encounter between the Maori and the Modern Western worldviews. As different worldviews, each of these groups gives meaning, form and order to their respective experiences of reality in fundamentally different ways. The Maori notion of a spiritual ultimate reality and the rational apprehension of a material reality in the Modern Western worldview produce incompatible and irreducible views over the guardianship of natural resources and the environment. The Resource Management Act 1991 as the major piece of legislation for environmental planning in New Zealand is, however, predominantly monocultural, i.e. based on Modern Western worldview as an absolute and exclusive approach. Therefore, the relationship between Maori and the New Zealand Government in this regard, is characterized by both a deeply-rooted imbalance, and a difficulty to effectively communicate and understand each other. It is suggested that the first step towards an appropriate framework for a crosscultural relationship, is to overcome exclusivist and absolutist attitudes and claims that sustain the predominance of the Modern Western worldview over the Maori. Creating communication and understanding in symbolic levels may bridge the gap between Maori and the Government, and lay the foundations to redress the imbalance in their relationship. Examination of the Resource Management Act and the Treaty settlement process suggests this is feasible and successful approach for dealing with cross-cultural issues and to move towards pluralism in managing natural resources. This thesis concludes in recommendations for moving towards pluralism in New Zealand environmental management, and thereby a reduction in the imbalance between Maori and the government.
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    Emissions and removals of greenhouse gases at an institution level : a case study of Massey University Turitea campus : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Natural Resource Management, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2009) Butt, Zulfiqar Haider
    The first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (2008-2012) has started. Being a signatory to the protocol, New Zealand is committed to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions down to 1990 levels by the end of the first commitment period, or to take responsibility for any emissions above this level if it cannot meet this target. Although the inventory of New Zealand's GHG emissions is made at a national level, the actual reductions in GHG emissions required under the Kyoto Protocol will need to be made by individuals and institutions in society. Little attempt has yet been made at an institution level, especially by the Universities in New Zealand, to determine their aggregated net emissions of the major GHGs: carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4). In order to help Massey University to prepare its own emission budget, estimates of current emissions were made in four major sectors - energy, agriculture, waste and forestry - at the Turitea campus and the associated 2200 hectares of the University's farms. Greenhouse gas emissions from these sectors in 1990 were also estimated to compare the current emissions with the base year of the Kyoto protocol. An introduction to the major GHGs, their emissions, the effect of these emissions on climate change, and an overview of the approach to calculate these emissions is provided. Total emissions from the energy sector included emissions from the electricity, gas, coal, vehicles and aviation sub-sectors, that were calculated with the help of national and international emission factors. Greenhouse gas emissions from solid waste and wastewater were calculated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tier 1 approach. Emissions from the agriculture sector were calculated using a combination of New Zealand national and IPCC default emission factors. This sector accounts for emissions resulting from enteric fermentation, animal manure management and agricultural soils. An overview of Massey University's forest estate has also been provided. At present, forestry is the only sector contributing toward the mitigation of GHGs at Massey University through Kyoto-defined plantation forests. The amounts of C sequestered by the native and exotic tree plantations, and the total amount of CO2 absorbed by these plantations are presented. Although an assessment of C sequestered by all Massey University's tree plantations was made, only plantations established in 1990 and after were considered for inventory purposes. In the conclusions, some suggestions to reduce GHG emissions from Massey University and to improve future inventories are given. The annual gross GHG emissions in terms of CO2 equivalents (CO2e) in 2004 were 26,696±2,674 Mg which were about 7.9% above the level of 1990 emissions. It was estimated that the forestry sector removed about 4,094±439 Mg of CO2e and therefore the overall net emissions in 2004 were 8.6% below the base-line GHG emissions of 1990. At present the major contributing sector to GHG emissions at Massey University's Turitea campus is the energy sector. This contributes 71.4% of the gross emissions, whereas the agriculture and waste sectors are producing 26.2% and 2.4% respectively of the total gross emissions. About 37% of the total GHG emissions from the energy sector were contributed by commuting traffic, whereas electricity and gas collectively produced 33% of the total 19,064±1,324 Mg CO2e energy emissions. The largest absolute uncertainties in emission estimates were in the energy sector and some suggestions have been made as to how Massey University might reduce these uncertainties and improve the overall accuracy of the estimates of GHG emissions.
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    Joint management agreement between Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūwharetoa : a summary of lessons for local government : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2011) Hancock, Sonja
    The first Joint Management Agreement created under s36B of the Resource Management Act 1991 was signed on 17 January 2009. The parties involved were Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The JMA provides for publicly notified resource consents and plan changes applying to multiply owned Māori land to be decided upon by a panel of decision makers chosen equally by Council and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. It is the first example of an iwi authority having an equal share of decision-making power within statutory resource management decision making in New Zealand. This research considers the Joint Management Agreement within the context of other agreements between councils and iwi authorities in New Zealand, and government and indigenous bodies internationally. In addition, the research comments on the progression of Māori involvement in the statutory resource management framework in New Zealand, with a particular focus on the implications of recent Te Tiriti o Waitangi settlements. Findings of the research include that Ngāti Tūwharetoa’s position and ability to enter into a Joint Management Agreement is in part the result of their dominant land owner status in the Taupō District, with these land holdings being relatively unchanged by colonialist land takes. The over-arching lesson of the agreement is that each council must look at its own specific situation with iwi in its district, and look at all tools available in order to improve those relationships. S36B of the RMA 1991 was a tool that had not been used before but proved to be an efficient and effective one in this case.
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    Māori involvement in natural resource management in Aotearoa New Zealand : do statutory processes create benefits? : a thesis for the partial fulfilment of the requirements for Master of Philosophy in Science, Māori Resource & Environmental Management [at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand]
    (Massey University, 2011) Latimer, Tina Patricia
    Maori have been under represented in natural resource management in Aotearoa New Zealand since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi 1840 (Te Tiriti o Waitangi), and the establishment of the British Government in New Zealand in the 1850’s. The establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal in 1975 as an independent commission of inquiry has provided a valuable role and assisted Maori in achieving recourse to land heritage entitlement and natural resource management through making recommendations to proprietary rights. The Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi are currently before the Waitangi Tribunal to determine their validity in New Zealand municipal law. Notwithstanding, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples supports Maori human rights but is yet to be incorporated into domestic law in Aotearoa New Zealand. The reform of natural resource management in Aotearoa New Zealand in the 1990’s and in particular the Resource Management Act 1991, has partially paved a way forward in developing policy for Maori participation in the statutory application of natural resource management. However, the exemption of Maori proprietary rights to minerals, the conservation estate, marine and coastal area (foreshore and seabed) and compensation thereof remains a contentious debate for Maori. For this reason, Maori proprietary rights and statutory representation to land heritage entitlement and resource management continues to remain at the forefront of Maori contemporary grievances in Aotearoa New Zealand. Treaty of Waitangi settlement legislation partially mitigates historical grievances created by the Crown and their representative agencies. However, the progress of compensating and providing redress to Maori for the alienation of natural resources has been slow-moving since the first national fisheries Treaty settlement in 1992. Eighteen years on Maori continue to seek a meaningful relationship with the Crown Page | iii to achieve parity for the Maori people as the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Providing Maori with their own legislation and opportunities to participate at a local government level in the application of statutory management of natural resources is one means of achieving this. A greater respect of the Treaty partnership can provide a pathway forward and resolve the indifferences that have been long-standing since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Revamping the constitution of Aotearoa New Zealand and ensuring the same within a national Maori statutory body representing hapu and iwi is another means of balancing the inequities that have existed between Maori and the Crown over the last 170 years is also another means of achieving parity in Aotearoa New Zealand.