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    Factoring community welfare estimates into freshwater allocation decision making in New Zealand : a common good case study : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resource Management at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Walker, Humphrey
    The study recognises the centrality of the ‘common good’ by working to improve the intergenerational well-being of all people in society. The research adopts the Tukituki River catchment in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand as a case study to demonstrate how community welfare estimates can be factored into freshwater allocation planning and decision-making. The Tukituki catchment faces water pollution and allocation challenges that are typical of agricultural landscapes with summer water scarcity. A survey measured both current and future perceptions of the catchment, focussing on comparing perceptions of anglers and gamebird hunters with other recreational users. A second survey estimated the marginal welfare benefits generated by improved water quality and the welfare associated with trust in freshwater advocates and policy-oriented organisations. Most users felt the catchment was in a poor state and wanted a future with improved water quality. There was little or no difference between the perceptions of anglers and other recreational users. Gamebird hunter’s perceptions were different from other recreational users at the p<.05 level. Recreational users were willing to pay a mean $6.67 a month for ten years to improve water quality to a level representative of the successful delivery of current policy goals by 2030. Bayesian trust scores were used to model social capital in the form of a novel social trust economy, which proved to be an effective descriptor of the known political economy. Keywords: Freshwater, Welfare, Perceptions, Trust, Common good, Latent Class Analysis, Best-worst scaling, Non-market valuation, Contingent valuation.
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    Te Kete Tua-ātea, Māori modelling of the future and the kaitiakitanga of water : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University, Manawatū, Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Baker, Mahina-a-rangi
    This research arose from the experience of our iwi, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, struggling to control the future trajectory of the health of our water and the health of our people. We came to recognise that our political aspiration to realise our tino rangatiratanga in relation to water was strongly dependent on our knowledge capability, in particular, our capability to identify, examine and communicate the likely effects of future scenarios on our water. The aim of this thesis was to propose and operationalise a mātauranga Māori framework and futuring tools that iwi can apply in decision-making to assist them in realising the futures they wish to see for water systems. Ngā Kete o te Wānanga has been presented as a complete mātauranga Māori theoretical framework, and each kete or component has informed the generation and application of specific aspects of knowledge and the tools that are required for the kaitiakitanga of water. Te Kete Tua-uri has informed the production of a rich iwi ontology of water that provides a more in-depth understanding of what water ‘is’ from a Te Āti Awa perspective. Te Kete Aronui has informed the development and application of tools to facilitate observations across the broad iwi values of water. These include novel tools for monitoring the integrity of decision-making processes, and a survey tool for monitoring the well-being attributes of wairua and whakapapa connectivity in our rohe. The research has shown how the recognition and revitalisation of Te Kete Tua-ātea knowledge and tools as a distinct field of mātauranga Māori is particularly crucial to the practice of kaitiakitanga. This has involved developing and applying futuring tools such as quantitative models to generate knowledge about the infinite possible future scenarios for our water catchments that can be used to inform decision-making processes. The application of Ngā Kete o te Wānanga can make a significant contribution to improving the way that water is cared for in Aotearoa. The research has demonstrated the power of returning to the enduring wisdom of mātauranga Māori, and the benefits of a kaupapa/values-based, whole-of-system, future-oriented approach to water care.
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    Economic evaluation of the integrated rehabilitation and management of critical watershed in the Philippines : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Natural Resource and Environmental Economics at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Umadhay, Gideon Antiojo
    The impacts of upper watershed land use practices on resource systems on-site and downstream have long been recognised as a major problem area in resource management in the Philippines. Increasing population levels and upland migration have worsened this problem with time. The consequences are seen in loss of upland productivity, poverty for upland farmers, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, river siltation, sedimentation of reservoirs and irrigation systems, impacts on estuarine mangroves and coastal fisheries, increased flooding and drought, and so on. There is an urgent need to protect the resource system while at the same time providing for the needs of the upland population. Watershed rehabilitation is proposed as a strategy to achieve this. Watersheds comprise of a sequence of linked resource systems which complicates the integrated rehabilitation and management of them. Management is also complicated by the fact that different agencies have responsibilities over different parts of the watershed and that the private parties within the watershed are there often illegally. Hence, any rehabilitation scheme needs to provide ways to make occupation legal for illegal occupants and at the same time provide incentives for them to cooperate with the rehabilitation strategy. In other words, any proposed scheme must be profitable to the occupants. This study describes a strategy for watershed rehabilitation and analyses a case study example. The project's aim is to integrate social development and watershed rehabilitation. The social development component looks at people participation and the provision of land and opportunities to produce food. The rehabilitation component deals with reforestation and agroforestry to reduce soil degradation and increase water flow. The project involves reforestation of 950 hectares, agroforestry on 3070 hectares, assisted natural regeneration of 716 hectares and production of agricultural crops on an area of 450 hectares. The objectives of the study are to investigate watershed rehabilitation in terms of economic desirability, socio-economic impact and possible implementation constraints. A Benefit-Cost analysis on the data obtained from a feasibility study shows that the project, from an economic point of view. is very worthwhile. The sensitivity analysis further shows that the results are also very robust. Implementation however, will not be an automatic process and the good economic results are not a foregone conclusion. Success of the project will to a large extent depend on cooperation by the occupants of the watershed. Recommendations are made as to how this cooperation can be achieved. Overall however, the study shows that watershed rehabilitation is a strategy that is desirable from an economic and social point of view as well as clearly contributing to sustainable development of the Philippines.
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    A critical assessment of watershed management in Indonesia : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2005) Widyaningtyas, Novia
    To address many environmental problems in Indonesia, the Ministry of Forestry created a planning system and developed guidelines to manage the watersheds in the country. Today, the environmental problems are still continuing, calling for improvement of watershed management. This study reviewed international guidelines, selected case studies of other countries' experiences, and the watershed management guidelines in Indonesia, then compared and contrasted the result of these reviews and made recommendations in order to improve watershed management and planning in Indonesia. The international guidelines published by ASEAN, FAO, ESCAP, UNEP, and ADB offered several frameworks of watershed management from various perspectives. The comparisons between these frameworks/perspectives and the Indonesian guidelines gave an opportunity to make an assessment and opened up the possibility of improving the existing framework and practice in Indonesia. The international guidelines provided some input on the importance of monitoring and evaluation in the management process, emphasised the need for adequate data for planning, and advocated an iterative process in planning. The assessment of the Indonesian guidelines and practice of water treatment management and planning: (1) proved ineffective, as demonstrated by the inconsistency and discontinuity of development, (2) was based on poor quantity and quality of data, (3) provided inadequate legal background, and (4) was implemented by an inadequate infrastructure. These problems created gaps that can be filled with recommended best practices learned from other developing countries (the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and India). These recommendations include: (1) Establishment of an adequate national information system of watersheds and their management, (2) Improvement of the planning system, to be consistent with the planning hierarchy and to be iterative, (3) Promotion of collaboration and partnerships by the government, (4) Strengthening of the legal system as the foundation of effective watershed management and planning, and (5) Encouragement and strengthening of public participation in watershed management and planning.
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    A resource inventory for the Ruamahanga Catchment, Wairarapa, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Applied Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2007) Chrystall, Leila Margaret
    Currently, there is concern around various water management issues in the Ruamahanga Catchment, Wairarapa. This concern has prompted discussion among the stakeholders of the catchment about implementing an Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) Plan in the area. A prerequist of an ICM plan is to have a detailed resource inventory that documents the current state of the catchment, the level and areas of research already carried out in the catchment, and the specific problems occurring in the catchment. This report constitutes the Resource Inventory for the Ruamahanga Catchment and will serve as a discussion document that can be used by the stakeholders to implement an ICM plan. This Inventory organises information under twelve topic headings that range from land and climate, water resources and land use, to freshwater ecology and public perceptions on the state of the water resources in the catchment. Significant issues indentified in the catchment include; deteriorating water quality in the Ruamahanga River as it flows southwards; a significant increase (~14,000 kg/year) in dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) loading in the Ruamahanga River segment between Te Ore Ore and Gladstone, which in most part, is a result of the Masterton Sewage Treatment Plant discharge; unsatisfactory bathing water quality at some sites on the Ruamahanga River; a lower diversity of freshwater species than the rest of the Wellington Region; current and future land use intensification which is leading to increasing demands for water; and fully allocated surface water zones and groundwater aquifers. Recommendations are provided on how to improve the quality of data in this inventory, and also on how to proceed in the future with the findings of this report in mind. Faced with similar water quality issues as the Manawatu Catchment, stakeholders of the Ruamahanga Catchment should be aware of the outcomes of Horizon Regional Council's One Plan, and observe any success and failures of the One Plan when implementing an ICM Plan in the future.
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    An integrated catchment management plan toward restoration : sustainable farming with a future focus in the Mangaone West : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2014) Hickey-Elliott, Andree Beth
    Land cover change and land use management practices have caused environmental degradation of the Mangaone West catchment. A catchment management plan is needed to address the degradation. An integrated method was used to improve the likelihood of plan success. ArcMap and biophysical sampling were used to provide a knowledge base of current catchment conditions. Considerable environmental sampling was carried out, including MCI and QMCI indices, nutrient sampling of nitrogen and phosphorous, sediment assessment methods, riparian assessment and erosion assessment. A catchment meeting was held to form a consensus plan goal and view. The goal of ‘sustainable farming in the Mangaone West, with a future focus’ was established. The river styles framework and a traditional integrated catchment management plan framework were reviewed. Components for plan success were reviewed and integrated into the proposed plan. The catchment sampling found significant degradation with regard to its geomorphology, riparian margin and water quality. Erosion and connectivity of the upper catchment hillslopes and waterways is a significant issue. Much of the catchment is lacking a riparian margin. A combined plan is proposed, using a mixture of the river styles framework and traditional development structure. Best management practices need to be adopted by all landowners and riparian margins require significant restoration. Hillslopes of the upper catchment require stabilisation, and problematic willows in the lower catchment need to be removed. The local community needs to be involved throughout the plan implementation in order to maximise its success. With the proposed plan utilised, the Mangaone West could be restored to a sustainable environment.
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    The voice(s) of Māori in integrated freshwater management : a case study in the Manawatū River catchment in New Zealand : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Ecological Economics at Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa/New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Schiele, Heike Christiane
    Freshwater of good quality and quantity is fundamental to life. The challenge of our times is to manage freshwater and to find innovative ways to integrate ecological, economic, social and cultural interests in its use so that future generations will continue to have access to its life-supporting capacity. This research focuses on cultural understanding of water and how it influences water management. The study explores how the voice of Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand) is heard in collaborative multi-stakeholder approaches to freshwater management. The voice of Maori in the context of this study is defined as the contributions made by Maori while exercising rights granted under the Treaty of Waitangi signed in1840, to participate in the management of their taonga (treasures including natural resources). The trans-disciplinary and cross-cultural research uses ‘verstehen’ (creating meaning) as the epistemology and method to explore four questions: 1) How are cultural values reflected in the process of action planning, funding and implementation?; 2) What gives voice in the process?; 3) Voice in short-term collaborations - how do Mediated Modelling and other tools support the voice of Maori?; and 4) Voice and iwi/hapu river management planning - how could intergenerational plans relate to the voice of Maori? The case study for the research was based in the Manawatu River catchment in the lower North Island of New Zealand. It took place between October 2010 and November 2013. Four iwi/hapu (tribes/sub-tribes) from the catchment, namely Te Kauru Eastern Manawatu River Hapu Collective, Rangitaane O Manawatu, Ngati Kauwhata (supported by Taiao Raukawa) and Muaupoko Tribal Authority participated in a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders tasked with finding solutions to water quality and quantity issues impacting the catchment. The case study culminated in a ‘framework for voice’ as a tool to facilitate a deeper level of understanding of cultural values and thereby improve dialogue in future collaborations in integrated freshwater management involving Maori and non-Maori. The study concludes that innovative changes to integrated freshwater management can evolve over time as new thinking emerges at the interface between cultures, their worldviews and values. Key words: integrated freshwater management, voice of Maori, worldviews, values, multi-stakeholder collaborations, intergenerational planning and vision
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    The use [of] GIS and remote sensing in the assessment of Magat Watershed in the Philippines : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Management, Massey University, Turitea campus, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2010) Tattao, Emerson; Tattao, Emerson
    The Philippine watersheds are continually being degraded— thus threatening the supply of water in the country. The government has recognised the need for effective monitoring and management to avert the declining condition of these watersheds. This study explores the applications of remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), in the collection of information and analysis of data, in order to support the development of effective critical watershed management strategies. Remote sensing was used to identify and classify the land cover in the study area. Both supervised and unsupervised methods were employed to establish the most appropriate technique in watershed land cover classification. GIS technology was utilised for the analysis of the land cover data and soil erosion modelling. The watershed boundary was delineated from a digital elevation model, using the hydrological tools in GIS. The watershed classification revealed a high percentage of grassland and increasing agricultural land use, in the study area. The soil erosion modelling showed an extremely high erosion risk in the bare lands and a high erosion risk in the agriculture areas. This supports the need for effective conservation strategies and a land use plan in the study area. The use of remote sensing and GIS could assist watershed environmental planners and managers to achieve this objective.