Dr Helen Fitt, Home, University of Otago, Christchurch

Lecturer

Department of Population Health
University of Otago, Christchurch
PO Box 4345
Christchurch 8140

Background and research interests

Helen is a social scientist who takes a theoretically informed approach to the connections between mobilities and wellbeing. As such, she is interested in exploring always-emergent constellations of dynamic, contingent, and nuanced social processes. Her research to date has focused primarily on transport mobilities. Helen has explored the influence of social meanings on transport practices, including on driving, motorcycling, walking, cycling, and bus use. She has also led and participated in projects concerning the potential wellbeing implications of new and emerging transport technologies, including electric vehicles, e-scooters, and automated (driverless) cars. Her current research explores whether access to shared transport can increase accessibility and wellbeing for residents of social housing and retirement provision.

Helen's work is primarily qualitative and she is interested in exploring the effective use of novel and innovative methods. Helen also has ongoing interests in research ethics and communications. As such, she has been working on using illustration in research communications, including in informed consent processes.

Helen has worked in a range of environments including government, NGO, and private sectors. She has a BA(Hons) in Economics and French from the University of Leeds (UK), an MRes in Development Studies from the University of East Anglia (UK), and PhD in Human Geography from the University of Canterbury (NZ). She has also worked as a researcher at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and as a lecturer at the University of Canterbury and at Lincoln University.

Teaching

Helen currently teaches:

PUBH 713 Society, Health and Health Promotion
PUBH 743 Health Promotion Programme Planning and Evaluation

She is interested in supervising PhD and Master's candidates in health and wellbeing research related to:

Transport
Mobilities scholarship (including but not restricted to transport)
Social and cultural theory
Social practice approaches
Innovative use of qualitative methods

Professional activities and memberships

Reference Group Member: Transport Knowledge Hub: Technology and Innovation
Seminar Series Co-coordinator: Aotearoa New Zealand Mobilities Network
Steering Group Member: Kāinga Ora research project: Easy Access and Sustainable Transport (EAST)
Member of New Zealand Geographical Society
Member of University of Otago Transport Research Network

Publications

Curl, A., Coppens, A., Dares, C., Williman, J., Fitt, H., & Kingham, S. (2024). Accessibility and affordability impacts of half price public transport fares in Aotearoa New Zealand. Findings, (February). doi: 10.32866/001c.92735 Journal - Research Article

Fountain, J., Rosin, C., & Fitt, H. (2023). Resilience and regeneration in a marine tourism destination: The case of Akaroa. Proceedings of the 33rd Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) Annual Conference: West, East, South, North: Redirecting Research in Tourism, Hospitality and Events. (pp. 343-344). Fremantle, Australia: CAUTHE. [Abstract] Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Shaw, C., Fitt, H., Chapman, R., Wild, K., Woodward, A., Curl, A., & MacMillan, A. (2023). Where do the parties stand? A low carbon, healthy transport system. The Briefing, (29 August). Retrieved from https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/where-do-parties-stand-low-carbon-healthy-transport-system Journal - Research Other

Fitt, H., & Crossin, R. (2023, May). Shared mobility and on demand delivery. Verbal presentation at the Connect with Transport Research Symposium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Espiner, N., Stewart, E. J., Fitt, H., Page, S., & Espiner, S. (2023). From tents and maps to vans and apps: Exploring camping mobilities. Tourism Geographies, 25(2–3), 670-689. doi: 10.1080/14616688.2021.1964588 Journal - Research Article

2024

Journal - Research Article

2023

Journal - Research Article

Fitt, H. (2023). The status of being or the achievement of becoming? Towards better understandings of cars as status symbols. Social & Cultural Geography, 24(6), 968-986. doi: 10.1080/14649365.2021.2000014

Journal - Research Other

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Fitt, H., & Crossin, R. (2023, May). Shared mobility and on demand delivery. Verbal presentation at the Connect with Transport Research Symposium, Christchurch, New Zealand.

2022

Journal - Research Other

Fitt, H. (2022). Boring and inadequate? A literature review considering the use of electric vehicles in drive tourism. Current Issues in Tourism, 25(12), 1920-1946. doi: 10.1080/13683500.2021.1937074

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Fitt, H., Curl, A., Dares, C., Russell, E., McKerchar, C., Kingham, S., & Banwell, K. (2022). Can residential shared mobility enhance transport equity? Proceedings of the 19th International Medical Geography Symposium (IMGS). 254. Retrieved from https://imgs2022.org/

Fitt, H., Kingham, S., & Curl, A. (2022). Bypassing the big burly bouncer: Moving beyond texts to communicate geographical research. Proceedings of the New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS) Conference. (pp. 58). Retrieved from https://www.nzgsconference2022.co.nz/

Hodgson, R., Macmillan, A., Moore, A., Thompson, L., Connor, J., & Fitt, H. (2022). Voices of marginalised young people and implications for transport policy. Proceedings of the New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS) Conference. (pp. 57-58). Retrieved from https://www.nzgsconference2022.co.nz/

Kingham, S., Fitt, H., Curl, A., Dares, C., Russell, E., McKerchar, C., … Berghan, J., & Williman, J. (2022). Can transport enhance community wellbeing and reduce social inequity in two contrasting communities in Christchurch. Proceedings of the New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS) Conference. (pp. 57). Retrieved from https://www.nzgsconference2022.co.nz/

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Fitt, H., Curl, A., el Orfi, Y., McKerchar, C., Berghan, J., Banwell, K., Dares, C., Russell, E., Coppens, A., … Faber, K. (2022, November). ACTIVATION: Towards equity in transport and transport research. Verbal presentation at the 4th Transport Research Network (TRN) Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Curl, A., Fitt, H., Dares, C., Russell, E., McKerchar, C., Kingham, S., & Banwell, K. (2022, July). Does shared mobility enhance transport equity among older adults? Verbal presentation at the British Society of Gerontology 51st Annual Conference, [Online].

Other Research Output

Fitt, H., Curl, A., el Orfi, Y., Dares, C., Russel, E., Kingham, S. (2022). The getting around survey 2021: OCHT Brougham St [Infographic]. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10092/17651

2021

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Fitt, H., Curl, A., & Kingham, S. (2021). Mess or mash-up? Are practice architecture, mobility biography, and shared mobility pieces of the same puzzle? Proceedings of the Sociological Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (SAANZ) Conference: Sociology in the 21st Century: Wellbeing, Engagement and Sustainability. (pp. 23). Lincoln, New Zealand: Department of Tourism, Sport and Society, Lincoln University. Retrieved from https://www.saanz.net/saanz-conference-2021

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Fitt, H., & Espiner, N. (2021). Looking beyond limitations: Electric vehicle use in New Zealand holidays [Land Environment and People Research Report No. 67]. Lincoln, New Zealand: Lincoln University Centre for Land, Environment & People. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10182/14501

2020

Journal - Research Article

Juschten, M., Page, S., & Fitt, H. (2020). Mindsets set in concrete? Exploring the perspectives of domestic travellers on New Zealand’s (auto-)mobility culture. Sustainability, 12(18), 7646. doi: 10.3390/su12187646

Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2020). Same same, but different? Cycling and e-scootering in a rapidly changing urban transport landscape. New Zealand Geographer, 76, 194-206. doi: 10.1111/nzg.12271

Fitt, H., & Curl, A. (2020). The early days of shared micromobility: A social practices approach. Journal of Transport Geography, 86, 102779. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2020.102779

Curl, A., Fitt, H., & Tomintz, M. (2020). Experiences of the built environment, falls and fear of falling outdoors among older adults: An exploratory study and future directions. International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, 17(4), 1224. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17041224

Journal - Research Other

Fitt, H. (2020). [Review of the book Three revolutions: Steering automated, shared, and electric vehicles to a better future]. Journal of Transport Geography, 83, 102588. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2019.102588

Latham, A., Edensor, T., Hopkins, D., Fitt, H., Lobo, M., Mansvelt, J., … Bissell, D. (2020). Commuter lives: a review symposium on David Bissell's Transit Life. Geographical Research, 58(1), 94-106. doi: 10.1111/1745-5871.12382

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Fitt, H. (2020). Growing collaboration in the Waitaki Whitestone aspiring Geopark: A snapshot of food and drink sector perspectives [Extended abstract]. Proceedings of the 30th Council for Australasian University Tourism & Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) Annual Conference: 20:20 Vision: New Perspectives on the Diversity of Hospitality, Tourism and Events. Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland University of Technology. doi: 10.3316/informit.048054451501350

Page, S., Fitt, H., & Moreham, R. (2020). Electric vehicle tourism: Considerations for future planning [Extended abstract]. Proceedings of the 30th Council for Australasian University Tourism & Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) Annual Conference: 20:20 Vision: New Perspectives on the Diversity of Hospitality, Tourism and Events. Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland University of Technology. doi: 10.3316/informit.047868121788768

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2020, March). Equity implications of emerging transport modes. Verbal presentation at the Transportation Group New Zealand Conference: Equity in Transportation, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Fitt, H. (2020). Geogastronomy in the Waitaki Whitestone aspiring Geopark: A snapshot of sector perspectives on opportunities and challenges [LEAP Research Report No. 49]. (pp. 1-20). Lincoln, New Zealand: Centre for Land, Environment & People, Lincoln University. Retrieved from https://researcharchive.lincoln.ac.nz/handle/10182/12060

2019

Journal - Research Article

Fitt, H., Curl, A., Dionisio, M. R., Ahuriri-Driscoll, A., & Pawson, E. (2019). Considering the wellbeing implications for an ageing population of a transition to automated vehicles. Research in Transportation Business & Management, 30, 100382. doi: 10.1016/j.rtbm.2019.100382

Journal - Research Other

Fitt, H. (2019). Beyond the urban commute: Why we should be powering up for electric vehicle holidays. Lincoln Planning Review, 10(1-2), 17-24. doi: 10.34900/lpr.v10i1-2.1159

Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2019). Will driverless cars be good for us? Now is the time for public health to act together with urban and transport planning. Journal of Global Health, 9(2), 020303. doi: 10.7189/jogh.09.020303

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Curl, A., Fitt, H., Dionisio-McHugh, R., & Tomintz, M. (2019). Older adults experiences of mobility and falling in urban environments. Proceedings of the 18th International Medical Geography Symposium (IMGS). (pp. 14). Retrieved from http://www.imgs2019.com

Dionisio, R., Fitt, H., & Curl, A. (2019). Ageing wellbeing in a time of socio-technical shifts in urban mobilities: A new quest for urban design & planning. Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society with IBG (RGS-IBG) Annual International Conference: Geographies of Trouble / Geographies of Hope. Retrieved from http://conference.rgs.org/AC2019

Curl, A., Fitt, H., van der Vlugt, A.-L., Tomintz, M., Dionisio-McHugh, R., & Beere, P. (2019). Older adults’ experiences of mobility and falling in the outdoor environment. In S. Mandic & K. Coppell (Eds.), Proceedings of The Active Living and Environment Symposium (TALES): Linking Transport, Health and Sustainability. (pp. 38). Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago. [Abstract]

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Fitt, H., & Curl, A. (2019, May). Lime and the La-Z-Boy: A story of the social integration of transport technology into urban life [Best Presentation Award]. Verbal presentation at the Intelligent Transportation Systems New Zealand (ITSNZ) Transport Technology Conference (T-Tech), Christchurch, New Zealand.

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Fitt, H., & Curl, A. (2019). Perceptions and experiences of Lime scooters: Summary survey results. Christchurch, New Zealand: University of Canterbury. Retrieved from https://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/handle/10092/16336

Other Research Output

Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2019). Attitudes to and use of electric scooters in New Zealand. figshare. doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.8056109

2018

Chapter in Book - Research

Fitt, H. (2018). Exploring how older people might experience future transport systems. In A. Curl & C. Musselwhite (Eds.), Geographies of transport and ageing. (pp. 199-225). Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-76360-6_9

Journal - Research Article

Dombroski, K., Watkins, A. F., Fitt, H., Frater, J., Banwell, K., MacKenzie, K., … Hart, D. (2018). Journeying from “I” to “we”: Assembling hybrid caring collectives of geography doctoral scholars. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 42(1), 80-93. doi: 10.1080/03098265.2017.1335295

Fitt, H. (2018). Habitus and the loser cruiser: How low status deters bus use in a geographically limited field. Journal of Transport Geography, 70, 228-233. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2018.06.011

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2018). What do driverless cars mean for cities, health and wellbeing? Proceedings of the New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS) and the Institute of Australian Geographers (IAG) Conference. (pp. 30). Retrieved from https://nzgsconference2018.org/

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Fitt, H., Curl, A., Dionisio-McHugh, R., Fletcher, A., Frame, B., & Ahuriri-Driscoll, A. (2018). Think piece: Autonomous vehicles and future urban environments: Exploring implications for wellbeing in an ageing society. (pp. 1-24). Porirua, New Zealand: National Science Challenge 11: Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities. Retrieved from http://www.buildingbetter.nz

Curl, A., Fitt, H., Dionisio-McHugh, R., Ahuriri-Driscoll, A., Fletcher, A., & Slaughter, H. (2018). Autonomous vehicles and future urban environments: Exploring changing travel behaviours, built environments, and implications for wellbeing in an ageing society. (pp. 1-42). Porirua, New Zealand: National Science Challenge 11: Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities. Retrieved from http://www.buildingbetter.nz

Fletcher, A., Fitt, H., Baldwin, N., Hadfield, H., & Curl, A. (2018). Initial scan of policy/issues relevant to autonomous vehicle development and deployment. (pp. 1-22). Porirua, New Zealand: National Science Challenge 11: Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities. Retrieved from http://www.buildingbetter.nz

Fitt, H., Frame, B., Fletcher, A., Curl, A., Dionisio-McHugh, R., Ahuriri-Driscoll, A., … Hadfield, H. (2018). Four plausible scenarios for transport in New Zealand in 2048. (pp. 1-27). Porirua, New Zealand: National Science Challenge 11: Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities. Retrieved from http://www.buildingbetter.nz

Other Research Output

Curl, A. & Fitt, H. (2019, May). Autonomous vehicles and transport outcomes. Transport Knowledge Hub Seminar, Wellington, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.transport.govt.nz/mot-resources/transport-knowledge-hub/transport-knowledge-presentations/

Fitt, H. & Curl, A. (2018, July) Getting around in the 2040s. Super Seniors, Ministry of Social Development. Retrieved from http://www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz/about-superseniors/ageing-population/transport/transport.html

2017

Journal - Research Article

Fitt, H. (2017). Researching mobile practices: Participant reflection and audio-recording in Repeat Question Diaries. Qualitative Research, 18(6), 654-670. doi: 10.1177/1468794117743462

Fitt, H. (2017). Do social meanings matter? How and how much social meanings influence everyday transport practices? New Zealand Geographer, 73(3), 181-191. doi: 10.1111/nzg.12158

2016

Journal - Research Article

Cook, S., Davidson, A., Stratford, E., Middleton, J., Plyushteva, A., Fitt, H., … Duncan, T., … Wilmott, C. (2016). Co-Producing Mobilities: Negotiating geographical knowledge in a conference session on the move. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 40(3), 340-374. doi: 10.1080/03098265.2016.1141397

2015

Awarded Doctoral Degree

Fitt, H. (2015). The influences of social meanings on everyday transport practices (PhD). University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. doi: 10.26021/9058

2014

Journal - Research Other

Fitt, H., & Cohen, H. (2014). [Review of the book Researching the city]. New Zealand Geographer, 70(2), 149-150. doi: 10.1111/nzg.12059

2009

Chapter in Book - Research

Fitt, H., & King, J. (2009). Sustainability conversations: Business and science perspectives on sustainability. In B. Frame, R. Gordon & C. Mortimer (Eds.), Hatched: The capacity for sustainable development. (pp. 275-286). Lincoln, New Zealand: Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua.

Fitt, H., & McLaren, S. (2009). An introduction to sustainable consumption. In B. Frame, R. Gordon & C. Mortimer (Eds.), Hatched: The capacity for sustainable development. (pp. 135-148). Lincoln, New Zealand: Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua.