Publications
We're always researching and writing. All our publications can be found in OURArchive, the University of Otago's institutional repository.
Browse the collectionNau mai haere mai. Welcome.
The Christchurch Health and Development Study ( CHDS ) is a world-renowned longitudinal research project tracking the health, education, and life progress of 1,265 individuals born in the urban area of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, in mid-1977.
Our mission is to contribute to the improved health and wellbeing of all Ngā Aotearoa New Zealanders.
Since infancy, our cohort has been followed through every stage of life. Over the decades, we’ve produced more than 570 scientific papers, reports, books, and book chapters documenting their journeys. Our research has led to significant social and policy changes, including:
- Safer domestic swimming pools
- The removal of lead from petrol
- The development of Early Start, a home support service for vulnerable families with young children
We are deeply grateful to our participants for their ongoing generosity, commitment, and trust. Without them, none of this would be possible. We look forward to reconnecting with them for their 50-year assessment.
News
- Public talk - Mental health: AI, psychedelics and your brain - come along to this public talk on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, where our Co-Director, James Foulds, and key researcher, Katie Douglas, will be speaking
- What happens when children with ADHD grow up? - watch Study Co-Director, James Foulds, talk about adult ADHD at Te Papa Hauora Health Precinct's ‘we’re talking hauora’ research series (Wednesday, 7 May 2025)
- Calls for better tracking of how many Kiwis living with Parkinson's - 1News spoke with our Study Co-Director, Toni Pitcher, about her latest research (Friday, 11 April 2025)
- View University of Otago news about the CHDS
Funding
We are currently funded by:
- MBIE's Strategic Science Investment Fund
- University of Otago's Lifecourse Research Theme
- Health Research Council of New Zealand
Contact
Tel +64 3 372 6706
Email chds.uoc@otago.ac.nz
University of Otago, Christchurch
Department of Psychological Medicine
PO Box 4345, Christchurch 8140