Department of Population Health University of Otago, Christchurch PO Box 4345 Christchurch 8140
Background
Christina is of Ngāti Kahungunu, Tūhoe and Ngāti Porou descent. She trained as a nutritionist, and worked for a number of years, for Te Hotu Manawa Māori a national Māori Health provider.
She has also worked for Agencies for Nutrition Action, a coalition group of non-government organisations who have an interest in nutrition.
Christina has completed her PhD entitled: Food availability for Māori children: A rights based approach.
Agencies for Nutrition Action Board Member 2009–2010
Presentations
From Kererū to KFC: Māori eating patterns over time. New Zealand Dietetic Association Conference (Keynote Oral Presentation). Nutrition & Dietetics 2008;65 (Suppl. 4):A6
Pitama, S., Haitana, T., Patu, M., Robson, B., Harris, R., McKerchar, C., Clark, T., & Crengle, S. (2024). Toitū Te Tiriti. New Zealand Medical Journal/Te ara tika o te hauora hapori, 137(1589), 7-11. Retrieved from https://nzmj.org.nz/
Journal - Research Other
Crossin, R., Norriss, D., McKerchar, C., Martin, G., Pocock, T., & Curl, A. (2024). Quantifying access to on-demand alcohol in New Zealand. Drug & Alcohol Review, 43, 416-424. doi: 10.1111/dar.13785
Journal - Research Article
Gage, R., Connor, J., Jackson, N., McKerchar, C., & Signal, L. (2024). Generating political priority for alcohol policy reform: A framework to guide advocacy and research. Drug & Alcohol Review, 43, 381-392. doi: 10.1111/dar.13782
Journal - Research Article
McKerchar, C., Thompson, L., Bidwell, S., & Hapuku, A. (2023). Normal or diseased? Navigating indeterminate gut behaviour. Journal of Primary Health Care, 15(4), 350-357. doi: 10.1071/HC23090
Journal - Research Article
Crossin, R., Curl, A., Norriss, D., Martin, G., Pocock, T., & McKerchar, C. (2023). Quantifying access to 'on-demand' alcohol in New Zealand. Drug & Alcohol Review, 42(Suppl. 1), 84. doi: 10.1111/dar.13749
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
McKerchar, C., Bidwell, S., Curl, A., Pocock, T., Cowie, M., Miles, H., & Crossin, R. (2023). Promoting health in the digital environment: health policy experts’ responses to on-demand delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand. Health Promotion International, 38, daad091. doi: 10.1093/heapro/daad091
Journal - Research Article
McKerchar, C., Russell, E., Williams, N., & Hodgson, R. (2023, May). Transport perspectives: Māori, women and youth. Verbal presentation at the Connect with Transport Research Symposium, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Gage, R., Gurtner, M., Keall, M., Smith, M., McKerchar, C., Howden-Chapman, P., Shaw, C., Chambers, T., Pearson, A. L., … Signal, L. (2023). Fun, food and friends: A wearable camera analysis of children's school journeys. Journal of Transport & Health, 30, 101604. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2023.101604
Journal - Research Article
Meredith, C., McKerchar, C., & Lacey, C. (2023). Indigenous approaches to perinatal mental health: A systematic review with critical interpretive synthesis. Archives of Women's Mental Health. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s00737-023-01310-7
Journal - Research Article
Russell, E., McKerchar, C., Thompson, L., & Berghan, J. (2023). Māori experiences of social housing in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Kōtuitui, 18(4), 352-369. doi: 10.1080/1177083X.2023.2180762
Journal - Research Article
Duthie, C., Pocock, T., Curl, A., Clark, E., Norriss, D., Bidwell, S., McKerchar, C., & Crossin, R. (2023). Online on-demand delivery services of food and alcohol: A scoping review of public health impacts. SSM Population Health, 21, 101349. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101349
Journal - Research Other
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.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nghiem, N., Teng, A., Cleghorn, C., McKerchar, C., & Wilson, N. (2022). Using household economic survey data to assess food expenditure patterns and trends in a high-income country with notable health inequities. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 21703. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-26301-z
Journal - Research Article
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].
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
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/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Curl, A., Crossin, R., McKerchar, C., Appeldoorn, B., Miles, H., & Norriss, D. (2022). The landscape of on-demand delivery of unhealthy commodities in New Zealand. Proceedings of the New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS) Conference. (pp. 103). Retrieved from https://www.nzgsconference2022.co.nz/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
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 - Published proceedings: Abstract
Norriss, D., Crossin, R., Curl, A., Bidwell, S., Clark, E., Pocock, T., Gage, R., & McKerchar, C. (2022). Food outlet access and the healthiness of food available 'on-demand' via meal delivery apps in New Zealand. Nutrients, 14(20), 4228. doi: 10.3390/nu14204228
Journal - Research Article
Gage, R., Chambers, T., Smith, M., McKerchar, C., Puloka, V., Pearson, A., Kawachi, I., & Signal, L. (2022). Children's perspectives on the wicked problem of child poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand: A wearable camera study. New Zealand Medical Journal, 135(1559), 95-111. Retrieved from https://journal.nzma.org.nz
Journal - Research Article
McKerchar, C., Gage, R., Smith, M., Lacey, C., Abel, G., Ni Mhurchu, C., & Signal, L. (2022). Children’s community nutrition environment, food and drink purchases and consumption on journeys between home and school: A wearable camera study. Nutrients, 14, 1995. doi: 10.3390/nu14101995
Journal - Research Article
Miles, H., Apeldoorn, B., McKerchar, C., Curl, A., & Crossin, R. (2022). Describing and characterising on-demand delivery of unhealthy commodities in New Zealand. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 46(4), 429-437. doi: 10.1111/1753-6405.13230
Journal - Research Article
Graham, F., Boland, P., Jones, B., Wallace, S., Taylor, W., Desha, L., Maggo, J., McKerchar, C., & Grainger, R. (2022). Stakeholder perspectives of the sociotechnical requirements of a telehealth wheelchair assessment service in Aotearoa/New Zealand: A qualitative analysis. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 69, 279-289. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12790
Journal - Research Article
Watkins, L., Gage, R., Smith, M., McKerchar, C., Aitken, R., & Signal, L. (2022). An objective assessment of children's exposure to brand marketing in New Zealand (Kids'Cam): A cross-sectional study. Lancet Planetary Health, 6, e132-e138. doi: 10.1016/S2542-5196(21)00290-4
Journal - Research Article
Toh, E. A., McKerchar, C., & Hider, P. (2021, September). Ethnic disparities in prostate cancer care and outcomes between Māori and non-Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Poster session presented at the Achieving Health Equity from Research Conference [Otago Spotlight Series], Wellington, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)
Hapuku, A., McKerchar, C., & Thompson, L. (2021). Tū manawa ora, tū manawa toa. MAI Journal, 10(2), 169-179. doi: 10.20507/MAIJournal.2021.10.2.10
Journal - Research Article
Hartley, M., Curl, A., Crossin, R., & McKerchar, C. (2021). Access to primary care services using public transport in Ōtautahi Christchurch. New Zealand Medical Journal, 134(1546), 59-69. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal
Journal - Research Article
McKerchar, C. W. (2021). Food availability for tamariki: A rights-based approach (PhD). University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/12358
Awarded Doctoral Degree
Gage, R., Gurtner, M., Signal, L., Keall, M., Smith, M., McKerchar, C., & Howden-Chapman, P. (2021). Children's journey to and from school: An analysis of travel modes, environments and eating behaviours using wearable cameras. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity Annual Meeting (ISBNPA XChange): Thinking Independently Together: Let's Dance Around the World. (pp. 50). International Society of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://isbnpa2021.venuewest.com
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Curl, A., Watkins, A., McKerchar, C., Exeter, D., & Macmillan, A. (2021, April). Social impacts of transport mode shifts. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Association for Impact Assessment (NZAIA) Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
McKerchar, C., Lacey, C., Abel, G., & Signal, L. (2021). Ensuring the right to food for indigenous children: A case study of stakeholder perspectives on policy options to ensure the rights of tamariki Māori to healthy food. International Journal for Equity in Health, 20, 67. doi: 10.1186/s12939-021-01407-4
Journal - Research Article
Gage, R., Girling-Butcher, M., Joe, E., Smith, M., Ni Mhurchu, C., McKerchar, C., Puloka, V., McLean, R., & Signal, L. (2021). The frequency and context of snacking among children: An objective analysis using wearable cameras. Nutrients, 13, 103. doi: 10.3390/nu13010103
Journal - Research Article
McKerchar, C., King, P., Lacey, C., Abel, G., & Signal, L. (2020). Rights-based approaches to improving food availability for tamariki Māori: A narrative literature review and theory-based synthesis. MAI Journal, 9(3), 237-248. doi: 10.20507/MAIJournal.2020.9.3.6
Journal - Research Article
Worters, T., Gage, R., Watkins, L., Aitken, R., Smith, M., McKerchar, C., & Signal, L. (2020). Food marketing and its place in the marketing landscape. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity (ISBNPA) XChange. (pp. 418). International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://venuewest.eventsair.com/isbnpa-xchange-initiative
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
McKerchar, C., Smith, M., Gage, R., Williman, J., Abel, G., Lacey, C., … Signal, L. (2020). Kids in a candy store: An objective analysis of children's interactions with food in convenience stores. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity (ISBNPA) XChange. (pp. 385). International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://venuewest.eventsair.com/isbnpa-xchange-initiative
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Gage, R., Girling-Butcher, M., Joe, E., Smith, M., McKerchar, C., Puloka, V., & Signal, L. (2020). Big snack: Using wearable cameras to explore children's daily snacking behaviours. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity (ISBNPA) XChange. (pp. 270). International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://venuewest.eventsair.com/isbnpa-xchange-initiative
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Curl, A., Watkins, A., McKerchar, C., Exeter, D., & Macmillan, A. (2020). Social impact assessment of mode shift [NZ Transport Agency research report 666]. Commissioned by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Wellington, New Zealand: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. 113p. Retrieved from https://www.nzta.govt.nz
Commissioned Report for External Body
McKerchar, C., Smith, M., Gage, R., Williman, J., Abel, G., Lacey, C., Ni Mhurchu, C., & Signal, L. (2020). Kids in a candy store: An objective analysis of children's interactions with food in convenience stores. Nutrients, 12(7), 2143. doi: 10.3390/nu12072143
Journal - Research Article
O'Toole, C., Gage, R., McKerchar, C., Puloka, V., McLean, R., & Signal, L. (2020). Is snacking the new eating norm for New Zealand children? An urgent call for research. New Zealand Medical Journal, 133(1517), 131-132. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal
Journal - Research Other
Hawley, G., Macmillan, A., Field, A., Hodgson, R., Witten, K., Kearns, R. A., & McKerchar, C. (2020). The normative influence of adults on youth access: Challenges and opportunities in the context of shifts away from car-dependence. Journal of Transport & Health, 16, 100841. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2020.100841
Journal - Research Article
Signal, L. N., Edwards, R., Gage, R., Jackson, N., McKerchar, C., & Sarfati, D. (2020). The state of cancer prevention in Aotearoa New Zealand: Slow progress requires political leadership and investment for health and equity. Journal of Cancer Policy, 23, 100212. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2019.100212
Journal - Research Article
McKerchar, C., Smith, M., Stanley, J., Barr, M., Chambers, T., Abel, G., Lacey, C., Gage, R., … Signal, L. (2020). Food store environment examination: FoodSee: A new method to study the food store environment using wearable cameras. Global Health Promotion, 27(3), 73-81. doi: 10.1177/1757975919859575
Journal - Research Article
Hodgson, R., Hawley, G., Macmillan, A., Connor, J., Moore, A., Field, A., Witten, K., McKerchar, C., & Kearns, R. (2019). Shaping cities for youth: Exploring the transport, place, and wellbeing needs of marginalised youth in New Zealand. Journal of Transport & Health, 14(Suppl.), (pp. S21). doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2019.100737
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Veatupu, L. L., Puloka, V., Smith, M., McKerchar, C., & Signal, L. (2019). Exploring the me'akai Tongan children eat in Ha'apai using wearable cameras. Proceedings of the Otago Global Health Institute (OGHI) 12th Annual Conference: Global Health in the Era of Climate Change. (pp. 7). Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/global-health
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Veatupu, L., Puloka, V., Smith, M., McKerchar, C., & Signal, L. (2019). Me'akai in Tonga: Exploring the nature and context of the food Tongan children eat in Ha'apai using wearable cameras. International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, 16(10), 1681. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16101681
Journal - Research Article
Beavis, B. S., McKerchar, C., Maaka, J., & Mainvil, L. A. (2019). Exploration of Māori household experiences of food insecurity. Nutrition & Dietetics, 76, 344-352. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12477
Journal - Research Article
McKerchar, C., Signal, L., Smith, M., Barr, M., Chambers, T., Stanley, J., & Ni Mhurchu, C. (2017). Confronting the convenience: The role of convenience stores in New Zealand children's food environments. Proceedings of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Meeting. (pp. 150). ISBNPA. Retrieved from https://www.isbnpa.org
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Beavis, B. S., McKerchar, C., Maaka, J., & Mainvil, L. A. (2017, August-September). An exploration of Māori cultural values and how they are expressed in Modern Māori whānau in relation to food. Verbal presentation at the Dietitians NZ National Professional Development Meeting, Wellington, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Signal, L. N., Stanley, J., Smith, M., Barr, M. L., Chambers, T. J., Zhou, J., … McKerchar, C., Pearson, A. L., Hoek, J., Jenkin, G. L. S., & Ni Mhurchu, C. (2017). Children's everyday exposure to food marketing: An objective analysis using wearable cameras. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity, 14, 137. doi: 10.1186/s12966-017-0570-3
Journal - Research Article
McKerchar, C., Smith, M., Stanley, J., Barr, M., Chambers, T., Ni Mhurchu, C., & Signal, L. (2017). Confronting the convenience: The role of convenience stores in children's food environments. Proceedings of the 15th World Congress on Public Health. Retrieved from https://wcph2017.entegyapp.com/Page/28/165/26/1459
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
McKerchar, C. (2017). Why don't they just grow their own vegetables? The role of poverty in nutrition in Aotearoa New Zealand. Nutrients, 9(4). doi: 10.3390/nu9040348
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Thomson, E., Williman, J., McKerchar, C., & Hider, P. (2016, September). Price discounts on core and non-core foods in two New Zealand supermarkets. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine (NZCPHM) Annual Scientific Meeting and Workshop, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
McKerchar, C., Signal, L. N., Abel, G. M., & Lacey, C. J. (2015, May). Healthy food availability for Māori children: A rights based approach. Verbal presentation at the Hui Poutama: Māori Research Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
McKerchar, C., Bowers, S., Heta, C., Signal, L., & Matoe, L. (2015). Enhancing Māori food security using traditional kai. Global Health Promotion, 22(3), 15-24. doi: 10.1177/1757975914543573
Journal - Research Article
McKerchar, C. (2014, February). Diet-related health outcomes for Māori. Verbal presentation at the Big Food Symposium: Food Policy, Politics & Population Health, Wellington, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Signal, L. N., Walton, M. D., Ni Mhurchu, C., Maddison, R., Bowers, S. G., Carter, K. N., … Lanumata, T. S., McKerchar, C. W., O'Dea, D., & Pearce, J. (2013). Tackling 'wicked' health promotion problems: A New Zealand case study. Health Promotion International, 28(1), 84-94. doi: 10.1093/heapro/das006
Journal - Research Article
Ni Mhurchu, C., Blakely, T., Funaki-Tahifote, M., McKerchar, C., Wilton, J., Chua, S., & Jiang, Y. (2009). Inclusion of indigenous and ethnic minority populations in intervention trials: Challenges and strategies in a New Zealand supermarket study. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 63(10), 850-855. doi: 10.1136/jech.2008.081109
Journal - Research Article