BA, MSc, PhD (Otago)
Otago Business School 8.01
Tel +64 3 479 8451
Email kirsten.robertson@otago.ac.nz
Professor Kirsten Robertson is an interdisciplinary researcher whose work integrates psychology, public health, social marketing, and Kaupapa Māori research to improve health, wellbeing, and equity across Aotearoa New Zealand. Across a 25-year academic career, she has taught and conducted research across Psychology, Psychological Medicine, Oral Sciences, Marketing, and Management, and has supervised more than 30 postgraduate research students.
Her research generates evidence to inform public policy, health service design, and community practice. A significant component aligns with Vision Mātauranga through collaborative, community-led research to improve Māori health and wellbeing. Current projects examine dementia mate wareware, healthy ageing, health communication, equitable mental health service design, and the ethical implementation of AI in healthcare, including Empowering Minds: Fostering Dementia-Friendly Communities Through Innovative Communication Strategies, AI-Assisted Injury Risk Prediction for Older New Zealanders: Perceptions, Requirements and Ethical Considerations, and Co-designing Co-commissioning with and for Mental Health Services.
Professor Robertson also investigates consumer decision-making, health communication, and the ethical design of marketing systems to address public health challenges such as health misinformation, alcohol, medicines, gambling, and environmental sustainability. Through collaborations with researchers, health providers, iwi, community organisations, and policymakers, her research develops practical, evidence-based solutions that strengthen health systems and improve wellbeing.
Teaching responsibilities
Kirsten's teaching responsibilities include:
- BSNS 111 Business & Society
- BSNS 351 Special Topic: Learning Through Experience
- MART 355 Business Projects
Other responsibilities
- Deputy Director of Te Maea Research Theme, University of Otago
Commerce Representative for Poutama Māori
Office hours
Kirsten's office hours are by appointment only.