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Dr Meredith Perry works at our CHARR research hub in Wellington.
Her research focuses on the recreational and therapeutic use of green spaces.

Tell us a bit about yourself

As a physiotherapist, I have practised in New Zealand and offshore. Now I am Associate Dean for Post-graduate Studies, and a senior lecturer and researcher with CHARR at the School of Physiotherapy.

physio_merdith perry at lectern 2018 650

My keenest interest is in how physical activity and access to green space affects the health and well-being of those who live with long-term health conditions.

What are your driving passions for research?

There are imbalances built into systems and organisations which can affect those in need of our help.

I want to help all people regardless of ability to be able to access resources and environments which support their well-being. This is so important in redressing disability-related inequities and it requires good quality collaborative research.

When research impacts systems and organisations it can lead to structural adaptations over time which benefit individuals and those who care for them.

Tell us about some current collaborations?

My research involves many stakeholders within community and local government organisations. Working together benefits all involved.

Co-designed or collaborative research helps to ensure that the results can inform the provision of practical solutions for all involved.

My work with the accessible green spaces programme involves Councils for Hutt City, Wellington and Porirua, and some disability organisations.

I also collaborate with clinicians and patients at Capital and Coast District Health Board on other projects.

You're based in Wellington as a researcher with the School of Physiotherapy. What are your other areas of research and who do you work with?

I am investigating technologies which enhance access to self-management resources and health care for people who live with pain. One study involves people with persistent shoulder pain, and another looks at improving access to non-invasive ventilation equipment for those with neuromuscular disease.

Each of these research programmes aims to improve health outcomes for individuals.

While this requires some changes at many levels and across systems including such areas as education, health and social development, all need a person and/or whanau-centred approach and inter-professional collaboration.

I work with some researchers who are also nurses, doctors, radiation therapists, psychologists, and dietitians, within relevant specialised units at the University of Otago – Wellington.

On recreational facilities and green spaces, I work alongside landscape architects, planners and ecologists who bring skills and expertise from other academic institutions.

Find out more about Meredith

Read Meredith's profile

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