News archive
06 Jul 2022
World-first studies point way to preventing rheumatic fever in Aotearoa and internationally
University of Otago-led research has uncovered the strongest evidence yet that household overcrowding is a major risk fa...
30 Jun 2022
More income support needed for young people experiencing homelessness, study finds
Life improved for young people experiencing homelessness once they were housed through the Government’s Housing First pr...
30 Jun 2022
Positive reintegration of ex-prisoners’ focus of HRC grant project
Improving the health and wellbeing of Māori who re-enter society from prisons, alongside their whānau and communities, i...
21 Jun 2022
Cycleways and walking paths boost rates of active travel
Investing in cycleways and walking paths has boosted the use of active travel in two North Island cities, particularly b...
15 Jun 2022
Think outside the box on housing for sustainable future, researchers urge
New Zealand urgently needs to increase the diversity and quality of its housing stock if it is to meet its goal of reduc...
03 May 2022
Critic and Conscience of Society Award winner highlights vaping threat to health of young New Zealanders
Regulatory loopholes are contributing to increases in the number of young New Zealanders exposed to nicotine through vap...
07 Apr 2022
Students shivering inside cold, damp homes, study finds
Tertiary students are more than twice as likely as the general population to be living in damp and mouldy homes, a study...
30 Mar 2022
The price of keeping kids warm at night
The cost of heating a child’s bedroom through the night in a Wellington winter would run through 46 per cent of the gove...
04 Mar 2022
Nitrate levels in drinking water and bowel cancer
The formation of cancer-causing chemicals in the gut could be at the heart of understanding how high levels of nitrate i...
25 Feb 2022
Vaccination programme failing those with mental health and addiction issues
New Zealand’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out is failing to reach those with mental health and addiction issues, despite their...
27 Jan 2022
Reimagining school uniforms
School uniforms need a radical redesign to better meet the needs of students, particularly for girls, who are often forc...
13 Jan 2022
Call to report bottled water quality results on labels
Bottled water is often perceived as clean and free of contaminants compared to tap water, but University of Otago resear...
21 Dec 2021
Discrimination placing LGBTIQ+ people at risk of homelessness
Discrimination in the housing market, as well as structural issues such as poverty, racism and instability, are placing...
20 Dec 2021
‘Breakthrough’ Otago research confirms skin infections as a cause of rheumatic fever
University of Otago researchers have made a major breakthrough in further understanding acute rheumatic fever, showing t...
09 Dec 2021
New Smokefree Action Plan will transform tobacco policy, Otago researchers say
Researchers from the University of Otago’s ASPIRE 2025 Research Centre, which carries out research to support the Smokef...
22 Nov 2021
Otago announces Professorial promotions for 2022
Twenty-eight University of Otago academics are being promoted to the position of professor this year.
18 Nov 2021
Housing researchers win the Rutherford Medal, NZ’s top research honour
Distinguished Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman CNZM QSO FRSNZ and researchers at the He Kāinga Oranga - Housing and Hea...
08 Nov 2021
Nitrate in drinking water could cause up to 100 cases of bowel cancer in NZ
Nitrate contamination of drinking water could cause up to 100 cases of bowel cancer in New Zealand every year, leading t...
22 Oct 2021
Clearing the air: make more outdoor pedestrian spaces smokefree, researchers urge
Creating large smokefree outdoor pedestrian spaces would aid the health sector’s efforts to help people quit smoking, re...
18 Oct 2021
Vaping with nicotine more common than smoking among NZ teens
More than a third of New Zealand high school students have tried vaping, with 10 per cent vaping regularly and six per c...
30 Sep 2021
Urgent need to tackle smoking rates in Pacific adults and youth
New Zealand needs to take urgent action to reduce smoking in Pacific adults and youth if the country is to achieve its g...
17 Sep 2021
A road map to ending diesel vehicle pollution
Researchers have developed a road map to accelerate the removal of light diesel vehicles, including cars, utes and vans,...
10 Aug 2021
Global eradication of COVID-19 should not be dismissed – new analysis
Eradicating COVID-19 across the globe is theoretically more feasible than for polio but much less so than it was for sma...
27 Jul 2021
Otago researchers receive more than $13m in Health Research Council funding
Investigating the impact of diabetes on access to cancer services, improving the health of Māori affected by psychosis,...
08 Jun 2021
Progress in the Pacific on sugary drink taxes - research
Pacific nations are leading the way regionally with taxes on sugary drinks in a bid to battle obesity and related diseas...
25 May 2021
Misunderstanding may be obstacle to hitting Smokefree 2025 target
A lack of understanding about the aims of New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 goal – 10 years after it was announced – could be...
13 May 2021
New Zealand housing lacking basic amenities, new report finds
Five per cent of New Zealand houses lack at least one of six basic amenities including drinkable tap water, electricity,...
20 Apr 2021
Launch of new public health research programme led by Professor Michael Baker
Launch of new public health research programme led by Professor Michael Baker
15 Apr 2021
Researchers welcome Smokefree 2025 Action Plan
Researchers welcome Smokefree 2025 Action Plan
14 Apr 2021
Professor Michael Baker wins Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize
Professor Michael Baker MNZM, from the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington has won the 20...
12 Mar 2021
Pump up the volume on quality school PE, researchers urge
Pump up the volume on quality school PE, researchers urge
10 Mar 2021
We must have a better plan for the next pandemic, say Otago researchers
We must have a better plan for the next pandemic, say Otago researchers
11 Feb 2021
Kiwi kids consume five unhealthy snacks a day
Kiwi kids consume five unhealthy snacks a day
04 Feb 2021
COVID-19 lockdown has mixed effects on smokers
New Zealand’s COVID-19 lockdown had mixed effects on smoking behaviours, a University of Otago study reveals.
27 Jan 2021
Targeted health messaging needed in era of vaping, researchers say
Health authorities should develop targeted health messages for vaping product and e-liquid packaging to encourage smoker...
26 Jan 2021
COVID-19 focus for 25th annual Public Health Summer School
COVID-19 focus for 25th annual Public Health Summer School
23 Dec 2020
Elimination strategy optimal pandemic response – new research
A goal of eliminating community transmission of the pandemic virus causing COVID-19 is achievable and sustainable as a r...
14 Dec 2020
Marsden Grants for Wellington research
Marsden Grants for Wellington research
04 Dec 2020
COVID-19 unemployment may bring increased risk of heart disease
The COVID-19 pandemic-induced recession and rising unemployment may increase the occurrence of heart disease in New Zeal...
17 Nov 2020
Bars facilitating smoking in young adults, study shows
Designated outdoor smoking areas in bars are facilitating experimentation and tobacco use among young adults, a new stud...
10 Nov 2020
Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding
Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding
22 Oct 2020
Eliminating COVID-19: what the world can learn from NZ and Taiwan
Both Taiwan and New Zealand have successfully eliminated COVID-19 with world-leading pandemic responses. By taking a par...
12 Oct 2020
School zoning could increase adolescent exercise rates, Otago researcher
School zoning could increase adolescent exercise rates, Otago researcher finds
09 Oct 2020
Public health experts urge a ‘yes’ vote in cannabis referendum
Public health experts urge a ‘yes’ vote in cannabis referendum
18 Sep 2020
Smokers increasingly using e-cigarettes to quit, survey shows
People who smoke are increasingly using e-cigarettes to try to quit smoking, a study by researchers at the University of...
11 Sep 2020
Otago research rewarded with NZ$27.4 million in Endeavour Fund grants
Two University of Otago proposals have been awarded over NZ$27 million in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Emplo...
27 Aug 2020
6 months after New Zealand’s first COVID-19 case, it’s time for a more strategic approach.
6 months after New Zealand’s first COVID-19 case, it’s time for a more strategic approach.
03 Aug 2020
Otago experts deemed ‘critic and conscience’ of society
For the first time, the Gama Foundation has recognised two people at once for their efforts in being the ‘Critic and Con...
08 Jul 2020
Smokers support Smokefree 2025 goal and measures to help achieve it
Most people who smoke or have recently quit smoking support New Zealand’s goal of becoming a smokefree nation by 2025, r...
01 Jul 2020
Food taxes and subsidies would bring major health gains, study shows
A consumer tax on the saturated fat, salt and sugar content of food, accompanied by a 20 per cent subsidy on fruit and v...
30 Jun 2020
Otago scientists secure more than $26m for health research
Otago scientists secure more than $26m for health research
16 Jun 2020
NZ’s long history of decapitations and paint attacks on public statues: new study
Controversy over public statues is nothing new, with protestors taking to New Zealand’s statues with a range of weapons...
12 Jun 2020
Fuel walking and cycling with low carbon diets, researchers say
Walking and cycling have many benefits and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but researchers say we need to think ab...
10 Jun 2020
Women generate lower travel-related greenhouse gas emissions, study finds
Women generate lower travel-related greenhouse gas emissions, study finds
08 Jun 2020
New Zealand hits zero active coronavirus cases. Here are 5 measures to keep it that way
New Zealand hits zero active coronavirus cases. Here are 5 measures to keep it that way with Michael Barker and Nick Wil...
29 May 2020
Protecting young people from smoking uptake as the tobacco industry targets a new generation
The tobacco industry is targeting a new generation of smokers with sophisticated marketing designed to associate smoking...
25 May 2020
New insights into vaping uptake among Māori and Pacific peoples
New insights into vaping uptake among Māori and Pacific peoples
17 Apr 2020
Otago researchers making major contribution to Covid-19 response
Otago researchers making major contribution to Covid-19 response
15 Apr 2020
Smokers turned off by plain packs, survey shows
Plain packaging is making tobacco products less appealing and warning labels more noticeable, researchers at the Univers...
15 Apr 2020
Tougher rules needed to prevent lead poisoning of shooters: researcher
The Government must impose tougher regulations on indoor firing ranges to keep shooters and their families safe from lea...
20 Mar 2020
Why New Zealand needs to continue decisive action to contain coronavirus
With some of the toughest border restrictions and a newly-announced NZ$500 million boost to health services, New Zealand...
13 Mar 2020
Evidence clearly favours taxing sugary drinks – new study
New Zealand should follow the UK and more than 30 other countries in introducing a tax on sugary drinks to tackle obesit...
09 Mar 2020
New Zealand must learn lessons from China’s success in managing Covid-19
New Zealand must learn lessons from China’s success in managing Covid-19
04 Mar 2020
COVID-19 has now reached New Zealand. How prepared is it to deal with a pandemic?
COVID-19 has now reached New Zealand. How prepared is it to deal with a pandemic?
30 Jan 2020
Damp and mouldy housing new measure in latest deprivation index
Damp and mouldy housing new measure in latest deprivation index
29 Jan 2020
What does the coronavirus epidemic mean for New Zealand?
Unlike armed conflict, here we are fighting an external threat to global health where collaboration and sharing of infor...
29 Jan 2020
Cycling to work? You may live longer
Cycling to work? You may live longer
20 Jan 2020
Untimely access to diagnosis not main reason why Māori are dying of cancer: Otago research
Untimely access to diagnosis not main reason why Maori are dying of cancer: Otago research
16 Dec 2019
Sharp drop in birth rate as a result of miscarriages in 1918 flu pandemic, study finds
Sharp drop in birth rate as a result of miscarriages in 1918 flu pandemic, study finds
29 Nov 2019
Uncontrolled online marketing of e-cigarettes putting youth at risk, study finds
Uncontrolled online marketing of e-cigarettes putting youth at risk, study finds
07 Nov 2019
Dairy owners’ lack of knowledge about e-cigarettes may undermine smoking cessation
Dairy owners’ lack of knowledge about e-cigarettes may undermine smoking cessation
05 Nov 2019
Otago researchers recipients of inaugural $3m Marsden Fund Award
Otago researchers recipients of inaugural $3m Marsden Fund Award
29 Oct 2019
Significant association between use of long-acting contraceptives and unprecedented decline in abortion rate, study finds
Significant association between use of long-acting contraceptives and unprecedented decline in abortion rate, study find...
01 Oct 2019
New Zealand could be lifeboat to save humanity from extinction in a catastrophic pandemic, researchers say
New Zealand could be lifeboat to save humanity from extinction in a catastrophic pandemic, researchers say
30 Sep 2019
Seven inaugural Sesquicentennial Distinguished Chair appointments to mark 150th
In a new initiative, the University is celebrating its internationally acclaimed scholars by creating a prestigious new...
23 Sep 2019
Through the haze: smoke-free laws failing to protect bar staff, patrons
Through the haze: smoke-free laws failing to protect bar staff, patrons
16 Sep 2019
Remove nicotine from cigarettes, smokers say
Remove nicotine from cigarettes, smokers say
10 Sep 2019
Smokers concealing cigarette packs’ graphic warnings, study finds
Smokers concealing cigarette packs’ graphic warnings, study finds
02 Sep 2019
Otago academic to head new national cancer strategy
Otago academic to head new national cancer strategy
20 Aug 2019
New research collaboration to fight cancer in New Zealand
New research collaboration to fight cancer in New Zealand
16 Aug 2019
Teenagers say ‘nope’ to dope
Teenagers say ‘nope’ to dope
13 Aug 2019
Moving house related to behavioural difficulties in four-year-olds, study finds
Moving house related to behavioural difficulties in four-year-olds, study finds
18 Jul 2019
Massive potential health gains in switching to active transport – Otago study
Massive potential health gains in switching to active transport – Otago study
15 Jul 2019
New data on e-cigarette use among New Zealand adults
Around one in six New Zealand adults have tried e-cigarettes but only 2 per cent are using them currently, a national su...
04 Jul 2019
Eliminating waiting lists for cataract surgery prevents falls and is cost effective
Eliminating waiting lists for cataract surgery prevents falls and is cost effective
25 Jun 2019
Sugary drink taxes reduce consumption, major review shows
Sugary drink taxes reduce consumption, major review shows
14 Jun 2019
Butting Out: Researchers gauge public opinion on tobacco product waste
Butting Out: Researchers gauge public opinion on tobacco product waste
11 Jun 2019
More awareness needed about lead exposure from firearms, researchers say
More awareness needed about lead exposure from firearms, researchers say
16 May 2019
Otago’s emerging researchers secure more than $1.7 million in HRC funding
An occupational therapist who aims to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities is one of several Unive...
01 May 2019
Otago alumna behind UK Government’s move to help cerebral palsy children walk
Otago alumna behind UK Government’s move to help cerebral palsy children walk
16 Apr 2019
Wood is good, research on 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake shows
Wood is good, research on 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake shows
12 Apr 2019
Public health experts call for use of “tie-down” practice to be abolished in NZ prisons
Public health experts call for use of “tie-down” practice to be abolished in NZ prisons
09 Apr 2019
Housing WOFs need to be combined with education, study shows
Housing WOFs need to be combined with education, study shows
03 Apr 2019
Otago researchers encourage New Zealanders to support Arms Amendment Bill
Otago researchers encourage New Zealanders to support Arms Amendment Bill
29 Mar 2019
Kiwi kids call for ban on junk food marketing
Kiwi kids call for ban on junk food marketing
17 Mar 2019
Otago researchers call for urgent law change
Firearms law changes promised by the Prime Minister are long overdue, according to experts in the Department of Public H...
12 Mar 2019
Liberal access to e-cigarettes likely to bring health benefits, NZ study finds
Liberal access to e-cigarettes likely to bring health benefits, NZ study finds
08 Mar 2019
‘Invisible wounds’ may have cut WWII veterans’ lives short
‘Invisible wounds’ may have cut WWII veterans’ lives short
25 Feb 2019
New WHO housing and health guidelines could save millions each year
Preventable injuries and hospitalisations due solely to poor housing conditions in New Zealand could be costing more tha...
This page consists of archived media releases prior to the last 12 months. For recent media releases from the Department of Public Health see the media release page.