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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 h...

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 t...

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, a...

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...

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...

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 Ze...

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...

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 w...

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 un...

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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 he...

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27 Jan 2022

Reimagining school uniforms


School uniforms need a radical redesign to better meet the needs of students, pa...

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 t...

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21 Dec 2021

Discrimination placing LGBTIQ+ people at risk of homelessness


Discrimination in the housing market, as well as structural issues such as pover...

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 unders...

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 ca...

22 Nov 2021

Otago announces Professorial promotions for 2022


Twenty-eight University of Otago academics are being promoted to the position of...

18 Nov 2021

Housing researchers win the Rutherford Medal, NZ’s top research honour


Distinguished Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman CNZM QSO FRSNZ and researchers a...

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 can...

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...

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...

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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...

17 Sep 2021

A road map to ending diesel vehicle pollution


Researchers have developed a road map to accelerate the removal of light diesel...

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 po...

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...

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...

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...

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 inc...

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

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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 Univer...

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 Unive...

27 Jan 2021

Targeted health messaging needed in era of vaping, researchers say


Health authorities should develop targeted health messages for vaping product an...

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...

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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...

17 Nov 2020

Bars facilitating smoking in young adults, study shows


Designated outdoor smoking areas in bars are facilitating experimentation and to...

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-lea...

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 s...

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 Mi...

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...

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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 th...

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 o...

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...

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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 Ze...

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,...

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 t...

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...

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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

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15 Apr 2020

Smokers turned off by plain packs, survey shows


Plain packaging is making tobacco products less appealing and warning labels mor...

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 s...

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 milli...

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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...

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

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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...

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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...

29 Jan 2020

Cycling to work? You may live longer


Cycling to work? You may live longer

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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: Otag...

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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...

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

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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 cessati...

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 unpreceden...

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...

30 Sep 2019

Seven inaugural Sesquicentennial Distinguished Chair appointments to mark 150th


In a new initiative, the University is celebrating its internationally acclaimed...

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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

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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

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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...

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 effect...

25 Jun 2019

Sugary drink taxes reduce consumption, major review shows


Sugary drink taxes reduce consumption, major review shows

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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

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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 w...

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

Earthquake damage Hastings Post Office 1931

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...

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

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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...

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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

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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...

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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.

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