Medical students get hands-on LGBTQIA+ healthcare training
Thursday 21 January 2021
A new six-week placement is giving Otago medical students hands-on experience in LGBTQIA+ healthcare.
Elimination strategy optimal pandemic response – new research
Wednesday 23 December 2020
A goal of eliminating community transmission of the pandemic virus causing COVID-19 is achievable and sustainable as a response strategy for COVID-19 and other emerging pandemic diseases, new research suggests.
Otago appoints Acting Vice-Chancellor
Monday 21 December 2020
Professor Helen Nicholson will take up the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago in 2021.
He Kete Kōrero – Summer 2020
Wednesday 16 December 2020
Welcome to the Summer 2020 edition of He Kete Kōrero, with the latest news from the Wellington campus.
Marsden Grants for Wellington research
Monday 14 December 2020
Three researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, have received grants from the Marsden Fund to conduct research into topics ranging from tissue grafting to youth substance use to energy use in a warming world.
Radiation Therapy scholarship a special accomplishment
Monday 14 December 2020
The first thing Jesse Miller did when he found out he’d received the 2019 Angela Allen Travelling Scholarship for top Bachelor of Radiation Therapy graduate was call his mum.
Boost for biomedical research at Otago
Monday 14 December 2020
The arrival of a new state-of-the-art $400,000 spectral flow cytometer on the Wellington campus will significantly enhance the University’s capacity to do biomedical research.
Reconnecting Aotearoa with pedal power and postcards
Friday 11 December 2020
A researcher at the University of Otago, Wellington, will begin an epic 3,000 kilometre cycle ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff in December.
Otago announces 26 new Professors
Tuesday 8 December 2020
Twenty-six University of Otago academics have been promoted to the position of professor this year.
Use of controversial restraints varies wildly across the Pacific – Otago-led study reveals
Friday 4 December 2020
Despite being considered a form of torture, and policies to reduce or abolish it in place, the use of mechanical restraints in psychiatric settings continues, a University of Otago-led study shows.
COVID-19 unemployment may bring increased risk of heart disease
Friday 4 December 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic-induced recession and rising unemployment may increase the occurrence of heart disease in New Zealand, particularly in middle-aged men.
Travel Medicine in a time of COVID
Thursday 3 December 2020
With COVID-19 vaccines now on the horizon, a travel doctor and convenor of the travel medicine programme at the University of Otago, Wellington, is urging general practice staff to undertake further study to upgrade their travel medicine skills.
Handmade in thanks
Friday 27 November 2020
New Zealand jewellers have put their hands together to create medals for three researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, as a thanks for their work on New Zealand’s COVID-19 response.
Significantly worse outcomes after stroke for rural New Zealanders and Māori, research finds
Friday 20 November 2020
New Zealanders who live outside the major urban centres are significantly more likely to experience adverse long-term health outcomes after a stroke than those managed in urban hospitals, research from the University of Otago, Wellington has found.
Professional staff efforts recognised
Friday 20 November 2020
The annual University of Otago Staff Awards took place on 20 November, with an expanded list of awards to mark a truly remarkable year.
Respect, integrity, curiosity and community…
Thursday 19 November 2020
The Otago Staff Values were launched by Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne this week.
Bars facilitating smoking in young adults, study shows
Tuesday 17 November 2020
Designated outdoor smoking areas in bars are facilitating experimentation and tobacco use among young adults, a new study has found.
Liley Medal for ground-breaking asthma research
Monday 16 November 2020
University of Otago researcher Professor Mark Weatherall has been jointly awarded the prestigious Health Research Council’s Liley Medal, awarded annually for outstanding contributions to the health and medical sciences.
Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding
Wednesday 11 November 2020
University of Otago researchers have secured $17.5 million in Marsden funding for 30 world-class research projects.
Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding
Tuesday 10 November 2020
University of Otago researchers have secured $17.5 million in Marsden funding for 30 world-class research projects.
Significant psychological toll from COVID-19 lockdown
Thursday 5 November 2020
Research published today has confirmed the nationwide Alert Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown had a significant toll on New Zealanders’ well-being, especially for younger people – but the results were not all negative.
Award assists researcher to undertake vital work on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Thursday 5 November 2020
Ten University of Otago researchers carrying out Māori-specific research have received HRC funding.
‘Epidemic’ of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder among Māori to come under spotlight
Friday 30 October 2020
A University of Otago researcher has been awarded a grant to undertake vital research on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) which she says disproportionately affects Māori in epidemic proportions.
Otago health careers development boosted by $2.7 million
Thursday 29 October 2020
The work of 22 University of Otago researchers has been recognised with Career Development Awards from the Health Research Council.
Eliminating COVID-19: what the world can learn from NZ and Taiwan
Thursday 22 October 2020
Both Taiwan and New Zealand have successfully eliminated COVID-19 with world-leading pandemic responses. By taking a particularly proactive approach, Taiwan’s response was probably the most effective and least disruptive of any country’s, researchers say.
Otago appoints new head of External Engagement
Wednesday 14 October 2020
Leading historian Professor Tony Ballantyne, FRSNZ, has accepted a new role at the University of Otago as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), effective from next year.
Medical students capture New Zealanders’ COVID-19 experiences
Wednesday 14 October 2020
Third-year medical students have been given a unique opportunity to become field assistants for a COVID-19 research project, conducting virtual interviews with community groups about the impact of the pandemic on their organisations.
School zoning could increase adolescent exercise rates, Otago researcher
Monday 12 October 2020
If effective school zoning policies were widely applied, more adolescents would get valuable exercise walking or cycling to their nearest school, an Otago researcher says.
Public health experts urge a ‘yes’ vote in cannabis referendum
Friday 9 October 2020
Leading specialists in addiction treatment, public health, health promotion and epidemiology are calling on New Zealanders to vote for cannabis law reform in the current referendum.
Otago’s first female Vice-Chancellor to leave after a decade
Thursday 8 October 2020
The University of Otago announced this afternoon that Professor Harlene Hayne is leaving her role as Vice-Chancellor in April 2021. Professor Hayne has been appointed to the role of Vice-Chancellor at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia.
Ones to Watch: Gisela Kristono
Monday 5 October 2020
Even before she came to Otago Gisela Kristono always knew she wanted to help people.
Ones to Watch: Gisela Kristono
Monday 5 October 2020
Even before she came to Otago Gisela Kristono always knew she wanted to help people.
Making a world of difference
Thursday 1 October 2020
University of Otago academics and alumnae have been named as finalists in the Women of Influence awards.
Self-harm content on Instagram: “self-harm or self-help?”
Wednesday 23 September 2020
Instagram users who post self-harm content online are choosing ambiguous hashtags in an attempt to circumvent the social media platform’s ban on harmful content, a researcher at the University of Otago, Wellington, has found.
Smokers increasingly using e-cigarettes to quit, survey shows
Friday 18 September 2020
People who smoke are increasingly using e-cigarettes to try to quit smoking, a study by researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, has found.
Otago University medical admission joint statement
Tuesday 15 September 2020
Much has been said of late about Medical School admissions at the University of Otago and our Mirror on Society Policy.
Funding success for Otago in 2020 Health Research Council grants
Tuesday 15 September 2020
Ten University of Otago proposals have been awarded funding through the Health Research Council’s (HRC) new Health Delivery Research Investment round. The 32 research grants are the first of two funding announcements for the HRC’s new Health Delivery Research portfolio.
Funding success for Otago in 2020 Health Research Council grants
Tuesday 15 September 2020
Ten Otago proposals awarded funding from the Health Research Council’s new Health Delivery Research Investment round.
Otago research rewarded with NZ$27.4 million in Endeavour Fund grants
Friday 11 September 2020
Two University of Otago proposals have been awarded over NZ$27 million in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Endeavour Fund 2020 grants.
6 months after New Zealand’s first COVID-19 case, it’s time for a more strategic approach.
Thursday 27 August 2020
This week marks six months since New Zealand’s first COVID-19 case was identified on February 26.
He Kete Kōrero – Spring 2020
Monday 24 August 2020
Welcome to the Spring 2020 edition of He Kete Kōrero with the latest news from the Wellington campus.
High fructose diet in pregnancy impacts metabolism of offspring, study finds
Tuesday 18 August 2020
An increased level of fructose intake during pregnancy can cause significant changes in maternal metabolic function and milk composition and alter the metabolism of their offspring, researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington, have found.
Fulbright honours to eight University of Otago graduates
Thursday 6 August 2020
Eight University of Otago graduates from across the University have been named Fulbright New Zealand award winners.
Otago experts deemed ‘critic and conscience’ of society
Monday 3 August 2020
For the first time, the Gama Foundation has recognised two people at once for their efforts in being the ‘Critic and Conscience of Society’ – both University of Otago academic staff members.
Media coverage fostered support for gun control in wake of mosque shootings, study finds
Tuesday 28 July 2020
Media coverage of the March 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings contributed to an increase in public support for gun control, a study by researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington has found.
Smokers support Smokefree 2025 goal and measures to help achieve it
Wednesday 8 July 2020
Most people who smoke or have recently quit smoking support New Zealand’s goal of becoming a smokefree nation by 2025, researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington have found.
Food taxes and subsidies would bring major health gains, study shows
Wednesday 1 July 2020
A consumer tax on the saturated fat, salt and sugar content of food, accompanied by a 20 per cent subsidy on fruit and vegetables, would bring major benefits for the health sector, researchers from Otago, Auckland and Melbourne Universities say.
New chapter for Healthy Homes as Otago scientists secure more than $26m in HRC funding
Tuesday 30 June 2020
The University of Otago’s housing and health research programme He Kāinga Oranga will receive just under $5 million from the Health Research Council of New Zealand to continue research to maximise the health and wellbeing gains from housing.
Otago scientists secure more than $26m for health research
Tuesday 30 June 2020
University of Otago, Wellington infectious diseases expert Professor Michael Baker has received almost $5 million from the Health Research Council for a programme investigating the connection between infectious diseases and long-term conditions, something he was planning well prior to the outbreak of Covid-19.
Fragile but beautiful: Otago academic’s COVID-19 bubble concept
Tuesday 30 June 2020
The creator of New Zealand’s bubble concept, introduced early on in the COVID-19 response to ensure Kiwis maintained social distancing, has been surprised and delighted by the take up of his idea.
NZ’s long history of decapitations and paint attacks on public statues: new study
Tuesday 16 June 2020
Controversy over public statues is nothing new, with protestors taking to New Zealand’s statues with a range of weapons including an axe, a concrete cutter and a hammer over recent decades, a study by researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington, has found.
Opinion: Making driving less cool for men and biking easier for women
Tuesday 16 June 2020
In an opinion piece first published on newsroom.co.nz, Otago’s Dr Caroline Shaw explores the differences between men's and women’s approaches to sustainable travel – and how to get both genders out of their cars.
Fuel walking and cycling with low carbon diets, researchers say
Friday 12 June 2020
Walking and cycling have many benefits and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but researchers say we need to think about what people eat to fuel their walking and cycling.
Pūtea Tautoko provides vital support for University of Otago students
Thursday 11 June 2020
Just a few weeks since it was launched, the University of Otago student financial relief fund Pūtea Tautoko has provided NZD$659,156 in grants to support students facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women generate lower travel-related greenhouse gas emissions, study finds
Wednesday 10 June 2020
Women use more diverse modes of travel and generate lower greenhouse gas emissions than men, despite men being more than twice as likely to travel by bike, a New Zealand study has found.
Otago staff and alumni receive Queen's Birthday Honours
Tuesday 9 June 2020
Otago staff members and alumni were prominent in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
New Zealand hits zero active coronavirus cases. Here are 5 measures to keep it that way
Monday 8 June 2020
Today, for the first time since February 28, New Zealand has no active cases of COVID-19.
University offers training in refugee and migrant health
Friday 5 June 2020
A post-graduate course on refugee and migrant health being run by the University of Otago, Wellington is offering primary health care professionals the opportunity to improve their training in the area, ahead of a likely increase in the number of refugees coming to the country.
Otago and COVID-19: Playing our part
Friday 5 June 2020
A campaign highlighting the role Otago’s academics and medical experts have played in shaping New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 will be released this weekend.
Protecting young people from smoking uptake as the tobacco industry targets a new generation
Friday 29 May 2020
The tobacco industry is targeting a new generation of smokers with sophisticated marketing designed to associate smoking with rebellion, social prestige and attractiveness, researchers from the tobacco control research centre ASPIRE 2025, at the University of Otago, say.
New insights into vaping uptake among Māori and Pacific peoples
Monday 25 May 2020
Māori and Pasifika who have not been able to quit smoking may need more support to move from smoking to vaping, researchers from the University of Otago and Māori public health collective Hāpai Te Hauora have found.
Responding to the global pandemic – Otago’s story
Friday 22 May 2020
As the University re-opens under Alert Level 2, and life takes on a new normal following the COVID-19 lockdown, Communications Adviser (Projects) Sean Flaherty takes a closer look at Otago's ongoing response to the global pandemic.
Teens shocked by suicide portrayal in ‘13 Reasons Why’ study finds
Tuesday 19 May 2020
Teenagers interviewed about their views on the suicide portrayed in the controversial Netflix series 13 Reasons Why report being shocked by the graphic detail of the scene, which they saw as excessive, researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington, have found.
Otago welcomes students back, seeking “collective responsibility”
Friday 15 May 2020
The University of Otago is delighted to welcome back students to all its campuses and colleges after they played a major role, and made their own sacrifices, when the nation united against COVID-19.
COVID-19 catalyst for significant change in general practice: Otago experts
Monday 11 May 2020
COVID-19 may well be the catalyst for significant change in how general practice operates in New Zealand in future, according to University of Otago general practice experts.
Opinion: Otago Trainee Interns on COVID-19 in Peru
Friday 8 May 2020
Two of Otago’s Medical Trainee Interns describe their time spent in COVID-19 lockdown in Peru and their anxious wait to come home.
Giving sports teams an edge
Thursday 7 May 2020
Professional footballers are used to having their fitness assessed, so when three first team players from the Wellington Phoenix visit the University of Otago, Wellington (pre-lockdown) for a state-of-the-art full body scan, they are unfazed.
He Kete Kōrero – Autumn 2020
Tuesday 5 May 2020
Welcome to the Autumn 2020 edition of He Kete Kōrero, with recent highlights from the Wellington campus.
University of Otago announces Pūtea Tautoko support fund for students
Friday 24 April 2020
The University of Otago is committing $1.5 million as an initial investment to support Otago students facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 global outbreak.
Splashes and high-fives for Wellington staff at (pre-lockdown) Dragon Boat Festival
Wednesday 22 April 2020
Much laughter and camaraderie was shared when a team of 20 staff and students from the University of Otago, Wellington banded together to compete in the Dragon Boat Festival on Wellington Harbour on 7 March.
What it is like to have COVID-19: Otago academic shares her story
Tuesday 21 April 2020
Dr Rachelle Martin, a researcher and lecturer in the University of Otago Wellington’s Department of Medicine was one of two people to share their COVID-19 story with New Zealand Doctor. We re-publish this article with permission.
Otago researchers making major contribution to Covid-19 response
Friday 17 April 2020
A University of Otago molecular biologist has received new Government funding of $235,746 for Covid-19 related research to develop an effective point-of-care test for the infectious disease.
Smokers turned off by plain packs, survey shows
Wednesday 15 April 2020
Plain packaging is making tobacco products less appealing and warning labels more noticeable, researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, have found.
Tougher rules needed to prevent lead poisoning of shooters: researcher
Wednesday 15 April 2020
The Government must impose tougher regulations on indoor firing ranges to keep shooters and their families safe from lead poisoning, says a public health researcher at the University of Otago, Wellington.
Delivering a message from the world to the world
Tuesday 7 April 2020
Concerned about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic University of Otago medical school alumnus Dr Zeid Abussuud decided to spread the word on staying safe. With a little help from his friends, many of them also graduates of Otago, Dr Abussuud has made a moving YouTube video, ‘Do it for the whole world: Stay at home’.
Self-isolating for coronavirus is impossible for tens of thousands of New Zealanders – unless we help them fast
Friday 27 March 2020
In less than 48 hours, all people in New Zealand will have to self-isolate, unless they are essential service workers. This is our best chance to stop the spread of COVID-19.
'Overjoyed': a leading health expert on New Zealand's coronavirus shutdown, and the challenging weeks ahead
Tuesday 24 March 2020
Professor Michael Baker on New Zealand’s coronavirus shutdown, and the challenging weeks ahead
NZ must urgently build contact tracing for COVID-19 to make nationwide lockdown worthwhile, infectious diseases expert says
Tuesday 24 March 2020
New Zealand must urgently build its capacity for COVID-19 case identification and contact tracing capacity, as the country goes into ‘lockdown’, Dr Ayesha Verrall, an infectious diseases doctor and epidemiologist at the University of Otago, Wellington, says.
Why New Zealand needs to continue decisive action to contain coronavirus
Friday 20 March 2020
With some of the toughest border restrictions and a newly-announced NZ$500 million boost to health services, New Zealand is among a small number of countries with a strategy to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evidence clearly favours taxing sugary drinks – new study
Friday 13 March 2020
New Zealand should follow the UK and more than 30 other countries in introducing a tax on sugary drinks to tackle obesity and reduce deaths from chronic diseases, leading researchers say.
Misinformation on vaccines readily available online, study finds
Wednesday 11 March 2020
Parents researching childhood vaccinations online are likely to encounter significant levels of negative information, researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, have found.
New Zealand must learn lessons from China’s success in managing Covid-19
Monday 9 March 2020
While the world has been focused on Covid-19’s spread to new countries many might not have noticed that the outbreak in China is slowly being brought under control.
COVID-19 has now reached New Zealand. How prepared is it to deal with a pandemic?
Wednesday 4 March 2020
New Zealand joined 48 other countries affected by the novel coronavirus last week when health authorities confirmed the first COVID-19 case.
Fulbright scholars excited by opportunities
Thursday 13 February 2020
Two University of Otago staff have received 2020 Scholar Awards from Fulbright New Zealand, allowing them to travel to the United States to pursue research and form international connections.
Damp and mouldy housing new measure in latest deprivation index
Thursday 30 January 2020
Damp and mouldy housing has been included as an indicator of socioeconomic deprivation in New Zealand by University of Otago researchers developing the latest version of the New Zealand Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation (NZDep2018).
What does the coronavirus epidemic mean for New Zealand?
Wednesday 29 January 2020
Unlike armed conflict, here we are fighting an external threat to global health where collaboration and sharing of information benefits all nations.
Cycling to work? You may live longer
Wednesday 29 January 2020
People who cycle to work have a lower risk of dying, a New Zealand study has found.
