Wellington Activity Passport
Tuesday 21 September 2021
The pocket-sized Pōneke Puka Mahi passport offers students the chance to tick off 32 of the capital’s best attractions.
A road map to ending diesel vehicle pollution
Friday 17 September 2021
Researchers have developed a road map to accelerate the removal of light diesel vehicles, including cars, utes and vans, from New Zealand roads in a quest to clear the air.
More innovative measures needed to achieve smokefree goal - study
Thursday 9 September 2021
New Zealand needs more innovative stop-smoking measures if it is to achieve its 2025 smoke-free goal, a University of Otago study says.
He Kete Kōrero – Spring 2021
Wednesday 8 September 2021
Welcome to the Spring 2021 edition of He Kete Kōrero with the latest news from the Wellington campus.
Staff and students help in fight against COVID-19
Monday 6 September 2021
The University of Otago’s staff and students continue to serve on the front lines of New Zealand’s COVID-19 response.
Cataract surgery top target for reducing emissions in health care
Friday 3 September 2021
When it comes to reducing the country’s carbon emissions, most of us will be looking to the energy and transport sectors, or to agriculture.
PhD research comes with a personal toll
Friday 20 August 2021
For Brodie Fraser the hardest part of completing their PhD was how personal their topic was to their lived experience.
Global eradication of COVID-19 should not be dismissed – new analysis
Tuesday 10 August 2021
Eradicating COVID-19 across the globe is theoretically more feasible than for polio but much less so than it was for smallpox, according to an analysis by New Zealand researchers.
Inaugural Division of Health Sciences Accelerator Grants awarded
Monday 9 August 2021
Fifteen early and mid-career researchers (EMCR) have received a boost from the Division of Health Sciences after being awarded their share of about $53,000.
COVID-19 border closures did not deter Brazilian PhD candidate
Monday 2 August 2021
He might have “lost” a year of living abroad but for PhD candidate Renan Lyra starting his studies in a “safe spot” turned out to be more important.
Otago researchers receive more than $13m in Health Research Council funding
Tuesday 27 July 2021
Investigating the impact of diabetes on access to cancer services, improving the health of Māori affected by psychosis, and a new stomach cancer drug delivery system are just some of the areas of University of Otago research to receive new Health Research Council funding.
Otago researchers receive more than $13m in HRC funding
Tuesday 27 July 2021
Thirteen projects have been given Project Grant funding totalling more than $13 million, while Dr Allamanda Faatoese is one of just five researchers to receive a $1.1m Pacific Project Grant.
Screening for Traumatic Brain Injuries: can blood biomarkers predict TBI severity?
Friday 23 July 2021
For more than a year Dr Alice Rogan has been conducting a pilot study for her PhD with the University of Otago, Wellington seeking to answer whether blood biomarkers can be used as a test to rule out severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and the data is available imminently.
Health Delivery Research Activation Grants for eight Otago projects
Friday 23 July 2021
Eight University of Otago researchers are sharing more than $230,000 from the first round of the Health Research Council (HRC)’s Health Delivery Research Activation Grants.
Kaupapa Māori at the heart of new cancer screening research
Wednesday 21 July 2021
A University of Otago researcher is using a kaupapa Māori approach to break down barriers surrounding access to gastric and colon cancer screening for Māori.
Have doctor’s bag, will travel
Monday 12 July 2021
Dr Jenny Visser has led the postgraduate interdisciplinary travel medicine programme from the Wellington campus since 1999.
Otago tops class for national educational performance
Friday 9 July 2021
The University of Otago has once again topped the key Government indicators that measure the educational performance of students at New Zealand’s universities.
New Vice-Chancellor appointed at University of Otago
Thursday 1 July 2021
The University of Otago announced this morning that Professor David Murdoch will be its next Vice-Chancellor. Professor Murdoch, a distinguished academic and recognised world-leader in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly pneumonia and other respiratory infections, is currently Dean and Head of Campus, University of Otago, Christchurch.
A career that cares for others
Thursday 17 June 2021
If you ask a young person what their dream career is, it’s not often that you’ll hear the response “Radiation Therapist”.
Shining a light on the shocking state of NZ’s acute mental health units
Wednesday 16 June 2021
A series published by news and current affairs website Newsroom highlights the findings of a major research project led by Director of the Suicide and Mental Health Research Group Dr Gabrielle Jenkin into the architectural design and social environment of New Zealand’s acute mental health facilities.
$1.74 million for Otago feasibility studies
Friday 11 June 2021
Dr Joanne Choi’s research will fill holes – in the market and in children’s teeth.
Top honours for University of Otago alumni and staff
Wednesday 9 June 2021
An inspirational group of 21 University of Otago alumni and staff received Queen’s Birthday Honours at the weekend.
Progress in the Pacific on sugary drink taxes - research
Tuesday 8 June 2021
Pacific nations are leading the way regionally with taxes on sugary drinks in a bid to battle obesity and related diseases, new University of Otago-led research reveals.
$1.64 million for Otago in HRC funding rounds
Tuesday 1 June 2021
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Professor Richard Blaikie says Otago is grateful for HRC’s ongoing support which enables the University to continue its world-leading research.
NZ Scientists’ award for Wellington researcher
Monday 31 May 2021
Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu, the Associate Dean (Pacific) at the University of Otago, Wellington, has won the New Zealand Association of Scientists (NZAS) Cranwell Medal for science communication for 2020.
Otago projects receive $1.64m Health Research Council funding
Monday 31 May 2021
Better outcomes for women suffering from New Zealand’s most common gynaecological cancer and a bioactive toothpaste that will mean fewer visits to the dentist are just two University of Otago projects funded by the Health Research Council this week.
Misunderstanding may be obstacle to hitting Smokefree 2025 target
Tuesday 25 May 2021
A lack of understanding about the aims of New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 goal – 10 years after it was announced – could be an obstacle in making the target a reality, a recent University of Otago-led study shows.
Radiation Therapy scholarship a chance to make a positive impact
Wednesday 19 May 2021
Having spent the past year trying not to focus too much on her grades, Nadia Kahan was taken by surprise when she heard she’d been awarded the Angela Allen Travelling Scholarship for top Bachelor of Radiation Therapy graduate.
New Zealand housing lacking basic amenities, new report finds
Thursday 13 May 2021
Five per cent of New Zealand houses lack at least one of six basic amenities including drinkable tap water, electricity, a toilet, and a kitchen sink, a new report from the He Kāinga Oranga Housing and Health Research Programme at the University of Otago, Wellington has found.
Inequities facing tāngata whaikaha during COVID-19 raised
Wednesday 12 May 2021
A new University of Otago, Wellington article has shone a light on the risks and difficulties faced by tāngata whaikaha, the disabled Māori community, during COVID-19.
Aspiring GP wants to help his community
Friday 7 May 2021
After starting University not knowing what he wanted to do, Adam Faatoese is leaving as a doctor.
Investigating epilepsy in Māori
Wednesday 5 May 2021
Understanding the reasons behind the higher burden of epilepsy experienced by Māori children is the focus of a Health Research Council (HRC) funded research project at the University of Otago, Wellington, led by PhD student and paediatric registrar Dr Ngaire Keenan.
On the front line: the impact of suicide on health professionals and first responders
Tuesday 4 May 2021
More research is urgently needed into the impact that attending suicide events is having on paramedics and other first responders, a researcher at the University of Otago, Wellington, says.
Pūtea Tautoko steps up for Otago’s students
Tuesday 4 May 2021
International PhD students Grace Duke and Jessica Valisa say the support they received from Otago’s Pūtea Tautoko fund has made it possible for them to finish their degrees.
Calling for nominations for the 20Twenties Young Alumni Awards
Wednesday 28 April 2021
Do you know a young graduate who is making a positive impact in their community, in their field of work, or in a wider arena, through their leadership, innovation, determination or research?
Summer research
Tuesday 27 April 2021
Forty-five students from across the University have taken part in research projects on the Wellington campus over summer, tacking a wide range of projects, from researching green transport solutions to working with the Ministry of Health contributing to research on the COVID-19 response.
He Kete Kōrero – Autumn 2021
Tuesday 27 April 2021
Welcome to the Autumn 2021 edition of He Kete Kōrero with the latest news from the Wellington campus.
Launch of new public health research programme led by Professor Michael Baker
Tuesday 20 April 2021
Kōkiri Marae is hosting an all-day hui on Tuesday to launch the SYMBIOTIC Programme, a five-year research programme that focuses on finding ways of reducing the burden of infectious diseases, long-term conditions, and poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Researchers welcome Smokefree 2025 Action Plan
Thursday 15 April 2021
Researchers from the University of Otago’s ASPIRE 2025 Research Centre, which carries out research to support the Smokefree 2025 goal, have welcomed and endorsed the action plan for achieving a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025 released by Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall today.
Professor Michael Baker wins Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize
Wednesday 14 April 2021
Professor Michael Baker MNZM, from the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington has won the 2020 Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize.
Science comes first for Prime Minister’s Science Communication award winner
Wednesday 14 April 2021
Professor Michael Baker is the winner of the 2020 Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize.
Getting from A to B – tell us what’s key
Friday 9 April 2021
The University's Travel Survey is open for submissions from 13 April.
Silver linings in lockdown
Wednesday 7 April 2021
Two thirds of New Zealanders believed there were ‘silver linings’ to the country’s Alert Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown imposed in March last year, a University of Otago survey has found.
University of Otago sets up new health training course on West Coast
Monday 29 March 2021
Te Tai o Poutini is to benefit from an interprofessional learning programme set up by the University of Otago and funded by the Ministry of Health which will bring about 50 senior students in a variety of health professions each year to the Coast.
Honest answers, clear communication valued by pregnant patients
Tuesday 23 March 2021
Clear, honest communication and a good rapport with doctors are key factors in the high levels of satisfaction reported by patients with high risk pregnancies following consultation with specialist obstetricians, researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, have found.
Research group fostering early to mid-career research
Tuesday 23 March 2021
A group of early to mid-career researchers within the Division of Health Sciences is helping to support their peers to achieve research excellence.
University’s ‘household name’ is Wellingtonian of the Year
Monday 22 March 2021
Public Health Professor Michael Baker has been selected as Wellingtonian of the Year for 2020 at The Dominion Post newspaper’s annual ‘Welly Awards’.
Otago farewells Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne
Thursday 18 March 2021
For outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne leaving Otago after spending half of her life here is bittersweet.
Pump up the volume on quality school PE, researchers urge
Friday 12 March 2021
Increasing the amount of time schools devote to physical education each week could dramatically reduce the number of children who are doing only minimal levels of exercise, researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington and Sport New Zealand have found.
We must have a better plan for the next pandemic, say Otago researchers
Wednesday 10 March 2021
Aotearoa New Zealand’s next pandemic plan needs a completely different approach to our previous plan that was focussed on influenza, say researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington in a new article that identifies key lessons from the COVID-19 response for managing future major outbreaks and pandemics.
Outgoing Otago Vice-Chancellor receives Honorary Doctorate
Tuesday 9 March 2021
Professor Harlene Hayne, the out-going Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, will be recognised for her contribution to the institution with the conferring of an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Strong upswing in domestic enrolments at Otago University
Tuesday 9 March 2021
The University of Otago is currently on track to record solid overall enrolment growth in 2021, with a surge in domestic enrolments more than offsetting the decline in international enrolments.
Congratuations to our inaugural Summer Studentship poster showcase winners
Friday 26 February 2021
Congratulations to the winners of our inaugural poster showcase last Friday. The event was a great success with 31 students presenting their posters to our judging panel.
From hippie to GP academic: Ben Gray on activism, general practice and mojo
Thursday 25 February 2021
Ben Gray retired from general practice late last year, after 35 years.
World of Difference gains Australasian award
Thursday 25 February 2021
The World of Difference service user education and research group is the recipient of a Lived Experience Leadership Award.
Women supporting women in making change to energy poverty
Thursday 18 February 2021
When Dr Kim O’Sullivan returned to her high school to speak with students as part of her post-doctoral research; it was the beginning of a new chapter for (then) high school student Isobel Harris Clark.
Kiwi kids consume five unhealthy snacks a day
Thursday 11 February 2021
On average, 12-year-old children snack on unhealthy food and beverages five times a day, according to new research from the University of Otago.
Otago launches Medical Students’ Elective Inquiry
Wednesday 10 February 2021
The University of Otago is launching a formal inquiry into sixth year Medical Degree electives following failure to meet attendance requirements for overseas electives by a significant number of students in the 2019 MB ChB Trainee Intern Class.
COVID-19 lockdown has mixed effects on smokers
Thursday 4 February 2021
New Zealand’s COVID-19 lockdown had mixed effects on smoking behaviours, a University of Otago study reveals.
Summer students research burning questions on COVID-19
Thursday 4 February 2021
Four Otago students are working on COVID-19 research projects at the Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora as part of the summer studentship programme.
University scanner the gold standard for Consumer tests
Monday 1 February 2021
Consumer NZ has used the full-body DXA X-ray scanner at the University’s Wellington campus as the gold standard against which to measure the accuracy of body fat bathroom scales and body composition scans.
Targeted health messaging needed in era of vaping, researchers say
Wednesday 27 January 2021
Health authorities should develop targeted health messages for vaping product and e-liquid packaging to encourage smokers to switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes and to prevent non-smokers from taking up vaping, a researcher at the University of Otago, Wellington says.
Ones to Watch: Rebekah Amitrano
Wednesday 27 January 2021
“I’ve known for a long time that I want to do something that helps people and I decided law was a way of helping many people at once.”
COVID-19 focus for 25th annual Public Health Summer School
Tuesday 26 January 2021
One year on from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Otago Wellington has assembled a world-leading line-up of expert speakers for its annual Public Health Summer School in February.
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.
Exceptional service recognised in New Year Honours
Monday 18 January 2021
An inspirational group of University of Otago alumni, staff and friends have been recognised in the 2021 New Year Honours.
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.
