Improving health, equity, and environmental sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally
The Health Protection Aotearoa Research Centre (HPARC) generates and communicates robust, timely, and useful evidence that supports policies and practices that improve health determinants and health security.
We have a particular focus on prevention and control of infectious diseases and environmental hazards.
Manaaki whenua, manaaki tāngata, haere whakamua – if we take care of the land and take care of the people, we will take care of the future.
Our goals
HPARC aims to:
- Produce impactful research to protect and improve health, equity, and environmental sustainability
- Support Māori health equity and research capacity development
- Communicate and engage effectively to support research translation
A major focus is identifying strategic approaches and specific interventions and tools for responding effectively to:
- Emerging infectious diseases, epidemics, and pandemics
- Environmental threats such as air and water pollution
- Climate change effects including extreme weather events
Research themes
HPARC is a new University of Otago Research Theme. It builds on the research strengths developed by the Health, Environment & Infection Research Unit (HEIRU) which has a strong history of highly impactful research, publications and dissemination.
Our research is strengthening preparedness for pandemics and catastrophic threats by researching previous pandemics (influenza, SARS), the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, and future scenarios. Our work includes the growing threat of bioengineered agents, and mis- and disinformation.
Research leaders
Projects
- Co-Search: COVID-19 Research Collaborative
- First digital analysis of the 1918 influenza pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand (Matariki grant with Durham and Tübingen universities)
Our team is expanding our internationally recognised research on the epidemiology, causes, management, and prevention of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), including investigating promising hypotheses on prevention.
Research leaders
Projects
- END Rheumatic Heart Disease ( HRC funded)
- Subcutaneous injection of penicillin (SCIP): A new approach to rheumatic fever treatment (Te Niwha funded)
- SCIP NZ is a space created to share lived experiences, provide trusted resources, and make it easier for whānau and healthcare providers to learn about SCIP
We are extending research on multiple important aspects of infectious diseases, including protective measures (eg, border controls, vaccines, self-isolation, indoor air quality, masks) and long-term outcomes of acute infections.
Research leaders
Projects
- SYMBIOTIC ( HRC funded research programme)
- A review of Infectious Disease Surveillance in Aotearoa (Te Niwha funded)
- Improved surveillance and modelling to support prevention and control of infectious diseases in Aotearoa (Te Niwha funded)
Our work is supporting improvement to the quality and safety of Aotearoa New Zealand's drinking water. We're building on past research on major waterborne outbreaks (e.g. Havelock North) and continuing problems from intensive agriculture (e.g. nitrates in drinking water) and effects of extreme rainfall events.
Research leader
Projects
- The impact of nitrate in drinking water on pre-term birth (HRC funded)
- Māngai Wai Māori: Ngāi Tahu drinking water programme (Te Niwha funded in collaboration with the University of Canterbury)
We are expanding research on climate change mitigation measures and health adaptation needed in New Zealand and the Pacific region.
Research leader
Projects
- Multiple projects on climate change impact on health e.g. Effects of high and low temperatures on premature deaths
Our team is communicating research and evidence using the highly effective Public Health Communication Centre (PHCC), the first centre of its kind internationally. Key audiences include policymakers, public health practitioners, and the public.
Research leaders
Projects
Contact us
Email fiona.taylor@otago.ac.nz
Or
HPARC Director, Professor Michael Baker
Email michael.baker@otago.ac.nz
HPARC research group
Department of Public Health
University of Otago, Wellington
PO Box 7343
Wellington South 6242
New Zealand