Ground-breaking study on Muslim Kiwis
A new study exploring perceptions of Muslim Kiwis is being led by a former refugee turned research scientist, Dr Usman Afzali. Dr Afzali lost close friends and members of his community in the March 15 Mosque shootings. Deeply affected by what happened, Dr Afzali says, I thought I should be one of the people who finds solutions for Muslim issues. He was asked to collaborate on, a large national longitudinal study of social attitudes, personality, ideology and health outcomes of New Zealanders and their changes of attitudes and values over time. The study aims to understand how Muslim New Zealanders perceive themselves and what makes them resilient. Dr Afzali and the research team hope to finalise their research in 2026 and share their findings with local and national government bodies in the hope of showing the diversity and challenges within the group. The study includes where we come from, what we contribute to New Zealand, what we think and what our needs are, says Dr Afzali.
Youth mental health and the environment
Global statistics on youth mental health make for sobering reading, with depression a leading cause of adolescent illness, and suicide a common cause of death. A recent study co-led by UC Senior Lecturer in Public Health Dr Matt Hobbs, adds to the body of research investigating the complexities behind these stark figures. The results of the study showed that young people living in health-constraining environments were more likely to experience poorer emotional and mental health. Young people living in health-promoting environments were less likely to have problems with substance-abuse. While Dr Hobbs acknowledges that environmental factors are only one of the complex influences impacting youth mental health, he hopes the studys findings could help to inform practical interventions by policy makers. While we know there are many influences on mental health, its possible that small changes in upstream factors, such as environment, may result in large improvements in the mental health of a population, because of a population-level shift in the distribution of risks, exposures and resources, says Dr Hobbs.
Changing the world, one smile at a time
For many of us, achieving something weve been told we cant do is satisfaction enough. Kenny Ardouin was inspired to build a career around it. Born withcleft lip and palateArdouin was only twelve when a health professional told him: Youll be able to speak, but youll never make a career out of public speaking. Following speech language therapy, and several years working as a speech language therapist himself, Ardouin is now a Lecturer in UCs School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing. Ardouin has been invited to be a member of the Scientific Committee for the International Appearance Matters 10 Conferencein Bristol next year. He will represent UC as the only Scientific Committee member from New Zealand, and one of only two members from outside Europe and the USA.
Relationships and Sexuality App now launched!
Back in 2021 we reported on the development of a new relationships and sexuality mobile app for Young People. We are pleased to report the new app has now been launched. CalledTePuwaitanga:Beyond the Birds and Bees,the free platformis a New 厙ぴ勛圖first led by UClecturers Tracy Clelland, Dr FabianGilsonand Associate Professor Adrian Clark. The free online platform aims toprovidea wide range of reliable information about sexuality, sexualhealthand relationships. It includes an app, Instagram, andTikToksite for young people as well as a website for parents, educators and anyone working with young people, and answers all those awkward,funnyand confusing questions.The appcovers many topics, including being in love for the first time, gender identity, breaking up, safer sex, boundaries, bodies,consentand healthy relationships.
Gardening to change minds and save lives
A UC-led project aims to reduce type 2 diabetes in local Pacific communities by bringing people together to grow vegetable gardens at home. PhD student Dr Esala Vakamacawai is leading the project. We know this problem of type 2 diabetes is present in Fiji and in indigenous Fijians, Dr Vakamacawai says. This is a non-communicable disease that is related to modifiable lifestyle factors such as obesity, diet and exercise, so that means as health professionals we can do something about it. The consequences of type 2 diabetes can be devastating. As a surgeon in Fiji, Dr Vakamacawai performed many amputations on patients for whom lifestyle modifications did not work or were recommended too late, he says. Attitudes need to change, however, and thats where the gardening project is gaining traction. In the last year the project has established 20 backyard vegetable gardens with a local Pacific club.
Innovation in health and safety recognised
A collaborative effort by our Grounds team won them UCs 2022 Health & Safety Award, the second award the team has received in the last three years for being innovative in health and safety initiatives. The team are responsible for collecting on average 20 tonnes of leaves each year, and won the award this year for their modification of an existing tractor-mounted leaf-sucker unit to a more ergonomic trailer-mounted design, greatly reducing fatigue and muscle strain for operators during the five-week leaf drop season.
Helping NZers stay healthy
Wanting people to live healthier and happier lives is a big motivation for UCs senior lecturer in public health Dr Matt Hobbs, who was recognised for outstanding work in his field. Dr Hobbs won UCs Early and Emerging Career Researcher Award forhis research investigating public health inequitieswhich affect some of Aotearoa New Zealands most vulnerable groups. His research has covered how community water fluoridation can reduce preventable hospital admissions for children, the longterm health impacts of air pollution exposure, childhood and maternal immunisation, and how the environments young people grow up in can affect their mental health.
Wellbeing Matters
UC aims to provide a sustaining environment where the holistic wellbeing of students, staff and our community enables our people to be successful, engaged, empowered and making a difference.offers a raft of tools to help everyone thrive. Each month, new content is released based on a wellbeing theme, including evidence-based articles, wellbeing tips and challenges, worksheets, quizzes, videos, webinars, workshops and podcasts, all designed to motivate and build good wellbeing habits, one habit at a time.
Health issues in the community
In this UC course students are provided with the foundation to understand health issues in the community and to develop skills related to improving it. Students are introduced to concepts, practices and skills to effect better health and wellbeing within communities, and student can
also deep dive into community health issues, being able to choose one health issue and a focus community for the whole course, with all three modules and assessments based around the issue and community.
Study tackles collisions in junior rugby players
A two-year world-leading UC study kicked off the 2022s rugby season amid growing concern about health and safety in the sport.Lead researcher Professor Nick Draper aims to better understand collisions in junior rugby.Professor Draper, who is an experienced junior rugby
coach, says the study is timely given rising concern from parents and the rugby union community about health risks associated with head collisions. MRI scans will be carried out on the player pre-season, post-season and after any concussive collision as part of the research. The football clubs involved have expressed their support for the research and say they look forward to Professor Drapers findings.
Te Rua Makerspace
Each month, at least 500 UC students and staff visitTe Rua Makerspace in the central library, where Jessica Saul enthusiastically caters to different interests, skill levels, and needs. Saul graduated with a Bachelor of Design Innovation majoring in Industrial Design and earned her masters degree in designing wearable medical robotics. Te Rua Makerspace is a large, airy room with 3D printers, sewing machines, a textile printing machine, a long table for drawing, a games area, and several pressing machines. Its the community hub for creators from across the
university, whether you are staff or a student we welcome everyone, Saul says. Saul sees the effects spending time in Te Rua Makerspace has on people. Its amazing how a short time here can transform someone who comes in visibly stressed out and not ready to talk, but after 10
minutes of drawing or me saying hey, would you like to just colour with me? they are ready to try another activity or talk about whats stressing them, says Saul.
Mental health and nutrition
Professor Julia Rucklidge developed an 8-week course based on her worldleading research into the links between nutrition and mental well-being.
Course participants learn what foods and nutrients should and should not be consumed to improve mental wellbeing and explore the fundamental role that nutrition plays in our mental health. Professor Rucklidge and other experts in psychology, toxicology, and nutrition cover the history of using food as a treatment for mental health; the food components to consider when making dietary choices; and why we need to consider micronutrients in our food, such as minerals and vitamins, for building a better brain. Over 47,122 have already enrolled!
Health support
A variety of health support systems are available on and off campus, from personal one-on-one connections to a raft of online support mechanisms inhouse and external to UC. 倏喝娶泭Health Centreoffers free counselling to students, and the Student Care Team and Chaplains are also available to give advice and support on a wide range of issues. Our Psychology Centre offers students an opportunity to participate in a wide range of psychological assessments and treatments.
Covid modellers win UC research medal
Associate Professor Alex James and Professor Michael Plankwon UCs Research Medal in 2021for their work developing mathematical models that helped guide New Zealands response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since early March 2020, the pair have been key members of the national team of scientists at award-winning research centre Te P贖naha Matatini, which provided a series of mathematical models informing the New 厙ぴ勛圖Governments efforts to combat Covid-19. UCs Deputy Vice- Chancellor of Research and Innovation Professor Ian Wright says their efforts undoubtedly led to lives being saved: Their world-beating research and deep engagement with the Government has had significant health and social impacts. They have combined pioneering science, clear communication and lightning speed to keep pace with the challenges of a rapidly evolving pandemic. Theyve also played a role in providing leading science communication to the public.
Relationships and Sexuality App
A relationships and sexuality mobile app for Young Peopleis being developed by UC. Led by our Health Education Lecturer Tracy Clelland, with 30 years of experience in sexuality and relationships education, the mobile app is being designed by UC software engineers and postgraduate students. Clelland says: This app is about giving young people knowledge, understanding and skills to have healthy, happy relationships across the life course. An app is a great way for young people to access information, she says, because most own and regularly use a mobile phone, and it is private. This app will be a resource where parents can get up-to-date information about the laws around consent, gender diversity and the latest types of contraception, and other topics. Our app will include safe, reliable information about sex as well as gender, consent, love, and where to access help, says Clelland.
Menopause at work project
The Menopause Awareness Project Teamwon our 2021 Health and Safety Initiative Award for launching an educational programme, with key aims to educate staff on the range of possible symptoms, raise awareness about potential impacts, and remove the stigma of talking about menopause at work. Resources for staff include a comprehensive guideline, webpage, contact details of a new UC support group, and other helpful resources. The project was launched on World Menopause Day, 18 October 2021, followed by a seminar for staff by a leading endocrinologist. Around a quarter of our female staff are in the demographic of potentially experiencing the symptoms of menopause. We want to ensure that every manager knows how menopause can affect women, that there are a wide range of symptoms, and everyone experiences menopause differently. This will help staff members get appropriate support, if required, to succeed at work, the Teams spokesperson Jules Stafford says.
Research into e-cigarette use after legalisation
A research team led by Health Sciences Dr Ben Wamamilihas found New 厙ぴ勛圖students are vaping more since nicotine-containing e-cigarettes became legal in the country. Students were surveyed in March 2018, just before nicotine-containing e-cigarettes became legal, and were surveyed one year later in March 2019, across all of Aotearoas universities. Dr Wamamilis team found that 13.5% of students were vaping in 2019 compared to 6.8% before it was legal. The results were unexpected. The issues can be addressed with better education and possibly by using technology. Dr Wamamili says, Education and health promotion strategies including compliance with the smokefree legislation is a good starting point. Technologies such as mobile phone apps could also be harnessed by health providers to provide accurate and reliable information about vaping. New 厙ぴ勛圖aims to become a smoke-free nation by the year 2025; the Government began working toward this goal in 2011.
School of Health Sciences
倏喝娶泭School of Health Sciencesismaking a significant contributiontowards improving health outcomesand making meaningful changein peoples lives. Programmes andresearch meet the needs of modernhealthcare and society. Undergraduatedegrees are the Bachelor of HealthSciences and the Bachelor of SportCoaching, and postgraduate degreesinclude Health Sciences, SportCoaching, Counselling, Child and FamilyPsychology and Nursing.
Awards for COVID-19 Response
The 2020 New 厙ぴ勛圖Prime Ministers Science Prize was awarded to theresearch centre for its COVID-19 response. TPM is a nationalcollaborative team of academics and researchers. UCs team members aremathematical modellers Professor Michael Plank and Associate Professor Alex James,data scientist Senior Lecturer Dr Giulio Dalla Riva, and UC graduate researchersDr Rachelle Binny, Nic Steyn, and Dr Audrey Lustig. Their work was recognised fordeveloping a series of mathematical models, analysing data and communicating theresults to inform the New 厙ぴ勛圖Governments response to the global pandemic.
Central to their work has been predicting impacts on at-risk communities, includingMori and Pasifika populations. Professor Plank was also recently awarded theAustralia and New 厙ぴ勛圖Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ANZIAM) EO TuckMedal for 2021 for outstanding research, expertise and distinguished service in thefield of Applied Mathematics.
Nutrition and MentalHealth
New 厙ぴ勛圖Government reportingreveals increasing numbers of ouradolescents struggle with mentalhealth issues. In 2020, Professor JuliaRucklidge and her team commencedresearching nutritional interventionsthat are effective in treating psychiatric/psychological illness. Professor Rucklidgeis a UC Clinical Psychology academicand leader within our Child Well-beingResearch Institute. Professor Rucklidgeexplains: There is a growing associationbetween an individuals poor diet andpoor mental health. However, it is notalways realistic to manipulate diet,particularly in teenagers. Research overa decade has demonstrated efficacy inusing micronutrients to treat psychiatricsymptoms, but we need to explorewhether coupling this approach withtechnology can expand reach, reducecost and be a more acceptable way toaddress mental health problems.
Supporting our Pacific Island Neighbours
倏喝娶泭Biomedical minor programmewas developed to respond to student enthusiasm and to increase diversityamong students choosing to studyMechanical Engineering, such asfemale, Mori and Pasifika students.Its curriculum emphasises bioethics,sustainability and responsibility,specifically biomedical design for reuseand donation. Student projects focus onreal world applications. In the summerof 2020, students went to Tonga tosupport the Ministry of Health, andcreated a much needed Assets Registerto track consumables. Another projectinvolved updating the Tongan nursinghandbook on how to use, maintain, andrepair common medical equipment.The project resulted in an increaseof capabilities and independence ofnursing staff who provide time-criticalnursing to the Tongan people, and lessworkload pressure for the small numberof technicians often called upon todemonstrate equipment use.
Our Well-being Implementation Plan
We recognise people are our greatestasset. Adopting the Te Pae Mhutongawell-being model, ourMahereOranga | Well-being ImplementationPlan (2020-2024)was introduced toenhance our capability for supportingthe well-being of our studentsand staff. Through this structuredprogramme, we want UC to be a placewhere individuals are empoweredwith the knowledge and resourcesthey need to nurture their well-being. Ultimately, our goal is that the plan will lay the foundations for us to achieve our Strategic Vision objective: By 2030 UC will be known for its focus on well-being.
UCs Pilot Well-being Supporter Programme
Mental health disorders are asignificant cause of health loss for allNew Zealanders. In 2020 we launchedour pilotKaihpai Oranga | WellbeingSupporter programme acrossEngineering and Sciencewith the aim ofpromoting a culture that removes thestigma associated with mental distressand helping people to help themselves.The programme has a dedicated UCintranet site offering staff a raft ofmeaningful, supportive and encouragingresources. It also includes the contactdetails for our Kaihpai Oranga 21trained volunteers, comprising academicand professional staff, who offer otherUC staff who reach out, the appropriatesupport, care and encouragement, in asafe and non-judgemental environment.
Healthcare on Campus
UCs Health Centreoffers a full rangeof General Practitioner services,including many self-help healthrelatedresources, to keep studentsand staff healthy and well. TheCentre can treat acute and chronicconditions and can help withpreventative measures, for exampleflu vaccinations, health checks/screening, injuries, minor surgery, anddietary advice/support. Highly trainedcounsellors are also available to helpwith a range of problems like grief,anxiety, depression, loneliness, andhomesickness. Health services areaccessible either on campus or fromthe comfort of your own home, 24/7.
