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, 鈥淚 thought I should be one of the people who finds solutions for Muslim issues.鈥 He was asked to collaborate on聽, 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. 鈥淭he study includes where we come from, what we contribute to New Zealand, what we think and what our needs are,鈥 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 study鈥檚 findings could help to inform practical interventions by policy makers. 鈥淲hile we know there are many influences on mental health, it鈥檚 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,鈥 says Dr Hobbs.
Changing the world, one smile at a time
For many of us, achieving something we鈥檝e been told we can鈥檛 do is satisfaction enough. Kenny Ardouin was inspired to build a career around it.聽 Born with聽cleft lip and palate聽Ardouin was only twelve when a health professional told him: 鈥淵ou鈥檒l be able to speak, but you鈥檒l never make a career out of public speaking.鈥 Following speech language therapy, and several years working as a speech language therapist himself, Ardouin is now a Lecturer in UC鈥檚 School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing.聽 Ardouin has been invited to be a member of the Scientific Committee for the International Appearance Matters 10 Conference聽in 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.聽聽
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.聽 We are pleased to report the new app has now been launched. Called聽Te聽Pu膩waitanga:聽Beyond the Birds and Bees,聽the free platform聽is a New Zealand first led by UC聽lecturers Tracy Clelland, Dr Fabian聽Gilson聽and Associate Professor Adrian Clark. The free online platform aims to聽provide聽a wide range of reliable information about sexuality, sexual聽health聽and relationships. It includes an app, Instagram, and聽TikTok聽site for young people as well as a website for parents, educators and anyone working with young people, and answers all those awkward,聽funny聽and confusing questions.聽The app聽covers many topics, including being in love for the first time, gender identity, breaking up, safer sex, boundaries, bodies,聽consent聽and 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. 鈥淲e know this problem of type 2 diabetes is present in Fiji and in indigenous Fijians,鈥 Dr Vakamacawai says. 鈥淭his 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.鈥 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 that鈥檚 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 UC鈥檚 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 UC鈥檚 senior lecturer in public health Dr Matt Hobbs, who was recognised for outstanding work in his field. Dr Hobbs won UC鈥檚 Early and Emerging Career Researcher Award for聽his research investigating public health inequities聽which affect some of Aotearoa New Zealand鈥檚 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.聽聽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 鈥榙eep dive鈥 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 2022鈥檚 rugby season amid growing concern about health and safety in the sport.聽Lead researcher Professor Nick Draper aims to better understand collisions in junior rugby.聽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 Draper鈥檚 findings.
Te Rua Makerspace
Each month, at least 500 UC students and staff visit聽Te 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 master鈥檚 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. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the community hub for creators from across the
university, whether you are staff or a student 鈥 we welcome everyone,鈥 Saul says. Saul sees the effects spending time in Te Rua Makerspace has on people. 鈥淚t鈥檚 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 鈥榟ey, would you like to just colour with me?鈥 they are ready to try another activity or talk about what鈥檚 stressing them,鈥 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.聽
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. 翱耻谤听Health Centre聽offers 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 Plank聽won UC鈥檚 Research Medal in 2021聽for their work developing mathematical models that helped guide New Zealand鈥檚 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奴naha Matatini, which provided a series of mathematical models informing the New Zealand Government鈥檚 efforts to combat Covid-19. UC鈥檚 Deputy Vice- Chancellor of Research and Innovation Professor Ian Wright says their efforts undoubtedly led to lives being saved: 鈥淭heir 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. They鈥檝e also played a role in providing leading science communication to the public.鈥
Relationships and Sexuality App
A relationships and sexuality mobile app for Young People聽is 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: 鈥淭his app is about giving young people knowledge, understanding and skills to have healthy, happy relationships across the life course.鈥 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. 鈥淭his 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鈥, says Clelland.
Menopause at work project
The Menopause Awareness Project Team聽won 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. 鈥淎round 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,鈥 the Team鈥檚 spokesperson Jules Stafford says.
Research into e-cigarette use after legalisation
A research team led by Health Sciences Dr Ben Wamamili聽has found New Zealand 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 Aotearoa鈥檚 universities. Dr Wamamili鈥檚 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, 鈥淓ducation 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.鈥 New Zealand aims to become a smoke-free nation by the year 2025; the Government began working toward this goal in 2011.
School of Health Sciences
翱耻谤听School of Health Sciences聽is聽making a significant contribution聽towards improving health outcomes聽and making meaningful change聽in people鈥檚 lives. Programmes and聽research meet the needs of modern聽healthcare and society. Undergraduate聽degrees are the Bachelor of Health聽Sciences and the Bachelor of Sport聽Coaching, and postgraduate degrees聽include Health Sciences, Sport聽Coaching, Counselling, Child and Family聽Psychology and Nursing.
Awards for COVID-19 Response
The 2020 New Zealand Prime Minister鈥檚 Science Prize was awarded to the聽聽research centre for its COVID-19 response. TPM is a national聽collaborative team of academics and researchers. UC鈥檚 team members are聽mathematical modellers Professor Michael Plank and Associate Professor Alex James,聽data scientist Senior Lecturer Dr Giulio Dalla Riva, and UC graduate researchers聽Dr Rachelle Binny, Nic Steyn, and Dr Audrey Lustig. Their work was recognised for聽developing a series of mathematical models, analysing data and communicating the聽results to inform the New Zealand Government鈥檚 response to the global pandemic.
Central to their work has been predicting impacts on at-risk communities, including聽M膩ori and Pasifika populations. Professor Plank was also recently awarded the聽Australia and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ANZIAM) EO Tuck聽Medal for 2021 for outstanding research, expertise and distinguished service in the聽field of Applied Mathematics.
Nutrition and Mental聽Health
New Zealand Government reporting聽reveals increasing numbers of our聽adolescents struggle with mental聽health issues. In 2020, Professor Julia聽Rucklidge and her team commenced聽researching nutritional interventions聽that are effective in treating psychiatric/psychological illness. Professor Rucklidge聽is a UC Clinical Psychology academic聽and leader within our Child Well-being聽Research Institute. Professor Rucklidge聽explains: 鈥淭here is a growing association聽between an individual鈥檚 poor diet and聽poor mental health. However, it is not聽always realistic to manipulate diet,聽particularly in teenagers. Research over聽a decade has demonstrated efficacy in聽using micronutrients to treat psychiatric聽symptoms, but we need to explore聽whether coupling this approach with聽technology can expand reach, reduce聽cost and be a more acceptable way to聽address mental health problems.鈥
Supporting our Pacific Island Neighbours
翱耻谤听Biomedical minor programme聽was developed to respond to student enthusiasm and to increase diversity聽among students choosing to study聽Mechanical Engineering, such as聽female, M膩ori and Pasifika students.聽Its curriculum emphasises bioethics,聽sustainability and responsibility,聽specifically biomedical design for reuse聽and donation. Student projects focus on聽real world applications. In the summer聽of 2020, students went to Tonga to聽support the Ministry of Health, and聽created a much needed Assets Register聽to track consumables. Another project聽involved updating the Tongan nursing聽handbook on how to use, maintain, and聽repair common medical equipment.聽The project resulted in an increase聽of capabilities and independence of聽nursing staff who provide time-critical聽nursing to the Tongan people, and less聽workload pressure for the small number聽of technicians often called upon to聽demonstrate equipment use.
Our Well-being Implementation Plan
We recognise people are our greatest聽asset. Adopting the Te Pae M膩hutonga聽well-being model, our聽Mahere聽Oranga | Well-being Implementation聽Plan (2020-2024)聽was introduced to聽enhance our capability for supporting聽the well-being of our students聽and staff. Through this structured聽programme, we want UC to be a place聽where individuals are empowered聽with the knowledge and resources聽they 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: 鈥淏y 2030 UC will be known for its focus on well-being.鈥
UC鈥檚 Pilot Well-being Supporter Programme
Mental health disorders are a聽significant cause of health loss for all聽New Zealanders. In 2020 we launched聽our pilot聽Kaih膩pai Oranga | Wellbeing聽Supporter programme across聽Engineering and Science聽with the aim of聽promoting a culture that removes the聽stigma associated with mental distress聽and helping people to help themselves.聽The programme has a dedicated UC聽intranet site offering staff a raft of聽meaningful, supportive and encouraging聽resources. It also includes the contact聽details for our Kaih膩pai Oranga 21聽trained volunteers, comprising academic聽and professional staff, who offer other聽UC staff who reach out, the appropriate聽support, care and encouragement, in a聽safe and non-judgemental environment.
Healthcare on Campus
UC鈥檚 Health Centre聽offers a full range聽of General Practitioner services,聽including many self-help healthrelated聽resources, to keep students聽and staff healthy and well. The聽Centre can treat acute and chronic聽conditions and can help with聽preventative measures, for example聽flu vaccinations, health checks/screening, injuries, minor surgery, and聽dietary advice/support. Highly trained聽counsellors are also available to help聽with a range of problems like grief,聽anxiety, depression, loneliness, and聽homesickness. Health services are聽accessible either on campus or from聽the comfort of your own home, 24/7.
