A survey of New Zealanders who work and volunteer as wildlife rehabilitators has found that most are able to keep a healthy balance despite the pressures of the role.
Category: Science
Mind the gap – public and expert views on cancer risk
There are substantial gaps between expert recommendations and public knowledge about risk factors for cancer, though these gaps are closing for some cancer types, according to new University of Otago research.
Cat’s Eyes don’t blink: the complexities of compound words
How do we create and interpret certain words? One of the world’s leading authorities on compound words, Emeritus Professor Laurie Bauer from Victoria’s School of Linguistics and Applied Language, puts the pieces of the puzzle together.
Otago reveals concerning prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Southern New Zealand women
New Zealand women and their babies are at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency and current health guidelines fall short of curbing this detrimental trend, new University of Otago research shows.
Stay-behind families are the new expats
When posted overseas for work, an increasing number of employees are choosing to leave their families behind, says Massey PhD candidate Jo Mutter.
‘Great opportunity’ for supermarkets to encourage healthy food choices
New Zealand supermarkets vary greatly in the healthiness of their food environments and have a great opportunity to create food environments to promote healthier choices, according to new research.
Opinion: PM’s baby news sends message on gender equality
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s announcement of her pregnancy is fabulous news that we can all celebrate and support. It sends a very empowering message to women, says Grant Duncan.
The case against ‘party hopping’
MPs can’t govern effectively if they can decide to jump ship whenever they wish, argues Victoria Professor of Comparative Politics Jack Vowles.
Children’s milk drinking habits analysed
New research shows a direct relationship between the consumption of cow’s milk, and socio-demographic factors.
Top agriculture student shares secret of success
Bachelor of AgriCommerce student James Robertson is your classic jack of all trades, but rather than mastering none, he excelled in everything he put his hand up for.
Ground breaking study shows gestational diabetes link to heart disease
A Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences academic is behind a large study that has shown that women who get gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease.
University expands its rural doctor training to Taranaki
The University of Auckland and Taranaki DHB, along with local leaders and health professionals will welcome 18 year five medical students to Hawera Hospital on Monday, to launch the University’s regional-rural medical programme in Taranaki.
How the law works, high above us
With space a growing industry, including in New Zealand, treaties governing activity have never been more important, says Emeritus Professor Sir Ken Keith from Victoria’s School of Law.
Talking about diabetes – improving health, one sentence at a time
Primary care physicians can improve their communication to newly-diagnosed diabetes patients by offering more information specific to the patient’s experience, new research from Otago, Auckland and Victoria universities shows.
Should we swallow a nuclear rat?
New Zealand may have to compromise on its ideals to help prevent war on the Korean peninsula, writes Victoria’s Professor of Strategic Studies, Robert Ayson.
Research aimed at discovering why some don’t re-offend
Men previously imprisoned for sexual offending but who have not re-offended for at least five years are being asked to take part in research being carried out at the University of Auckland.
Property conference on trends, insights and challenges
How property-owners’ decision-making influenced the Christchurch rebuild, challenges to commercial landlords posed by the rising co-working culture, and a new approach to managing Māori land are among the topics being covered at a major international property research conference in Auckland.
App for keeping an eye on the kids at the pool
For many, it would not be summer without a day at the public swimming pool. Now a design graduate has created a concept for an app that prompts parents and guardians to focus on keeping an eye on the kids.
Lawns – site of backyard environmental salvation?
Humanity’s often abusive relationship towards nature has culminated in concerns we have wrecked Earth beyond repair. So, what does the mundane act of mowing a lawn reveal about our own and the planet’s plight?
The science of saving our honey bees
Everything from kiwifruit orchards to vineyards relies on pollination by domesticated honey bees, but as their numbers plummet from a destructive pathogen, scientists from Massey University are working on deploying viruses to protect them.
Predator Free 2050 has major benefits for human health
The Predator Free 2050 campaign to rid New Zealand of rats and possums will have major benefits for human health as well as for native plants and animals, says University of Otago, Wellington public health researcher Dr Mary McIntyre.
How the law works, high above us
With space a growing industry, including in New Zealand, treaties governing activity have never been more important, says Emeritus Professor Sir Ken Keith from Victoria’s School of Law.
And Justice for all
Dr Bevan Marten from Victoria’s School of Law is offering to fight a baby name ban for free if parents want to challenge the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Opinion: Data deluge needs human analytical filter
New Zealand faces a critical shortage of skilled practitioners able to analyse, interpret and disseminate the wealth of data needed to inform and improve health services for New Zealanders.
Antarctic expedition to uncover impacts of global warming
Victoria University geologist Dr Rob McKay is leading an international expedition to Antarctic waters in January to discover how warming oceans will affect the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, and what that could mean for rising sea levels, global weather
Saving birds through their own song
Conservationists have struggled for years to create software capable of identifying bird species through their song alone – new funding is giving Massey scientists the ability to succeed where others have failed.
Studying deep ocean volcanic eruption throws up more questions for Otago researcher
A study of the largest deep-ocean eruption of the past century has changed the way scientists think about submarine volcanism, a University of Otago academic says.
Ancient DNA provides evidence of integration and mobility in Phoenician societies
Important new clues about population mobility in the Mediterranean between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE have been uncovered by an international team of researchers, co-led by a University of Otago academic.
Ship noise affects ability of marine species to communicate
University of Auckland scientists have carried out the first-ever large scale investigation into the effects of ship noise in the waters of the Hauraki Gulf.
Opinion: Reflections from a palace in Salzburg
Who would have thought there is an organisation whose main activity is facilitating pop-up think tanks to challenge current and future leaders to solve issues of global concern?
Celebrating Victoria’s New Year Honours
Three academic staff, a former Chancellor and a Distinguished Alumni Award winner from Victoria University are among those recognised in the 2018 New Year Honours.
Celebrating Victoria’s New Year Honours
Three academic staff, a former Chancellor and a Distinguished Alumni Award winner from Victoria University are among those recognised in the 2018 New Year Honours.
AI doomsday scenarios obscure production outrages of today
To a great many people the world is already under the control of a powerful machine indifferent to their wellbeing, writes Dr Grant Otsuki, a Victoria Lecturer in Cultural Anthropology.
New Years Honours for Otago staff and alumni
Three University of Otago academics and one current University of Otago Council member have been recognised in the 2018 New Year Honours, all becoming Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Shade shortage in Wellington playgrounds: Otago research highlights the need to ‘slip, slop, slap and wrap’ this summer
Children visiting playgrounds this summer may be at high risk of sunburn, according to a new study from the University of Otago, Wellington.
University academics receive Fulbright Scholar awards
Two University of Otago academics have received Fulbright New Zealand Scholar Awards to undertake research in the United States.
Elite rugby players not immune to body image issues
Despite being in peak physical form, young elite rugby players may be suffering from body image issues and poor nutritional choices, a University of Otago study has found.
Otago announces recipients of James Wallace Residency
The University of Otago has announced five new recipients of its prestigious three-month James Wallace Residency and Scottish Writers Fellowship, based at the historic Pah Homestead in Auckland.
Otago breakthrough in diabetic heart disease
The molecule responsible for heart disease in diabetics has been identified by University of Otago researchers, greatly improving chances of survival.
Festive season accentuates isolation of dying older people
Older people lack support from their communities towards the end of their lives, with many becoming progressively more socially isolated before their death. Both older people and their families and whānau require support which is tailored to match the diversity of our ageing population.
Fan page followers and how firms can attract and engage them
Are you a Quiet Follower, a Cheerleader or a Peacock? A researcher at the University of Auckland has categorised people who follow companies on social media according to how they behave on the so-called fan pages.
Students off to Latin America and Asia thanks to PM
The lion’s share of Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America were awarded to University of Auckland students in the latest funding round.
Social venture gives sanitary supplies for women in need at Christmas
We are used to giving food and toys to people in need around Christmas, but one social enterprise wants to make sure they get another often-overlooked female necessity – sanitary products.
Dame Cheryll Sotheran, 11 October 1945-30 December 2017
Distinguished Alumna of the University of Auckland, Dame Cheryll Sotheran, has died aged 72.
Global and local writing showcased in Turbine | Kapohau 2017
New work from emerging and established writers, including the latest graduates of Victoria University of Wellington’s International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML), features in online literary magazine Turbine | Kapohau.
Graduating for themselves, and their children
Mother of four, Linda John, and mother of two Vini Iosua both graduated last week with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Pacific Studies.
Victoria students succeed in Prime Minister’s Scholarship awards
Victoria University of Wellington students are heading to study or research opportunities in Latin America and Asia, thanks to Prime Minister’s Scholarships.
Celebrating leadership success
In front of their family and friends, 62 students were recently recognised for their efforts in completing Victoria University of Wellington’s leadership programmes.
Prepared for the future
Recent Victoria graduate Trinity Thompson-Browne knows exactly where she wants to go after graduating—and she credits her time at Victoria for steering her in the right direction.
Prepared for the future
Recent Victoria graduate Trinity Thompson-Browne knows exactly where she wants to go after graduating—and she credits her time at Victoria for steering her in the right direction.
Ending child poverty can’t be partisan pursuit
Reductions need to be sustained and to have significant and enduring impact, hears a Victoria-hosted expert discussion.
A rare chance to help our oceans
Joanna Mossop, a Senior Lecturer in Victoria’s School of Law, argues that a proposed UN treaty will be vital in creating new legal obligations.
Antarctic expedition to uncover impacts of global warming
Victoria University geologist Dr Rob Mckay is leading an international expedition to Antarctic waters in January to discover how warming oceans will affect the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, and what that could mean for rising sea levels, global weather
How the EU rescued the UK constitution
The ramifications of Brexit loomed large when London School of Economics Professor of Public Law Martin Loughlin gave Victoria Faculty of Law’s 2017 Robin Cooke Lecture.
Opinion: Pushing limits on legal drugs tarnishes sport
The sport of cycling has suffered another blow, in the eyes of the public at least, with a “non-negative” drug test from four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome.
Over 55s needed for survey on ageing in NZ
Massey University researchers are seeking 400 people aged over 55 to do an online survey that will contribute to research and knowledge on health and ageing in New Zealand.
Inaugural Harraway’s Visiting Professorship awarded to Belgian researcher
The University of Otago is pleased to announce Belgian researcher Professor Marc Hendrickx will visit Otago from July to August 2018 as the inaugural Harraway’s 1867 Visiting Professorship recipient.
Array of academic adventures on offer over summer
From the simply interesting, to the practical and essential, academic opportunities are available for all at the University of Otago in January.
Guidelines needed around searching for patient information on the internet
Medical professionals have a range of tools at their disposal to care for patients. New University of Otago research delves into the ethical dilemma of adding the internet to their choices.
Chronic lung disease treatment in New Zealand often not consistent with international guidelines
University of Otago researchers have found that the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in New Zealand frequently does not conform to international guidelines.
Successful summer blogging project gets a funding boost
Over 1000 school children will be blogging over the summer to keep their literacy skills up, thanks to the partnership between the Manaiakalani schools, and the University of Auckland, and new support from the NEXT Foundation.
Meet the world’s first virtual politician
Walter Langelaar from Victoria’s School of Design and his fellow researchers have an answer to the dissatisfaction around contemporary politics.
Archaeological heist caper film script wins prize
A film script featuring an outlawed metal-detecting amateur archaeologist in 1980s Ireland battling the National Museum to prove an historical truth has been awarded the 2017 David Carson-Parker Embassy Prize for Scriptwriting at Victoria University
University of Otago announces academic promotions
The University of Otago will this year promote 23 academics to the position of Professor across its Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington campuses.
Potential new treatment and blood test for babies born too small
New Zealand research could pave the way for a new, safe treatment for babies whose growth in the womb is stunted by problems with the placenta. The research team have also discovered a possible basis for a blood test for mothers that could identify at-risk babies in utero.
How do firearms, floods and flu impact public health?
Firearms and public health, impacts of New Zealand’s most common natural hazard – flooding, and lessons from the 1918 flu pandemic are just some of the courses and seminar talks being offered by the University of Otago, Wellington’s Public Health Summer School.
Otago offering free water survival skills programme
In a bid to curb New Zealand’s horrific drowning rates, a University of Otago researcher is aiming to fill the gap in children’s open water survival skills.
Sex advice and Siri? To Google or not to Google? These are the questions
In an article published today in the Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal, New Zealand researchers found that Google laptop searches performed better at finding online sexual health advice than the digital assistants on smartphones.
More than 15,000 frail elderly New Zealanders are lonely
More than 15,000 frail elderly identified as being lonely according to a world-first study of 72,000 older New Zealanders. That equates to one in five older people.
Powerful poetry collection wins Adam Foundation Prize
A "powerful, restrained but unafraid" collection of poems that explore the lives of four generations of Māori women has been awarded the 2017 Adam Foundation Prize in Creative Writing by Victoria University of Wellington’s International Institute
Jacinda Ardern — PM against the odds
The Prime Minister’s success is an important signal that Parliament is a place for young women, Victoria’s Dr Claire Timperley tells the University’s 11th Post-Election Conference.
Lego is more than child’s play
These brightly coloured bricks raise important and challenging questions about creativity and play, conformity and autonomy, identity and culture, writes Victoria’s Associate Professor in Philosophy Sondra Bacharach.
Victoria graduate ‘quietly over the moon’
When Te Wehi o Mahuru Wright gives the graduate address at Victoria University’s Te Herenga Waka marae graduation ceremony tomorrow, he’ll be completing his academic journey in the same place that sustained him throughout it.
Five Victoria students win Blake Ambassador Awards
Five Victoria University students are getting the opportunity to work alongside scientists, conservators and rangers over summer after earning a Blake Ambassador Award.
Honorary Doctorate for New Zealand businessman
The University of Otago will this week confer an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree on internationally renowned businessman and philanthropist Graeme Hart.
Getting consumer rights out from under the rug
Allowing the Commerce Commission to investigate the competitiveness of markets without prior political approval is a massive step forward, write Dr Geoff Bertram and Dr Simon Chapple from Victoria’s Institute for Governance and Policy Studies.
Three ways NZ can improve its China literacy
We need to stop ‘treading water’ and to expand our locally grown expertise and empirically driven research, says Dr Jason Young, Director of the Victoria-based New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre.
Arts students lead US study tour
Two University of Auckland Arts students are leading a special educational tour to five cities in the United States in January and February 2018.
Inmates explore morals in Greek theatre
Is pride the ultimate crime? It is a big moral question that a group of inmates at Auckland Prison explored when they performed an Ancient Greek play using puppets, in a partnership between the prison and Massey University.
Partner-swapping may not lead to long-term success for coral reefs
Research led by Victoria University has cast doubt on the ability of coral reefs to adapt to climate change.





















































