News archive
14 Mar 2023
Policy changes urged to ensure Aotearoa’s health workforce reflects society
Policy changes are urgently needed to ensure Aotearoa’s future health workforce reflects the diverse communities it will...
27 Feb 2023
National Director of Pacific Health receives warm acknowledgement at Otago
The Va’a o Tautai - Centre for Pacific Health (VoT) recently hosted an event acknowledging the new National Director of...
24 Feb 2023
Better targeted prediabetes care needed
A more targeted approach to the screening and treatment of prediabetes is likely to be more effective at preventing type...
17 Feb 2023
Commitment of Cook Islands’ doctors recognised
With a father who worked in health administration in the Cook Islands, it’s probably understandable Dr Te Ariki Faireka...
07 Feb 2023
Researchers call for prescription charge to be cut
Removing the $5 prescription charge for people in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation reduces the number of hospital...
21 Dec 2022
Otago's leaders of tomorrow receive awards
Forty-one students graduated with their University of Otago Student Leadership Award (UOSLA) certificate this year makin...
19 Dec 2022
Diabetes disparity
Dr Isaiah Immanuel is conducting a one-year study, funded by Research for Children Aotearoa, to discover why Pasifika yo...
16 Dec 2022
Otago’s first ni-Vanuatu health sciences PhD candidate receives grant from the HRC
The worship of a mite that spreads a potentially life-threatening disease in Vanuatu may make for some interesting chall...
15 Dec 2022
Pacific Alliance condemns radioactive discharge from Fukushima Daiichi – calls for NZ action
Plans to discharge tonnes of radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean for around thirty years have been condemned i...
06 Dec 2022
Researching research and uplifting “the homies”
Pacific health research generally leads with the best of intentions, but does it actually have an impact?
30 Nov 2022
Va’a o Tautai: Keeping the Va’a Afloat
Va’a o Tautai has gone from strength to strength while grappling with the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
23 Nov 2022
Wellington PhD candidate wins international 3MT competition
Wellington PhD candidate Yasmin Nouri has won first place in the international Matariki Network Three Minute Thesis comp...
09 Nov 2022
Otago’s annual symposium highlighting Pacific-led research
Pacific voices were front and centre at Otago’s annual symposium highlighting Pacific-led research.
26 Oct 2022
The “accidental academic” recognised with prestigious teaching award
Associate Professor Patrick Vakaoti has been awarded a national Te Whatu Kairangi – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Award 202...
05 Oct 2022
Ulcer patch first in Department of Physiology to receive Smart Ideas funding
Associate Professor Rajesh Katare has been granted funding to research the development of a novel, multi-use, off-the-sh...
22 Sep 2022
Government urged to start official inquiry into pandemic response
Leading University of Otago academics are calling for the launch of an official inquiry into New Zealand’s COVID‑19 pand...
22 Sep 2022
Humanities lecturers take out Otago teaching awards
Humanities has accomplished something special, picking up all three Otago Excellence in Teaching awards presented for 20...
09 Sep 2022
Inaugural Fred Hollows lecture and MOU celebrate 30 years of restoring sight
Inaugural Fred Hollows lecture and MOU celebrate 30 years of restoring sight
08 Sep 2022
Supporting Pacific physios beyond graduation
Supporting Pacific physios beyond graduation
23 Aug 2022
PhD graduate encourages Pacific peoples to pursue passion for science
Dr Jaye Moors is honoured to be the first Pacific student to graduate with a PhD in Biochemistry from Otago, but she cer...
16 Aug 2022
‘Surreal experience’ accompanying PM on Samoa commemoration trip
‘Surreal experience’ accompanying PM on Samoa commemoration trip
09 Aug 2022
New book lifts curtain on Rapa Nui 'theatre' traditions
Languages and Cultures Pūkenga (Lecturer) Dr Moira Fortin Cornejo’s latest publication Rapa Nui Theatre: Staging Indigen...
03 Aug 2022
Vice-Chancellor receives a warm Pacific welcome
Pacific leaders and stakeholders at the University of Otago banished the winter chill by providing a warm welcome for ne...
21 Jul 2022
Student Health rewarded for MMR vaccine mahi
Student Health staff have been recognised for their “outstanding” mahi in enabling Pasifika students to be vaccinated ag...
20 Jul 2022
Nurturing Pacific community relationships
Meaningful long-term relationships with local Pacific communities are important for the University and first aid was the...
15 Jul 2022
New Pacific Islands Centre suits growing team
New Pacific Islands Centre suits growing team
06 Jul 2022
World-first studies point way to preventing rheumatic fever in Aotearoa and internationally
University of Otago-led research has uncovered the strongest evidence yet that household overcrowding is a major risk fa...
25 Mar 2022
Māori and Pacific Parkinson’s research backs its future with a grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
What does Parkinson’s look like for Māori and Pasifika peoples, and how can we improve the quality of care for those aff...
24 Mar 2022
Partnership provides healthcare packages for Pacific students
Partnership provides healthcare packages for Pacific students
14 Mar 2022
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease “alarmingly” high
Chronic kidney disease is “alarmingly” more prevalent among Auckland’s Pacific population than previously thought, new U...
10 Mar 2022
Health Sciences supports drive for Tonga
Health Sciences supports drive for Tonga
24 Feb 2022
2022 Bulletin Board photo competition opens
The Otago Bulletin Board team is thrilled to announce the launch of our 10th annual photo competition, which opens for e...
22 Feb 2022
Otago staff team up to aid Tonga relief efforts
University of Otago staff have used their professional connections to help the recovery effort in Tonga
20 Dec 2021
‘Breakthrough’ Otago research confirms skin infections as a cause of rheumatic fever
University of Otago researchers have made a major breakthrough in further understanding acute rheumatic fever, showing t...
29 Nov 2021
Vanda Symon – juggling human drama, health research and tea trays
From community pharmacy to crime scene forensics, Dunedin author and University of Otago researcher Dr Vanda Symon’s car...
24 Nov 2021
Some cancer patients missing out on recommended nutrition advice
Many New Zealand cancer patients are not getting valuable nutrition support which can aid in prevention and recovery of...
01 Nov 2021
Serving in the Pacific
Faumuina Professor Fa’afetai Sopoaga, Director Va’a o Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health, Division of Health Sciences, c...
26 Oct 2021
University of Otago 20Twenties Young Alumni Awards announced
An inspirational group of 20 young Otago alumni have been recognised in this year’s 20Twenties Young Alumni Awards.
21 Oct 2021
NZ Scholarships students celebrate completion
When Myo Eindray Cho came to New Zealand she knew she was going to take back new skills to her home country of Myanmar.
20 Oct 2021
Dr Erik Wibowo, Dr George Wiggins and Dr Tim Chambers: recipients of Accelerator Grants
In August this year, 15 early and mid-career researchers received an Accelerator Grant from the Division of Health Scien...
18 Oct 2021
University of Otago signs MOU with the Pacific Community
The University of Otago has formally partnered with the Pacific Community.
14 Oct 2021
TB research will make ‘enormous global health impact’
University of Otago researchers are behind a major scientific breakthrough which could lead to elimination of the world’...
30 Sep 2021
Urgent need to tackle smoking rates in Pacific adults and youth
New Zealand needs to take urgent action to reduce smoking in Pacific adults and youth if the country is to achieve its g...
23 Sep 2021
Q and A: Olympic sailor Eroni Leilua
Otago alumnus Eroni Leilua has recently returned from the Olympic Games where he became the first Samoan to represent hi...
22 Sep 2021
Otago wins prestigious national teaching award
For the seventh time in 10 years, the University of Otago has won Aotearoa’s top tertiary teaching award.
01 Sep 2021
Lockdown “fear” and money worries saw patients miss vital medications – study
The swift move to electronic prescribing during the early months of the first COVID‑19 pandemic saw a number of general...
01 Sep 2021
A call for New Zealanders – reach out to protect the health of the elderly with the move to Level 3
A University of Otago geriatrician and researcher is calling on neighbours and extended family to reach out to support o...
20 Aug 2021
COVID-19 separates graduate from family for two years
Marou Tikataake came to New Zealand to arm herself with more knowledge to fight communicable disease back home in Kiriba...
11 Aug 2021
Très bien - award recognises contribution to French language and culture
Languages and Cultures French Programme Teaching Fellow Dr Christiane Leurquin has become the first Pacific person to re...
02 Aug 2021
Otago backing new Communicable Diseases Research Centre in Fiji
The University of Otago’s Global Health Institute and Dunedin’s Mercy Hospital are supporting the establishment of a new...
29 Jun 2021
29 June 2021, Study examines financial vulnerability of older New Zealanders
A new study out of the University of Otago has examined the financial vulnerability of older New Zealanders, with result...
08 Jun 2021
Progress in the Pacific on sugary drink taxes - research
Pacific nations are leading the way regionally with taxes on sugary drinks in a bid to battle obesity and related diseas...
04 Jun 2021
Transform your research into a vibrant commercial prospect with Otago Innovation
The University of Otago is strongly embracing the idea of commercialisation as a valuable way to increase research impac...
31 May 2021
NZ Scientists’ award for Wellington researcher
Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu, the Associate Dean (Pacific) at the University of Otago, Wellington, has won the New Zealand Ass...
26 May 2021
Continuing to serve New Zealand through its work in Samoa
Faumuina Professor Fa’afetai Sopoaga has been appointed to the role of NZ Health Adviser, Samoa with the New Zealand Min...
20 May 2021
Research grant engages Pasifika in climate change storytelling
Engaging Pasifika school students in conversations about climate change and supporting them to tell their own stories is...
19 May 2021
NZ Scholarship students journey at Otago nearing end
For the recipients of the New Zealand Scholarship studying, at Otago gives them the opportunity to return home and make...
07 May 2021
First for Pacific Islands-based doctor
Dr Vakaola Mafi has overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve a notable first.
08 Apr 2021
Otago ‘blessed’ with new Pacific Islands Centre Manager
New Pacific Islands Centre Manager Tagiilima Feleti wants students to see the Pacific Island Centre as a home away from...
01 Apr 2021
Physiotherapy student leading the way for Pacific Peoples
Leadership, learning and love: the story behind master's student and NZ's first Pasifika Clinical Leader of Physiotherap...
23 Mar 2021
Research group fostering early to mid-career research
A group of early to mid-career researchers within the Division of Health Sciences is helping to support their peers to a...
12 Mar 2021
Championing Pacific leadership at Otago
Dr Xaviour Walker is a perfect example of the change he wants to see.
04 Mar 2021
Appointment symbol of relationship with Auckland’s Pacific community
The University of Otago has established a new Pacific Community Engagement Manager role in Auckland.
24 Feb 2021
Tongan student realises dream to enter Clinical Psychology programme
Tongan postgraduate student Jordan Quensell is celebrating reaching his ambitious goal of entry into the competitive pos...
04 Feb 2021
South Auckland dental’s benefits already flowing before official opening
The University of Otago, Auckland Dental Facility officially opened on 4 February.
04 Feb 2021
Medical Student overcomes challenges on path to dream
With her eyes on the future and using her past experience to guide her, medical student Brenetta Pogi has big plans to m...
26 Jan 2021
COVID-19 focus for 25th annual Public Health Summer School
COVID-19 focus for 25th annual Public Health Summer School
19 Jan 2021
‘Huge achievement’ for Fellowship graduates
Doctors Koko Lwin and Teariki Puni are the latest graduates of the Cook Islands Fellowship in General Practice.
18 Jan 2021
Exceptional service recognised in New Year Honours
Exceptional service recognised in New Year Honours
11 Dec 2020
Largest cohort of Pacific medical students graduate from Otago
Iuliano (Jono) Tinielu always wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and become a doctor.
04 Dec 2020
Use of controversial restraints varies wildly across the Pacific – Otago-led study reveals
Despite being considered a form of torture, and policies to reduce or abolish it in place, the use of mechanical restrai...
03 Dec 2020
Travel Medicine in a time of COVID
Travel Medicine in a time of COVID
20 Nov 2020
Marsden grant success for three Humanities projects
Division of Humanities researchers Professor Claire Freeman (Geography), Dr Erica Newman (Te Tumu: School of Māori, Pac...
20 Nov 2020
Significantly worse outcomes after stroke for rural New Zealanders and Māori, research finds
New Zealanders who live outside the major urban centres are significantly more likely to experience adverse long-term he...
17 Nov 2020
New CoRE connects coastal communities of the Pacific
New Otago-led Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) Coastal People: Southern Skies (CPSS).
10 Nov 2020
Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding
Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding
10 Nov 2020
Research aims to break down barriers to accessing medicines
Professor Pauline Norris cannot sit quietly by and watch people struggle to access medicine in New Zealand.
06 Nov 2020
Otago researchers help detect worrying trends in childhood growth
University of Otago researchers have contributed to a new comprehensive global study which reveals concerning height and...
06 Nov 2020
New Zealand Scholarship students prepare for graduation
For many of the recipients of the New Zealand Scholarship studying at Otago has given them the opportunity to follow dre...
20 Oct 2020
Child Healthcare gets a major boost from Freemasons Fellowship
Receiving two Freemasons study awards on the same day was a real surprise for University of Otago Department of Paediatr...
12 Oct 2020
School zoning could increase adolescent exercise rates, Otago researcher
School zoning could increase adolescent exercise rates, Otago researcher finds
30 Sep 2020
Study identifies exercise as key to halting progress from diabetes to heart disease
An international study led by the University of Otago has revealed how exercise can reduce the chance of diabetes leadin...
15 Sep 2020
Funding success for Otago in 2020 Health Research Council grants
Funding success for Otago in 2020 Health Research Council grants
27 Aug 2020
Genetics student named Fulbright scholar
Genetics Masters student Anežka Hoskin has been named a Fulbright New Zealand scholar and will start her PhD in genetics...
24 Aug 2020
Otago researcher developing cooler tooth caps for Kiwi kids
Better dental care for Kiwi kids could be just around the corner, thanks to new technology being developed at the Univer...
06 Aug 2020
New book highlights Otago’s Health Sciences research impacts
New book highlights Otago’s Health Sciences research impacts
30 Jun 2020
New chapter for Healthy Homes as Otago scientists secure more than $26m in HRC funding
New chapter for Healthy Homes as Otago scientists secure more than $26m in HRC funding
30 Jun 2020
Otago scientists secure more than $26m for health research
Otago scientists secure more than $26m for health research
30 Jun 2020
Fragile but beautiful: Otago academic’s COVID-19 bubble concept
Fragile but beautiful: Otago academic’s COVID-19 bubble concept
28 Jun 2020
University of Otago Pacific Peoples' Achievement Awards announced
University of Otago Pacific Peoples' Achievement Awards announced
26 Jun 2020
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@Otago 23 - Read about Fiji's COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT), which includes four Otago alumni and represents F...
12 Jun 2020
Later bedtimes fine for pre-schoolers if they get enough sleep
Parents of pre-schoolers can take reassurance from new Otago research which shows early bedtimes aren’t vital for health...
12 Jun 2020
BMI an inconsistent measure of obesity for Māori and Pacific people
BMI (Body Mass Index) is likely to be an inconsistent measure of obesity in Māori and Pacific patients, new University o...
29 May 2020
Protecting young people from smoking uptake as the tobacco industry targets a new generation
The tobacco industry is targeting a new generation of smokers with sophisticated marketing designed to associate smoking...
28 May 2020
Otago and ESR collaboration gets funding to track COVID-19 spread and evolution in NZ
A collaboration between Otago and ESR has received a substantial government grant to lead an international team of scien...
25 May 2020
New insights into vaping uptake among Māori and Pacific peoples
New insights into vaping uptake among Māori and Pacific peoples
13 May 2020
Christchurch researchers asking parents what information they need about COVID-19 and children’s health.
University of Otago, Christchurch researchers and paediatricians are launching an urgent study to understand what inform...
11 May 2020
COVID-19 catalyst for significant change in general practice: Otago experts
COVID-19 may well be the catalyst for significant change in how general practice operates in New Zealand in future, acco...
28 Apr 2020
COVID-19 vaccine likely 12 to 18 months away Otago expert claims
COVID-19 vaccine likely 12 to 18 months away Otago expert claims