About Me:
I grew up on a farm in New Zealand and, like many local farm kids, spent my secondary school years at boarding school. It was here that I became interested in food and nutrition - a curiosity that has stayed with me ever since.
I went on to study nutrition and dietetics. After a short stint working in hospitals, I ended up in the food industry. I wanted to help food companies produce healthier foods and have a positive impact on public health. Over time, however, I noticed the tension between the demands placed on food businesses to grow and consumers’ reliance on this sector for nourishment and health. From what I could see, one of the most common ways to create value from food often involves compromising its inherent health and nutritional qualities. This paradox, plus a desire to understand behaviour, is what led me to pursue this PhD. One day, I hope to find a solution.
In my spare time, I enjoy walking, running, or biking in Christchurch’s Port Hills, going to the movies or the theatre, or spending time with family and friends. Being in nature energises me and gives my brain space to make sense of my research. Unsurprisingly, food is another passion, and when travelling, I love to try local foods and learn about what other cultures eat and why.
Research Interests:
Impact of marketing on food consumption, human health and sustainable food systems
Education:
PhD (Marketing), (2025), University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Nutrition, (2020), The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston, United States
Master of Business Administration (Strategy), (2014), University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (Marketing), (2005), Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Bachelor of Consumer and Applied Science (Human Nutrition), (1992), Dunedin, New Zealand
Supervisors:
Senior Supervisor: Joya Kemper
Co-Supervisor: Ekant Veer
Publications:
Hales, J., Kemper, J., White, S. K., & Veer, E. (2024). Reflections on food policy in the context of healthy and sustainable diets. Food Policy, 128, 102708.
Conference Presentations:
Hales, J., Kemper, J. A., Veer, E., & White, S. K. (2025, June). Heroes and villains: investigating the narratives of plant-based meat alternative brands [Conference paper]. International Food Marketing Research Symposium, Athens, Greece.
Hales, J., Kemper, J. A., Veer, E., & White, S. K. (2024, July). Half-truths and future promises: how are narratives being used to shape what we eat? [Conference paper]. UC Business School Postgraduate Students Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hales, J. (2024, July). Alternative proteins: connecting the dots to sustainable diets and food systems [Conference paper]. New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Hales, J., Kemper, J. A., Veer, E., & White, S. K. (2024, April). To what extent do food policies in Aotearoa New Zealand support the transition to healthy, sustainable diets? [Symposium paper]. UC Business School Ecosystems Symposium, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hales, J. (2023, September). Nutrition: the missing link in Aotearoa New Zealand food policies [Conference paper]. Dietitians New Zealand Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
Awards and Honours:
Aho Hīnātore Accelerator Scholarship
Other:
New Zealand Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Member of the New Zealand Nutrition Society
Member of the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology
Why did you choose UC?
I was fortunate to be awarded a Scholarship that included a 3-month research project before starting the full PhD programme. This experience gave me a glimpse into PhD life, but best of all, gave me the chance to get to know my prospective supervisors, and they me. Having an incredibly talented supervisory team that works well together and keeps things straightforward has been invaluable, and I am very grateful for the support I get. It makes for what, at times, is a challenging journey, enjoyable.
Best things about study at UC:
I love the sense of community at the UC Business School, as well as the vibrancy of the whole UC campus. PhD students are made to feel part of the department and are given plenty of opportunities to get involved. I love hearing about the research that others are doing (from both UC and visiting academics) and the sharing of ideas. It’s very intellectually stimulating.
