Health news

Study with data from nearly a million young people reveals link between environmental factors and youth mental health.

New Zealanders are back in their bubbles after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a three day alert level 4 lockdown for the entire country, and a seven day period for Auckland, following the confirmation of a community case — most likely infected with the Delta variant.

Wanting people to live healthier and happier lives is a big motivation for public health researcher Dr Matt Hobbs, who has been recognised for outstanding work in his field.

Designing a redress system for survivors of abuse in care is of utmost importance to achieve healing, new co-chair says.

The University of Canterbury (UC) has created a new doctoral degree specifically designed to suit working professionals with a background in health.

In a new article on The Conversation, UC's Professor Michael Plank writes that vaccinating young people is key to ensuring our community is protected from Covid-19.

UC's Professor Michael Plank, UoA's Professor Shaun Hendy and UoA's Nicholas Steyn argue that Aotearoa New Zealand needs to reach population immunity before any blanket border reopening. Find out more in their new article on The Conversation.

With the trans-Tasman travel bubble burst, now is the time to upgrade our Covid response against the threat of a Delta variant outbreak. Read more from University of Canterbury's Dr Matt Hobbs in a new article on The Conversation.

A culture of complacency, new variants and vulnerability at the border - we are more susceptible to a Covid-19 outbreak than ever before. Less than an hour after Wellington's precautionary move to alert level 2, University of Canterbury academics Matthew Hobbs, Malcolm Campbell and University of Otago's Lesley Gray published an article to The Conversation, explaining the current risks to our community.

#Philanthropy@UC A world-leading University of Canterbury (UC) trial aims to tackle collisions in junior rugby and collision-related injuries on the rugby field.

Noticing inequalities in access to dental care, oral health therapist, Joanne Lee was inspired to complete her Masters.

You don’t have to be an expert in sexuality education to help your young person make sense of relationships and sex, says University of Canterbury’s (UC) Health Sciences lecturer Tracy Clelland.

Since founding natural healthcare company Artemis in 1998, Sandra Clair has played a key role in advocating for plant-based medicines to be recognised and regulated in New Zealand.

Canterbury tertiary students have come up with innovative ideas to reimagine New Zealand’s healthcare system.

Congratulations to the six UC Health Sciences students who joined 15 other enthusiastic final-year health students and took part in the Future Leaders Programme recently! Four Masters of Health Science Professional Practice (Nursing) students and two Bachelor of Health Science students (majoring in Public Health and Policy) proudly represented the university.

Rainbow community members in Aotearoa could soon be able to jump online to find doctors who are friendly and well-informed when it comes to meeting their health needs.

People living with endometriosis may soon be able to use natural products to manage symptoms, thanks to a University of Canterbury (UC) student.

A new online platform aims to bridge the gaps in sexuality education for young New Zealanders.

Our ability to connect and communicate helps us to thrive and contribute to society in meaningful ways. What can parents do today to ensure a bright future for our tamariki in a fast-changing digital world?

What are the biggest influences on youth mental health and how does experiencing climate change-related events, such as floods and bushfires, affect young people?

He’s been a literal ‘posterboy’ for the University of Canterbury (UC), Les Mills, ChristchurchNZ, All Right? and Covid-19 vaccination campaigns – now UC doctoral student Suli Tuitaupe’s passion for wellbeing and health equity has earned him a research fellowship to improve health outcomes for Pacific people.

The University of Canterbury is bringing an innovative sexuality education theatre show to the campus, giving educators and parents an insight into the cutting edge of how teenagers are being better helped to navigate relationships and sexuality.

In an article on The Conversation, University of Canterbury Professor Michael Plank and University of Auckland Professor Shaun Hendy take a look on the latest Covid-19 community case numbers and the related R number, and explain what it takes to move Auckland down to Alert Level 3.

In a new article on The Conversation, UC's Professor Michael Plank, UoA's Professor Shaun Hendy, Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles and Manaaki Whenua researcher Rachelle Binny explain we must stay the course to ensure we can eliminate the Covid-19 outbreak.

The government has announced sweeping changes to the health system. University of Canterbury public health expert, epidemiologist Associate Professor Arindam Basu comments on this major shake-up.

In a new article on The Conversation, UC's Associate Professor Arindam Basu examines how Aotearoa New Zealand has so far avoided a Covid-19 community outbreak.

#IWD #BreakTheBias Seeing people get better is the main driver in University of Canterbury Professor of Clinical Psychology Julia Rucklidge’s pursuit to change the treatment of mental illness.

Each month, at least 500 University of Canterbury (UC) students and staff visit Te Rua Makerspace in the central library, where Kairuruku Wāhi-auaha | Engagement and Learning Librarian Jessica Saul enthusiastically caters to different interests, skill levels, and needs.

The University of Canterbury (UC) celebrates 20 years of the Child and Family Psychology programme today. The sought-after qualification trains psychologists specifically to work with children, adolescents and families, and remains unique in Aotearoa.

Leading professor and Walking Summit presenter Professor Simon Kingham says we need to change the way our streets function if we’re going to look after our health and the health of our planet.

A new, more efficient way of testing illicit drugs could protect people’s safety and reduce the $1.8 billion cost of drug-related harm in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Senior Lecturer in Public Dr Health Matthew Hobbs discusses the consequences children might face after missing important immunisations together with colleagues from the University of Auckland on The Conversation.

Inspiring experts and business leaders, including former Director-General of Health Sir Ashley Bloomfield, are sharing their knowledge in a new series of video interviews.

The UC team beat 17 opponent universities on the Gold Coast to win the Oceania Qualifiers and earn a spot at the FISU World University Cup in China in November.

University of Canterbury's Dr Matt Hobbs and Dr Lukas Marek ask how the country's health system will cope with the predicted surge in seasonal viruses on The Conversation.

Higher levels of screen time in early childhood have been linked to poorer developmental outcomes for Kiwi kids.

A University of Canterbury (UC) student has identified worrying social media trends, impacting weight perception among young people in our Pacific communities.

UC continues to produce top quality research despite challenges resulting from the Canterbury earthquakes.

In an article on The Conversation UC Professor Michael Plank and Professor Shaun Hendy from the University of Auckland assess the risks that come with moving Auckland to Alert Level 3 and describe the potential worst case scenario, comparing it to the outbreaks in Australia.

UC's Dr Kaaren Mathias writes about the lack of investment in India's public sector, which has led to an unaffordable, failing healthcare system, in a new article on The Conversation.

Ōtautahi’s food sustainability organisations, researchers and the public will gather to share kai, ideas and resources for a Community Feast on 28 April.

What does it mean to be a Māori or Polynesian male in Aotearoa New Zealand today? How is that shaped?

When imagining the stereotypical surfer, skateboarder or snowboarder, we likely picture a young, fit, reckless male.

A new, world-first study has used imaging technology to reveal the largest differences yet discovered in the structures of male and female brains.

Dr Kaaren Mathias coordinated an international team studying the value of community mental health assets in Ghana, India, Occupied Palestine and South Africa.

Children who move into more deprived neighbourhoods are more likely to experience mental health issues as teenagers, according to Canterbury research.

‘Food for Thought’ is a five-day series of 15-minute talks in the city, bringing the university’s thought leaders to the public, so people can feed their minds while filling their tummies.

A collaborative partnership between Canterbury’s health and education sectors, Manawa brings together the University of Canterbury’s health research, Ara’s nursing, midwifery and medical imaging programmes and Canterbury District Health Board’s professional development training in one state-of-the-art facility.

Adapting new data technologies may lead to fairer food prices for consumers and producers, by increasing transparency.

Raising awareness about an important issue that affects women has earned an award for an enthusiastic group of University of Canterbury colleagues.

In a new article on The Conversation, University of Canterbury's Associate Professor Jeremy Clark and Professor Jedrzej Bialkowski look at how regulators must get the balance right between encouraging new drug creation and safeguarding public health.

Young female rugby players will join a world-leading trial to find out whether headgear can help prevent collision-related injuries on the field.

Five University of Canterbury academics have won grants of over $100,000 each towards their research, with topics including cancer treatments, stuttering in children, and the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.

Anyone who’s experienced a sharp swab up the nose and a tense, isolated wait for results will surely be interested in a pain-free COVID test with a speedy result delivered in minutes, not days.

What do a mathematician, a chemist, an epidemiologist and a law expert have in common? These University of Canterbury academics are all involved in vital aspects of the global fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

A national research team, including several University of Canterbury (UC) researchers, has won the Prime Minister’s Science Prize 2020 for their mathematical simulation of Covid-19 infection modelling and their communication work.

University of Canterbury Professor Michael Plank, who has co-led essential Covid-19 modelling work in New Zealand, has won an Australasian award for outstanding research, expertise and distinguished service in the field of Applied Mathematics.

Autistic people need to be actively involved in future research and don’t want it to focus on a cure or behaviour management.

A group of New Zealand academics, including University of Canterbury's Professor Michael Plank and PhD student Giorgia Vattiato, explain why this might be the most serious moment in the Covid-19 pandemic this year.

Looking back over the first two years of the country’s pandemic path, how do University of Canterbury experts sum it up – and what do they want to see next?

A University of Canterbury-led research team is determined to create more accessible pipelines of support for autistic Kiwi kids and their caregivers.

We can all help to take the pressure off Aotearoa New Zealand’s overloaded mental health system by upskilling and optimising our own wellbeing, psychology Professor Julia Rucklidge says.

Students at the University of Canterbury are getting valuable, real-life experience working for one of the country’s leading rugby teams, the Crusaders.

A new field trial investigating whether headgear can help prevent collision-related injuries in junior rugby players will kick off next year amid growing concern about health and safety in the sport.

Higher density neighbourhoods can help create vibrancy and lead to benefits for the environment and public health, argues a University of Canterbury academic.

Senior Lecturer in Public Health Dr Matt Hobbs outlines the case for both changing the appeals process and restricting alcohol sponsorship of broadcast sports, in a collaborative article on The Conversation.

A study led by a University of Canterbury geospatial and population health expert has uncovered gaps in nationwide data that tracks maternal immunisation rates.

A newly published UC study may help town planners and policymakers design better services for their communities.

New toxicology study finds minimal risk of PFOS-linked cancer for Māori eating eel fished from the Oaonui Stream in Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand.

A new article on The Conversation from Adjunct Professor Paul Schofield and UC Fellow Vanesa De Pietri sheds light on the 200 year old mystery surrounding where the first kiwi specimen was collected, and the repercussions this could have for kiwi conservation.

Dr Jonathan Tonkin has won the 2022 Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Maea, Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize, it was announced last night.

In a new article on The Conversation, UC's Associate Professor Bernard Walker says the government may have to intervene if the Canterbury vaccination programme continues to fall behind.

University of Canterbury (UC) Mathematicians Associate Professor Alex James and Professor Michael Plank (pictured), and UC BSc Hons graduate Nic Steyn are part of a research team that has been working on building SEIR-type models for Covid-19 for several weeks; one of several groups providing statistical modelling of Covid-19 for the government.

Children’s University Canterbury Partnership (CUCP) is adapting to these constrained times by offering members a range of fun learning activities via their new Online Portal.

On 16 March the Ministry of Health advised that gatherings of 500 or more people should be cancelled to help limit the potential spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand.

How does today’s education system prepare young people for a world that is rapidly changing in ways we may not yet fully comprehend? From COVID-19’s community implications to climate change to technology-driven disruption to work, modern challenges have global and local consequences, and solving them requires collaboration and new models of leadership.

It’s something we often take for granted – the ability to drink a glass of water or enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) students put their theory into practice when passing on valuable wellbeing knowledge to over 100 Ilam School students this week.

What if we’re looking for solutions to mental health problems in some of the wrong places? What if we changed what we eat and how we feed our brains?

Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) student could help identify eye problems and 50 other diseases, including diabetes and cancer.

The grants will fund research into crisis health messaging, wearable ultrasonic devices, Parkinson’s disease biomarkers, and mutations in myeloid leukaemia.

The University of Canterbury is Raising the Bar, with 20 talks in 10 bars on 1 night in Christchurch, Lyttelton and Lincoln on topics that matter.

Heart attacks and strokes should not happen according to a University of Canterbury scientist, whose research into these diseases has won a $155,000 grant.

A new research project will explore whether children’s use of digital devices influences their behaviour growing up. 

The Health Research Council has announced five recipients from the University of Canterbury who have been awarded grants for their research.

UC students joined an early morning dance party as part of UC’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) awareness month.

Psychology students who signed up to a new wellbeing course at UC might not have expected to be stepping into ice baths.

Groundbreaking research suggests cannabis use during pregnancy is directly linked to negative impacts on babies’ brain development.

A team of UC students are in Japan for the global Heart Hackathon, a competition to build a fully operational artificial heart.

UC students are returning to Tonga to train locals in biomedical skills, building self-sufficient healthcare solutions.

An innovative UC-led study explores how tailored strength programmes improve bowling speed and performance for young pace bowlers in Canterbury.

About one in five young New Zealanders experience serious mental health problems and the rates are even higher for Māori and Pacific rangatahi.*

The first Autism Research Centre in Aotearoa launches at UC, uniting researchers and autistic voices to shape research and improve lives nationwide.

Breaking down barriers to equitable healthcare using technology and innovation has become the mission of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) engineering researchers.

For 10 weeks this summer, seven University of Canterbury (UC) students are going to be repairing life-saving medical equipment and engineering biomedical solutions in Tongan hospitals.

The HealthTech Supernode Challenge, delivered by UCE and the Ministry of Awesome with support from ChristchurchNZ, KiwiNet, and Ryman Healthcare aims to position Christchurch as NZ’s centre of health innovation.

Research from the University of Canterbury (UC) GeoHealth Laboratory shows that children in our most deprived areas benefit from better dental health if water is fluoridated.

UC health lecturer and Chair of the College of Emergency Nurses New Zealand, Sandy Richardson, is warning that we cannot get complacent about Covid-19. Richardson told TVNZ’s Breakfast programme that emergency nurses are worried about a second wave and that New Zealanders are no longer practising Covid-19 measures such as social distancing and washing their hands regularly.

The HealthTech Supernode Challenge, delivered by UCE and the Ministry of Awesome with support from ChristchurchNZ, KiwiNet, and Ryman Healthcare aims to position Christchurch as NZ’s centre of health innovation.

University students in New Zealand would be more likely to quit smoking if the price of cigarettes increases, a University of Canterbury (UC) study suggests.

The death of a respected psychiatrist in Seoul motivated UC postdoctoral fellow Dr Sungchul Jung to improve the safety of psychiatry appointments by bringing them into the virtual world.

UC Professor Michael Plank discusses NZ's COVID-19 contact tracing system, potential travel bubbles and pre-departure quarantines with RNZ.

Pioneering a new model of community transformation to create a more environmentally sustainable, prosperous and inclusive region, the Waikato Wellbeing project is coming to the first online hui of the2020 – 2021 Aotearoa New Zealand Sustainable Development Goals Summit Series on 19 November.

University of Canterbury Professor Maggie-Lee Huckabee has been presented the MacDiarmid Medal by Royal Society Te Apārangi for sustained excellence in translational research to improve outcomes for individuals with swallowing impairment.

Isolating and recovering from Covid-19 at home is extremely difficult without heating and ventilation. University of Canterbury students isolating at home due to Covid-19 can keep warmer for longer, thanks to a new grant helping pay power bills during the winter months.

#Philanthropy@UC Successfully beating breast cancer can be a challenging journey, yet methods of treatment can lead to another condition called lymphoedema. Former lymphoedema sufferer, Karen Koed, has generously supported research that has successfully treated women with lymphoedema, helping them to move forward successfully with life.

This year, University of Canterbury (UC) staff volunteers made welfare calls, distributed care packs and delivered groceries to students isolating with Covid-19 in a project that was recognised with one of UC’s new values award this week.

University of Canterbury experts are playing a key role in a new research collaboration to improve outcomes for the region’s youngest and most vulnerable.

A new Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) study has found the average delay from symptom onset to confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis is more than eight years in Aotearoa New Zealand.

A University of Canterbury (UC)-led project aims to reduce type 2 diabetes in local Pacific communities by bringing people together to grow vegetable gardens at home.

University of Canterbury Professor Michael Plank says at least half of New Zealanders have been infected with Covid-19, while those who haven't are a "significant minority".

In his Tauhere UC Connect public lecture on Wednesday 10 August, University of Canterbury Professor Jack Heinemann will explain how we created antibiotic-resistant bacteria and how we can help stop them.

Part of 150th – and 140th – anniversary celebration events, University of Canterbury Rugby Club’s day of games against Lincoln University were all won by UC.

Predictions of a balmy El Niño summer in Aotearoa have sparked a warning about vigilance in the water to avoid drownings reaching another unwanted high.

UC has opened a new purpose-built hall of residence that supports student wellbeing, belonging and a smooth transition to university life.

A ground-breaking new study exploring perceptions of Muslim Kiwis is being led by a former refugee turned research scientist.

For many of us, achieving something we’ve been told we can’t do is satisfaction enough. Kenny Ardouin was inspired to build a career around it.

A flexible, 3D-printed device that could help physiotherapy patients exercise more effectively is being refined and tested at the University of Canterbury.

New research using digital imaging could transform the field of cancer diagnosis in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Canterbury researchers at UC’s HIT Lab NZ are exploring how virtual reality could be used as a tool during remote medical assessments.

Increased opioid and other drug use in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world is affecting children’s readiness for learning when they start school, according to a new five-year study by a leading child development expert at the University of Canterbury (UC).

Students are vaping more since nicotine-containing e-cigarettes became legal in New Zealand in 2018, a research team led by University of Canterbury Health Sciences Adjunct Fellow Dr Ben Wamamili has found.

The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre has appointed its first Professor, Dr Shaun Ogilvie, Te Arawa (Ngāti Whakahemo), Ngāti Awa (Ngāti Pūkeko) and Pākehā, as Professor of Ecology and the Environment, a co-appointment with the College of Science, at the University of Canterbury.

Canterbury researchers are exploring how web-based support could benefit children on the autism spectrum and their families as demand for services grows.

Two internationally renowned academics at the University of Canterbury have been named as finalists in the Westpac Women of Influence Awards 2021, recognising women making a difference in the work they do, and paving the way for others to follow.

One in four children on the autism spectrum in Aotearoa New Zealand are given melatonin to help them sleep, a new University of Canterbury (UC) study has found.

New research led by the University of Canterbury (UC) takes a closer look at Aotearoa New Zealand’s COVID-19 response to determine whether our one-size-fits-all ‘lockdown’ policy is fit for purpose.

Assessing the threat of invasive species is an important tool to reducing carbon emissions, as researchers from the University of Canterbury, the University of Queensland and University of Canberra explain on The Conversation.

University of Canterbury researchers are leading innovative studies to research and improve child health in Aotearoa New Zealand.

University of Canterbury (UC) researchers are tackling the knock-on effects of playing rugby by engineering a better way to protect young players’ brains from concussion.

New relationships and sexuality education (RSE) guidelines are out – and teachers and leaders are getting support to bring the guidelines to life in their schools.

Her first encounter with biomechanics was training humanoid robots to perform human-like motion – and since then Nina Pernus hasn’t looked back. The University of Canterbury (UC) Biomechanics in Sports Coaching teaching assistant, and Bioengineering PhD student, now wants to show young people - and especially young women - the many opportunities available in the multidisciplinary field of biomechanics.

From quality sleep to developing language, experts will share their expertise on many aspects of child well-being at a symposium at the University of Canterbury (UC) this week.

University of Canterbury mathematical modeller Professor Michael Plank looks at what the Government’s upcoming Budget announcement may mean for future pandemic response.

Making sure translations of healthcare information make sense to linguistically diverse audiences has become more important than ever during Covid-19 outbreaks.

A therapeutic prevention service for adults sexually attracted to children

University of Canterbury-led research has shown teachers experience significant barriers teaching Relationship and Sexuality Education, including lack of time and the subject not being prioritised in New Zealand schools.

In a new article on The Conversation, Dr Kaaren Mathias says that while mental health apps are increasingly popular, human connection is still key.

A New Zealand study using GPS devices to follow teenagers has found that those who spend more of their spare time in “healthy” areas are more likely to be physically active.

A novel statistical modelling method has enabled a Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) researcher to help identify areas across the globe most in need of aid and infrastructure.

In an article on The Conversation, University of Canterbury Associate Professor Arindam Basu says we need a One Health approach to predict future outbreaks and pandemics.

From volcanic hazards to student engagement in performing arts, the UC’s fast-paced Research Student Showcase highlighted a range of outstanding research topics.

Exploring the link between our environment and Māori health has become a driving force for University of Canterbury graduate Sophie Thrupp (Ngāti Tūwharetoa).

A UC-led public health study with city-wide participation generated a mountain of raw data, and researchers turned to machine learning to analyse it all.

A kaupapa Māori research approach has brought together Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua and mountaineers to help address the human waste issue at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. 

A New Zealand-developed structured literacy programme is delivering outstanding results for Kiwi children, new research by the University Of Canterbury shows.

New University of Canterbury research has found vape stores are proliferating in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most deprived communities – with many also located near schools. 

Associate Professor Cathy Andrew from UC’s Faculty of Health discusses a new programme that aims to help address health workforce issues.

12 UC Sport Coaching students benefited from hands-on, real-world experience and learning from some of New Zealand’s best in sports management and coaching.

Have a go at entering one or more of our three Essay Prizes and get yourself some extra cash!

Are you thinking of Postgraduate study in 2025? We have a number of Postgraduate Scholarships closing mainly between 15 October and 2 December for study in 2025.

Innovative UC research aiming to remove megatonnes of carbon from the atmosphere each year has received a $10 million grant from the Government. 

A Christchurch programme is getting Pacific children excited about healthy eating by helping them and their families grow fresh food in community gardens.

From working as a nurse to leading the Health faculty of a large university, Associate Professor Cathy Andrew has always been committed to helping people thrive.

Congratulations to all Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury alumni who have been recognised in the New Year Honours List for 2025.

Since 2023, the University of Canterbury (UC) and the Crusaders have run a four-week programme to help eight young rugby players balance university study with high-performance sport.

In a new partnership with Boccia NZ, University of Canterbury students are championing accessibility, fostering community spirit and improving athletic skills.

A new Postgraduate Diploma in Associate Psychology will be developed at UC to help address mental health workforce shortages in New Zealand.