Public Health

Project

This qualitative study will explore the experiences of multilingual and multicultural interviewers involved in the IDEA (Impact of Dementia mate wareware and Equity in Aotearoa) programme. The IDEA project involves doorknocking and conducting 10/66 dementia assessments with older adults in community settings, with a particular focus on the Pakeha, Chinese and Indian/Fijian Indian communities.

The role

Interviewers often play a fundamental role in community engagement, recruitment, data collection, and navigating cultural dynamics. The student will conduct semi-structured interviews with IDEA interviewers who have been involved in doorknocking and data collection. The focus will be on understanding the facilitators and challenges they encountered during doorknocking, conducting interviews, and engaging with older adults and their family and friends.

The student will be responsible for developing an interview guide, conducting interviews, and performing analysis. They will also contribute to writing a short report.

This project offers a great opportunity to become familiar with qualitative research methods, dementia and equity research within a large-scale public health initiative.

Ideal student
Preferably, candidates should have some experience in conducting interviews and a passion for older people research.

Project

Food environments (including availability, acceptability, affordability, and promotion of foods) are a major determinant of dietary behaviours and population nutrition. When communities are inundated with unhealthy food options, it is harder to maintain healthy eating habits.

The availability of healthy vs unhealthy food options is not equitable in communities across NZ. Fast-food and takeaway outlets are 73% more available in most vs. least deprived neighbourhoods. The density of unhealthy food outlets (fast-food, takeaway and convenience stores) is higher around low-decile (most deprived) schools, compared to high-decile (least deprived) schools. These unhealthy food environments may therefore exacerbate existing health inequities.

Communities need to have a say in what their food environment should look like, including what new food and beverage outlets can come in. Yet, there is currently no provision in Council policies for citizens to stop the incursion of food and beverage businesses they believe will bring harm to the community.

The role

This project will explore the policy changes needed at local and national levels in NZ to address this important gap. The research will directly inform ongoing advocacy efforts to improve the healthiness of food environments across NZ.

Ideal student

This project will suit a student who is interested in health policy, law, and the commercial determinants of health.

Required skills

Literature reviewing

Report writing

Project

Systemic and Systematic issues and their impact on achieving better health outcomes are often under-explored. This literature review is an opportunity to explore the connection between health care policy and the legal system to identify the enablers and facilitators of achieving better and just health outcomes for Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

Ideal student

Confidence with using both insider/outsider analytical lenses

Familiarity with Pacific health care model concepts

Ability to think outside the box

Passion to explore health care issues for Pacific population from a holistic approach.

Project

This scoping review will explore and compare Samoan young peoples’ understanding of mental health and their engagement with mental health services in New Zealand and Samoa. We will also examine how various contributing factors to knowledge and service access influence mental health outcomes for these young people.

Ideal student

Confidence with using both insider/outsider analytical lenses

Familiarity with Pacific health care model concepts

Ability to think outside the box

Passion to explore health care issues for Pacific population from a holistic approach.

Project

Audiologists regularly encounter patients with tinnitus associated with psychological comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Despite this overlap, the referral process from audiology to psychological services is not well defined.

The role

This literature review will examine the existing evidence on audiology referrals to psychology, with a focus on identifying common referral practices, clinical tools, perceived barriers, and outcomes of interdisciplinary collaboration. A scoping review methodology will be used to systematically map the breadth and depth of available literature across peer-reviewed and grey literature sources.

Ideal student

The student should have good organisation skills and be familiar with common databases for searching for literature.

Project

Refractive error is the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in all countries among children and adult populations. Effective refractive error coverage (eREC) has been considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the indicators to monitor eye health service coverage. Effective refractive error coverage (eREC) is defined as the proportion of people in need of refractive error services who have received the services (e.g. spectacles, contact lenses) and have a good outcome.

The role

New Zealand has no data regarding the eREC. Routinely collected data could be an important source to generate population-based estimates of effective service coverage to close the evidence gap in the high-income countries.

In this project, we aim to identify potential strategies to strengthen the routinely collected data to improve children’s eye health in Aotearoa New Zealand. Data collection will be carried out in three phases: 1) Desk review, 2) Secondary data review and analysis, and 3) Key Informant Interviews. The summer student will work on the last phase of the project, particularly in interview data coding, analysis and report writing.

Project

This research project explores the potential of Generative AI (GenAI), specifically Microsoft Copilot, to assist in the peer review process within academic publishing.

The role

The student will implement a structured methodology to evaluate how effectively GenAI can perform peer reviews compared to traditional human reviewers. This includes selecting a set of academic articles, crafting precise prompts to guide Copilot in generating peer reviews, and collecting corresponding human peer reviews for comparison. The student will analyse the quality, depth, and relevance of the AI-generated feedback against human evaluations using qualitative and quantitative metrics.

Skills gained

Through this project, the student will gain valuable skills in prompt engineering, critical analysis, comparative evaluation, and academic writing. They will also develop a deeper understanding of the editorial and peer review process, ethical considerations in AI-assisted research, and the evolving role of AI in scholarly communication.

We ultimately plan on publishing the findings of this work which will results in authorship for the student involved.

Project

Children consume a major amount of their total energy intake whilst at school, thus making the content of school lunchboxes and snacks an important target for nutrition promotion efforts. Supermarkets often promote these types of foods during the ‘Back to school’ period, but little is known about the nutrition content or the packaging of the foods included in these promotions.

The role

We will examine the types, healthiness, and packaging of foods that are promoted by supermarkets as ‘Back to school’ products.

Catalogues and online promotions for several supermarket chains have been collected. Based on the data extracted from the ‘Back to school’ promotions, the student will identify items promoted specifically as ‘Back to school’, code these items according to the type of food (eg fruits, dairy), type of packaging, Health Star Rating, unit price, and level of processing (NOVA classification). The analysis is mainly descriptive but further comparison between supermarkets chains, North vs South Island can be done.

Ideal student

We are seeking a student who is interested in childhood nutrition, feels confident using Excel, has attention to detail, and has a keen interest in research.

Skills gained

The student will improve their academic writing skills by contributing to an academic publication.

Project

Intake24 is an online 24-hour dietary recall tool that helps people recall what they ate over the past 24 hours. This tool was originally created in the UK and has now been adapted for use in New Zealand. Given these modifications and the tool’s use in a new context, it was important to test how well the tool works and how user-friendly it is.

The usability study involved:

1) Participants completed a single 24-hour dietary recall using Intake24-NZ while their screens were recorded on Zoom.

2) They filled out an online feedback survey.

All data has been collected, and observation notes have been taken for each of the screen recordings (45 participants).

The role

The student will analyse both qualitative and quantitative data to identify any usability issues that the participants may have experienced while completing Intake24 (e.g., technical glitches, not finding their foods) and summarise the findings. Understanding what and why these user issues occur is important to further improve the tool. Intake24 will be used in future nutrition-related research and a National Nutrition Survey.

Ideal student

We are seeking a student who is interested in food and new technologies, feels confident or is willing to learn about qualitative analysis, and has a keen interest for research.

They will improve their academic writing skills by contributing to an academic publication on the findings of the usability testing.

Previous usability study paper: https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e63823/

Project

Outdoor gyms in public spaces are potentially equitable resources for promoting physical activity and enhancing social connectedness. If properly designed they could be particularly valuable for older people and age-friendly and dementia-friendly communities. Design considerations might include shade, variety of equipment, seating, and non-slippery and wide paths for walking. Supported exercise programmes appear to be particularly beneficial.

The role

Currently few communities across Auckland have outdoor gyms.
In this project we will explore the availability, accessibility, quality, and experiences of using outdoor gyms across Auckland with a focus on older users. The project will include a literature review, mapping and assessment of available gyms, and ethnographic work including observation of use of and interactions in outdoor gyms and surveys or short interviews.

We are interested in what makes outdoor gyms effective and attractive from the perspective of older people, and the benefits and drawbacks to providing and using outdoor gyms in Auckland.

Ideal student

This project would suit a student who is interested in qualitative research and ageing in people of different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Candidates student should have a good understanding of equity and determinants of health, and an ability to travel to and spend time observing around outdoor gyms.

Project

The first report of Staphylococcus aureus with intermediate-level resistance to vancomycin (VISA) was from Japan in 1997, raising the threat of incurable staphylococcal infections. The majority of these strains appear to have evolved from methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains previously infecting the patient. Since then, a number of cases have been reported worldwide. In Australia, hVISA represents approximately 9 to 13% of all methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bloodstream isolates.

Socioeconomic deprivation and Māori or Pacific ethnicity are positively correlated with MRSA infection New Zealand which underlies the importance of understanding the rates of hVISA in Aotearoa which is yet to be understood.

The role

This study will be located in the Whangarei hospital microbiology lab using a broth dilution series to test MRSA samples to establish the burden of hVISA in Te Tai Tokerau.

Skills gained

Supported by the Whangarei hospital clinical microbiologist, the successful student will have an opportunity to work in a laboratory setting and contribute to clinically meaningful research outcomes.

Project

Oxygen is an essential medicine with no substitute. The Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security estimates 373 million people annually require medical oxygen, 82% being in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), but 70% do not receive it. The World Health Organization added oxygen to its essential medicines list for the first time in 2017.

The role

The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which LMICs have included oxygen in their national essential medicines lists, and to identify regional patterns and gaps in progress. It will involve a rapid review of published national essential medicines lists, alongside contacting Ministries of health or relevent agencies in countries to request access to national essential medicines list. Findings will contribute to global advocacy efforts to improve oxygen access in LMICs.

Skills gained and skills required
This project will provide an opportunity for a student interested in global child health to develop independent research skills, including:

• Rapid review
• Data collection and analysis
• Presentation of results and communication of research findings

Skills required are enthusiasm and initiative, an ability to communicate, and independence, combined with a genuine interest in research and a demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

Project

This qualitative study will explore what clinicians (e.g. psychologists, school counsellors, GPs) and educators (e.g. health teachers, deans) need in order to feel confident recommending and using Headstrong, a free, evidence-based digital wellbeing app for young people aged 13–24.

While Headstrong is gaining national visibility, there is limited understanding of how professionals engage with digital mental health tools in practice and what supports (e.g. training, resources, classroom materials) could enhance uptake.

The role

The student will conduct semi-structured interviews with 15–20 clinicians and educators to understand barriers, enablers, and preferences related to recommending Headstrong. They will be responsible for developing an interview guide, conducting interviews, analysing the data thematically, and contributing to a summary report with recommendations for resource development.

Skills gained

This project offers a valuable opportunity to gain applied experience in qualitative research, digital health implementation, and working within a nationally recognised youth mental health initiative.

Ideal student

We are seeking a student with an interest in youth mental health, enthusiasm for digital tools, and strong interpersonal skills to engage with professional participants. Experience with interviewing or qualitative methods is a plus, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team is essential.

Project

Background: While Headstrong has had thousands of users, many do not return. This is common in digital wellbeing tools, yet poorly understood. Re-engagement may depend on relevance, visual appeal, usability and acceptability of the app features. Understanding user preferences can guide re-engagement strategies, messaging, and product updates.

Aim: The student will investigate what formats (infographics, audio, summaries) of skills in Headstrong are the most engaging and effective for rangatahi.

Tasks: The student will facilitate short user testing sessions in person or online, conduct interviews with users and analyse feedback on delivery preferences.

Ideal student

Candidates should be: curious about UX and able to translate insights into practical design suggestions; confident speaking with peers about personal tech habits; a solutions-focused thinker with empathy for youth challenges.

Project

The Rural Stream is a mentoring programme under the Medical Programme that is aimed at students interested in rural medicine. The students can be of rural or non-rural origin. The aim is to develop student confidence to practice medicine outside of urban areas by fostering a sense of adventure, developing insight to socially thrive in rural places and demonstrating that rural medicine provides clinically excellent opportunities.

Collegiality and pastoral care are key in creating a strong sense of alumni to care and connect the student throughout and beyond their training. Those in the Rural Stream are offered opportunities to have early hospital experience, tutorials with a rural lens, rural excursions and they have preferential clinical placement selection out of Auckland areas.

The role

The study outcomes will uncover themes from the student experiences that will inform the Rural Health Unit direction. The successful applicant does not have to be Auckland based and will develop skills in qualitative interviewing, methods and analysis. The interviews can be performed in person or via video link.

Project

To fully harness the potential of technology, including AI, in delivering timely and quality healthcare to New Zealanders, it is crucial that patient and healthcare consumer perspectives are prioritised. Addressing patient needs and preferences around the integration of technology into their care is essential for preventing harm and maintaining patient trust in health services.

The role

This project will involve contributing to the conduct of focus groups with patients to gather perspectives on how technology should be implemented into health services.

Ideal student

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) along with experience working with patients of different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Experience in conducting focus groups and qualitative analysis would be a benefit.

Project

Patient trust is key to the delivery of healthcare and the realisation of the benefits of AI in health. Trust in health institutions and the health professionals working within them directly impacts patient engagement with health services and their health outcomes. Due to the complexity and fast-changing landscape around emerging technologies like AI and the varied levels of AI literacy, trust is arguably even more important.

Patients need to be able to trust services to use their health information responsibly and integrate AI in care appropriately to ensure no harm is caused regardless of whether they fully understand the technology.

The role

This project will involve a scoping review to explore the evidence around AI and trust in healthcare.

Ideal student

Attention to detail, academic writing, and previous experience conducting a scoping literature search are preferred. The student will be co-author of the resultant paper.

Project

The impact of methamphetamine use on whanau in New Zealand is profound, affecting family members emotionally, psychologically, socially, and economically. While there has been some research on the effects of addiction on individuals, less attention has been paid to the experiences of those within the family system. This literature review has highlighted the importance of understanding the broader family context when addressing methamphetamine addiction in New Zealand. This literature review also highlights the need for more current information regarding methamphetamine use as New Zealand’s use is on the rise.

The role

More research is needed to explore the unique experiences of Maori whanau and the development of culturally appropriate support services. The next step in this research will be to explore how methamphetamine use impacts whanau in New Zealand through qualitative interviews, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the family dynamics and contribute to the development of effective recovery interventions.

The student will need to work with a postgraduate student/s ethics application, proposal document and scoping review within the limits of their summer research hours.

Project

This research will explore the lived experiences of fathers who have been incarcerated in New Zealand, with a specific lens on the impact of incarceration on fatherhood identity and father-child bonding.

Despite having one of the highest imprisonment rates in the OECD and significant challenges of intergenerational offending, there is a dearth of New Zealand-specific research involving fathers' parenting experiences during imprisonment or reintegration.

The role

In a New Zealand context, this research will explore the subjective experiences of fathers during incarceration and/or reintegration, including how fathers ascribe meaning to fatherhood following imprisonment, the impact of incarceration on father-child bonding, and facilitators and barriers to maintaining fatherhood identity and a relationship with their children.

The ultimate goal of this research is to inform policy and support options for fathers during incarceration and reintegration in New Zealand, with a focus on facilitating positive father-child relationships and improving both father and child outcomes. This research may also contribute to Hokai Rangi, the Department of Corrections’ strategy for reducing the number of Māori in prison, notably around intergenerational change and keeping whanau (family) close to the people in their care.

Key tasks

The student should be able to contribute to the preparation of ethics documents, scoping review and proposal.

Project

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures. These disorders are often accompanied by pain, dysfunction, and a significant impact on quality of life (QoL).

Recent research has increasingly focused on the interplay between TMDs, sleep disturbances, and mental health issues, highlighting their collective impact on patients' overall well-being. These factors collectively impact the quality of life of individuals with TMDs, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

By addressing both the physical and psychological components of TMDs, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being. Future research may be required to explore integrated care models and the development of targeted interventions to address the multifaceted nature of TMDs.

Objectives

1. To undertake a systematic literature review on the topic with a research question: "What is the prevalence of sleep disturbances among individuals with temporomandibular disorders, and how do these disturbances affect their quality of life?"
2. To write reports based on the review.

Skills gained

• Searching databases and research articles, including grey literature
• Critically appraising and analysing literature
• Report writing
• Developing a peer-reviewed article for publication.

Research methods
The research methods for this review will include the systematic search of Library catalogues and search engines for key databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Medline. Online databases or abstracting and indexing services provide access to journal articles, conference proceedings, reports, dissertations and other grey literature.

Data analysis
The data analysis will include a critical appraisal of identified articles and a thematic content analysis of the findings from the literature review.

Roles 

They will support our research team with various tasks, including literature reviews, research ethics, instrument development (survey and semi-structured interviews), and (potentially) data analysis for a mixed methods project.

Requirements

Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative methods and software is preferred, but not essential, for this project. You should be self-directed and intellectually curious. There may be opportunities to contribute to one (or more) publications.

Project

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment significantly impact patients' quality of life (QoL). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential tools for capturing the patient's perspective on their health status and the effects of treatment.

This systematic review aims to explore the quality of life in breast cancer patients post-diagnosis and the role of PROMs in assessing and improving these outcomes.

Also, this research project aims to provide comprehensive insights into the impact of breast cancer on patients' quality of life and the critical role of PROMs in capturing these experiences. It will highlight the importance of integrating PROMs into clinical practice to enhance patient-centred care and improve health outcomes.

The findings will inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers on best practices and areas for improvement in managing breast cancer and its associated health outcomes.

Objectives

1. To undertake a systematic literature review on the topic with research questions: (i) What is the impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on patients' quality of life? (ii) What interventions have been shown to improve the quality of life in breast cancer patients, as reported through PROMs?
2. To write reports based on the review.

Skills tgained

• Searching databases and research articles, including grey literature
• Critically appraising and analysing literature
• Report writing
• Developing a peer-reviewed article for publication

Research methods
The research methods for this review will include the systematic search of Library catalogues and search engines for key databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Medline. Online databases or abstracting and indexing services provide access to journal articles, conference proceedings, reports, dissertations and other grey literature.

Data analysis
The data analysis will include a critical appraisal of identified articles and a thematic content analysis of the findings from the literature review.

Roles 
You will support our research team with various tasks, including literature reviews, research ethics, instrument development (survey and semi-structured interviews), and (potentially) data analysis for a mixed methods project.

Requirements
Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative methods and software is preferred, but not essential, for this project. You should be self-directed and intellectually curious. There may be opportunities to contribute to one (or more) publications.

Project

Like clinical settings, university environments are social and cultural systems. This project attempts to better understand these systems by exploring how cultural safety is understood and practised in the learning and teaching environment.

Health professional educators play a role in working towards a more equitable health system, not just through their obligations to include cultural safety in the curriculum but also to role model cultural safety in their teaching practice.

These socialisation processes form part of the hidden curriculum, and these implicit practices are important to healthcare because they shape the type of professional a student becomes and how they practice. This project is a mixed-methods study design underpinned by Kaupapa Maori research principles and critical theory, advocating for learners’ rights for inclusive education and equity in the healthcare workforce.

The role

The summer student’s role involves supporting the data analysis of an anonymous online questionnaire about equitable and culturally safe learning and teaching in health professional programmes.

Skills gained

The summer student will develop their skills in data management, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, writing, and oral presentation. Findings will support the development of future research striving for equity in healthcare education, with the aim to positively influence and transform curricula.

Project

This project investigates how health sciences students in New Zealand are using artificial intelligence (AI) – particularly generative AI – for their own health-related decision-making, and how this differs from their approach to clinical decision-making as future health professionals. The study will also explore how this dual perspective influences their engagement in shared decision-making with their own healthcare providers.

Key activities

• Conduct a scoping review of literature on AI use in personal and professional health decision-making, particularly among students and young adults
• Refine an existing questionnaire or co-develop a new one based on gaps identified in the literature
• Administer the survey across relevant student groups
• Perform preliminary data analysis with support from the supervisor

Skills required

• Strong attention to detail and academic writing ability
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn scoping review methodology
• Experience with literature databases (e.g. Medline, PubMed) preferred
• Scripting surveys on Qualtrics
• Organised and able to meet deadlines for data collection

Output
The student will be acknowledged on any resulting manuscript or research output.

Project

This project explores how digital health technologies are shaping pharmacy practice in New Zealand – what tools are currently in use (e.g. clinical decision support tools, dispensing systems, telehealth platforms), how they’re used, and how they are perceived by pharmacists in terms of trust, workload, scope of practice, and future professional identity.

The study will take a future-focused lens to investigate how pharmacists see their roles evolving in an increasingly digitised healthcare landscape.

Key activities

• Conduct a scoping review of international and local literature on digital health and workforce trends in pharmacy practice
• Develop a national survey instrument informed by the literature and local context
• Contribute to questionnaire piloting and data collection planning
• Assist in collating and reporting emerging themes from early responses (if timing allows)
  

Skills required

• Academic writing and research skills
• Experience or strong interest in the intersection of healthcare, technology, and workforce change
• Prior knowledge of pharmacy practice or healthcare systems is a plus
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with guidance
• Scripting surveys on Qualtrics
  

The student will be acknowledged in any resulting manuscript or research output.

Project

This project will involve a clinical audit at a Pacific Health Clinic. Experience in conducting quantitative data analysis would be helpful.

The role

The project involves analysing data that is available in a Pacific Health Clinic.

Key Pacific health variables for the clinical audit analysis will be selected by the research team.

The aim is to do develop a peer reviewed article for publication.

Project

A growing demand for convenience and the ubiquitous role of digital technology in everyday life have fuelled the use of online food delivery services (OFD’s), of which young people are the largest users. OFD’s are disrupting traditional food retail environments, yet research evaluating the public health implications of such services is lacking.

The role

This project will evaluate the characteristics and nutritional quality of the most popular food outlets on a market-leading platform (UberEATS®) in a cross-sectional observational study conducted in central Auckland, a geographical area with an above-average concentration (>30%) of young people aged 15–34-years.

Ideal student

This project would suit a student with an interest in nutrition, public health, and online food retail platforms/services. A systematic approach to searching for and collating research data will be needed and experience with basic statistical analysis methods would be an advantage. The project supervisors will support the student to develop the research protocol and with report writing and presentations. There will be an opportunity to publish the research findings in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Project

Good eye health and hearing health are key components of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Healthy Ageing Strategy. With our aging population, vision impairment and hearing impairment are becoming more common and can reduce quality of life, as well as increase the risk of dementia, depression, and early death. People with diabetes are especially at risk.

The role
Currently, there is no population-level data in Aotearoa on how common vision and hearing impairment are, how they are distributed across different communities, or how often they occur alongside diabetes. This project aims to fill that knowledge gap by collecting data in four regions: Northland, Counties Manukau, Tairawhiti, and Rotorua Lakes District.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic health science student to join our team for several weeks of hands-on fieldwork in Rotorua Lakes District this summer. You’ll help collect data through questionnaires and health checks (like measuring visual acuity, height and weight) and analyse a subset of the data collected, exploring the relationship between visual acuity and answers to questions about disability. We’ll provide full training and cover travel and accommodation costs on top of the standard summer student scholarship stipend.

Project

Drug and alcohol use disorders affect individuals across all socioeconomic classes and ethnic groups. Therefore, universal screening for recreational drug use during pregnancy is essential, along with providing evidence-based information about the impacts on both mother and baby.

However, several barriers hinder timely screening and the transfer of knowledge to expectant mothers. Clinicians often express reluctance to screen if a family member is present, often there is a lack of structured screening and referral processes and limited knowledge about the effects of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine (street name P) and cannabis.

Pregnant women and mothers may under-report their use of METH and other drugs, due to stigma and fear of losing custody through child protection services. Additionally, many women in need of treatment reside in rural areas where access to specialised services to treat maternal substance use is limited.

The role

This study aims to determine the information available online regarding maternal drug use, with the goal of co-designing a website that will be accessible in both English and Maori.

Skills gained

As part of this study, students will develop skills in conducting a narrative review of the content and availability of websites that provide evidence of the effects of maternal drug use.

Project

Good vision and hearing are essential aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Healthy Ageing Strategy. As our population ages, conditions like vision and hearing impairment are becoming more prevalent. Near vision impairment affects most adults, and if spectacles are not accessible, everyday tasks such as reading small print is difficult or impossible.

The role

Currently, there is no population-level data in Aotearoa on the prevalence of vision and hearing impairment, how they vary across different communities, or how often they co-occur with diabetes. This project seeks to address that gap by gathering data for Maori and non- Maori adults in four regions: Northland, Counties Manukau, Tairawhiti, and the Rotorua Lakes District.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic health science student to join our team for several weeks of hands-on fieldwork in Rotorua Lakes District this summer. You’ll help collect data through questionnaires and health checks (like measuring visual acuity) and analyse a subset of the data collected, exploring the prevalence of near vision impairment.

We’ll provide full training and cover travel and accommodation costs on top of the standard summer student scholarship stipend.

Project

Conventional tools for assessing health and illness are typically derived from Western ideas and concepts of wellbeing. These are often limited in terms of their ability to capture or reflect upon Indigenous and Maori worldviews, culture, and perspectives of health. However, novel approaches and measures grounded in Matauranga Maori and Indigenous knowledge are increasingly being recognised as a more suitable means through which more accurate perspectives of health and wellbeing can be captured.

The role

This summer research project aims to identify and summarise key literature on approaches and measures grounded in Mātauranga Māori and Indigenous knowledge to assessing health and wellbeing. Students will undertake a literature screening and a narrative synthesis. A narrative/scoping review will be conducted to determine the scope and types of literature available, to provide an overview of findings, and highlight gaps in the literature.

Skills gained

This summer project will provide training in literature review and an opportunity to work with a team of supervisors experienced in working with Māori communities and Kaupapa Māori research.

Ideal student

The summer project would be particularly suitable for students interested in Māori health, psychometrics, hauora, wellbeing and Mātauranga Māori.

Project

Good vision is an essential part of healthy ageing, but many New Zealanders do not have access to eye health services, including optometry. We are undertaking a population-based survey to estimate the prevalence of vision impairment in Maori and non- Maori adults in four regions: Northland, Counties Manukau, Tairawhiti, and the Rotorua Lakes District. We will also explore the extent to which participants have been able to access eye health services.

The role

We’re looking for an enthusiastic health science student to join our team for several weeks of hands-on fieldwork in Rotorua Lakes District this summer. You’ll help collect data through questionnaires and health checks (like measuring visual acuity) and analyse a subset of the data collected, exploring previous access to eye health services.

We’ll provide full training and cover travel and accommodation costs on top of the standard summer student scholarship stipend.

Project

A growing body of research shows that experiencing extreme weather events— such as floods, storms, and cyclones—may precipitate or exacerbate depression symptoms in affected populations. Following extreme weather events, individuals often face immediate stressors (e.g., displacement, loss of property, interruption of routines) alongside longer-term disruptions (e.g., damaged infrastructure, reduced access to health or social services). These stressors can contribute directly to depression symptoms and related conditions.

The role

This project will use data from Growing Up in New Zealand to explore how extreme weather events may influence experiences of depression among young people (aged 13–14) and their primary caregivers. For more information, see: https://www.growingup.co.nz/extreme-weather-survey-2/extreme-weather-survey-overview-list

This summer project will involve undertaking a literature review to identify and summarise key literature on the impacts of extreme weather events and related stressors on young people’s depression symptoms, and to write a narrative synthesis based on the findings.

Skills gained

This summer project will provide an opportunity for training in literature reviews and to work with a team of supervisors towards preparing a manuscript for publication in a scientific journal. Findings may also be shared at conferences and with ministries.

Ideal student

Prior experience and an interest in mental health research would be ideal.