Research interests

Our academic staff conduct research in the following themes and have expertise in qualitative research, community-focused teaching, critical theory, gender-based research, sexuality based research, community-based research, science translation to communities and decision-makers, research on stigmatised topics, implementation and minoritised communities. Click on the profiles of each researcher for more information about their interests and projects.

Addiction

We are exploring the effects of dangerous consumptions such as tobacco, alcohol, other drugs and gambling on individuals, their families, communities, and society. Our academics contribute to research in the Centre for Addiction Research (CfAR).

Asian and other ethnic minority communities in New Zealand

We have a strong focus on the current health issues of Asian and other ethnic minority communities in New Zealand and seeks to develop strategic ways to improve and visualise the health status of this fast-growing population.

Our research is conducted through the Centre for Asian and Ethnic Minority Health Research and Evaluation (CAHRE).

Child health and Well being

Social and community health are the academic home for the Growing Up in New Zealand unit. Growing Up in New Zealand is Aotearoa’s largest longitudinal study of child health and well-being, following the lives of more than 6000 rangatahi and their families. The rich information collected by the study is helping create flourishing futures for all young people in Aotearoa.

Qualitative Health Research

Provides practical experience in the appraisal and use of qualitative methods in research in health.

Family violence

Partnering with the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, our research works towards the elimination of family violence. 

Health promotion

Our research projects have a focus on gender, ethnicity, health policy and racism.

Mental health

We explore topics related to the mental wellbeing of populations, such as addiction, self-harm, and substance abuse.

Resilient ageing

We asked diverse groups of older New Zealanders ‘What is the ideal place to grow older?’. The New Zealand population is ‘ageing’, so as we grow older, where and how do we want to live? 

Gay men’s sexual health

Our research aims to promote research into HIV prevention, sexual health and health equity among gay, bisexual, takataapui and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in New Zealand.

Suicide prevention

We are researching multi-level approaches to suicide prevention in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand including reducing access to certain methods of suicide, media influences on suicide prevention, selected prevention initiatives and psychological treatment approaches. We use epidemiological methods to support a robust understanding of suicide prevention opportunities in addition to range of quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluating interventions.