Updates
The latest from A Better StartSuccessful Learning Theme report published
The Phase One Final Report for A Better Start's Successful Learning Theme has been published. The report provides a celebration of achievements from the first phase of funding across the theme's four keystone projects, one contestable funding project linked to...
High blood pressure risk for women born early
Born prematurely? Here’s another reason to look after your health: you may have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. A new study led by the Liggins Institute has found that 18-year-old women born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) are almost twice...
Tight budgets, time pressures and other stressors leave takeaways the easier meal choice for low-income Māori parents
Stretched finances and time, stress, tiredness and the challenge of juggling family members’ differing tastes are among the many influences on Māori parents’ food choices for their children, new research shows. The study, led by Massey University's Professor Marewa...
Social disadvantage a key prediction of gap between Māori, Pacific and Pakeha child obesity
Differences in socioeconomic conditions are a major driver of unequal obesity rates among Māori, Pacific and European children, a new study shows. The study – the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand – found that the difference in numbers of four-year-old...
Let’s not lose sight of the need to encourage all children to play sport
Over the past 11 years there has been a large increase in ACC claims for sports injuries in teens. Since 2008 there has been a 60 per cent increase in ACC lodged sports injuries in 10-14 year olds. ACC are concerned that children are over doing it. Is that really...
Advancing the skills of tamariki in bilingualism
Based at the University of Canterbury’s College of Education, Health, and Human Development, Dr Amanda Denston is a Senior Research Fellow for A Better Start E Tipu e Rea/Cure Kids/Teaching and Learning Research Initiative. Amanda shares some insights to the...
A Better Start endorses Wellbeing Budget 2019
“We are pleased to endorse the Prime Minister’s first Wellbeing Budget, which was released today,” says A Better Start Challenge Director, Professor Wayne Cutfield. “A Better Start National Science Challenge’s mission is to elevate the importance of children as...
SYMPOSIUM Better Together 2019 focuses on ways to give our tamariki a better start in life
Our Aotearoa New Zealand tamariki are facing an increasing number of serious health and wellbeing issues from the day they are born. A Better Start National Science Challenge is working to ensure that young New Zealanders have a healthy weight, are confident at...
Personal touch to researcher’s work
As an immigrant to New Zealand, A Better Start (ABS) E Tipu e Rea National Science Challenge PhD candidate Alice Kim says her research has personal relevance to her.
Navigating new models of indigenous health and wellbeing
Research Fellow for A Better Start E Tipu e Rea’s Big Data theme Justine Camp’s hard mahi has come to fruition, with an opportunity to speak at an indigenous research conference in Hawaii.
Daughters’ weight and height affected by mothers who smoke
Director of A Better Start E Tipu e Rea Professor Wayne Cutfield and Senior Research Fellow at the Liggins Institute Dr José Derraik are part of a new study which highlights another reason for women to avoid tobacco during pregnancy. The new international Liggins...
A time to connect with whānau and friends
From all of us at A Better Start E Tipu e Rea, our heart goes out to the Muslim community and those affected by the tragic shootings in Christchurch on March 15, 2019.
