Updates
The latest from A Better StartResponding to Pasifika needs
A passionate group of researchers gathered in Auckland at a Pasifika fono to discuss potential projects within the National Science Challenge A Better Start E Tipu e Rea during the next three to five years.
Child obesity prevalence across communities in New Zealand: 2010-2016
New Zealand has high levels of childhood overweight and obesity, and it remains a significant public health concern. It is associated with later obesity and a range of poor health outcomes. A group of researchers from A Better Start E Tipu e Rea has published a...
HABITs work to maintain good mental health for young people
At the recent International Society for Research on Internet Interventions (ISRII) conference, hosted by The University of Auckland in February, HABITs and associated research on digital tools for parents of younger children was featured, and shared across three different symposia at the conference.
Move to prevent later childhood obesity
A Better Start’s Model Acceptance study is the first of its kind to explore the acceptability of early childhood obesity prediction in a multi-ethnic cohort of parents, caregivers, and grandparents of children aged five years and under in New Zealand. Using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed nationwide, researchers received a total of 1,934 responses from parents, caregivers, and grandparents of children aged five years and under which could be analysed.
Five year funding confirmed for A Better Start
A Better Start National Science Challenge has secured $20.5m funding to continue its mission-led programme of innovative research to improve the potential of young New Zealanders to lead healthy and successful lives for a further five years from June 2019. The...
Young people miss out the most on mental health services
By Sarah Hetrick and Tania Cargo As researchers supporting mental health and wellbeing for young people, we endorse the focus of He Ara Oranga, the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, on a more holistic approach to mental health and...
Major life course research conference opens at Te Papa
Human development is shaped by the physical and human environment at all stages of life, so life course research is vital for improving health and wellbeing outcomes. What is the future of life course research in New Zealand? How can we all contribute and be...
Challenge and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Maia launch young tamariki research
A new collaboration to develop a comprehensive picture of health and well-being in young Maori children has been signed between A Better Start National Science Challenge and Whai Maia, the cultural, educational and health arm of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. A Better Start...
Researchers find good sleep important for healthy weight in children
Two Challenge researchers Rachael Taylor and Barry Taylor are part of a team that has found a sleep intervention in infancy reduced the risk of obesity for those children later in life. Professor Rachael Taylor, Director of the Edgar Diabetes and Obesity...
Challenges release more seats following high interest in life course conference
The Hon Dr Megan Woods, the Minister for Research, Science and Innovation will open He Ora te Whakapiri: Unleashing the potential of New Zealand’s life course research conference at Te Papa Tongarewa on 18 October this year. Hosted by the three health and wellbeing...
Challenge research at Parliamentary showcase
A Challenge-funded research project to develop a gamified e-health tool to help teens experiencing anxiety, stress and depression, was selected for a showcase of the country’s best public sector digital technologies hosted at the Beehive on 21 February.
