Podcasts about University of Otago

The University of Otago had to postpone Thursday's exams due to weather making the campus unsafe. Vice Chancellor Grant Robertson spoke to Corin Dann.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has headed to New York for a conference on a Two State solution in the middle east, where debate over Palestinian recognition and statehood will take place during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. As countries like Australia and Canada pledge support for Palestinian Statehood, alongside other countries that have either expressed intent or already done so, Peters has remained closed off as to whether or not New Zealand will join these ranks. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to the Professor of International Relations at the University of Otago, Robert Patman, about what these expressions of support for Palestinian Statehood mean in the long run, and what we can and should expect from Peters and the Government in this regard.

A study from the University of Otago, looking into how New Zealand news coverage depicted the country's responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, has shown elements of nationalism and creating a sense of competition. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Emma Anderson, a PhD Candidate at the Bioethics Centre at the University of Otago, about the study and the harmful consequences of this framing.

Former Australian magistrate, David Heilpern, has recently told ABC's Four Corners that "Governments are underestimating the reach and threats of [the sovereign citizenship movement]”, following the killings of two police officers. The alleged killer, Dezi Freeman, has expressed strong support for sovereign citizenship online. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel, spoke to Stephen Young, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Otago, on ‘sovereign citizenship,' what this movement looks like here in Aotearoa, and whether it should be seen as a concern.

Former Australian magistrate, David Heilpern, has recently told ABC's Four Corners that "Governments are underestimating the reach and threats of [the sovereign citizenship movement]”, following the killings of two police officers. The alleged killer, Dezi Freeman, has expressed strong support for sovereign citizenship online. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel, spoke to Stephen Young, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Otago, on ‘sovereign citizenship,' what this movement looks like here in Aotearoa, and whether it should be seen as a concern.

Freshwater quality across Aotearoa has been in decline for some time, with almost 70% of monitored groundwater sites failing to meet drinking water standards for E. coli and almost half of the country's rivers being unsuitable for recreational activities like swimming due to bacterial contamination. Many concerns about the future of Aotearoa's freshwater have been exacerbated by the government's recent changes to Freshwater National Direction, with experts speculating that many of the proposed policy changes would favour commercial activity and lead to the further contamination and pollution of freshwater sources. Oto spoke with Marnie Prickett - A research fellow at the department of public health at the University of Otago in Wellington and a member of the Public Health Association about a freshwater policy statement put out by the Public Health Association calling for urgent action to protect freshwater in Aotearoa and outlining freshwater protection as a critical public health priority.

The government is considering amending the Terrorism Suppression Act, which was enacted in 2002.  In a copy of the document seen by Newsroom, the Ministry of Justice says the reason for the potential overhaul stems from existing offences in the law not “captur[ing] the full range of behaviours or activities of concern that are part of the contemporary threat from terrorism”. Some of the proposed amendments include making membership of a terrorist entity a criminal offence, establishing new offences for public support of an assigned terrorist act or designated groups, which would include the display of insignia, and updating definitions for digital forms of support.  Despite these proposed amendments, concerns have been raised over what would be defined as a ‘terrorist entity,' and what implications this could have on free speech and political participation, in light of events seen overseas. News and Editorial Director Joel, spoke to Richard Jackson — a Professor in Peace Studies at the University of Otago, about these potential amendments, and the concerns around this move.

Freshwater quality across Aotearoa has been in decline for some time, with almost 70% of monitored groundwater sites failing to meet drinking water standards for E. coli and almost half of the country's rivers being unsuitable for recreational activities like swimming due to bacterial contamination. Many concerns about the future of Aotearoa's freshwater have been exacerbated by the government's recent changes to Freshwater National Direction, with experts speculating that many of the proposed policy changes would favour commercial activity and lead to the further contamination and pollution of freshwater sources. Oto spoke with Marnie Prickett - A research fellow at the department of public health at the University of Otago in Wellington and a member of the Public Health Association about a freshwater policy statement put out by the Public Health Association calling for urgent action to protect freshwater in Aotearoa and outlining freshwater protection as a critical public health priority.

The government is considering amending the Terrorism Suppression Act, which was enacted in 2002.  In a copy of the document seen by Newsroom, the Ministry of Justice says the reason for the potential overhaul stems from existing offences in the law not “captur[ing] the full range of behaviours or activities of concern that are part of the contemporary threat from terrorism”. Some of the proposed amendments include making membership of a terrorist entity a criminal offence, establishing new offences for public support of an assigned terrorist act or designated groups, which would include the display of insignia, and updating definitions for digital forms of support.  Despite these proposed amendments, concerns have been raised over what would be defined as a ‘terrorist entity,' and what implications this could have on free speech and political participation, in light of events seen overseas. News and Editorial Director Joel, spoke to Richard Jackson — a Professor in Peace Studies at the University of Otago, about these potential amendments, and the concerns around this move.

Ireland is to become the first country in the world to include mandatory cancer warning labels on alcohol products. A move that has been hailed as world-leading.  Aotearoa hasn't followed their lead just yet, but Marlborough winery Villa Maria Estate have complied, by putting the warning on all their bottles getting sold in Ireland. Many public health experts have praised these moves, and believe it's time for us to address alcohol issues, here in Aotearoa. Producer Faith spoke to public health expert Dr. Karen Wright from the University of Otago about these decisions, and what further steps we need to take.

Earlier this month, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Council entitled ‘From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide'. The report names companies who have financially supported or sustained Israel's ongoing war and genocide against Palestinians, and highlights pathways to accountability that “transcend legal and diplomatic rhetoric”. She calls on civil society to respond to the actions of Israel in light of the limited power of the United Nations to effectively end the violence.  The United States has since imposed sanctions on Albanese, calling for her removal for allegations they say are “false and offensive”. Exploring more in depth the potential impact of this Economy of Genocide report, as well as the obligation and power of the United Nations as a whole, and the New Zealand government to respond to the situation, Producer Sara spoke with University of Otago Professor for Politics & International Relations Robert Patman, as well as Amnesty International Aotearoa community manager Margaret Taylor. Patman has published two pieces recently, criticising the New Zealand government's failure to adequately respond to the US' role in particular in the violence in Gaza.

David Seymour has been sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister as per coalition agreements. He will be taking over from NZ First Leader, Winston Peters. During his first speech as Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour said that the ACT Party would be “Labour's worst nightmare”. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Michael Swanson — a PHD Candidate in New Zealand Politics from the University of Otago about what this will mean heading forward, what the role of deputy is, and if this will have an impact on the re-election of the current coalition government.

Recent research by the University of Otago has revealed that more than half of all vape juice and e-liquid products on the shelves misstate the amount of nicotine contained inside.  The study showed that 58% of samples tested had an over 10% difference in nicotine content than what was stated on the label. Of these, 95% had less than advertised and 5% had more. Producer Samantha spoke with the lead medical student in the research, Renee Hosking, about what it means for the health of the consumer and regulatory implications of these business practices.

With the announcement of how the government is planning to spend money over the next year comes the question of how this will impact the National Party's chances of being re-elected into power in next year's General Election. When presenting her work to Parliament, Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, said that “every Kiwi knows this government has their back”. However, elements of the Budget have been criticised by opposition parties and various activist groups, with opposition leader, Chris Hipkins, calling funding decisions in the Budget “strange and unnecessary”. The Budget can play a major role in whether a government will be re-elected or not.  Labour's 1958 Budget, for example, which has since become known as the ‘Black Budget,' resulted in Finance Minister at the time, Arnold Nordmeyer, imposing additional taxes on cars, alcohol, and tobacco, in an attempt to limit the need for international goods during the payments crisis in late 1957. This caused political tensions, and as a result, Labour lost the 1960 general election after one term. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Brian Roper — an Associate Professor in Politics at the University of Otago, about how Budget 2025 will impact National's chances to be re-elected, and his opinion on what party, or parties, will make up the next government.

A Middle East expert says there's little hope displaced Palestinians can go back to Gaza in future under Israel's latest plan. Its Security Cabinet is planning to expand military action, move Gazans south - and pressure Hamas to release hostages. Otago University's Dr Leon Goldsmith says Israel says it's waiting for the US President's okay. But he says this is already an 'apocalyptic catastrophe'. "But I think if they put this plan into place, they will not allow Palestinians freedom of movement back towards the North." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As artificial intelligence systems including the likes of chatbots and art generators become more advanced, their use has begun to pervade the political arena.  Across the world, political leaders and parties including Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and now New Zealand's own ACT Party, have used AI images to promote a certain political agenda or message.  In the case of the ACT Party, an artificial stock image from Adobe AI titled “happy Māori couple sitting in a living room” was featured in a social media post underneath the tagline “Kiwis are saving over $150 per week on their mortgages since ACT entered government”. Producer Sara spoke with University of Otago Media, Film and Communications Professor, Dr Olivier Jutel about this new era of AI political content.  To begin, she asked him to discuss why ACTs recent social media post was so problematic.

American company 'Colossal Biosciences' claim to have brought back the Dire Wolf using genetic engineering and preserved DBA, despite the species having been extinct for over 10,000 years. Producer Max spoke with the Director of the Otago Paleo Genetics Lab at the University of Otago, Nic Rawlence, about the supposed "de-extinction" of the Dire Wolf, as well as the ethics of bringing back extinct species.

Donald Trump has plunged markets and economies into turmoil after announcing sweeping trade tariffs across all of the USA's global trade partners.  The tariffs start at a minimum of 10%, and for some countries reach over 40%. Nations like China have already begun to retaliate, imposing reciprocal tariffs on the US. Aotearoa, which had the baseline 10% tariff put on its trade with the US, has chosen not to fight back - instead joining a number of neutral countries with no response.   Since the tariffs were imposed this weekend, share markets have dropped to levels not seen since covid lockdowns.  Producer Evie spoke to Senior Economics Lecturer at the University of Otago, Murat Ungor about what the potential impact of these tariffs could be on Aotearoa and its economy.

Donald Trump has plunged markets and economies into turmoil after announcing sweeping trade tariffs across all of the USA's global trade partners.  The tariffs start at a minimum of 10%, and for some countries reach over 40%. Nations like China have already begun to retaliate, imposing reciprocal tariffs on the US. Aotearoa, which had the baseline 10% tariff put on its trade with the US, has chosen not to fight back - instead joining a number of neutral countries with no response.   Since the tariffs were imposed this weekend, share markets have dropped to levels not seen since covid lockdowns.  Producer Evie spoke to Senior Economics Lecturer at the University of Otago, Murat Ungor about what the potential impact of these tariffs could be on Aotearoa and its economy.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT: Aimee Clark from University of Otago Women in Business by Zac Hoffman on Radio One 91FM Dunedin

CLUB SPOTLIGHT: Toby Robinson & Daisy Vavasour from University of Otago Rowing Club by Zac Hoffman on Radio One 91FM Dunedin

Recent developments within global politics have been under great scrutiny by many journalists and political thinkers, and now the meme phrase “nothing ever happens” may not be so true. This past month has seen the inauguration of Trump into office and his cozying up with Putin and the billionaires. He has also implemented great tariffs onto many countries meaning everything will continue to rise in price. Sasha spoke to Professor Robert Patman from the University of Otago, Dunedin, about these recent global developments and the implications for the world. We also briefly touched on New Zealand's response and potential implications for AUKUS

Fire can prepare soil for new growth, but also leave beyond trauma for those afflicted. Grace Moore, associate professor of English at the University of Otago, considers the literary context. Grace Moore is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Otago. Her research spans Victorian studies, Australian studies, and the Environmental Humanities.  Grace […]

A belief economic pain is driving a dip in the polls for the right, rather than Coalition dynamics. Two polls out yesterday showed support dropping for Christopher Luxon as preferred Prime Minister, and the figures would let the left bloc form a Government. Luxon told reporters his team is focused on the job at hand, prioritising economic growth. He has rejected calls to act more like Donald Trump in signing executive orders, saying we have a different political system. University of Otago Law Professor Andrew Geddis told Kerre Woodham the US President is elected on a separate basis and has powers specific to the role that allow things like executive orders. He says that in New Zealand, the Prime Minister is the head of the executive branch but only insofar as Parliament lets them be. Geddis also notes that many of the things Trump is doing are flat out illegal, as he can't use executive orders to overturn the Constitution. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A first of its kind University of Otago study has revealed worrying misconceptions among our teens about vaping. The study found widespread belief that vaping will help with stress and anxiety, prompting people to use it as a coping mechanism. Is vaping as popular with young people as smoking was as its worst? University of Otago Senior Research Fellow Jude Ball discusses the issue with Ryan Bridge, if young people are pressured by their peers to pick up the habit, and whether we are drawing too much attention to vaping as whole. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a major reshuffling of ministerial portfolios within the National party.  Among the most notable portfolio changes was handing over Dr Shane Reti's role as minister of health to Transport Minister Simeon Brown and the appointment of Nicola Willis as Minister of the newly created portfolio of Minister of Economic Growth, a title formerly known as the Minister of Economic Development. The cabinet reshuffle has led to concerns about the fate of Health NZ and Aotearoa's healthcare sector, noting that Shane Reti had over 20 years of experience working in medicine, whereas Simeon Brown has none.  The reshuffle also comes shortly after a recent poll by the Taxpayers Union showed that National's approval rating had fallen below 30%, the lowest rating they've received while in government since 1999. Oto spoke with Michael Swanson, a PHD candidate in New Zealand politics at the University of Otago, to discuss why National made the decision to shuffle their portfolios at this point in time and the impacts of the portfolio changes for the wider economy, particulary for the healthcare system and constituents in the South Island.

I know for many people affirmative action programmes are a real sticking point. A new report in the New Zealand Medical Journal, has found that affirmative action programs at the University of Otago have however, significantly lifted Māori, Pacific, and rural enrolments over the last 30 years. Where they have failed is increasing the student numbers from poorer backgrounds. So people don't like them, but they do actually work. Māori made up 20% of enrolments at the university's medical school over the last four years, reaching parity with European and Asian enrolments for the first time. For a very long time, that wasn't the case. Ten years ago, 7.6% of new domestic medical students at Otago identified as Māori, 2.7% as Pasifika, so that shows up in the workforce in which only 3.4% are Māori, 1.8% Pasifika. However, after more robust affirmative action policies were implemented at our medical schools there was a big change. By 2016, Māori and Pasifika students entering Otago Medical School had increased by 179%. Māori were about 16% of domestic students, Pasifika about 5.6%, which is pretty much in line with how they're represented in the population. However, health profession courses at Otago are still dominated by students from wealthy backgrounds and top schools, despite rare efforts to recruit more people from poorer communities. So, if you're wealthy you're going to be fine if you want to be a doctor, you're going to be particularly fine if you're wealthy, comfortably middle class and Māori/Pasifika. Barack Obama famously said his two daughters, who have grown up in a privileged background, should not benefit from affirmative action programs when they are competing with students from poor white families. What's more important? Your ethnic identity or your background? It's easy to dismiss affirmative action as racist or lowering standards, but just remember that if you're a woman you have been able to benefit enormously from affirmative action in just about every sphere of society - law, engineering, medical school. There was a time when it was thought only men had the brains and the mettle to make it in medicine. Affirmative action opened the door to women and now it's no longer needed. Women can see it and know they can be it. Women now make up nearly 2/3 of all enrolments in health professional programs, up slightly from 1994. In fact, universities are starting to be concerned by the relative underrepresentation of young men in tertiary education and may well have to have a program encouraging young men to enrol at university in a number of courses. Places may well have to be kept for men in law school so that their profession is not flooded with women. When you look at people who have received scholarships, you cannot really go past Sir Peter Buck, and this was at a time when standards were phenomenally high for anybody entering the profession. He went to Te Aute College, the Māori secondary school, got a scholarship to Otago University, where he graduated in medicine. He was awarded so many degrees, from so many prestigious universities —Yale, Rochester, Hawaii— he received military medals for distinguished service in wars, he was an anthropologist, he worked in public health. This was a scholarship kid, he did okay. As did Māui Pōmare, which are from the young Māori Party who were a phenomenally talented group of young people and went on to equit themselves at the very highest level, with the very highest honours. Not every scholarship kid's going to be like that. Not everybody who is a recipient of affirmative action is going to be like that. Once you're in, you have to pass. And I don't know about you, but there are some incredibly clever, clever people who become doctors who probably shouldn't. They're smart, no doubt about that, they ace the exams. But when it comes to people? Not so much. Maybe they should go into pathology where they can just cut up dead things rather than deal with people one-on-one. In an ideal world, we'd all start the same, we'd all have the same opportunities, we'd all have the same choices. This is not an ideal world. So when it comes to affirmative action, I know ideally we'd all compete on the same level playing field, but as a woman, because I have seen so many of this gender benefit, to the point that we're now going to have to start thinking about offering affirmative action policies to young men, I can see its benefits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A programme aimed at getting more under-served groups into medical school is being scrutinised. New research in today's New Zealand Medical Journal has found Otago University's affirmative action initiatives haven't increased the number of students from poorer backgrounds. Māori now make up 20% of enrolments, reaching parity with European and Asian enrolments for the first time. But Auckland University Emeritus Professor of Medicine Des Gorman told Mike Hosking the programme wasn't designed to just lift Māori enrolment. He says when it was brought in 50 years ago, it was aimed at improving Māori health outcomes and access. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alarms are being raised over a shortfall in programmes aimed to lift medical school enrolment for under-served groups. A study in today's New Zealand Medical Journal has found Otago University's initiatives have lifted Māori, Pacific, and rural enrolments over the last 30 years. However, the number of students in health courses from poorer backgrounds hasn't actually increased. Otago University's Public Health Professor Peter Crampton told Kerre Woodham they shouldn't be missing out. He says efforts should be made to ensure everyone can make use of tertiary education opportunities. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Wednesday, the 30th of October, prominent mental health advocate, Mike King, during an interview with Newstalk ZB, claimed that alcohol is a solution for people with mental health problems.  The interview stems from a suicide prevention fundrasing event in Dunedin struggling to obtain a liquor license.  Following the statements and subsequent controversy, a briefing was released on the Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa, providing the facts and evidence around the correlation alcohol can have with mental health concerns. News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to co-author of the briefing and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Population Health at the University of Otago, Dr Rose Crossin, about the briefing, and Mike King's claim. If you are struggling with mental health related problems, some places you can reach out to include: Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7) Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)• Youth services: (06) 3555 906 Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111, go to your nearest emergency department, or phone your local DHB Mental Health Crisis Team (find your local number by ringing Healthline on 0800 611 116)

On Wednesday, the 30th of October, prominent mental health advocate, Mike King, during an interview with Newstalk ZB, claimed that alcohol is a solution for people with mental health problems.  The interview stems from a suicide prevention fundrasing event in Dunedin struggling to obtain a liquor license.  Following the statements and subsequent controversy, a briefing was released on the Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa, providing the facts and evidence around the correlation alcohol can have with mental health concerns. News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to co-author of the briefing and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Population Health at the University of Otago, Dr Rose Crossin, about the briefing, and Mike King's claim. If you are struggling with mental health related problems, some places you can reach out to include: Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7) Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)• Youth services: (06) 3555 906 Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111, go to your nearest emergency department, or phone your local DHB Mental Health Crisis Team (find your local number by ringing Healthline on 0800 611 116)

Should single rooms be the norm in hospitals? Multi-patient rooms are the status quo for New Zealand hospitals, with up to five people staying in each room. New research argues that this breaches safety and ethical concerns, saying that single patient rooms should be the most basic standard of care. Researcher and author Dr Cindy Towns told Kerre Woodham that while it may seem counterintuitive for single rooms to be as economical as multi-patient rooms, poor care costs money. She says that having multiple people in one room can create more room for infection to spread, and the inability to manage the environment completely can exacerbate some conditions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the government announced that planned developments to Dunedin's hospital may exceed the planned budget of $1.88 billion, and reach as much as $3 billion. As such, ministers Chris Bishop and Shane Reti announced that the plans may require reductions or an extended timeframe.  The announcement was met with mass opposition both on social media and in public, with some 35,000 protestors turning out on the streets of Dunedin on Saturday to march against the change. The current government has been controversial for a range of its other policy decisions as well, particularly for how these policies shape up to campaign promises and expectations.  While under delivery on campaign promises is not uncommon in politics, it can hurt a party when it comes to re-election, especially when it comes to regions like Dunedin which may see less directed policies than major centres like Auckland.  Wire host Castor spoke to PhD candidate and researcher at the University of Otago, Michael Swanson, about the politics of this government and how the Dunedin hospital development plays into things moving into the next election.

95bFM journalist, Oto, spoke to Dr Paula O'Kane, a senior lecturer from the University of Otago, regarding Public Service Minister and Minister of Finance Nicola Willis announcing clampdowns on work from home arrangements for public sector employees. This comes a day after Nicola Willis announced she had instructed Public Service department heads to restrict the number of Work from Home days given to employees, to reduce them from a default entitlement to a special arrangement to be formally agreed upon by employers and requiring agencies to regularly report on the number of Work from Home days given to employees.

A decision around extending political terms from three years to four may be put to voters in the next election.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the Government may put the matter to referendum in 2026.  Luxon expressed confidence there is support for a four-year term across the House.  University of Otago New Zealand Politics PhD candidate Michael Swanson tells Kerre Woodham a four-year term could change voter behaviour from keeping the current government in power to allow them time to implement their policies.  The state of the opposition's readiness to govern should be constant, so that when new parties are voted in there is no warm-up period whilst in power.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, the government announced it would raise the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy from $35 to $100, starting October 1st.  The policy has been met with criticism, with the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment among others saying the implementation of this increase to $100 could be a deterrent for visitors.  Producer Sofia spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Otago Department of Tourism, Julia Albrecht, about this announcement and how it might impact tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand. She started the interview asking her what the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is.

Focusing on the local legends in and around Ōtepoti whose dedication to sustainability is unrivaled, Hofftrough speaks with a myriad of folks who's work improves our green spaces, conserves our natural environments, and reduces our waste. From community garden organisers to wildlife conservationists to worm farmers, we're covering the whole 9 yards.

On July 1st, the excise tax on heated tobacco products (or HTPs) was dropped unannounced by fifty percent.  Speaking on the change, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello sez the reduction will help the government test the effectiveness of HTPs as a tool to help people quit smoking.  However, given Costello's previous parroting of tobacco industry talking points, there are worries that this change could also be coming from industry backed research. In addition, the scientific research to support the use of HTPs is slim to nonexistent.  Wire host Castor to professor of public health at the University of Otago and co-director of the Aspire Aotearoa Research Centre, Janet Hoek, about heated tobacco products and the evidence to support them.

In breaking news early this morning, President Joe Biden stepped down as the democratic candidate in the election race. It comes following mounting concern around Biden's age and competence to serve another term as President, as well as a campaign from the party itself for the President to step back.  Now, only three and half months out from election day the democrats must pick a new candidate, likely to be Vice-President, Kamala Harris.  Producer Evie spoke to Geopolitical Analyst from the University of Otago, Geoffrey Miller, about what happens next and what effect this will have on the democrats chances of staying in office. We also talk about what impact the result of the election will have here in Aotearoa, as well as on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine.  

Their finds from the ancient Roman colony so far include a bone die used for gaming, a carved bone hairpin, as well as some pottery pieces.

A study has found that housing has a significant impact on the prospects of homeless people.   University of Otago research has found that those who live in a housing first programme have better health, income, and justice outcomes.  The study involved 387 homeless people, and in five years the number of hospitalisations fell by 44%, nights spent in mental health units fell by 63%, and there was a 43% reduction in criminal charges.  Professor Nevil Pierse told Mike Hosking that the study really shows that permanent housing and support really works, and after five years huge improvements can be seen.  He said that the key in this study was the people going straight into permanent sustainable housing as opposed to emergency transitional housing, which creates a sense of stability.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced that the flu vaccine will no longer be free for children under 12 or Māori and Pacific people aged 55 to 64. News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to Senior Lecturer in Bioethics at the University of Otago, Dr Elizabeth Fenton, who along with other health experts, says this is a missed opportunity for New Zealand's health system to improve outcomes and achieve health equity. She started off our interview asking Fenton for her reaction to vaccine subsidies being removed for these groups.

Zo'n 300.000 mensen in Nederland hebben chronisch last van tinnitus, ofwel oorsuizen. Neurochirurg Dirk de Ridder heeft hier mogelijk de oplossing voor gevonden. Maar hoe krijgen onderzoekers hun wetenschappelijke bevindingen van het papier naar de praktijk?  Te gast is neurochirurg Dirk de Ridder, in BNR's Big Five van de Innovatieve Zorg, live vanaf het Tinnitus symposium van de TU Delft.  Gasten in BNR's Big Five van Innovatieve Zorg: -Maroeska Rovers, hoogleraar medische technologie en innovatie aan het Radboudumc en wetenschappelijk directeur van het TechMed centrum van de Universiteit van Twente.  -Dirk de Ridder, professor Neurochirurgie aan the University of Otago in Nieuw Zeeland -Aad de Groot, Directeur van zorgverzekeraar DSW -Paul Blokhuis, voormalig staatssecretaris van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport en voorzitter van de Samenwerkende Topklinische opleidingsziekenhuizen (STZ)  -Carina Hilders, voorzitter van de Raad van Bestuur van het Reinier de Graaf ziekenhuis en bijzonder hoogleraar Medisch Management en Leiderschap aan de Erasmus Universiteit RotterdamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research on concussions has shed light on how rugby head collisions affect community players. The collaborative study includes research by Otago University and data from local and international rugby governing bodies. It used smart mouthguard technology - obligatory in training and elite matches from next year. Research scientist Janelle Romanchuk says it measured 17,000 incidents across 300 players. "86 percent of that data would be relative to what you might experience jumping on a trampoline or what you might experience on a roller coaster." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meningococcal is a potentially fatal but preventable contagious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. According to some infectious disease experts, eliminating the deadly disease is potentially an achievable goal for Aotearoa. News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago Dr Amanda Cals-vig about how New Zealand could become permanently free of this disease.

“Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and guest co-host Trisha Craig, Yale-NUS speak to Rosemary Overell, Senior Lecturer, Media, Film & Communication, University of Otago New Zealand about the rise of the Meta Threads app and why 100 million people have already signed up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us on this special episode as we continue a series of conversations with the winners of the Osmosis from Elsevier 2022 Raise the Line Faculty Awards which recognize the inspirational educators who are responsible for training future generations of healthcare professionals. Winners were chosen fromover 1,000 nominations received from 377 institutions around the world. The interviews feature testimonials from the students and peers who nominated the eventual winners focusing on how they embody the six Osmosis core values. On today's episode, hostLindsey Smith speaks with Dr. Joanne Baxter, the first female dean of Dunedin School of Medicine at the University of Ōtākou in 148 years. As a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Baxter discusses the importance of DEI in both the medical field and society at large. Drawing from her Māori heritage, she emphasizes the significance of collaborating with marginalized communities to ensure equitable healthcare access. Through her conversation with Lindsey, she explains the importance of understanding the roots of inequality and highlights how the younger generations are leading the way. “This next generation really embraces and engages with conversations about equity and diversity in a way that is much more open and progressive.” Mentioned in this episode: www.osmosis.org/faculty-awards

Anti-smoking groups are sounding the alarm at the growing number of vape shops in the country, with 300 new stores opening up since February alone. Kathryn speaks to Letitia Harding, chief executive of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation and Janet Hoek, a professor of Public Health at the University of Otago.

When Princess Diana died, millions were compelled to travel to her home and leave flowers. Why?

Today we talk to Sarah Gallagher, a researcher who has spent a good number of years looking into Dunedin student culture, specifically the naming of flats. We talk all about named flats, how they came about, what they mean and a range of topics around unique Scarfie culture!Check out the website and shownotes!Become a Patron!https://www.patreon.com/historyaotearoaBuy some merch!https://teespring.com/stores/hanz-podcast★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★