Guest Author • May 21, 2021 •
Paul Tranter, UNSW and Rodney Tolley, Staffordshire University Slowing transport in cities provides immense benefits for the health of people, economies and the planet, so why are we still obsessed with speed? As Mahatma Gandhi observed: There is more to life than increasing its speed. This speaks to our own physical and mental well-being, as well as to … Read More
Alison Campbell • Feb 25, 2019 •
The hominid known as “Ardi” (a specimen of Ardipithecus ramidus) was discovered in 1994, at a site near Ethiopia’s Awash River. Once excavated, it turned out that this was – for its age – a remarkably complete specimen: 125 fossilised bones, comprising most of the skull, teeth, hands & feet, pelvis, and the lower sections of the arms & legs. This … Read More
Public Health Expert • Oct 31, 2017 •
By Dr Caroline Shaw, University of Otago. Physical activity is good for health. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with reduced rates of breast and colon cancer, better mental health, lower obesity rates, lower heart disease, stroke (the list goes on). This blog looks at a new study we just published that found that New Zealanders who walk … Read More
Guest Author • Aug 22, 2017 •
By Kylie Steel, Western Sydney University Ever had that funny feeling about someone you don’t know who’s approaching you? There’s something about them that makes you feel uneasy or you think they could cause you harm. Scientific evidence indicates this is more than just learned behaviour: it’s a survival strategy, and something we are born with. But could … Read More
Public Health Expert • Sep 04, 2016 •
Dr Caroline Shaw, Dr Marie Russell On-road cycle lane Wellington. Photo credit: Jenny Ombler. Active transport is important for health and sustainability. But no one has previously looked systematically at how NZ cities support cycling and walking. Therefore, a new study has been performed and is now published online. This blog reports its main findings. Walking and cycling for … Read More
John Kerr • Aug 30, 2016 •
It seems the weather is no excuse. New Zealand’s cold, wet and windy urban centers are also where the most people get out walking and cycling. Source: NZTA The findings come from a new report examining levels of active transport – getting around by foot or bicycle – and overall population health in New Zealand’s six largest cities. The … Read More
Public Health Expert • Nov 15, 2013 •
Assoc Prof Nick Wilson and Dr Nisha Nair NZ compares favourably with other OECD countries in many ways – according to the just released results of the OECD’s “Better Life Index”. This blog considers some of the details and also … Continue reading → … Read More