Te Ao Marama Maori Hui a Tau 2010

Hon Tariana Turia; Associate Minister of Health

Thursday 25 February 2010; 11am

I am so delighted to be here in Rotorua, for this Hui-a-Tau of Te Ao Marama, the Maori Dental Association.

According to a major international study across 15 countries and 34,493 people, getting married is positive for the mental health of both men and women, resulting in reduced risks of the likelihood of most mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

Research into what it means to be a Maori elder today, has found kaumatua and kuia love life, and are actively engaged in their community and whanau.

The regulations on health warning images on cigarette packets are not being appropriately followed by tobacco companies. That's the conclusion of latest research from the University of Otago which involved a study of cigarette pack warnings after these became mandatory in August 2008.

A significant gap exists between concerns of the public about smoking in cars with children and the attitude of some politicians and officials to this health issue according to latest research from the University of Otago, Wellington.

Little government attention has been given to smoking by Pacific peoples in New Zealand, and there is no specific government plan to deal with this smoking.

Research published today from the University of Otago, Wellington has identified smokefree outdoor parks as a significant and growing new area for smokefree policies in New Zealand.

Research presented this week at the Public Health Association Conference in Dunedin proposes that many New Zealand households should be eligible for a smartcard to help them buy healthy food.

A strategy released today will provide a long-term focus for tobacco control research in New Zealand, says Michele Grigg, Chair of the Tobacco Control Research Steering Group.

Research and Enterprise Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne today announced this year's recipients of the University of Otago's Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research.