Latest news with #TeWhareWānangaoWaitaha
Scoop
17 hours ago
- Health
- Scoop
UC Launches New Degree To Meet Needs Of New Zealand's Health Sector
Press Release – University of Canterbury The new Bachelor of Health will support New Zealands most pressing health challenges and focus on employability and flexibility for graduates who will contribute to improvement health outcomes. Developed in close consultation with partners from across the health system and community organisations, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)'s new qualification reflects a broader, more holistic understanding of health. Reinforcing the University's reputation of delivering highly-skilled, work-ready graduates, the programme equips students with the knowledge and practical experience to meet growing demand for a wide range of roles across the health sector – from public health to wellbeing, mental health. nutrition, exercise and policy. 'Roughly 80% of health outcomes are shaped by factors outside the clinical care system, by factors like housing, nutrition, education and social connection. We wanted a degree that reflects this reality and prepares students to lead in these areas,' says Executive Dean Health Associate Professor Cathy Andrew. 'The degree incorporates a small core set of papers allowing students to make a custom-designed degree that meets their interests, including the option of a double-major.' Positive feedback from both graduates and employers endorses the third-year internship. 'Making the internship an integral part of the programme ensures our graduates are not only job-ready but have already contributed meaningfully to health outcomes in their communities.' Graduate Jemma Dalley said taking the internship as an elective during her study has been invaluable for her career, 'During my internship with the New Zealand Health Education Association, I created a teaching resource on Te Whare Tapa Whā, developing curriculum-aligned lessons, creative learning activities, and strong planning and facilitation skills. The experience gave me work ready skills, valuable connections, boosted my confidence as a kaiako [teacher], and continues to shape my teaching practice today.' The structure also accommodates students transferring from other universities says Associate Professor Andrew. 'In the past, students coming to UC from other health science programmes could only credit some of their courses. Now, with a Health Science major available, UC can better recognise prior study. The Bachelor of Health is designed to allow students to pursue additional certifications such as Associate Registered Nutritionist or membership with the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners' Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ), further enhancing their employability and professional recognition. The degree supports a wide variety of career paths including Health Protection Officer, Health Communication Specialist, Mental Health and Addictions Practitioner, Public Health Policy Analyst, and more. It also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study or graduate entry pathways into in nursing, medicine, psychology, and other professional health fields. Students can tailor their degree with a choice of eight majors, including: Public Health Health Education Psychology Māori and Indigenous Health Mental Health and Addictions Health Science Exercise and Sport Nutrition Physical Activity and Wellbeing The new Bachelor of Health responds to a growing national demand for health professionals with a strong understanding of health and wellbeing determinants but who do not require full clinical registration. These roles include youth workers, healthcare assistants, support workers, community health workers. 'New Zealand's workforce of unregulated health workers has more than doubled over the past decade, with increasing roles in mental health, primary care, and community health settings,' says Associate Professor Andrew. Launching in 2026, future students can apply for the new Bachelor of Health here.
Scoop
18 hours ago
- Health
- Scoop
UC Launches New Degree To Meet Needs Of New Zealand's Health Sector
Developed in close consultation with partners from across the health system and community organisations, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)'s new qualification reflects a broader, more holistic understanding of health. Reinforcing the University's reputation of delivering highly-skilled, work-ready graduates, the programme equips students with the knowledge and practical experience to meet growing demand for a wide range of roles across the health sector – from public health to wellbeing, mental health. nutrition, exercise and policy. 'Roughly 80% of health outcomes are shaped by factors outside the clinical care system, by factors like housing, nutrition, education and social connection. We wanted a degree that reflects this reality and prepares students to lead in these areas,' says Executive Dean Health Associate Professor Cathy Andrew. 'The degree incorporates a small core set of papers allowing students to make a custom-designed degree that meets their interests, including the option of a double-major.' Positive feedback from both graduates and employers endorses the third-year internship. "Making the internship an integral part of the programme ensures our graduates are not only job-ready but have already contributed meaningfully to health outcomes in their communities.' Graduate Jemma Dalley said taking the internship as an elective during her study has been invaluable for her career, 'During my internship with the New Zealand Health Education Association, I created a teaching resource on Te Whare Tapa Whā, developing curriculum-aligned lessons, creative learning activities, and strong planning and facilitation skills. The experience gave me work ready skills, valuable connections, boosted my confidence as a kaiako [teacher], and continues to shape my teaching practice today.' The structure also accommodates students transferring from other universities says Associate Professor Andrew. 'In the past, students coming to UC from other health science programmes could only credit some of their courses. Now, with a Health Science major available, UC can better recognise prior study. The Bachelor of Health is designed to allow students to pursue additional certifications such as Associate Registered Nutritionist or membership with the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners' Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ), further enhancing their employability and professional recognition. The degree supports a wide variety of career paths including Health Protection Officer, Health Communication Specialist, Mental Health and Addictions Practitioner, Public Health Policy Analyst, and more. It also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study or graduate entry pathways into in nursing, medicine, psychology, and other professional health fields. Students can tailor their degree with a choice of eight majors, including: Public Health Health Education Psychology Māori and Indigenous Health Mental Health and Addictions Health Science Exercise and Sport Nutrition Physical Activity and Wellbeing The new Bachelor of Health responds to a growing national demand for health professionals with a strong understanding of health and wellbeing determinants but who do not require full clinical registration. These roles include youth workers, healthcare assistants, support workers, community health workers. 'New Zealand's workforce of unregulated health workers has more than doubled over the past decade, with increasing roles in mental health, primary care, and community health settings,' says Associate Professor Andrew. Launching in 2026, future students can apply for the new Bachelor of Health here.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
Eyes In The Sky: Using Drones To Safeguard Our Forests
Press Release – University of Canterbury Using drone-mounted light detection and ranging (LiDAR) & multispectral sensors, and high-resolution satellite imagery from trial sites across Marlborough & North Canterbury, he is developing a new model to detect & quantify the spatial extent, … UC researchers are using drones and satellite remote sensing to track the health of eucalyptus trees from above and protect the future of New Zealand's plantation forests. Originally from Nepal, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) PhD candidate Shiva Pariyar is breaking new ground with remote sensing research that could help reduce economic and environmental losses caused by pest damage in non-native eucalyptus species. 'In New Zealand, plantation forestry is dominated by Pinus radiata (pine), which needs chemical treatment to make the timber durable,' Pariyar explains. 'To avoid the environmental risks of chemicals leaching into the soil and water, New Zealand Dryland Forest Innovation (NZDFI) has introduced naturally durable eucalyptus species as a more sustainable alternative.' However, these eucalyptus trees, imported from Australia, are vulnerable to paropsine beetles, also known as leaf-chewing beetles, and other pests. 'Leaves are the most important part of the tree. Damage or defoliation significantly reduces the tree's ability to photosynthesise, affecting their growth and forest productivity.' One of his supervisors, Associate Professor Steve Pawson, says New Zealand cultivates over 15,000 hectares of eucalyptus, with the impact of paropsine beetles varying widely depending on the severity of the attack and the type of eucalypt production system. 'Potential yield loss is estimated at $10 million per year, with control costs currently estimated at $1 to $2.6 million,' he says. Using drone-mounted light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and multispectral sensors, and high-resolution satellite imagery from trial sites across Marlborough and North Canterbury, he is developing a new model to detect and quantify the spatial extent, intensity, frequency and timing of eucalyptus defoliation both at the individual tree-level and across entire landscapes. 'Human eyes can't always pick up subtle changes in canopy greenness or stress levels, but the technology we use can. Ground-based measurements are costly, time-consuming, labour intensive and often impractical in remote or dangerous environments. 'Without timely and accurate information, forest managers are unable to respond to insect outbreaks effectively that may cause long-term ecological and economic damage. My research outcome supports forest managers and policy makers to take both proactive and reactive measures to improve forest health and vitality of eucalyptus plantation.' His research supports the expansion of targeted plantations of 100,000 hectares of naturally durable eucalyptus in New Zealand by 2050. 'If the trial is successful,' says Pariyar, 'this model could be used not just here but globally—wherever eucalyptus is planted as a sustainable alternative to chemically treated pine. 'I wanted to build on my skills in the field of remote sensing and technology. And luckily, I found this opportunity at UC to explore and expand my theoretical knowledge and practical understanding including recent technologies. 'UC has given me all the facilities that I need, including learning how to operate drones. Now I can prepare flight plans, fly drones and analyse data for future use.' Pariyar is currently participating in the Research Student Showcase, an annual event for postgraduate students that offers valuable training workshops, great prizes, and the opportunity to present their research to a broader audience. His project is supported by the UC Doctoral Scholarship, NZDFI, and the School of Forestry, with supervision from Dr Vega Xu, Associate Professor Steve Pawson, Professor Justin Morgenroth, and Dr Ning Ye at UC's School of Forestry.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
Eyes In The Sky: Using Drones To Safeguard Our Forests
Press Release – University of Canterbury Using drone-mounted light detection and ranging (LiDAR) & multispectral sensors, and high-resolution satellite imagery from trial sites across Marlborough & North Canterbury, he is developing a new model to detect & quantify the spatial extent, … UC researchers are using drones and satellite remote sensing to track the health of eucalyptus trees from above and protect the future of New Zealand's plantation forests. Originally from Nepal, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) PhD candidate Shiva Pariyar is breaking new ground with remote sensing research that could help reduce economic and environmental losses caused by pest damage in non-native eucalyptus species. 'In New Zealand, plantation forestry is dominated by Pinus radiata (pine), which needs chemical treatment to make the timber durable,' Pariyar explains. 'To avoid the environmental risks of chemicals leaching into the soil and water, New Zealand Dryland Forest Innovation (NZDFI) has introduced naturally durable eucalyptus species as a more sustainable alternative.' However, these eucalyptus trees, imported from Australia, are vulnerable to paropsine beetles, also known as leaf-chewing beetles, and other pests. 'Leaves are the most important part of the tree. Damage or defoliation significantly reduces the tree's ability to photosynthesise, affecting their growth and forest productivity.' One of his supervisors, Associate Professor Steve Pawson, says New Zealand cultivates over 15,000 hectares of eucalyptus, with the impact of paropsine beetles varying widely depending on the severity of the attack and the type of eucalypt production system. 'Potential yield loss is estimated at $10 million per year, with control costs currently estimated at $1 to $2.6 million,' he says. Using drone-mounted light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and multispectral sensors, and high-resolution satellite imagery from trial sites across Marlborough and North Canterbury, he is developing a new model to detect and quantify the spatial extent, intensity, frequency and timing of eucalyptus defoliation both at the individual tree-level and across entire landscapes. 'Human eyes can't always pick up subtle changes in canopy greenness or stress levels, but the technology we use can. Ground-based measurements are costly, time-consuming, labour intensive and often impractical in remote or dangerous environments. 'Without timely and accurate information, forest managers are unable to respond to insect outbreaks effectively that may cause long-term ecological and economic damage. My research outcome supports forest managers and policy makers to take both proactive and reactive measures to improve forest health and vitality of eucalyptus plantation.' His research supports the expansion of targeted plantations of 100,000 hectares of naturally durable eucalyptus in New Zealand by 2050. 'If the trial is successful,' says Pariyar, 'this model could be used not just here but globally—wherever eucalyptus is planted as a sustainable alternative to chemically treated pine. 'I wanted to build on my skills in the field of remote sensing and technology. And luckily, I found this opportunity at UC to explore and expand my theoretical knowledge and practical understanding including recent technologies. 'UC has given me all the facilities that I need, including learning how to operate drones. Now I can prepare flight plans, fly drones and analyse data for future use.' Pariyar is currently participating in the Research Student Showcase, an annual event for postgraduate students that offers valuable training workshops, great prizes, and the opportunity to present their research to a broader audience. His project is supported by the UC Doctoral Scholarship, NZDFI, and the School of Forestry, with supervision from Dr Vega Xu, Associate Professor Steve Pawson, Professor Justin Morgenroth, and Dr Ning Ye at UC's School of Forestry.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
Eyes In The Sky: Using Drones To Safeguard Our Forests
UC researchers are using drones and satellite remote sensing to track the health of eucalyptus trees from above and protect the future of New Zealand's plantation forests. Originally from Nepal, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) PhD candidate Shiva Pariyar is breaking new ground with remote sensing research that could help reduce economic and environmental losses caused by pest damage in non-native eucalyptus species. 'In New Zealand, plantation forestry is dominated by Pinus radiata (pine), which needs chemical treatment to make the timber durable,' Pariyar explains. 'To avoid the environmental risks of chemicals leaching into the soil and water, New Zealand Dryland Forest Innovation (NZDFI) has introduced naturally durable eucalyptus species as a more sustainable alternative.' However, these eucalyptus trees, imported from Australia, are vulnerable to paropsine beetles, also known as leaf-chewing beetles, and other pests. 'Leaves are the most important part of the tree. Damage or defoliation significantly reduces the tree's ability to photosynthesise, affecting their growth and forest productivity.' One of his supervisors, Associate Professor Steve Pawson, says New Zealand cultivates over 15,000 hectares of eucalyptus, with the impact of paropsine beetles varying widely depending on the severity of the attack and the type of eucalypt production system. 'Potential yield loss is estimated at $10 million per year, with control costs currently estimated at $1 to $2.6 million,' he says. Using drone-mounted light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and multispectral sensors, and high-resolution satellite imagery from trial sites across Marlborough and North Canterbury, he is developing a new model to detect and quantify the spatial extent, intensity, frequency and timing of eucalyptus defoliation both at the individual tree-level and across entire landscapes. 'Human eyes can't always pick up subtle changes in canopy greenness or stress levels, but the technology we use can. Ground-based measurements are costly, time-consuming, labour intensive and often impractical in remote or dangerous environments. 'Without timely and accurate information, forest managers are unable to respond to insect outbreaks effectively that may cause long-term ecological and economic damage. My research outcome supports forest managers and policy makers to take both proactive and reactive measures to improve forest health and vitality of eucalyptus plantation.' His research supports the expansion of targeted plantations of 100,000 hectares of naturally durable eucalyptus in New Zealand by 2050. 'If the trial is successful,' says Pariyar, 'this model could be used not just here but globally—wherever eucalyptus is planted as a sustainable alternative to chemically treated pine. 'I wanted to build on my skills in the field of remote sensing and technology. And luckily, I found this opportunity at UC to explore and expand my theoretical knowledge and practical understanding including recent technologies. 'UC has given me all the facilities that I need, including learning how to operate drones. Now I can prepare flight plans, fly drones and analyse data for future use.' Pariyar is currently participating in the Research Student Showcase, an annual event for postgraduate students that offers valuable training workshops, great prizes, and the opportunity to present their research to a broader audience. His project is supported by the UC Doctoral Scholarship, NZDFI, and the School of Forestry, with supervision from Dr Vega Xu, Associate Professor Steve Pawson, Professor Justin Morgenroth, and Dr Ning Ye at UC's School of Forestry.
