Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago

01/09/2026

Spirit of Service & Community Engagement Prize
Have you been making a difference in your community outside of your studies?
Applications are now open for the Department of Human Nutrition Spirit of Service and Community Engagement Prize, recognising students who have gone above and beyond to support, serve and contribute to their communities.
This could be through volunteering, community projects, leadership, supporting others, working alongside community organisations, or simply putting your time and energy into something that makes a meaningful difference.
Two prizes are available for students studying:
BSc Human Nutrition, BAppSc Sports and Exercise Nutrition, or BBioMedSc Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health.
Applications close 4pm, Friday 16 October
Find out more and download the application form here https://www.otago.ac.nz/humannutrition/study/scholarships-prizes
Completed applications can be sent to [email protected].

26/08/2026

Yesterday was a very special day in the Department as Laura Ombasa rang the bell to celebrate submitting her PhD thesis! 🔔🎉💛

Laura’s PhD, Impact of Lepteridine™ mānuka honey on symptoms and quality-of-life in individuals with functional dyspepsia: a randomised controlled feasibility trial, explored whether mānuka honey could be a feasible intervention for people living with functional dyspepsia, and its impact on their symptoms and quality of life. 

Getting to the end of a PhD is such a huge achievement, with so much work that goes on behind the scenes. Laura has also balanced her PhD alongside being a mum, and we’re so happy to see all her hard work come together! 💛

A huge congratulations to Laura, and also to her supervisory team Dr Jody Miller, Prof. Anne-Louise Heath, Prof. Richard Gearry, Prof. Warren McNabb and Prof. Nicole Roy, who have supported her along the journey.
We’re so happy for you, Laural! 🥳

12/08/2026

🫶 A team building exercise in the Department of Human Nutrition involved wetsuits, stained fingers, and a trip to the emergency room.

🖤🩷 It also resulted in the creation of taonga that were installed in the Human Nutrition staffroom this week: four tukutuku panels.

🌾Tukutuku are a traditional Māori art form, with woven wall panels carrying layers of meaning. Made from natural fibres such as toetoe and harakeke, they adorn the interiors of wharenui (meeting houses) across Aotearoa New Zealand.

You can read more about our mīharo new tukutuku panels here 👇
https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/news/newsroom/tukutuku-panels-help-weave-connection

Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago

12/08/2026

✨ A special addition to our Department of Human Nutrition ✨
This week, we came together to officially unveil four tukutuku panels created by staff and students from across our department (and guests!).
The panels were woven at the end of last year as a shared staff activity, bringing us together to learn, weave, share stories (and plenty of laughs!), and collectively create something for our department. The process was just as meaningful as the finished pieces, reflecting the values of learning, collaboration, manaakitanga and supporting one another.
A very special mihi to Marcanui (Taura Toi), who generously shared his knowledge and skills as a weaver and guided us throughout the process. We are incredibly grateful for the time, patience and mātauranga he shared with us and for helping bring this kaupapa to life.
The four panels feature Poutama, Pātiki me Nihoniho, and Roimata Toroa. They were chosen with intention and hold a special connection to who we are as a department; from learning and the pursuit of knowledge, to kai and nourishment, strength and resilience, remembrance, and the wellbeing of our community.
A huge mihi to everyone who contributed to this kaupapa and helped make the panels (and their unveiling) so special. 💙💛
We’re so excited to finally see them in their new home and to have them become part of our department’s story.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll share more about each pattern and the kōrero behind why they were chosen.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will be nourished.

25/06/2026

Have you ever felt judged because of your body size?

Researchers from the University of Otago are looking for men living in Dunedin to share their experiences of weight discrimination and unfair treatment based on body size.
Your voice can help shape future health services, research, and conversations to better reflect men’s real experiences.

You may be eligible if you:
• Are 18 years or older
• Identify as Pacific or New Zealand European
• Identify as male
• Live in Dunedin

Participants will take part in a relaxed group and individual talanoa (conversation) and will receive $40 in vouchers ($20 after each session).

Scan the QR code in the poster to find out more and register.

Please share with anyone who may be interested!

16/06/2026

Today we got to celebrate Shien Ping Ong who submitted her PhD thesis and rang the University of Otago bell (with a little extra enthusiasm required now that it’s a rubber mallet! 🥳🔔)!!

Ping’s thesis, The effects of daily consumption of ruminant milk on nutrition and digestive comfort in older women, The YUMMI Study: A randomised controlled trial, represents years of dedication, perseverance and hard work. This achievement was supported by Prof Nicole Roy, Dr Jody Miller, Prof Richard Gearry, Prof Warren McNabb and Prof Rachel Brown.

After the bell ringing, staff and students gathered to sing Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi together before Ping shared a speech where she dedicated her thesis to Prof Nicole Roy ❤️

Congratulations Ping!! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see where your research takes you next 🎉

17/05/2026

Thank you to our 300level Human Nutrition students who volunteered to support our stand at this event. It was great fun interacting with the little people and their parents. Our most popular lunch box foods this year were; apple and bran muffins, corn on the cob, fruit salad and yoghurt, and baby carrots.

10/05/2026

Thanks to our 300 level Human Nutrition students for participating in this event this Saturday.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1TYpMaLkQg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Going to the doctor can be a scary time for kids – but it doesn't have to be!