Faculty of Medicine at Otago

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

Otago medical tauira Ged Wall likes to keep busy.

And between his studies and competing nationally and internationally in rowing, that’s not hard to do.

Ged (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri) is a fourth-year medical student based at the Ōtepoti Dunedin campus. He recently returned from competing at the 2026 FISU World University Championships in Canada, where he and Alex Fletcher (University of Canterbury) finished fifth in the B final of the men’s double sculls.

Ged really enjoyed his time in Canada, saying it was “nice to be somewhere different”.

He has raced extensively at a premier level, winning national titles, and previously rowed for Otago in China against Chinese and other international universities. However, this was his first time at the World University Championships and he relished the tough competition.

Otago medical tauira Ged Wall likes to keep busy. And between his studies and competing nationally and internationally in rowing, that’s not hard to do.

14/09/2026

Check out this great time lapse video showing the construction of Wai Ora.

13/09/2026

Ngā mihi nui to the Faculty of Medicine researchers who are among this year’s Otago Research Awards winners!

Professor Anna Ranta, from the Department of Medicine (Wellington) has been awarded the Distinguished Research Medal. Anna is a stroke neurologist whose work has fundamentally changed the way stroke care is delivered in Aotearoa New Zealand and directly influenced practice worldwide.

Anna says, “I am grateful not just for the recognition of myself but also for the incredible people and communities who have walked this path alongside me both within Aotearoa and across the globe.”

Three Faculty kaimahi received an Early Career Award for Distinction in Research – Dr Nick Bowden, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (Dunedin); Dr Elinor Chisholm, Department of Public Health (Wellington); and Dr Kathryn Hally, Department of Surgery and Critical Care (Wellington).

From improving health outcomes and strengthening communities to exploring the frontiers of science and technology, University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers are making an impact in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

11/09/2026

Te reo Māori will be seen, heard and celebrated at Otago this coming Wiki o te Reo Māori (14 to 20 September).

See the story below to find out more about some of the activities for kaimahi and tauira.

Kia māmā te whai wāhi – Making it easier to take part.

Te reo Māori will be seen, heard and celebrated across Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka this coming Wiki o te Reo Māori.

10/09/2026

Digital health is transforming the way healthcare is delivered across Aotearoa New Zealand, and demand for skilled professionals has never been higher.

Whether you’re looking to advance your career, take it in a new direction, or develop sought-after skills, join this upcoming webinar to discover where postgraduate study in digital health could take you.

Otago’s courses are fully online, designed for working professionals and combine flexible study arrangements with practical industry learning.

The webinar is being held on Thursday 24 September, 7:30-8:30pm, register here: https://events.otago.ac.nz/digital-health-2026/registration/Site/Register
Programme details here: otago.ac.nz/digitalhealth

09/09/2026

Our wonderful new Wai Ora building in Ōtautahi Christchurch will officially open next week!

This eight-storey facility will significantly strengthen health research in Aotearoa New Zealand. It will unite 1500 researchers, clinicians, educators and students in one collaborative environment, expanding Otago’s capacity for world-class biomedical research and clinical trials.

Head of the Faculty of Medicine and Wai Ora Project Owner Professor Suzanne Pitama says Wai Ora represents a major investment in the future of health research.

"Wai Ora has been designed to bring researchers, clinicians, educators and students together in a way that strengthens the pathway from discovery to patient care.”

The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka's new Wai Ora building, set to officially open next week, will significantly strengthen health research in Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing together state-of-the-art biomedical laboratories and a purpose-built Clinical Trials Unit to speed the journey...

08/09/2026

The TIAKI podcast launches today: a six-episode series on the health and wellbeing of Māori who leave prisons, and on what an Aotearoa New Zealand without the harms of prisons could look like.

08/09/2026

Fixing the health of our nation – join us online or in person for expert insights and informed discussion later this month.

Seven University of Otago health experts each have seven minutes to share the one change they believe would make the biggest difference to the health of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our experts, including Faculty of Medicine staff, will distil years of research to highlight what matters most and the key actions needed to help New Zealanders make informed decisions this election.

Hear evidence-based insights on topics including primary care, pharmacy, Māori health, cancer prevention and treatment, geriatric health, dental care and mental health, followed by a panel discussion.

Join us in person at the St David Lecture Theatre on the Dunedin campus or online:
Thursday 24 September, 6–7:15pm
Register here: https://events.otago.ac.nz/fhon-2026/registration/Site/Register

06/09/2026

After almost seven years leading our Pōneke Wellington campus, Professor William Levack reflects on the highs and lows of his tenure.

Today, William starts his new role as Head of Otago’s Faculty of Dentistry in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Professor Lynn McBain has been appointed Interim Dean and Head of Region of the Faculty of Medicine – Wellington until mid-January to allow time for a new Dean to be recruited.

When William took up his Wellington role, he had no idea he would be leading the campus through the Covid-19 pandemic, a long-term evacuation of the main academic building, several relocations, fires and the occasional flood.

“As a campus, we’ve been through quite a lot of disruption. But we came out the other end having produced amazing research and great graduates,” he says.

As Wellington Dean and Head of Region Professor William Levack prepares to leave for a new role as Head of the Faculty of Dentistry in Dunedin, he looks back on the highs and lows and says he’d definitely do it all again.