Contact details +6449793087
Prof Lisa Te Morenga PhD
Professor
Doctoral Supervisor Centre for Public Health ResearchI obtained my PhD in Human Nutrition from the University of Otago in 2010 and have worked as a research at Otago, Victoria University of Wellington and now Massey University. I started out in my working career as a forestry scientist at the New Zealand Forest Research Institute as completing a forestry degree at University of Canterbury in 1993, but made a major and happy career switch a decade later.
I whakapapa to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Uri o Hua, Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa. I am a nutrition and Māori health researcher, Rutherford Discovery Fellow and Principle Investigator with the Riddet Centre of Research Excellence. Broadly my research interests relate to supporting individuals, whanau and communities to achieve good health through being able to access healthy affordable food. My research is translational - applying basic nutrition evidence to enhance human health and wellbeing, and ultimately informing food and nutrition policy. Undertaking research addressing health inequities amongst Māori and Pacific communities is a key theme of my research.
Professional
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy - University of Otago (2010)
Certifications and Registrations
- Licence, Supervisor, Massey University
Prizes and Awards
- Hamilton Award for Early Career Excellence in Science - Royal Society of New Zealand (2019)
Research Expertise
Research Interests
My research interests involve the role of diet, (particularly dietary carbohydrates including dietary fibre, wholegrains and sugars) in the aetiology, treatment and prevention of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. I am particularly interested in the relationship between nutrition and hauora (Māori health) and achieving health equity. My primary motivation is to undertake research that is of direct benefit to Māori and thus focuses on the role of nutrition in the development of preventable diseases that inflict a particularly high health burden on Māori.
I am currently involved in a wide range of public health and nutrition related research projects including:
- Dietary Interventions: Evidence & Translation (DIET) programme which aims to improve the diets of populations equitably
- A series of studies examining the health attributes of wholegrain cereal products differing in structural properties and the way that they are processed into consumer products.
- Tihei Rangatahi Programme: Improving hauora-oranga services for rangatahi Māori
- Navigating Pacific Indigenous knowledge and practices in relation to contemporary dietary patterns: investigating 'ai ia e ola' - eat to live well.
- Novel Methods of Infant Feeding in NZ - Cause for Concern or Optimism? - an observational cross-sectional study that follows 625 babies aged 7-9 months from the Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin areaexploring what babies are eating once they move from an exclusively milk diet to solid food.
- Young Foods New Zealand Study: a nutrition survey of New Zealand children aged 6 mths to 4 years.
- Evaluation of the Implementation and Impact of National Healthy Food and Drink Policy in District Health Boards and Public Service Organisations, and the health equity implications of implementation.
- Co-design and evaluation of a mobile health (mHealth) tool to help reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes Māori and Pasifika communities conducted with community partners.
- Development of improved methods of assessing and monitoring sugar intakes and the population and individual level including novel biomarkers in blood and hair
Thematics
Health and Well-being, Future Food Systems
Area of Expertise
Field of research codes
Health Promotion (111712):
Maori Health (111713):
Medical And Health Sciences (110000):
Nutrition and Dietetics (111100):
Nutritional Physiology (111103):
Public Health and Health Services (111700):
Public Nutrition Intervention (111104)
Keywords
Human nutrition
Public Health Nutrition
Non communicable diease prevention
Obesity prevention
Diabetes prevention
Maori health
Systematic revews and meta-analyses
Community-based interventions
Participatory research methods
Research Projects
Current Projects
Project Title: Bringing manaakitanga to waitlists with tailored Smart Start letters
Date Range: 2024 - 2027
Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand
Project Team:
- Prof Lisa Te Morenga - Project Leader
Project Title: Matauranga Kai
Date Range: 2021 - 2024
Funding Body: Tertiary Education Commission
Project Team:
- Prof Lisa Te Morenga - Project Leader
- Miss Meka Faamanu Mapuilesua - Team Member
Project Title: Naku te rourou, nau te rourou, ka oranga ai te iwi (With my food basket and your food basket the people will be well)
Date Range: 2021 - 2024
Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand
Project Team:
- Prof Lisa Te Morenga - Project Leader
Research Outputs
Journal
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Beck, K., Conlon, C., Jones, E., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Beck, K., Conlon, C., Jones, E., Paul, R., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L., Terry, G.
[Journal article]Authored by: Beck, K., Conlon, C., Jones, E., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Corbin, M., Douwes, J., Renall, N., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Beck, K., Conlon, C., Jones, E., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
![abstract icon](/massey/app_templates/_pagetemplates/pagelets/academic_outputs/images/abstract.jpg)
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
![abstract icon](/massey/app_templates/_pagetemplates/pagelets/academic_outputs/images/abstract.jpg)
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Journal article]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
![abstract icon](/massey/app_templates/_pagetemplates/pagelets/academic_outputs/images/abstract.jpg)
Book
[Chapter]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
Report
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Cunningham, C., Douwes, J., Eng, A., Keer, S., Te Morenga, L.
Conference
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Beck, K., Conlon, C., Jones, E., Te Morenga, L.
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Beck, K., Conlon, C., Jones, E., Te Morenga, L.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Beck, K., Conlon, C., Te Morenga, L.
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Conference]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Conference]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Conference]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
Other
[Other]Authored by: Renall, N., Te Morenga, L.
[Internet publication]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Other]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Other]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Other]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Other]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Other]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
[Other]Authored by: Te Morenga, L.
Teaching and Supervision
Graduate Supervision Statement
I have supervised 2 PhD students, 20 Masters thesis students, and 5 other postgraduate dissertation students enrolled at the university of Otago. I am currently supervising 5 PhD students enrolled at the Universities of Auclkand and Otago and Wellington.
I supervise students undertaking a wide range or nutrition and health related research, including laboratory based research, dietary interventions studies, observational research, digital health, qualitative research and systematic reviews and meta-anbalyses.
Prof Lisa Te Morenga is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.
Summary of Doctoral Supervision
Position | Current | Completed |
---|---|---|
Main Supervisor | 2 | 0 |
Co-supervisor | 0 | 1 |
Current Doctoral Supervision
Main Supervisor of:
-
Hinako Percival
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Bringing manaakitanga to waitlists with tailored Smart Start letters -
Asher Regan
-
Doctor of Philosophy
How can Māori chefs shape the future of kai in Aotearoa NZ and contribute to improving wellbeing for Māori and Aotearoa NZ as a whole?
Completed Doctoral Supervision
Co-supervisor of:
-
2024
-
Maria Casale
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Complementary Feeding Practices, Nutrient Intake, and Iron Status of Māori, Pasifika, and Other Infants in Aotearoa New Zealand
Media and Links
Media
-
29 Jun 2023 - Radio
Radio Kahungungu Radio
Discussing the HCA Ka Ora Ka Ako petition which is being handed over at Parliament on 29 June 2023 -
29 Jun 2023 - Television
Te Karere interview on Ka Ora Ka Ako petition
Free school lunch petition presented to Parliament Free lunches at schools are on the agenda after a petition was presented to Parliament by Health Coalition Aotearoa and schools. It aims to get a lon -
29 Dec 2021 - Television
Misinformation is meddling with Maori well-being
Te Ao Māori News -
28 Nov 2023 - Television
Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) News
Interview: New Zealand government to scrap world-first smoking ban -
28 Jun 2023 - Radio
Radio Waatea morning news interview
Talking about the handover of the HCA petition to expand Ka Ora Ka Ako (healthy school lunches) - view more...
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27 Nov 2023 - Radio
RFI (Radio France Internationale) interview
Commentary on the repeal of NZ Smoke-free laws -
27 May 2021 - Radio
NZ-based companies profit from sugary drink export
Radio New Zealand -
27 Jul 2023 - Online
Stuff "Pou Tiaki" article
Commentary provided for Stuff article: Call for politicians to stop junk food, alcohol and tobacco harm in Māori, Pacific neighbourhoods -
27 Dec 2021 - Online
NZ exporting more sugary drinks to Pacific Islands
Stuff News articles -
27 Apr 2023 - Newspaper
Diabetes Dithering
Editorial in the Otago Daily Times about the need to help NZers access healthy food, as poor diet is responsible for 70% of global diabetes cases. -
25 May 2021 - Online
NZ exporting more sugary drinks to Pacific Islands
Science media centre commentary -
25 Feb 2024 - Television
One News interview
Comment on a news story about a new poll that shows most people do not want the Government to remove some smokefree legislation, including reducing nicotine in cigarettes and introducing a sinking lid -
23 Dec 2022 - Magazine
Sustainable eating
Expert comment for Consumer Magazine on how to eat a healthy, eco-friendly diet -
22 May 2023 - Radio
Radio Waatea interview
Discussing the impact of Budget 2023 on Māori health -
22 Jun 2023 - Online
Stuff News story on Manurewa High School lunches
Stuuf News: How one school kitchen feeds more than 2000 people in Manurewa every day -
21 Apr 2023 - Newspaper
GST and produce: Removing tax on healthy food
NZ Herald article about the high cost of healthy food in NZ and diabetes -
20 Apr 2023 - Television
Te Ao Tapatahi 20/04/2023
Talked to Neil Waka about the role of diet in diabetes, the high cost of healthy food in Aotearoa, and what the government should do about it -
19 May 2023 - Newspaper
Opinion: In defence of free school lunches
NZ Herald Op Ed responding to an opinion piece by Kate McNamara that the Ka Ora Ka Ako Free School Lunch programme is not worth the expensive. I write about the value of the scheme and our call for it -
18 May 2023 - Television
Whakaata Māori - Te Ao Tapatahi
Interview about the impact of Budget 2023 for public health. From 18:20 -
18 Apr 2023 - Online
Most new Type2 diabetes cases attributable to diet
expert commentary provided on the findings of international research showing "suboptimal diet" was attributable to 14.1 million new cases of Type 2 diabetes in 2018 -
18 Apr 2023 - Radio
Poor quality food behind most T2DM
Interview with Lisa Owen on RNZ Checkpoint -
17 Mar 2022 - Newspaper
Iwi fill kid's dental gap
Northland Age -
17 Jun 2023 - Television
TVNZ One News interview on Ka Ora Ka Ako
interviewed about the benefitis of the Ka Ora Ka Ake healthy school lunch programme for children, their whānau and communities they live in -
14 Jul 2023 - Television, Online
Te Ao Maori News
Interviewed for story: Is Aspartame safe? Health researcher on ‘possibly carcinogenic’ sweetener -
14 Aug 2023 - Television
Newshub video; 6pm news
commentary for story: Chris Hipkins grilled at press conference on whether Labour GST policy applies to some products -
14 Aug 2023 - Radio
Radio Waatea interview
Interviewed by Claudette Hauitit for story "GST cuts will miss mark says Health Coalition" -
13 Sep 2022 - Online
Why it’s a bad idea to microwave plastic
Expert reviewer for Stuff The Whole Truth: Te Māramatanga series -
13 Mar 2022 - Newspaper
Muriwhenua program delivers fun toothbrushing educ
comments on oral health -
13 Jul 2022 - Newspaper
Principal's energy drink warning
Northern Advocate -
13 Dec 2023 - Newspaper
NZ Herald Opinion
Personal story: I can’t stop my dad from smoking but the smokefree law could -
12 Jul 2022 - Newspaper
'Kiddie alcohol' warning
Northland Age -
12 Jul 2022 - Newspaper
Principal's plea highlights need for regulation of
Northland Age: Principal's plea highlights need for regulation of energy drinks -
12 Dec 2021 - Newspaper
AN UNHEALTHY POPULATION AND ITS UNHEALTHY ECONONOM
Article published in Sunday Star TImes and Sunday News -
12 Dec 2021 - Newspaper
Govt's 'studious neglect' of obesity leaves us amo
Comments of inaction on obesity -
12 Dec 2021 - Online
A bad business: The economics of obesity
Stuff news article -
11 Apr 2023 - Online
Healthy lunch plan falls short
Call for the Government to expand the Healthy School Lunch programme to more children -
09 Feb 2023 - Television
Calls grow for free lunch programme extension
Story on Te Karere: a call to the government to extend the Ka Ora Ka Ako (free shcool lunch programme) to more kids in Aotearoa -
08 Sep 2022 - Online, Newspaper
The truth about carbs - bad or not?
Expert panel reviewer for Stuff's The Whole Truth Series, printed in various local newspapers -
08 Mar 2022 - Television
Te Karere
Comments on Commerce Commission findings on supermarkets -
05 May 2022 - Newspaper, Online
One or two daily drinks - healthy or a slow death?
Expert panel member of Stuff's The Whole Truth Series published in various newspapers -
05 Aug 2022 - Newspaper
Trim: it’s not just watered-down milk
Expert panel review of Stuff's The Whole Truth series, printed in various newspapers -
04 Sep 2023 - Radio
Waatea News interview
Commentary for story: Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) applauds Labour’s proposed policy to lessen the impact of dental disease -
04 Sep 2023 - Radio
Radio NZ First Up interview with Nathan Rarere
Health Coalition Aotearoa urges more dental preventative action; comments on Labour's policy announcement to fund free dental care for people under 30y -
04 Jul 2023 - Radio
Newstalk ZB Early Edition interview
NewstalkZB: Public health, nutrition experts call for national food strategy to fix our obesity epidemic -
03 Jun 2022 - Newspaper
How much red meat is safe to consume?
Expert panel member of Stuff's The Whole Truth Series published in various newspapers -
03 Apr 2023 - Television
Lobbying in Parliament - 1 News
Commented on the new rules around lobbying announced by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, on behalf of Health Coaltion Aotearoa -
02 May 2021 - Online
Type 2 diabetes: 'A tidal wave that will devastate
Stuff news article -
02 Dec 2021 - Newspaper
'Interconnectedness' of matauranga, kai
Gisborne Herald -
01 Feb 2022 - Newspaper, Online
The Whole Truth: Te Māramatanga
The Whole Truth: Te Māramatanga explains public health topics prone to misinformation. It seeks to inform rather than inflame. Through the short stories, videos and graphics on this page, you’ll find - view less...