Health Papers

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/11371

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GPS workflow and performance insights
(NZSCA and Sports and Exercise Science New Zealand, 2025) Smith, Tiaki Brett
Brett’s session will cover his experience deploying STATSports’ elite player-tracking technology across multiple rugby environments in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, drawing on both his in-club roles and consultancy projects. He’ll share practical workflows, key performance insights, and implementation lessons relevant to high-performance and coaching staff.
Workload demands during ball-in-play periods: Comparison of locomotive and contact metrics in professional male versus female Rugby Union players
(2024) Smith, Tiaki Brett; MacDonald, Chantal
Purpose: Rugby Union is a high collision-based sport demanding the best physical, technical, tactical and decision-making capabilities of players to influence success on the field. Various factors affect the ability for females and males to perform and meet the demands of match-play. This project employed an innovative design that examined and compared contact and locomotion metrics between female and male professional rugby union players during match play. Methods: Data was collected from 60 professional male and female rugby players, from one male and one female professional National Provincial Rugby teams. All participants wore GPS units (Apex Pro Pod, STATSport, Newry, NIR). Each match was filmed and coded using Sportscode video analysis software package (Sportscode 12.4.3, Sportstec, Australia), where contact and GPS metrics were identified throughout the match. GPS and Sportscode data were combined in a bespoke software package. Difference were determined using Welch’s t-test with the level of significance set at P<0.5 and the magnitude of the differences was calculated using Cohen’s d (Hopkins, 2009, 2017). Tests for equality of variances, normality and the examination of outliers was conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27). Results: Males locomotive metrics (GPS) and impacts (accelerometer) were typically significantly greater than females showing large to moderate magnitude differences. On the other hand, contacts were often significantly higher for females with small to large magnitude differences. Conclusion: The differences between males and females were likely a combination of genetic differences, differences in how the respective games were played, and the males in this study typically had greater full-time professional training support and resources. Due to these differences, altering female threshold standards for specific intensive locomotion metrics to suit the physical capabilities of females, may give more of an accurate representation of game demands. On the other hand, providing greater resources to female rugby union players for similar periods of time to the males may reduce the differences observed in this study.
The relationship between horizontal scrum force and 1RM squat in professional rugby union players
(2024) Smith, Tiaki Brett; Bradey, Conway
Introduction: Horizontal force development plays a large role in rugby union, but gym-based resistance exercises such as the barbell back squat, a vertical force production exercise, is a commonly used key performance indicator of lower body strength for scrummaging. This project employed an instrumented scrumtruk to measure the isometric horizontal scrum specific force compared to the maximal squat. Methods: Data was collected for one repetition maximum barbell back squat (1RM) and peak (PeakST) and 10-second average (10sAvgST) isometric force on a scrumtruk for 15 professional rugby union forwards across four data collection points throughout a super rugby season. These four points were baseline (start of the pre-season), late pre-season, early in-season and late in-season, with each period separated by approximately six weeks. The analysis involved correlations for the forwards as a whole and the different subgroups of tight forwards, front row, props, and representative props. Standardised differences in 1RM, and PeakST, and 10sAvgST force for these groups across the key data collection points of the season were also determined. Results: Correlations between 1RM and PeakST force (0.133, small), 1RM and 10sST (0.097, small), PeakST and 10sAvgST force (0.926, strong) were found for all forwards across the season. Better correlations for 1RM were detected with props and representative props. Small and very large magnitude increases were observed during pre-season for 1 RM squat and PeakST and 10sAvgST respectively, followed by significant decreases from pre-season to in-season for all variables. Small increases were shown from early to late in-season. Overall, 1RM decreased, while PeakST and 10sAvgST force showed large and moderate increases from baseline to late in-season. Conclusion: Surprisingly despite the promotion of heavy squatting for scrummaging there was only a small relationship between 1RM squat and both PeakST and 10sAvgST in professional rugby players across a competitive season. Rugby conditioners should consider including various specific horizontal isometric training options alongside the squat to facilitate optimal scrummaging force development.
Science to inform monitoring and training load in athletes: Past, present, future
(Sports Medicine New Zealand, 2025) Smith, Tiaki Brett
Presentation from the Sports Medicine New Zealand Conference 2025.
‘Not very responsive for Kaumātua’: A Wānanga-based qualitative study (single-group design) of Māori Kaumātua and Māori health provider experiences of type 2 diabetes care
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-07-20) Kovanur Sampath, Kesava; Haggie, Marrin; Tapara, Timi; Brownie, Sharon
Background Māori experience a disproportionate burden of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with ongoing inequities in access, continuity, and outcomes of care. While culturally responsive approaches are recognised as important, limited qualitative research centers kaumātua (Māori elders aged 50 years and over) voices in evaluating current diabetes care and informing service redesign. Aim To explore kaumātua and Māori health providers’ perspectives on the cultural responsiveness, strengths, and limitations of current T2DM management in New Zealand, and to examine perceived opportunities for community-embedded and mobile models of care. Methods A qualitative study informed by Kaupapa Māori principles was conducted using a wānanga-based (collective forum for discussion and knowledge-sharing) approach. Kaumātua living with T2DM were purposively recruited through a Māori community organisation. Collective kōrero (conversation/discussion) were audio-recorded and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, interpreted through a Kaupapa Māori analytic lens. Reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Strengthening Reporting of Health Research Involving Indigenous Peoples (CONSIDER). Results Seven kaumātua and Māori health providers participated. Current diabetes care was described as fragmented and insufficiently responsive to cultural and contextual needs. Effective care was grounded in whanaungatanga (relationships and connectedness), manaakitanga (care, respect, and dignity), whānau engagement, culturally safe spaces, and accessibility. Structural barriers, including transport challenges, financial pressures, and fragmented information systems, constrained continuity of care. Participants strongly endorsed a mobile, community-embedded diabetes service as a culturally appropriate approach to improving access, continuity, and equity. Conclusion Kaumātua perspectives highlight the need for relational, culturally grounded, and accessible diabetes care. Mobile, community-embedded models offer a promising pathway to address structural barriers while upholding mana, dignity, and whānau-centred care.
Why does New Zealand have such poor outcomes from colorectal cancer?: The importance of the pre-diagnostic period
(CSIRO, 2021-03-31) Firth, Melissa; Blackmore, Tania; Chepulis, Lynne; Keenan, Rawiri; Stokes, Tim; Elwood, Mark; Weller, David; Emery, Jon; Lawrenson, Ross
INTRODUCTION: Over 3000 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are diagnosed annually in New Zealand. The proportion of late stage diagnoses is higher than in similar countries, and highest in Māori and Pacific patients. Survival outcomes are poorer than for people in Australia and poor for Māori and Pacific peoples. A regional screening programme is not yet available to the entire target population (60-74 years). AIM: This study reviews research investigating the pre-diagnostic pathway for CRC in New Zealand and how this may contribute to poorer outcomes. METHODS: This was a scoping review of original articles examining the pre-diagnostic period for CRC published on the PubMed database between 2009 and 2019. Findings were interpreted within the Model of Pathways to Treatment framework and in context of international evidence. RESULTS: In total, 83 publications were assessed; eight studies were included. Studies were mainly older than 5 years, qualitative, and focused on screening. Facilitatory factors for the appraisal and help-seeking intervals increased CRC public awareness and the critical role of general practitioners. No specific facilitatory or inhibitory factors were identified for the diagnostic interval, but two studies found that time frames did not meet national and international targets. One study discovered longer pre-diagnostic intervals were associated with younger age at diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Limited recent research has investigated the CRC pre-diagnostic pathways in NZ. Identification of facilitatory and inhibitory factors and implementation of appropriate strategies to improve them alongside the wider uptake of the screening programme may improve stage at diagnosis and outcomes for New Zealand CRC patients.
Quantifying offense and defense workloads in professional rugby union
(Human Kinetics, 2024) Stevens, Luke J.; Hopkins, Will G.; Chittenden, Jessica A.; Koper, Bianca Z.; Smith, Tiaki Brett
Purpose: Rugby union is a contact team sport demanding high levels of physical capacity, and understanding the match workloads can be useful to inform training. In this study, the factors influencing locomotion and contact workloads for offensive and defensive ball-in-play periods are quantified. Methods: Locomotion and contact metrics were collected from global positioning system units and videos for 31 professional players of a Super Rugby team across 14 games in the 2021 season. Data were analyzed with a generalized mixed-model procedure that included effects for type of play, playing position, match outcome, and ball-in-play time. Magnitudes were assessed with standardization, and evidence for substantial magnitudes was derived from sampling uncertainty. Results: When offense was compared to defense, most metrics showed decisively substantial increases (small to moderate) for forwards and backs. There was decisive evidence that locomotion metrics were substantially lower (large differences) and contact metrics were higher (very large differences) when comparing forwards to backs on offense and defense. When winning was compared to losing, there was good evidence that forwards experienced small increases in overall workload on defense, and backs experienced a small increase in high-speed running and a moderate decrease in contacts on offense. Match-to-match changes associated with ball-in-play time, attributed to fatigue, were decisive (moderate to very large) across most metrics for forwards and backs in offense and defense. Conclusions: The increased locomotion and contact workloads in offensive periods and the differing physical requirements between positions and match outcomes for both types of play are novel findings that should aid practitioners in designing effective training.
Comparative analysis of calf muscle endurance metrics in male and female athletes from different sports
(Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 2026) Pilanthananond, Metaneeya; Hébert-Losier, Kim; Srisomphan, Thitiphan; Jamkrajang, Parunchaya
Purpose: To investigate calf muscle endurance in athletes participating in sports with high demands for repetitive jumping and sprinting and to explore potential sex differences. Methods: 189 recreational athletes aged 18–25 years old (40 runners, 49 basketball and volleyball players, 41 badminton and tennis players, 59 soccer and futsal players) performed a maximal number of single-leg calf raises on the edge of a box following a metronome beat (60 beats per minute) with both legs tested in random order, with only the dominant leg analysed in this study. An upright trunk and a straight knee were maintained throughout the testing. Results: Significantly greater calf muscle absolute work capacity was observed in male court sport players compared to male field sport players by 46.53% (p < 0.001) and female court sport players by 56.46% (p = 0.002) identified by total work metrics. The normalised total positive work was also higher in male court sport players by 43.92% (p = 0.006), while sex differences in normalised work were not significant. No significant differences were shown in peak heights and number of repetitions among the four sports or between sexes within the other sports. Conclusions: Greater absolute work capacity in court sports players reflects sport-specific adaptations to repetitive vertical movements, while sex differences in absolute work are attributable to body mass rather than superior muscular endurance. Our findings suggest the potential benefits of integrating calf muscle training into court sport players.
Running kinematics, spatiotemporal variation and lower limb strength at different stages of a 156-km ultra-trail race
(Edizioni Minerva Medica, 2026-02) Nguyen, Anh Phong; Esculier, Jean-François; Dubois, Blaise; van Cant, Joachim; Roy-Baillargeon, Olivier; Hébert-Losier, Kim; Francisco, Beatrice; Hingrand, Corentin; Delaunay, Pierre-Louis; Mauvieux, Benoit; Pairot De Fontenay, Benoit
BACKGROUND: Ultra-trail running is increasingly popular, yet most research on biomechanics focuses on road running or treadmills. This study assesses changes in foot strike pattern (FSP), step frequency, and other biomechanical parameters over a 156-km ultra-trail race. METHODS: Fifty-five experienced runners participated in the Trail Scientifique de Clécy, a 156-km race with 6000 meters of elevation gain. Biomechanical data were collected at the end of each 26-km lap using video for FSP and Optojump for other parameters. Muscle strength was measured via maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the hip abductors and ankle plantar flexors. RESULTS: Forty-one runners completed the race. FSP remained consistent. Step frequency decreased initially (P=0.003) before stabilizing. Self-selected speed declined by 14.2% (P<0.001), and step length reduced by 12.6% (P<0.001). Ground contact time increased (+12.9%, P<0.001), while flight time remained stable. Leg stiffness showed a non-significant decreasing trend (P=0.048). MVIC for hip abductors and ankle plantar flexors slightly decreased late in the race (P=0.015 and P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Experienced ultra-trail runners maintain consistent FSP while strategically adapting other biomechanical parameters to manage fatigue, supporting sustained performance and injury prevention in ultra-endurance races.
Running with and without blood flow restriction on fatigability and biomechanics: A cross-over trial
(Taylor & Francis, 2026) Nguyen, Anh Phong; Hansoulle, Thomas; Van Cant, Joachim; Pairot de Fontenay, Benoit; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Running assessments are frequently conducted without inducing fatigability because achieving true exhaustion in athletes can be both time consuming and physically demanding. Blood flow restriction (BFR) presents a potential solution by reducing time-to-exhaustion. To determine whether running with BFR (1) accelerates fatiguability compared to standard running and (2) influences running spatiotemporal parameters, including step frequency, step length, contact time, flight time, and duty factor. Sixteen participants (11 men, 5 women) completed two cross-over running trials until exhaustion under two conditions: control and 80% occlusion BFR. Time-to-exhaustion and heart rate were recorded as well as pre/post run maximal voluntary isometric contractions for knee flexors, knee extensors, and ankle plantar flexors. Running spatiotemporal parameters were measured at 65% of maximal aerobic speed both before and after exhaustive running. The BFR protocol significantly shortened time-to-exhaustion (7 min 51 s ±2 min 54 s vs. 24 min 02 s ±12 min 10 s in control, p < .001). Heart rate at exhaustion was lower in the BFR condition (169.5 ± 19.0 vs. 188.1 ± 8.9 bpm, p = .001). Post-run knee flexors strength declined similarly in both protocols (~21%), indicating comparable neuromuscular fatigability despite the shorter BFR running time. None of the spatiotemporal parameters differed significantly between conditions (p > .074). Running with BFR accelerates fatigability without significantly affecting running spatiotemporal parameters
The rowing-specific reinvestment scale
(Taylor & Francis, 2022) Sparks, Katherine V.; Kavussanu, Maria; Masters, Rich S.W.; Ring, Christopher
This research project aimed to develop and validate a rowing-specific reinvestment scale. In Study 1, a 24-item questionnaire was developed and the content validity was assessed using experts (N = 7) and pilot-tested in rowers (N = 24). Next, rowers (N = 282) completed the questionnaire with the remaining items, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted. This further reduced the number of items and revealed two factors, rowing specific conscious motor processing (RS-CMP) and movement self-consciousness (RS-MSC). In Study 2, rowers (N = 270) completed the scale that was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Moreover, the construct validity of the scale was investigated by asking them to complete measures of movement-specific reinvestment, perceived performance, self-consciousness, and state anxiety. Actual performance was also determined based on their race finishing position. Study 1 EFA resulted in a 2-factor model with six items assessing RS-CMP and six items assessing RS-MSC. Study 2 supported the factor structure of scale; CFA indicated an acceptable model fit with good internal consistency. Content validity was also supported, with evidence of concurrent, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity. In conclusion, these studies provided good initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the RSRS.
Acute and persistence of the effects of the SuperSpeed Golf™ weighted-club warm-up on golf driving performance and kinematics
(Taylor & Francis, 2021) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Wardell, George Leslie
High-level golfers use various warm-up strategies to enhance clubhead and ball speed, including weighted equipment. We investigated the acute effects of the SuperSpeed Golf™ weighted-club warm-up on clubhead, ball, and swing kinematics, and the persistence of any acute effects in subsequent sets. Twelve competitive golfers (handicap < 3.0) completed five sets of five swings using their own drivers under two randomised warm-up conditions (Control and SuperSpeed). We compared swing, peak segment and club angular velocity, and centre of mass (COM) parameters collected using a 3D motion capture system (500 Hz) between conditions. The temporal persistence of any meaningful (Cohen’s d ≥ small) and significant (p≤ 0.05) effect detected in the first set was investigated in subsequent sets. SuperSpeed led to small significant changes in clubhead speed (2.6 mph); downswing time; peak angular velocities of the torso, lead arm, and club; and two COM variables in the initial set. There was no significant change in ball speed, resulting in a large negative change in smash factor acutely (d − 0.82, p= 0.009). Nearly all changes observed were no longer meaningful or significant in subsequent sets. Overall, golfers can expect an increase in driving clubhead speed on the first tee using the SuperSpeed Golf™ vs Control warm-up, with trivial effects from the second tee onwards.
Biomechanical determinants of placekicking success in professional Rugby Union players
(Taylor & Francis, 2020) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Lamb, Peter; Beaven, Christopher Martyn
The ability to score from placekicks discriminates winning from losing Rugby Union teams. We aimed to identify which biomechanical variables related to successful placekicking in professional Rugby Union players, and use self-organising maps (SOM) to determine whether meaningful sub-groups existed. Three professional placekickers performed 10 kicks outdoors. Placekicks were categorised into best, worst, and typical performances based on outcomes and coach and player perceptions. Seven 3D biomechanical variables consistently and meaningfully (moderate Cohen’s effect size) discriminated best from worst placekicks in all players. The three-cluster solution from SOM on these seven variables highlighted differences between players rather than best, worst, and typical attempts. Within-clusters, however, the best and worst placekicks tended to be represented in separate map regions. The seven variables identified using standardised effect sizes can be useful for group-level coaching of placekicking skills in absence of individual data, and translated in an applied setting using verbal and visual cues to promote overall placekicking performance. However, players’ idiosyncrasies formed the main SOM boundaries, indicating that optimising placekicking success would benefit from an individualised approach and numerous effective movement templates may exist.
Reporting guidelines for running biomechanics and footwear studies using three-dimensional motion capture
(Taylor & Francis, 2023) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Dai, Boyi; Nunome, Hiroyuki; Kong, Pui Wah; Hobara, Hiroaki; Hsu, Wei-Chun; Bradshaw, Elizabeth J.; Fong, Daniel T.P.; Vanwanseele, Benedicte
Running shoes act as an interface between the foot and the ground and play a central role in running. Running shoes are constantly evolving, as is the research on running biomechanics and footwear. Experts agree that comfort, injury prevention, and performance are important factors to consider in the design and manufacturing of running footwear; however, these topics are often complex to investigate due to their multifactorial, individualised, or subjective nature with no clear evidence-based direction for footwear prescription.
Moving beyond models: Theorizing physical disability in the sociology of sport
(Human Kinetics, 2021) Brighton, James; Townsend, Robert C.; Campbell, Natalie; Williams, Toni L.
In this paper we explore current theoretical approaches available from the discipline of critical disability studies (CDS) for conceptualizing physical disability and advocate how these understandings can advance sociological research on disability sport. After reviewing a dominant “models” approach that has historically been employed, we illuminate how theoretical architecture provided by selected sociological theorists (Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, and Zygmunt Bauman) and from aesthetic, cyborg, and new materialist approaches can help reveal the materialist conditions, sociocultural structures, and lived realities of disability. In doing so, we appeal to researchers of disability sport to develop critical understandings of why alternative theoretical approaches are valuable, what theoretical choices to make, and how we can use theory to highlight oppression and empower those involved in disability sport.
Landing error scoring system scores change with knowledge of scoring criteria and prior performance
(Elsevier, 2020-11) Hanzlíková, Ivana; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Objective: To examine if the knowledge of scoring criteria and prior performance influence Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) outcomes. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Thirty individuals. Main outcome measures: The LESS was tested at Baseline and one week later under two conditions: Pre and Post information. For the Post condition, LESS items were explained to participants, as were their individual Baseline scores. Mean LESS scores and number of individuals categorized at high and low risk were compared between Pre and Post using paired t-tests and McNemar's tests, respectively. McNemar's tests were also used to compare proportions of specific LESS errors between Pre and Post conditions. Results: Mean LESS Post scores (4.7 ± 1.2 errors) were significantly lower than Pre scores (6.6 ± 2.0 errors, p < 0.001) as was the number of individuals at high risk (25 vs 10 participants, p < 0.001). A significantly lower proportion of participants scored an error for the joint displacement item of LESS Post compared to Pre condition (p < 0.001). Conclusion: When using the LESS, it is important that tested individuals have no knowledge of scoring criteria or previous errors for a valid assessment of innate jump-landing movement patterns and injury risk.
Clinical implications of Landing Error Scoring System calculation methods
(Elsevier, 2020-07) Hanzlíková, Ivana; Athens, Josie; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Objectives: To explore whether final Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores differ between calculation methods used in literature. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: 328 individuals. Main outcome measures: LESS scores from 984 drop-jumps were extracted. Final LESS scores were calculated for every participant according to five methods: mean of 3 jumps, 1st jump score, 3rd jump score, best jump score, and sum of errors present in at least 2 jumps. The influence of the calculation method on group mean LESS score and group-level risk categorization using threshold of 5 errors was estimated using Generalized Estimating Equations, with the mean of 3 jumps score set as the reference method. The agreement in individual-level risk categorization was assessed using odds ratios and McNemar's tests. Results: Compared to the reference, estimated group mean LESS score was 0.92 errors lower (p < 0.001) using the best jump method, as was group-level risk categorization (odds ratio: 0.50, p < 0.001). Individual-level risk categorization between calculation methods was inconsistent for 8–15% of participants compared to the reference method, significantly different from reference for the best jump score method (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Calculation method meaningfully influences final LESS scores and risk categorization.
Understanding dis/ableism in sport coaching
(Edward Elgar Publishing, 2026-05-07) Townsend, Robert C.; Randrup, Kelsey; Clare, Olivia; Roberts, William M.
This chapter provides an overview of the rapidly evolving field of coaching in disability and para sport. In adopting a critical position, we argue that coaching in disability sport is more than adapting practice—it requires a critical understanding of the social and cultural factors shaping disabled athletes’ experiences in sport and the role coaching plays in either resisting or reinforcing dominant narratives of disability. We provide readers with the theoretical language to interrogate the intersections of disability, sport, and coaching, drawing from Critical Disability Studies (CDS) to introduce the concepts of disablism and ableism, and how these are implicated in coaching discourse, practice, and coach education. In providing researchers and practitioners with a sensitising framework drawn from critical disability studies, we argue for more participatory and inclusive approaches to coaching research—ensuring that the field collectively moves beyond accommodation and towards transformation.
Understanding nurses’ perspectives on Māori health equity: A systematic scoping review
(Taylor & Francis, 2026) Hughes, Seamus; Grout, Emily; Hiakita, John; Aporosa, S. 'Apo'; Egli, Victoria
Background Nurses have professional, ethical and legal obligations to address health inequities for Māori. Objective To investigate and synthesise the literature available on nurses’ views of health equity for Māori to inform future research, policy and practice. Design Informed by kaupapa Māori methodology, the systematic scoping review was conducted with the JBI approach and reported with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMAScR). Database searches included the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, EMBASE, Psychinfo, Ovid MEDLINE and Google Scholar with 634 articles screeded. Methods Data were extracted and charted by author SH and reviewed by VE and EG. The JBI framework was used to guide data charting, followed by thematic analysis. Results Three key themes were identified in the literature. For Māori nurses, health equity for Māori was seen as an obligation; non-Māori nurses often viewed health equity for Māori as optional. Barriers to achieving health equity for Māori were identified by both Māori and non-Māori nurses. Three subthemes were identified for Māori nurses: te ao Māori and tikanga Māori, dual clinical–cultural role and lived experiences of racism. For non-Māori nurses, two subthemes were identified: non-Māori nurses demonstrating both an understanding and a lack of understanding of health equity. Conclusion Due to culture, Māori nurses had a greater commitment to addressing health equity. Conversely, non-Māori nurses appear to show greater ambivalence over whether to address health inequities. This study was limited by a small sample of non-Māori participants in the literature. Future research could focus on barriers and enablers for non-Māori nurses’ commitment to health equity, valuing Māori nurses’ cultural contribution and monitoring, education and action of NCNZ, nursing education institutions and professional leadership in addressing health equity.
Why the PISC TC-3 Standards must begin with defining kava
(2026) Aporosa, S. 'Apo'
Context: I am a kava health researcher of iTaukei (indigenous Fijian) ancestry, based at the University of Waikato, and leading a team of 40+ part-time kava health researchers across three countries inclusive of traditional knowledge experts, molecular biologists, toxicologists, ethnopharmacologists, clinical psychologists and more. For eight of the past 10 years, our work has been funded by the Aotearoa New Zealand Government through the Health Research Council Pacific. I (personally) have no financial interests in the kava industry. This is reasoned on an increasing level of unethical practice associated with ‘kava capitalism’ and the threat this poses to another kava ban. A lot our research addresses kava-related health mis- and dis-information, with the aim of safeguarding kava as a Pacific cultural keystone species and protecting smallholder Pacific kava farmer livelihoods and export earnings. Attendees have been invited by the TC3 Committee lead to speak on kava initiatives in our area. For our team, this centres on research: supporting kava as a cultural icon, addressing misinformation and safety concerns through clinical trials, computational analysis and other approaches, all to aid kava’s ongoing availability for cultural purposes and as an income source for Pacific farmers. This also involves challenging cultural appropriation, greed-driven capitalists and ‘culture industry’a activities that threaten kava’s integrity and consumer safety. I will speak to kava initiatives from this research perspective.

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