Bringing to fruition years of planning, Massey University in Wellington launched its new College of Health today.
Health Minister Tony Ryall and Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey enthused about the university's new venture at the launch, which aims to take a multi-disciplinary approach to research and training.
The college encompasses the disciplines of nursing, public health, nutrition, sport & exercise, disability & rehabilitation, social work, food science, and occupational health & safety. Key research areas the college will focus on include Maori and Pasifika health and preventative health (with an emphasis on obesity).
In conjunction with the College of Health, Massey has formalised its School of Nursing, which brings Massey University in line with other nursing educational institutions in New Zealand and overseas.
Head of the School of Nursing, A/Prof Annette Huntington, said in a statement, "we have continuously been in nursing education for 40 years. I believe we need to celebrate that history.
"Our faculty staff can focus on their research while remaining current in the profession. This allows them to contribute to other aspects of the programme and to the wider profession."
Last year the undergraduate nursing programme expanded, with the Bachelor of Nursing offered at the Albany campus. The Bachelor, Master's, and PhD programmes will be available across all three campuses (Palmerston North, Albany, and Wellington) this year.
Canadian academic Prof Paul McDonald is the new College of Health's Pro Vice-Chancellor.
