AUT Experts Rise to the Challenge
Having access to vast amounts of data is one thing, but understanding and using it to create innovative solutions is another.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora invited Associate Professors Maria Bellringer and Nick Garrett to consult on using the National Gambling Study (NGS) results to enhance treatment services for problem gamblers and achieve the best possible outcomes.
The NGS, an AUT research project funded by the Ministry of Health, is New Zealand's first population-representative longitudinal study on gambling, health, lifestyles, and attitudes toward gambling.
Spanning several months over 2022/23, this consulting project involved identifying the needs for gambling treatment and prevention by analysing the NGS data with Health New Zealand’s operational data for gambling treatment services. Their goal was to determine whether the needs of at-risk New Zealanders were being effectively met.
The data were categorised by key demographics, including Māori and non-Māori, age, gender, and location. This breakdown allowed for targeted recommendations on how to allocate funds for treatment and prevention to benefit New Zealand society.
Nick Garrett noted, "This project challenged us to look at the existing research differently and apply it in ways that could bring real change to those in need who may have been overlooked," says Nick.
AUT Ventures Contract Manager, Tom Davidson, believes that the strong partnership between Health New Zealand and AUT enabled the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences to deliver this consulting work smoothly and efficiently.
Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Professor Brett Cowan is delighted with the ongoing relationship AUT has with government agencies, “Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora's confident outreach to Maria and Nick for insights and recommendations on improving service delivery is a testament to the strong professional relationship and reputation built over the years," says Brett.
Every year, AUT Ventures undertakes more than 100 consulting projects for organisations worldwide, delivered by AUT staff with a commitment to applying research for practical, positive impact. AUT Ventures is proud to support AUT’s consulting services by offering a streamlined administrative process and risk management.