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Item Exploring youth vaping in New Zealand intermediate and high schools: a mixed-methods study protocol(BioMed Central Limited, part of Springer Nature, London, 2025-12) Jagroop-Dearing A; Lañas–Pangan J; Khan MH; Dearing CG; Forrest RHBackground: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) represent a global growing public-health concern among adolescents. In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), daily vaping rates have risen sharply (10.5%) among 15–17-year-olds in 2023/24. This is alarming due to nicotine’s addictive nature and its impact on adolescent brain development, mental health, and academic performance. Māori youth and those in socio-economically deprived areas are disproportionately affected, exacerbating existing health-inequities. Legislative frameworks prohibit vaping on school premises, yet ease of access remains a concern. Punitive school responses are increasingly viewed as harmful and ineffective, highlighting an urgent need for evidence-based, health-centred interventions. Methods: This multiphase, mixed-methods study explores vaping within secondary schools on the East Coast, NZ. Phase 1 involves online surveys to collect quantitative data on vaping behaviours, targeting 1375 students to ensure sufficient statistical power. Initial qualitative data will be gathered alongside. Phase 2 employs in-depth interviews and focus groups with students (vapers/non-vapers) and staff to explore perceptions of health risks, access, and effectiveness of school responses. A rapid scoping review (RSR) will synthesise existing research on adolescent vaping in Oceanic countries, identifying behavioural patterns, legislative impacts, and gaps in the evidence base. Discussion: This protocol addresses critical knowledge gaps by integrating quantitative and qualitative findings with a RSR. This study aims to inform the development of culturally appropriate, health-based, vape prevention and cessation strategies. Ultimately, findings may support a paradigm shift away from punitive disciplinary measures towards supportive school-based interventions, that improve public-health outcomes and reduce health inequities.Item Surveying pet owners’ attitudes towards roaming cats in Aotearoa New Zealand(Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, 2025-08-24) Awawdeh L; Waran N; Pearson M; Forrest RHAim: To examine the attitudes of pet owners towards roaming cats in New Zealand. Materials and methods: Data was used from a survey of New Zealand residents aged over 18 conducted online between January and March 2019. Along with demographic questions, the respondents were asked, “Do you think that roaming pet dogs and cats are a problem?” (yes, no, never thought about it) and if they answered “yes”, were invited to explain their answers. Thematic analysis was applied to open-text responses focused on cats, while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of a total of 2,744 participants, 2,292 answered the question regarding roaming pets, with 72% (n = 1,654) viewing roaming pets as problematic. While gender, ethnicity, and rural upbringing showed no significant association with this view, age, education level, place of residence, and pet ownership did. Explanations for their choice of answer were given by 1,479 respondents and highlighted key concerns about free-roaming pets including cats: compromised animal welfare due to risks and neglect; the need for more responsible pet ownership and owner education; calls for stricter regulations and enforcement, including mandatory microchipping and desexing, and regulating cats similarly to dogs; the negative influence of social media; the importance of desexing to control populations and improve behaviour; increased risks to the roaming animals themselves, other animals, humans, and the environment; nuisance behaviours; and differing opinions on whether roaming cats or dogs are more of an issue. Conclusion: The findings align with previous research indicating a growing but inconsistent public awareness of animal welfare and environmental impacts associated with free-roaming cats. They highlight the need for education and targeted policy to address inconsistencies in attitudes and promote responsible cat ownership. Clinical relevance: Addressing these issues through enhanced public education and policy measures will help to balance animal welfare with community safety and environmental protection.Item Enhancing Rangatahi Wellbeing in Secondary Education Through Implementation of the Meke Meter™(Springer Nature on behalf of the New Zealand Association for Research in Education, 2025-06-02) Armstrong D; Jagroop-Dearing A; Forrest RHAdolescent wellbeing is crucial, yet secondary schools face challenges in effectively addressing it. The Meke Meter™, an indigenous self-reflection tool, shows promise in promoting wellbeing, but its application in secondary schools remains unexplored. This study investigates the suitability and efficacy of the Meke Meter™ in capturing the self-evaluated wellbeing of rangatahi (adolescents) in Aotearoa New Zealand secondary schools. A qualitative multiple case study design was employed, involving two case studies: one in a mainstream co-educational school using the paper-based Meke Meter™, and another in an alternative education program using the online version. Data collection involved questionnaires for students and teachers, analysed through inductive thematic analysis and appreciative inquiry. Both students and teachers found the Meke Meter™ appealing and valuable for self-reflection and goal-setting. The tool’s ease of use, visual design, and alignment with the curriculum were highlighted. It facilitated pastoral care, student voice, and co-construction of learning. However, challenges in data tracking and the need for clearer explanations and additional resources were identified. The Meke Meter™ shows promise in promoting rangatahi wellbeing in secondary schools. Future development should focus on a mobile app with goal-setting, gamification, and notification features. Comprehensive consultation with stakeholders is crucial to ensure cultural safety and effectiveness.