We are thrilled to introduce the Whau Fellows for 2025/2026.
In this new round of research projects, we are able to empower four outstanding mental health research projects. These projects have been made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support received during our appeal for research into anxiety and depression.
From exploring innovative interventions for depression, to investigating other vital aspects of mental wellbeing, these projects have the potential to contribute significantly to advancing treatment of mental health conditions.
Biological Rhythms of Recovery from Depression
Dr Matthew Tennant, University of Otago, Christchurch
Dr Matthew Tennant is investigating how changes in sleep and activity patterns may predict recovery from moderate to severe depression.
A person’s body clock (circadian rhythm) is how our bodies know when to wake up and when we feel like going to sleep.
There is evidence that the rhythms in people’s sleeping, and activity levels are connected to getting depressed and recovery from depression.
In this study we are gathering data to help us better understand the biological rhythms that predict when people are recovering from depression. Participants will wear an activity monitor (actigraph) which looks like a watch for three weeks while having treatment for depression in hospital. We will use machine learning to analysis the actigraphy patterns, aiming to predict who gets well and who stays well on treatment for depression.
In the future, this brings us a step close to individualised treatment planning for those with moderate to severe depression in Aotearoa.
“Depression is devastating for so many Kiwis and their families. Whau Foundation’s support means that our research into personalised care can be applicable to so many more New Zealanders. It is wonderful to be working with an organisation that values ingenuity and recognises the important of local research.”
Testing a new treatment regimen for people with Treatment-Resistant Depression
Dr Neda Nasrollahi, University of Otago
Dr Neda Nasrollahi is exploring innovative alternatives for treating mental disorders in people who are resistant to slow-acting conventional treatments.
Depression keeps increasing in Aotearoa, which is a major public health concern and one of the leading causes of disability.
Depression has a significant impact on an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks. It can impair social, occupational, and educational functioning, and it increases the risk of suicide. Research indicates that approximately 30% of people with depression are resistant to current antidepressants, which increases personal and health-system burdens. For these reasons there is an urgent need to identify fast-acting and effective treatment options for those with treatment-resistant depression.
The proposed research will test a novel combination of two conventional medicines (Dextromethorphan + Bupropion) that shows promise for people with treatment-resistant depression. This innovative combination differs from conventional antidepressants in that improvements in mood occur more rapidly after starting treatment, typically within 1-2 weeks. The study aims to see whether combining Behavioural activation therapy with this novel combination can help treat depression and improve outcomes.
If the combination of this novel treatment and psychological therapy is successful, fast and effective, it has the potential to reduce the personal, social, and economic costs of mental distress in Aotearoa.
“With support from the Whau Mental Health Research Foundation, we can move closer to offering a novel, fast-acting treatment for depression that is both affordable and widely available.”
Digital Mental Health for Diverse Communities: Tailoring Support for Young Asian New Zealanders
Dr Karolina Stasiak, University of Auckland
Asian young people are one of the fastest- growing communities in New Zealand, but many face significant barriers to accessing the mental health support they need. A large proportion do not seek traditional services, leaving a substantial gap in available care.
This project will adapt and test Headstrong, a digital wellbeing tool designed for young people, to assess how well it works for Asian youth aged 16–24.
The project will begin with focus groups to understand what young people want and need in a digital tool, followed by a small trial to evaluate the acceptability and usefulness of Headstrong. Participants will also give feedback about their experiences to guide further refinement.
This project will be part of Erica Choeung’s doctoral research (supervised by Associate Professor Karolina Stasiak) as she commences her Doctor of Clinical Psychology training in 2026, supporting the development of an emerging clinical researcher and building future research capacity.
The overall aim is to create a culturally relevant digital tool that better supports Asian youth and generates insights that can inform larger studies and future service improvements in New Zealand.
The Whau Foundation previously supported Dr Karolina as an early-career researcher, both with her PhD studies and in developing a computerised cognitive behavioural therapy.
“We are very grateful to the Whau Foundation for this grant, which enables us to launch an important new programme of work. It is particularly heartening for me personally, as my doctoral research was once supported through this type of funding in the Oakley Mental Health Foundation era, and I am now in a position to support my students and strengthen the capability of our research team.”
MindKiwi: an online whole-of whānau mindfulness early intervention for children with emotion dysregulation
Professor Julia Rucklidge, University of Canterbury
MindKiwi is an online whole-of-whānau mātauranga Māori-integrated mindfulness programme (www.MindKiwi.org.nz) developed from an authentic partnership with Ngāi Tahu researchers to improve emotional regulation in children (aged 6–10 years old).
To test how helpful MindKiwi might be, in combination with broad-spectrum micronutrients, we are working with 160+ whānau throughout Aotearoa.
Participants are randomised into 4 groups: 1) Micronutrients + Mindfulness, 2) Micronutrients + Active Monitoring, 3) Placebo + Mindfulness, 4) Placebo + Active Monitoring. This design allows us to determine the effectiveness of both interventions separately, and in combination.
MindKiwi offers a sustainable, kaupapa Māori informed approach for working with tamariki with emotion regulation difficulties, developed from an authentic partnership model of co-leadership. Our pilot research found significant emotion regulation and core symptom benefits for children with ADHD and this current study may provide further avenues to alleviate pressure on overburdened mental health services; and provide opportunities for early prevention of poorer developmental outcomes from an integrative mental health perspective.
“The support from the Whau Foundation will enable us to successfully complete our research on the impact of mindfulness and micronutrients on emotionally dysregulated children. We are incredibly grateful for the support.”
This project is a continuation of the MindKiwi pilot programme carried out by Dr Mairin Taylor, Dr Kelly Tikao (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) and Ms Mel Tainui (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) in 2022 which was supported by Whau Foundation.
