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Dr Riz Firestone

Senior Research Officer/Associate Dean - Pasifika

Research Centre for Hauora and Health

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 7 13
Team Member 0 1

Current Projects

Project Title: Navigating Pacific Indigenous knowledge and practices in relation to contemporary dietary patterns: Investigating 'ai ia e ola' eat to live well

Date Range: 2021 - 2024

Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand

Project Team:

Project Title: Co-designing a community-based intervention programme for pre-diabetes - Veisinia

Date Range: 2018 - 2022

Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

Project Title: The Pasifika Prediabetes Youth Empowerment Programme (PPYEP)

Date Range: 2017 - 2020

Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

Completed Projects

Project Title: NSC - Supporting Healthy Lifestyles: A Maori and Pasifika Approach (WellText)

Date Range: 2016 - 2018

Funding Body: University of Auckland

Project Team:

Project Title: Chewing the facts on fat! What does that say about me?

Obesity is very common in Pacific peoples in NZ, and the prevalence is projected to increase over time. This proposal comprises of two parts, and aims to investigate the broader issues across the life-course, that includes biological, social and historical factors amongst 300 young Pacific peoples aged 16-24 years from Auckland and Wellington (Part 1). Through in-depth interviews, the study will also attain comprehensive knowledge about food practices and perceptions based on social-cultural values in young (n=30) and older Pacific peoples from the same family (n=60) (Part 2), in order to understand the historical cultural contexts of food and understandings about socialisation patterns relating to food and body size. Thus, the study will identify modifiable factors that influence obesity risk, and identify culturally acceptable intervention and preventative strategies to protect the young and future Pacific peoples in developing obesity and long-term related health conditions.
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Date Range: 2013 - 2014

Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

Project Title: Lung Function in Pacific children

Lung function tests are important for assessment of respiratory health and particularly for diagnosing and managing respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. In order to understand the impact of these diseases, comparison with normal lung function values is required. Reference lung function equations based on data obtained from healthy Polynesian children (combined Maori and Pacific) were developed in 1987. These equations were not specifically developed for young Pacific children and are now over 20 years old. It is well-established that there are differences in lung function between ethnic groups. Therefore European population lung function reference values are not likely to be applicable to Pacific children. The aim of this project is to establish up-to-date lung function reference values for Pacific children residing in New Zealand. This study will have significant implications for improving the respiratory health of young Pacific children by developing lung function reference equations that are specific to this population.
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Date Range: 2009 - 2010

Funding Body: Massey University

Project Team:

Project Title: Early Life Factors Study of childhood diseases: A Pilot

This study aims to develop and pilot the methods for a longitudinal study investigating the relationship between a wide range of pre-natal and early life exposures, events, lifestyle factors and a broad range of diseases in early childhood. The study involves developing an internet-based birth cohort study using online questionnaires. This approach is potentially very efficient, enabling large numbers of women/infants to be recruited and followed, with a large amount of information collected at minimal cost. Although this approach has been successfully used overseas, it is relatively new in New Zealand.
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Date Range: 2008 - 2009

Funding Body: Massey University

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Pulu, V., Jemaima, T-S., Borman, B., & Firestone, R. (2021). Investigating principles that underlie frameworks for Pacific health research using a co-design approach: learnings from a Tongan community based project. Pacific health dialog. 21(7), 399-406
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Firestone, R., Faeamani, G., Okiakama, E., Funaki, T., Henry, A., Prapavessis, D., . . . Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2021). Pasifika Prediabetes Youth Empowerment Programme: learnings from a youth-led community-based intervention study. The New Zealand medical journal. 134(1530), 57-68
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Firestone, R., Faeamani, G., Okiakama, E., Funaki, T., Henry, A., Prapaveissis, D., . . . Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2021). Pasifika prediabetes youth empowerment programme: evaluating a co-designed community-based intervention from a participants’ perspective. Kotuitui. 16(1), 210-224
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Firestone, R., Cheng, S., Dalhousie, S., Hughes, E., Funaki, T., Henry, A., . . . Mhurchu, CN. (2020). Exploring Pasifika wellbeing: findings from a large cluster randomised controlled trial of a mobile health intervention programme. The New Zealand medical journal. 133(1524), 82-101
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
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Firestone, R., Matheson, A., Firestone, J., Schleser, M., Yee, E., Tuisano, H., . . . Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2020). Developing principles of social change as a result of a Pasifika Youth Empowerment Program: A qualitative study. Health Promotion Journal of Australia.
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Brooks, C., Slater, T., Corbin, M., McLean, D., Firestone, RT., Zock, JP., . . . Douwes, J. (2020). Respiratory health in professional cleaners: Symptoms, lung function, and risk factors. Clinical and Experimental Allergy. 50(5), 567-576
[Journal article]Authored by: Brooks, C., Corbin, M., Douwes, J., Firestone, R.
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Kindleysides, S., Kruger, R., Douwes, J., Tannock, GW., Renall, N., Slater, J., . . . Breier, BH. (2019). Predictors linking obesity and the gut microbiome (the PROMISE Study): Protocol and recruitment strategy for a cross-sectional study on pathways that affect the gut microbiome and its impact on obesity. JMIR Research Protocols. 8(8)
[Journal article]Authored by: Douwes, J., Firestone, R., Kruger, R., Renall, N., Signal, T.
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O'Brien, WJ., Shultz, SP., Firestone, RT., George, L., & Kruger, R. (2019). Ethnic-specific suggestions for physical activity based on existing recreational physical activity preferences of New Zealand women. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 43(5), 443-450
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Kruger, R., O'Brien, W.
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Verbiest, MEA., Corrigan, C., Dalhousie, S., Firestone, R., Funaki, T., Goodwin, D., . . . Mhurchu, CN. (2019). Using codesign to develop a culturally tailored, behavior change mHealth intervention for indigenous and other priority communities: A case study in New Zealand. Translational Behavioral Medicine. 9(4), 720-736
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
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Firestone, R., Funaki, T., Dalhousie, S., Henry, A., Vano, M., Grey, J., . . . Ni Mhurchu, C. (2018). Identifying and overcoming barriers to healthier lives. Pacific Health Dialog. 21(2), 54-66
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Verbiest, M., Borrell, S., Dalhousie, S., Tupa'i-Firestone, R., Funaki, T., Goodwin, D., . . . Ni Mhurchu, C. (2018). A co-designed, culturally-tailored mhealth tool to support healthy lifestyles in m ori and Pasifika communities in New Zealand: Protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. JMIR Research Protocols. 7(8)
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
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Te Morenga, L., Pekepo, C., Corrigan, C., Matoe, L., Mules, R., Goodwin, D., . . . Ni Mhurchu, C. (2018). Co-designing an mHealth tool in the New Zealand Māori community with a “Kaupapa Māori” approach. AlterNative. 14(1), 90-99
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
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Tupai-Firestone, R., Matheson, A., Prapavessis, D., Hamara, M., Kaholokula, K., Tuisano, H., . . . Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2018). Pasifika Youth Empowerment Programme: a potential public health approach in tackling obesity-health related issues. AlterNative. 14(1), 63-72
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Douwes, J., Slater, T., Shanthakumar, M., McLean, D., Firestone, RT., Judd, L., . . . Pearce, N. (2017). Determinants of hand dermatitis, urticaria and loss of skin barrier function in professional cleaners in New Zealand. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. 23(2), 110-119
[Journal article]Authored by: Douwes, J., Firestone, R., Shanthakumar, M.
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O’Brien, WJ., Shultz, SP., Firestone, RT., George, L., Breier, BH., & Kruger, R. (2017). Exploring the challenges in obtaining physical activity data from women using hip-worn accelerometers. European Journal of Sport Science. 17(7), 922-930
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Kruger, R., O'Brien, W.
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Eyles, H., Jull, A., Dobson, R., Firestone, R., Whittaker, R., Te Morenga, L., . . . Mhurchu, CN. (2016). Co-design of mHealth Delivered Interventions: A Systematic Review to Assess Key Methods and Processes. Current Nutrition Reports. 5(3), 160-167
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Te Morenga, L.
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Tupai-Firestone, R., Tuisano, H., Manukia, M., Kaholokula, K., Foliaki, S., Kingi, TK., . . . Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2016). Understanding Pasifika youth and the obesogenic environment, Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. New Zealand Medical Journal. 129(1434), 23-35
[Journal article]Authored by: Borman, B., Firestone, R., Foliaki, S., Kruger, R.
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Ellison-Loschmann, L., Firestone, R., Aquilina, L., McKenzie, F., Gray, M., & Jeffreys, M. (2015). Barriers to and delays in accessing breast cancer care among New Zealand women: Disparities by ethnicity. BMC Health Services Research. 15(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R., Gray, M.
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Ellison-Loschmann, E., Firestone, R., Aquilina, L., McKenzie, F., Gray, M., & Jeffreys, M. (2015). Barriers to and delays in accessing breast cancer care among New Zealand women: disparities by ethnicity. BMC Health Services Research. 15(394),
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Firestone, R., Cheng, S., Pearce, N., Douwes, J., Merletti, F., Pizzi, C., . . . Richiardi, L. (2015). Internet-Based Birth-Cohort Studies: Is This the Future for Epidemiology?. JMIR Res Protoc. 4(2), e71
[Journal article]Authored by: Douwes, J., Firestone, R.
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Howe, LD., Ellison-Loschmann, L., Pearce, N., Douwes, J., Jeffreys, M., & Firestone, R. (2015). Ethnic differences in risk factors for obesity in New Zealand infants. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 69(6), 516-522
[Journal article]Authored by: Douwes, J., Firestone, R.
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Kruger, R., Shultz, SP., McNaughton, SA., Russell, AP., Firestone, RT., George, L., . . . Stonehouse, W. (2015). Predictors and risks of body fat profiles in young New Zealand European, Māori and Pacific women: study protocol for the women’s EXPLORE study. SpringerPlus. 4(1), 1-11
[Journal article]Authored by: Beck, K., Conlon, C., Firestone, R., Kruger, R., O'Brien, W., Von Hurst, P.
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Firestone, R., Matheson, A., Borman, B., Howe, LD., & Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2015). New Zealand. , 20-39
[Journal article]Authored by: Borman, B., Firestone, R.
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Bajardi, P., Paolotti, D., Vespignani, A., Eames, K., Funk, S., Edmunds, WJ., . . . Richiardi, L. (2014). Association between recruitment methods and attrition in internet-based studies. PLoS ONE. 9(12)
[Journal article]Authored by: Douwes, J., Firestone, R.
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McKenzie, F., Ellison-Loschmann, L., Jeffreys, M., Firestone, R., Pearce, N., & Romieu, I. (2014). Healthy lifestyle and risk of breast cancer for indigenous and non-indigenous women in New Zealand: A case control study. BMC Cancer. 14(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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McKenzie, F., Ellison-Loschmann, L., Jeffreys, M., Firestone, R., Pearce, N., & Romieu, I. (2013). Cigarette Smoking and Risk of Breast Cancer in a New Zealand Multi-Ethnic Case-Control Study. PLoS ONE. 8(4)
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Jeffreys, M., McKenzie, F., Firestone, R., Gray, M., Cheng, S., Moala, A., . . . Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2013). A multi-ethnic breast cancer case-control study in New Zealand: Evidence of differential risk patterns. Cancer Causes and Control. 24(1), 135-152
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Signal, L., Firestone, R., Mann, J., Ni Mhurchu, C., Lawrenson, R., Murphy, R., . . . Walton, M. (2011). New Zealand's shocking diabetes rates can be reduced--9 urgently needed actions.. The New Zealand medical journal. 124(1340), 89-92
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
Signal, L., Firestone, R., Mann, J., Mhurchu, CN., Lawrenson, R., Murphy, R., . . . Walton, M. (2011). New Zealand's shocking diabetes rates can be reduced-9 urgently needed actions. New Zealand Medical Journal. 124(1340), 14
[Journal article]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Book

Davey, JA., Phillips, H., & Alpass, F. (2020). New Zealand. In Extended Working Life Policies: International Gender and Health Perspectives. (pp. 351 - 361).
[Chapter]Authored by: Alpass, F., Borman, B., Firestone, R.
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Schleser, M., & Firestone, R. (2018). Pasifika Youth and health perspectives: Creative transformation through smartphone filmmaking and Digital Talanoa. In Mobile Story Making in an Age of Smartphones. (pp. 161 - 171).
[Chapter]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Firestone, RT. (2016). Circuit breaker. In N. Legat (Ed.) The Journal of Urgent Writing 2016. (pp. 98 - 109). Auckland, New Zealand: Massey University Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Howe, LD., Firestone, R., Tilling, K., & Lawlor, DA. (2015). Trajectories and Transitions in Childhood and Adolescent Obesity. In Life Course Research and Social Policies. (pp. 19 - 37).
[Chapter]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Firestone, RT., Matheson, A., Borman, B., Howe, LD., & Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2015). Maternal health services in New Zealand. In P. Kennedy, & K. Naonori (Eds.) Maternity Services and Policy in an International Context Risk, Citizenship and Welfare Regimes. (pp. 20 - 40). New York: Routledge
[Chapter]Authored by: Borman, B., Firestone, R.

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Howe, LD., Firestone, RT., Tilling, K., & Lawlor, D. (2015). Trajectories and transitions in childhood and adolescent obesity. In C. Burton-Jeangros, S. Cullati, A. Sacker, & D. Blane (Eds.) A Life Course Perspective on Health Trajectories and Transitions. (pp. 19 - 38). : Springer Open
[Chapter]Authored by: Firestone, R.
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Report

Douwes, J., Slater, T., McLean, D., Pearce, N., Judd, L., Firestone, R., . . . Shanthakumar, M.(2012). Occupational dermatitis in New Zealand cleaners.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Douwes, J., Firestone, R., Foliaki, S., Shanthakumar, M.

Conference

Eng, AJ., 't Mannetje, A., McKenzie, F., Jeffreys, M., Firestone, R., Pearce, N., . . . Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2016). Occupational risk factors for breast cancer: findings from the New Zealand Breast Cancer Study. Poster session presented at the meeting of International Agency for Research on Cancer 50th Anniversary Conference. Lyon, France
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Eng, A., Firestone, R., 't Mannetje, A.
Eng, AJ., 't Mannetje, A., McKenzie, F., Jeffreys, M., Firestone, R., Pearce, N., . . . Ellison-Loschmann, L. (2016). Occupational risk factors for breast cancer: findings from the New Zealand Breast Cancer Study. , International Agency for Research on Cancer 50th Anniversary Conference
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Eng, A., Firestone, R., 't Mannetje, A.

Teaching and Supervision

Courses Coordinated

Contact Supervisor

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 3 1

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Gavin Faeamani - Doctor of Philosophy
    New Zealand Pacific Lifestyle Programme - Sia Too'onga Mo'ui Study
  • Veisinia Pulu - Doctor of Philosophy
    Co-designing a community-based intervention programme for prediabetes
  • Hana Tuisano - Doctor of Philosophy
    Understanding and Addressing the impacts of obesity on Pasifika people in Aotearoa New Zealand

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • 2021 - Danielle Prapavessis - Doctor of Philosophy
    Synergising youth empowerment and co-design to transform Pasifika youth into agents of social change: a novel approach to advance healthy lifestyles in Pasifika communities