New Dunedin Study director announced after Richie Poulton's death

The University of Otago has appointed a new director for its famous Dunedin Study after professor Richie Poulton's recent death.

Poulton led the world-acclaimed Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study for 23 years.

It began in 1972 and followed 1037 babies, born in Dunedin in the 12 months after the study began. Fifty years on, more than 90% of the original cohort, who are still alive, remain in the study.

Associate professor Moana Theodore (Ngāpuhi) is now the third director in 51 years of the study, the university announced.

"The Dunedin Study would not be possible without the study members who are the centre of the study and who freely give the gift of information about their lives for the benefit of all," Theodore said.

"Without that ongoing generosity of the study members and their families, the study would not have the long-term impact that it does."

Dr Phil Silva was the first director, founding the study and directing it until Poulton took over in 2000.

Silva first employed Theodore to assist in 1998, and she returned to the study in 2010 to work with Poulton.

"Both Phil and Richie were amazing mentors and supported me from the very start of my career, reinforcing key study values," she said. "That we treat the study members the way that we would want to be treated ourselves, because they are the true heroes of the study.

"I also recognise that the Dunedin Study has at its heart the people of Dunedin, who from the earliest stages provided interviewers, encouraged their children to attend assessments, and have stood by the study for 51 years.

"It has been overwhelming for myself and the team to feel the outpouring of aroha (love) from the Dunedin community for Richie and the Dunedin Study as we have grieved for our friend and mentor."

Laura Black, chairperson of the Dunedin Study Governance Group, said Theodore is "a passionate, thoughtful, and able researcher".

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And professor Richard Barker of the university's science department said Theodore will build on Poulton's legacy.

"Moana has clearly demonstrated the vision and skills required to lead the Dunedin Study as it moves into its next phase and beyond and continue the legacy of research that informs and improves the health and wellbeing of current and future generations."