SDG 3 - Good Health and Wellbeing

Current collaborations and outreach programmes 

The Integral Health Dairy Farm (IHDF) at Lincoln University is a cutting-edge, highly collaborative research and demonstration project led by Professor Pablo Gregorini and supported by a wide-ranging network of academic, industry and technology partners to establish a future-focused dairy system where health is the main product.

This ambitious initiative is backed by over 30 companies and philanthropists (including Fertilizer New Zealand and technology firms like ProTag) and involves international academics, AgResearch scientists, and Lincoln students.

By integrating ecological practices like agroecology and agroforestry with PharmEcology—the strategic use of plants for cow self-medication—the IHDF serves as a real-world testing ground for technologies and a certification model, aiming to enhance the prophylactic and nutraceutical properties of the foodscape and improve the well-being of the land, the animals, the farmers, and, ultimately, the consumers.  

The Lincoln University Sport and Exercise Science Laboratory offers general health testing for the community, including blood pressure, body composition and arterial stiffness. This outreach programme provides people with an understanding of their risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular diseases and lifestyle tips to reach a 'young arterial age'. 

The Laboratory also has a long history of collaboration with local, national and international health institutions on research and projects aimed at improving health and wellbeing outcomes.  

One current example is the mitigation of concussion in female rugby. Most of the research on collisions and concussions in rugby is male-dominated and on elite athletes, even though research suggests that concussions are worse in females and youth players. This project is a partnership with local health groups, including Pacific Radiology and the Neurological Foundation. It will inform prevention training and better treatment for players to look after themselves following concussive impacts. Noting the health and wellbeing outcomes of team sport, this project aims to help people stay engaged in sport and reduce associated health risks. 

Building wellbeing in the next generation of farmers

The WellMates programme, a mental health collaboration between researchers and wellbeing staff from Lincoln University and Massey University, has grown year-on-year since 2021, delivering an important resource to students that focuses on de-stigmatising conversations around mental health and wellbeing. Funded by Massey University and Lincoln Agricultural Industry Trust, WellMates is delivered to first-year students enrolled in agriculture courses at either University. In 2024, WellMates was delivered to an additional 75 students at Lincoln, completing a business management course. To do this, the content was presented to the entire class of up to 90 students utilising more facilitators, rather than splitting the students into smaller groups as has been done previously. The sessions received positive feedback from participating students and may allow for their delivery to more programmes in the future.

Initiative boosts wellbeing on campus

The Sports and Healthy Living Initiative, supported by Rabobank (Rabo Community Fund), Scales, ANZCO, Canon, the former Lincoln University Chancellor Tony Hall and family, and an anonymous supporter, creates opportunities to enhance student wellbeing at Lincoln University and bring people together through sport. Since 2022, the initiative has funded a range of items, including swimming pool access, climbing shoes, and equipment for social sport. The most recent purchases have been table tennis tables and tennis nets. Its positive impact has been noted by Lincoln’s Sports Co-Ordinators, who say many students have tried a new sport, creating an opportunity for building connections with other students without the barrier of cost. One of the standout successes has been funding access to swimming at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre, introducing a new activity that boosts student wellness.

Shared sports facilities

People of all ages in the community are welcome to participate in sports and recreational activities at Lincoln University's gymnasium, Whare Hākinakina, and the surrounding fields.  Access is free to the sports fields, however a fee is charged for Gym membership. The Active Kids programme is for toddlers aged under-five. Many high schools from surrounding areas bring their students to use the boulder wall and group exercise areas. For seniors, Whare Hākinakina has a longstanding 28-year partnership with Lincoln Community Care Association, providing exercise classes for adults aged 60 years and over.  

Representative sporting teams of various codes utilise the gymnasium and sports fields for training and matches, including local rugby clubs, men’s and women’s representative sports teams.  

National sporting competitions were held at Lincoln University’s Bert Sutcliffe Oval which hosted the Gillette Cup men’s and women’s competitions as well as representative national age group competitions. 

Whare Hākinakina also has a close association with the Selwyn Sports Trust, hosting sports events designed to bring together primary and high school-aged students, encouraging active participation and personal growth. The major sporting tournament organised by the Trust, the Koru Games, is held annually for Years 7 & 8 students from around the South Island. Over three days, the sports tournament offers an accessible opportunity for students to develop their skill sets by playing a team sport for their school. Lincoln University hosts the volleyball, Korfball and dodgeball competitions. Another sporting competition organised by the Trust, the Rangatahi Programme, is sponsored by Lincoln University. Teenagers from across the Selwyn district compete in sports tournaments and can attend the Sport Captain Conference.

Sexual and reproductive health care services for students 

Lincoln University offers comprehensive health services through its on-campus Student Health Centre, providing students access to sexual and reproductive health care. While many services are charged, counselling and clinical psychology appointments are free for students. The Student Health team fosters a supportive, inclusive environment, ensuring students can receive the necessary medical care and education.  

Information and Education - A Lincoln University student-led, compulsory educational workshop 'Respectfully Lincoln' is held every year, to build an understanding of healthy relationships and consent. This is delivered to all first-year students aged under 21. 
 

Mental health support for students 

Lincoln University is dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of its students, actively promoting good mental health through various initiatives and support services. The on-campus Student Health Centre offers both free and charged mental health support, including counselling services tailored to student needs, ensuring that all students can seek help in a supportive environment. The Lincoln University Students’ Association provides confidential support across a range of areas, including academic, financial or personal.  

As part of Lincoln University’s emergency response is the SAFELU app, which must be downloaded by every student, staff member and contractor who visits campus. The app provides immediate access to support, enabling everyone to respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency, and quickly communicate the status of safety events on campus.  On the app, under the section ‘Support Resources’, various options are available for students to connect to support services, including counselling and wellbeing and health services.  

An example of a programme offered to extend support to new students at Lincoln University is the long-running Kaiwhakarite Tauira Student Buddy Programme. This programme helps students of all ages and levels of study transition to university life. Student buddies are current students who volunteer their time to help first-year students, often from outside the Canterbury region or overseas, settle into their new life on campus. Buddies provide guidance to students by answering questions and directing new students to campus resources, such as clubs and activities, which offer opportunities to build connections and friendships—a crucial aspect of a student’s mental health and wellbeing.  

Mental health support for staff 

The physical and mental wellbeing of Lincoln University staff is a top priority, acknowledging that people face many challenges throughout their lives. To help during these difficult times, staff can easily access the Employee Assistance Programme – Clearhead, an online mental health and wellbeing platform that offers evidence-based digital tools to support staff in managing their wellbeing. Resources include a Digital Wellbeing Assistant and access to confidential counselling sessions with a Clearhead therapist for staff and their immediate family. Every month, Clearhead offers an online session for all, with a new theme each month, which is promoted widely through Lincoln University’s intranet. During 2024, for example, sessions were run on men's mental health and tools to support the mental health of those who are also managing bipolar, schizophrenia or depression, and/or neurodivergence such as autism or ADHD.