"We have never been more aware of the benefit of being out in [Nature], but how much quality time does the 'average' New Zealander spend enjoying the outdoors? While our national parks are places of spectacular wilderness, for many of us, these places are out of reach. This ... book argues for the restoration of 'neighbourhood nature' - places that all New Zealanders can freely access, irrespective of socioeconomic or other factors. New Zealand's experience of the coronavirus pandemic underscores how important these local oases of [Nature] are - and how vital they are to our wellbeing."--Back cover.

Health, Wellbeing and Environment in Aotearoa New Zealand provides students and with a sound introduction to the concepts of health and wellbeing within the New Zealand environment.

This essential textbook provides a sound introduction to the fundamental concepts of health and wellbeing within the context of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Informed by current issues and debate, and drawing on the expertise of a wide-range of contributors from across the country, the book explores the cultural, political, social and environmental contexts of health and is designed to engage critical thinking and analysis. Key features· Case studies offer 'real-life' examples from a range of health disciplines and provide a focus for appreciating the content in context.· Critical questions encourage insight into, and critique of, health, healthcare practice and environmental issues within the context of Aotearoa/New Zealand.· Key terms are highlighted at the start of each chapter and a full glossary appears at the end of the book.

Climate change and rapid urbanization have significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. Nature-based solutions (NBS) is an action to work with and enhance nature to solve social challenges, and NBS is an "umbrella concept" for other mature nature-based approaches. Blue-green spaces (BGS) can provide a wide range of ecosystem services, including mitigation of urban heat island effects, reduction of flooding, mitigation of air pollution, and provision of recreational spaces, thereby promoting physical and mental health. Hence, NBSs can serve as cost-effective climate mitigation and adaptation tool that contribute to additional co-benefits for ecosystem health and human well-being. Environmentalists, epidemiologists, ecologists, urban planners, and policymakers have paid more attention to NBSs for urban resilience and human health. In this Research Topic, we hope to discuss these topics: (1) ecological exposure and health benefits; (2) climate adaptation and human health promotion possibilities by NBSs; (3) methodological and theoretical approaches as well as technologies of NBSs corresponding to urban resilience; (4) underlying pathways and potential mechanisms of NBSs in improving human health; and (5) policies and management for planning and design of the successful implementation of NBSs in relation to urban resilience and human health. This Research Topic focuses on, but is not restricted to the following issues: • Nature-based interventions for climate adaptation. • Ecological exposure and physical and psychological health outcomes. • Climate adaption environmental policies and management. • Theoretical and case-based studies on climate mitigation and adaption by NBSs • Ecosystem service perspective on promoting urban resilience. This Research Topic welcomes the following types of manuscripts: Original Research, Hypothesis and Theory, Review, and Perspective.

"Holistic healing manual with New Zealand native flower, fern, tree, seed and plant essences. This book is the 'definitive ethnobotanical reference that restores the ancient teachings of indigenous medicine that are the basis of the sacred plant medicine of Aotearoa." --Publisher.

In this book Gayle Souter-Brown explores the social, economic and environmental benefits of developing greenspace for health and well-being. She examines the evidence behind the positive effects of designed landscapes, and explains effective methods and approaches which can be put into practice by those seeking to reduce costs and add value through outdoor spaces. Using principles from sensory, therapeutic and healing gardens, Souter-Brown focuses on landscape’s ability to affect health, education and economic outcomes. Already valued within healthcare environments, these design guidelines for public and private spaces extend the benefits throughout our towns and cities. Covering design for school grounds to public parks, public housing to gardens for stressed executives, this richly illustrated text builds the case to justify inclusion of a designed outdoor area in project budgets. With case studies from the US, UK, Africa, Asia, Australasia and Europe, it is an international, inspirational and valuable tool for those interested in landscapes that provide real benefits to their users.

"These Guidelines provide the current evidence-based recommendations on healthy eating and physical activity for New Zealand adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. ... focus on the detail practitioners need at a glance: that is, what people need to eat or do, a summary of the rationale - 'why' - and a little on how to put the recommendations into practice"--Page iv.