South Asian Co-Design
East Health are co-designing culturally appropriate resources to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases among high-risk South Asians living in Aotearoa NZ in partnership with the University of Otago.
The Aim
East Health Trust and the University of Otago have partnered on a health study focused on improving the well-being of South Asian communities in New Zealand.
Preventable cardiometabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, are highly prevalent in people of South Asian ethnicity.
South Asians include people from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indians from Fiji, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the proportion of the population who identify with an Asian sub-group is now 17% with the largest increase seen in South Asians.
The project aims to
1) estimate and benchmark the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases and the associated risk factors in South Asian patients of East Health Primary Health Organisation
2) co-design culturally appropriate resources to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases by addressing modifiable life-style factors; and
3) evaluate the developed resources for understandability and motivation to change detrimental life-style behaviour among South Asians.
Recipe Competition
As part of this research, East Health Trust has engaged with the South Asian Community a collection of South Asian-inspired recipes will inform the development of practical, community-led health tools including a recipe bank.
If you have a beloved South Asian recipe passed down through generations, or a dish that brings your family together? We want to hear from you – and you could win a $50 voucher for sharing it.
Whether you grew up cooking these dishes, learned them from a parent or grandparent, or they’re simply part of your everyday life, your contribution matters. How to enter:
Submit a recipe that’s low in saturated fat, low in overall fat, and ideally features creative use of lentils and vegetables – think dals, sabzis, curries, or any dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. Share your recipe using the QR code below before June 30, 2026.
Three lucky entrants will each win a $50 voucher.*
This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate South Asian food culture while contributing to research that could genuinely benefit your community’s health for years to come. No formal cooking experience is needed – just a recipe you love and want to share.
*Full Terms and Conditions are available here.