Ara team prepares to launch NICU Dads study on Father’s Day

_{Research team (left to right) Gabriela Bantas, Dr Matt Buckingham, Dr Suzy Hodgson, John Withington, Rebecca O'Callaghan. Absent: Kate Pearson}

As Father’s Day approaches, a new research project led by the Fatherhood Research Team at Ara Institute of Canterbury aims to explore the often-overlooked experiences of fathers whose pēpē (babies) have spent time in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU).
The study, titled NICU Dads, builds on international evidence and seeks to amplify the voices of dads navigating the emotional terrain of NICU care in Aotearoa New Zealand.
New fathers are often overlooked in the transition to parenthood, both socially and clinically. International research shows this gap stems from a complex mix of social norms, gender expectations, workplace policies and healthcare practices. The consequences are significant: postnatal depression, anxiety and PTSD are increasingly recognised in dads around the world, yet research in Aotearoa remains scarce.
“Raising awareness of new dads’ mental health isn’t just about the fathers,” says Dr Suzy Hodgson, Principal Academic Staff Member at Ara and lead investigator. “It has lifelong benefits for their partners and children. That’s why this study matters.”
Dr Hodgson has spent over a decade researching transitions to fatherhood. For several years she has presented her work at the Australian Fatherhood research symposium hosted by Deakin University in Melbourne. Through this, she’s built research collaborations and connected with services and charities working to support fathers.
She leads a diverse team of Ara and Otago University academics from Aotearoa New Zealand, the UK, and Romania. Together, they bring expertise in nursing, midwifery, psychology and biomedical science, and a shared goal to improve practice, raise awareness and advocate for fathers’ wellbeing in the perinatal period.
The team will use an online anonymous survey and qualitative interviews to gather the experiences of fathers of NICU babies across Aotearoa, whether currently in hospital or discharged within the past year. The data will be used to inform healthcare services, shape future research, and contribute to journal articles and conference presentations.
Research practice partner Little Miracles Trust is supporting the recruitment of fathers to the study across Aotearoa. The Trust works in all NICUs across the motu (country) and will use the findings as an evidence base to inform their practice and support for dads.
Marking the launch of the study and also celebrating Father’s Day, Dr Hodgson is also organising the second annual Man with a Pram event in Hagley Park this Saturday, 6th September.
The event, a collaboration led by Dads Group Australia, offers a relaxed, family-friendly space to raise awareness of new dads’ mental health.
Expect a sausage sizzle, bake stall, games for the kids, and a short group walk through the park. Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury will also be on hand to support the kaupapa.
“It’s a beautiful time of year for a walk,” says Dr Hodgson. “But more than that, it’s a chance to show up for fathers, to say, ‘We see you, and your wellbeing matters.’”

Listen to Dr Suzy Hoodgson speaking on Radio New Zealand about her reasarch here: Checking in on new dads | RNZ