We generalize the Yao-Yao partition theorem by showing that for any smooth measure in $R^d$ there exist equipartitions using $(t+1)2^{d-1}$ convex regions such that every hyperplane misses the interior of at least $t$ regions. In addition, we present tight bounds on the smallest number of hyperplanes whose union contains the boundary of an equipartition of a measure into $n$ regions. We also present a simple proof of a Borsuk-Ulam type theorem for Stiefel manifolds that allows us to generalize the central transversal theorem and prove results bridging the Yao--Yao partition theorem and the central transversal theorem.