May 27th 2020
HEALTH
Let's do our part to stop vaccine-preventable disease
Associate Professor El-Shadan Tautolo is Director of the Pacific Islands Families Study, which follows the health and development of 1,398 Pacific children and their parents since the children were born at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland in the year 2000. Based at AUT, it is the only prospective study specifically of Pacific peoples in the world. Here he looks at the importance of collective support for immunisation.
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May 20th 2020
HEALTH
PMA - Who We Are
For Debbie Sorensen, CEO of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), the Samoa Measles Epidemic is a heart-breaking tragedy that will remain with her forever, however she reflects with a sense of pride on the bravery of her PMA colleagues amid the devastating trauma
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April 7th 2020
COMMUNITY
Le Va wants people to catch themselves to prevent family violence
Pacific health and well-being org have provided a suite of practical resources and information on how people can manage their frustration/anger and maintain respectful relationships within their household at this stressful time.
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March 19th 2020
HEALTH
Key Messages in Pasifika Languages as the Govt launches COVID 19 info website
MPP have collated Covid-19 Coronavirus advice from the MOH and WHO to deliver translations in nine Pacific languages as the Government launch the coronavirus COVID-19 public health website
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March 13th 2020
COMMUNITY
Young Pasifika students nationwide highlight cultural strengths through projects
The videos focus on the strengths and wellbeing within their respective cultures that contribute to healthy relationships between family members. LAUMATA LAUANO reports
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March 6th 2020
HEALTH
Calls to Protect the Pacific as COVID19 confirmed in NZ
It’s important to remember how susceptible Pacific Island nations are to infectious diseases, it isn’t even a question how vulnerable Pacific Island Nations would be to coronavirus. NZ is providing help to Pacific countries to help them get ready for the coronavirus threat.
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March 4th 2020
COMMUNITY
Connections and relationships paramount to strong Pacific families
Judge Faumui Penelope (Lope) Ginnen was an experienced family court barrister, who also had a corporate governance career before her appointment in July 2019 as only the second Samoan woman district court judge in New Zealand. She firmly believes that solutions for the issues plaguing our communities and families come from within our own communities
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February 14th 2020
HEALTH
Treasuring Our Older Adults
Malia Hamani from TOA - Treasure Older Adults - Pacific reveals how to prevent elder abuse and neglect by sharing the no-blame approach its Pacific workers adopt. The approach ensures the safety and care of our older adults, their carers, and the wider aiga (family) which leads to healthy environments for strong Pacific families
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February 3rd 2020
COMMUNITY
A League of their own
Auckland’s inner-city suburb of Grey Lynn has undergone significant gentrification since the Ah Kuoi aiga-family arrived from Samoa in the early 1960s. But while many Pacific families then headed to Auckland’s outer suburbs, the Ah Kuois have proudly retained a strong presence through their family ties, with Isaac Ah Kuoi now staking his mark in the development scene
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January 24th 2020
COMMUNITY
Newest President of PACIFICA West Auckland is also the youngest appointed
Fijian-born and raised, iTaukei Lora Waqabitu was five when her family moved to New Zealand in 1997. The 28-year-old works as a Youth Programmes Specialist for YWCA Auckland and is the newest and youngest President of PACIFICA West Auckland.
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January 14th 2020
HEALTH
Le Va and Collaborations for Action
Le Va hosted the Growing Pasifika Solutions Satellite Seminar in collaboration with the Drua Pasifika Addictions Network to share knowledge, innovative methods in effective prevention and treatment intervention strategies. pre-event to Le Va’s national Growing Pacific Solutions bi-annual conference, GPS2020.
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December 18th 2019
HEALTH
Passion for Pharmacy
Lautoka-born and Nadi-raised Sandhaya (Sandy) Bhawan became the first Fijian to be designated a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of the Pharmacy profession. LAUMATA LAUANO talks to the pharmacist about her journey and dedication
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December 4th 2019
HEALTH
55 lives lost in Samoa no laughing matter
On December 3rd the Samoan government announced the death toll from the measles epidemic had reached 55, on the same day Otago Daily Times published a cartoon making an insensitive reference to the measles crisis in Samoa.
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November 21st 2019
COMMUNITY
Tackling the Silence of Family Violence
“When I worked on the video, my thoughts were that family violence is such a predator, a silent predator that just holds us back from speaking out,” says Wellington-born and raised Cook Islands producer Glenys Ngateina. Read more
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October 9th 2019
COMMUNITY
Celebrate Fijian Language and Culture
Everyone is invited to celebrate Fijian language and culture in Aotearoa New Zealand at the Fiji Day 12 October at Mangere Centre Park, the final day of Fijian Language Week- where you will also see MEKE AOTEAROA's two original meke celebrating Fijians living in Aotearoa.
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September 13th 2019
COMMUNITY
Tamaki Regeneration shared home ownership programme kicks off
After more than thirty years living in state housing, a Glen Innes whānau are unpacking their boxes in their very own home, bought through a shared home ownership arrangement with Tāmaki Regeneration Company (TRC).
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September 9th 2019
HEALTH
Growing Pasifika Solutions 2019
LeVa’s Growing Pasifika Solutions 2019 conference will take place on 18 September at the Cordis Hotel, 83 Symonds Street, Grafton in Auckland
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September 2nd 2019
COMMUNITY
Tonga Language Week - Language is a crucial part of a changing society
Malo e lelei! Tonga Language Week which started on Sunday, provides us all with the opportunity to reflect on the role languages play in a changing society says Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.
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August 27th 2019
HEALTH
Counselling for Pasifika by Pasifika
Born from a "healed brokenness" that now seeks to help others, Langima’a is the only Pacific counselling service offering faith and culture-based marriage and pre-marital counselling as well as anger management and family violence counselling among other services to Pasifika people, by Pasifika people.
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August 23rd 2019
COMMUNITY
Vunilagi Vou Pacific contemporary art gallery presents free Southside Talanoa Series
Three free dialogue events, as part of a Southside Talanoa Series, will be held in different venues in Ōtāhuhu, South Auckland from August to October 2019. Starting with Dissecting Diversity
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August 7th 2019
COMMUNITY
GI Cook Islands Community Celebrates Language Week
The official opening Te Akono’anga e te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, Cook Islands Maori Culture and Language Week 2019, was celebrated in style at the bustling Glen Innes Library in Tamaki on Monday August 5. SPASIFIK editor and publisher INNES LOGAN was there
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August 5th 2019
COMMUNITY
Future generations benefit from us learning our Pacific languages
Cook Islands Language Week is an opportunity to celebrate the important role Pacific languages play in the daily lives of thousands of our Pacific friends, neighbours, colleagues and loved ones now and in the future
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July 25th 2019
HEALTH
New book on the Cook Islands Last Colonial Era
The book covers events from the Cook Islands’ final years of the Colonial Era, which ended in 1965 when it gained autonomy and became independent as a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand.
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July 9th 2019
COMMUNITY
Probation officer doing his bit for Pasifika youth
Probation officer Albert Tupuola runs a voluntary programme for young Pasifika youth and children in Mt Roskill which is helping improve behaviour and develop leadership qualities and cultural pride within those attending.
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July 4th 2019
HEALTH
The Mental Wealth Project
Pasifika wellbeing provider Le Va has launched The Mental Wealth Project for people to learn about their mental health. Using holistic strengths-based approaches, The Mental Wealth Project supports people to learn how to look after their own mental health and that of their friends and family.
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June 26th 2019
HEALTH
To support the mental health of Pacific climate change migrants
Co-head of the School of Māori Studies and Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland Dr Jemaima Tiatia-Seath will explore how NZ could ready its health system to best support the mental health needs of Pacific ‘climate change migrants’.
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June 19th 2019
COMMUNITY
Winners of E Tu Whanau Poster Competition announced
E Tū Whānau announced the winners of the 2019 E Tū Whānau Poster Competition which attracted more than 230 entrees.
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June 12th 2019
HEALTH
Starship welcomes change in first MMR vaccination age
Auckland GPs have taken on board Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) and the Ministry of Health’s advice to lower first MMR vaccination age, Starship Hospital welcomes the change
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June 10th 2019
COMMUNITY
Tamaki Housing receives prestigious award
The Australasian Housing Institute (AHI) has honoured Tāmaki Housing’s efforts to engage with its tenants with an Excellence in Social Housing award.
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June 4th 2019
COMMUNITY
UN Women Support Act to Empower Samoan Women
Samoa’s Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), together with UN Women – United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women – took action to empower women and girls to take a firm stance against domestic violence
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May 28th 2019
COMMUNITY
Samoa Language Week – The strength of Language
Celebrate Samoan Language Week by acknowledging the importance of language to culture and building stronger Pasifika families.
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May 2nd 2019
HEALTH
Measles outbreak - Pacific Language Fact Sheets
With the number of measles cases now at 35 in Auckland, Auckland Regional Public Health Service have confirmed the region was experiencing an "outbreak" of the disease. We share Pasifika translations of Measles Fact Sheets in order to help spread information
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April 3rd 2019
HEALTH
NZ Health System failing Pasifika and Maori
Half of Māori and Pasifika deaths in New Zealand have been found to be potentially avoidable, a study has found, and partly the result of racism which is built into New Zealand's health system LAUMATA LAUANO reports.
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March 19th 2019
COMMUNITY
Pasifika Festival 2019 Cancelled - Help for coping with Distress
ATEED have decided to cancel Pasifika 2019 and Pasefika Proud have some information and mental health advice from service providers for coping after a traumatic event for those who need it.
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March 13th 2019
COMMUNITY
Proud Cook Islander joins credit union board
Penrose-based credit union NZCU Employees have appointed Ruth Sio-Lokam as its newest board member. A proud Cook Islander who grew up in the South Auckland suburb of Mangere. Read about her journey
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March 12th 2019
HEALTH
New Vanuatu National Eye Centre brings with it first permanent eye doctor
The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ supported the opening of the new Vanuatu National Eye Centre in Port Vila in February 2019 by the Vanuatu Minister of Health, the Honourable Norris Jack Kalmet. The clinic not only boasts a $2.5 million upgrade and expansion of the previous centre but the country’s first permanent eye doctor.
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March 5th 2019
COMMUNITY
Strengthening Pacific families in Porirua
Theresa Nimarota, CEO of Taeaomanino Trust (pictured left) and Thomas Isaako, Manager of Counselling and Addictions (pictured right), talk about Taeaomanino’s services to support their families during stressful times and what it takes to build stronger, resilient families.
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March 1st 2019
COMMUNITY
Te Atatu Peninsula Library to host Stars of Pasifika Poetry
Te Atatu Peninsula Library are celebrating Auckland Libraries Pasifika 2019 this month with a night of Pasifika Poetry featuring some of Aotearoa’s most esteemed Pacific Poets on March 7, 2019.
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February 18th 2019
COMMUNITY
Victims/Survivors of Crime Anonymous Survey
Share your experiences, thoughts and ideas about the criminal justice system in New Zealand anonymously.
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January 30th 2019
HEALTH
The shame of fat-shaming in Public Health
Dr Isaac Warbrick, Director of the Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), says societal and institutional racism needs to be challenged in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and weight loss.
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January 29th 2019
HEALTH
Advocate calling for Maori and Pasifika smokers to turn to Vaping to kick the habit
As more Maori and Pacific smokers are turning to vaping to help quit the habit, a Kiwi-family Vape business NZVAPOR is doing its bit support their efforts.
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January 25th 2019
COMMUNITY
Fono to discuss Family Violence in Pacific Families
Pasefika Proud, a campaign addressing violence in Pacific families by using clear, consistent messaging around building strong families, is one of the key supporters of The Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu: Pathways to Wellbeing Fono on February 22
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January 18th 2019
COMMUNITY
Saving Siblings
Having been with Penrose-based credit union NZCU Employees for 20 years, Auckland-born and raised Cook Island brothers Robert and Ronald George know a thing or two about saving.
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January 17th 2019
COMMUNITY
Wellington showcasing Pacific arts this weekend
The Wellington Pasifika’s 15th Arts Festival coincides with the city's anniversary weekend and showcases the region's diverse Pacific communities, cultures and cuisines reports RNZ Pacific.
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December 7th 2018
COMMUNITY
Pacific in the Park a Success
West Auckland’s Moire Park was a buzz for Pasefika Proud’s Pacific in the Park, despite strong gales and the constant threat of rain. With strong partnerships and support from the NZ Police, Fire Service and Air Force and a host of community groups relating to health, education, careers and sport, those who attended came away with plenty of freebies having been well-entertained.
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November 27th 2018
HEALTH
NZ has highest mortality rate from motor neuron disease
New Zealand now has the world’s highest rate of mortality from motor neuron disease, with the high death rate possibly being linked to genetic predisposition, particularly among Māori and Pacific peoples.
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November 19th 2018
COMMUNITY
Dr Karanina Sumeo - The Job in Hand
Saunoamaali’i Dr Karanina Sumeo is the first Pacific woman to be appointed as the Human Rights Commission’s new Equal Employment Opportunities.
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October 1st 2018
COMMUNITY
Tuvalu Language Week 2018
Tuvalu Language Week runs from Sunday 30 September to Saturday 6 October. It is the fourth in a series of seven Pacific Language Weeks the Ministry of Pacific Peoples is supporting this year.
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September 26th 2018
HEALTH
Sela: A Wake Up Call
Sela wants to send out his own special Wake Up Call - a Wake Up Call to Pasifika communities to learn about stroke and a life-saving message called FAST.
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September 24th 2018
COMMUNITY
Research: Pacific solutions to issues such as family violence
The Ministry of Social Development provided research funding for the completion of a number of research reports focusing on family violence and Pacific communities.
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September 20th 2018
COMMUNITY
Community marks Putney Way upgrade in Manukau in cultural style
Live music, games and cultural performances brought Manukau City Centre alive last Saturday marking the opening of the recently upgraded Putney Way.
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September 6th 2018
COMMUNITY
Communicating KiwiSaver Benefits
Senituli transferred his KiwiSaver to the award-winning high-performing Generate Fund with NZCU Employees. The greater ease of communication at the credit union makes him happier, enabling Senituli to focus on his No 1 dream – buying his first family home.
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August 6th 2018
HEALTH
New study finds Maori and Pasifika more likely to develop gambling problems
New study on national gambling habits confirms that although gambling participation continues to fall, levels of gambling-related harm remain unchanged and Maori and Pacific peoples are much more likely to develop problems.
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July 30th 2018
COMMUNITY
Cook Islands Language Week 2018 launches amidst a decline in use in NZ
The second of seven Pacific language weeks in 2018 supported by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP), was launched at Christchurch’s Te Hapua Halswell Centre on July 28. “Be proud of your language and protect its future” is the theme of this year’s Cook Islands Language Week.
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July 26th 2018
COMMUNITY
Upcoming Cook Islands Language Week Events
The annual ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani: Cook Islands Language Week is being held from Sunday 29 July – Saturday 4 August 2018, this year’s theme is ‘Kia ngākau parau, kia rangarangatu to tatou reo Māori kūki 'Āirani’ which translates to ‘Be proud of our reo Māori kūki 'Airani and protect its future!’ See what events are going on around New Zealand to celebrate.
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July 26th 2018
COMMUNITY
Addressing Family violence with Talanoa and Safe Spaces
CEO for Pacific Health Services Porirua, Eleni’s focus is on preventing Family Violence, which she knows is beneficial, providing you involve everyone in talanoa (discussion) and allow them a safe space to have their say.
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July 20th 2018
COMMUNITY
From incinerator to inventive change
Sikhs all over New Zealand and around the world are finding creative and cross-cultural ways to re-use cloth previously discarded after religious ceremonies thanks to an idea started in South Auckland.
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July 16th 2018
COMMUNITY
The Sons of No One
While they are not over-represented in crime statistics, Pacific youth offenders are over-represented in terms of serious and violent behaviour. SPASIFIK talks to DR JULIA IOANE regarding what we need to understand about Pacific youth offenders and ourselves
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July 16th 2018
HEALTH
Fijian Modern Family
Dr Radilate Cammock, Postgraduate Programme leader for Public Health at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has been studying the reproductive health of indigenous Fijian or iTaukei women for five years. Her study shows that indigenous Fijian women living in New Zealand are not benefitting from the higher level of resources available.
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July 13th 2018
COMMUNITY
Beyond Southside Rise
Referred to as a movement for change the 200-strong cast and crew of Southside Rise 2018 Heads Held High want for the show to not just make a statement. The ultimate goal is for positive far-reaching societal effects on south Auckland. LAUMATA LAUANO talks to the minds behind Heads Held High
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July 10th 2018
COMMUNITY
Pasifika Futures - Our Way
Pasifika Futures has developed the Our Way programme for Pacific providers to become more effective in making a difference for our families and communities.
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July 6th 2018
HEALTH
New research on Pacific gambling habits released
The Pacific Islands Families Study update released this week highlights concerning trends in Pacific youth and maternal gambling behaviour.
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June 26th 2018
COMMUNITY
Power of Trust
Having delivered community-based mentoring social services to at-risk communities for more than 20 years in the heart of Otara, South Auckland, no one knows better than NGO Crosspower New Zealand how importantbBeing present and engaged with our at-risk young Pacific people is to building trust.
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June 11th 2018
COMMUNITY
Pacific experiences to inform policy and practice
Dr Julia Ioane, a Samoan clinical psychologist and lecturer in psychology, says all Pasifika youth involved in the justice system have, in some way, been exposed to or experienced family violence.
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May 31st 2018
HEALTH
Fai mo lou aiga World Smokefree Day
As we continue to celebrate Samoan Language Week let’s learn how to encourage our Samoan friends and family to stop smoking i le gagana Samoa – in Samoan.
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May 28th 2018
COMMUNITY
Samoan Language Week 2018
Find out what events are going on around New Zealand to celebrate this year’s Samoan Language week and learn some important proverbs.
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May 14th 2018
COMMUNITY
Unpacking Niuean Values
Maliaga Erick has been involved with social work since migrating to New Zealand with her family from Niue in 1975. Through her career and voluntary work, Maliaga has worked tirelessly towards creating safe spaces for Pacific women and children.
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May 11th 2018
COMMUNITY
Upcoming Community Support Expo seeks to empower Pasifika Communities
The Pacific Lawyers Association has organised a FREE Community Support Expo on May 19 at the Otara Recreational Centre. The expo will provide a number of services and resources from different organisations free of charge.
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May 8th 2018
COMMUNITY
Ethnic-specific Pacific Family Violence Training Programmes
Pasefika Proud offers a comprehensive overview of family violence and its impact on Pacific people in New Zealand. Check out the upcoming ethnic-specific sessions, they're free but spaces are limited.
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May 7th 2018
HEALTH
Pasifika children in Auckland at higher risk of diabetes
According to new research Pasifika children in Auckland have an 18 times greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes than their European peers. Check out some tried and true tips to fighting obesity in order to prevent type 2 diabetes.
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May 4th 2018
HEALTH
Free health insurance for Auckland iwi
Ngati Whatua Orakei secure free health insurance with nib New Zealand to provide universal private health insurance for all members of the hapū to help improve their health and wellbeing outcomes.
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May 3rd 2018
COMMUNITY
Pasifika By Nature - 20 Years Strong
More than 800 secondary school students from over 10 Schools from Hamilton and the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, will take part in the Pasifika By Nature cultural festival this Saturday May 5
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May 1st 2018
COMMUNITY
New star iwi to light up Matariki Festival
West Auckland iwi will host Matariki Festival 2018 in partnership with Auckland Council and open festivities on 30 June
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April 10th 2018
HEALTH
Empowering Pacific Youth to Lead Healthier Lives
Pacific health care provider The Fono is working on a project that is designed to empower Pacific communities towards better health and wellbeing, particularly with preventing prediabetes in young Pacific people.
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March 22nd 2018
COMMUNITY
Preventing family violence through culture
With the 2018 training programmes starting soon, we look at how the programme is tailored to help community support workers and community members, with working knowledge of the communities they serve
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March 20th 2018
HEALTH
Fight the bite in Samoan, Tongan and Fijian
With online resources and information in Samoan, Tongan, Fijian and English the MOH explains how best to avoid diseases, such as dengue spread by mosquitoes
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March 20th 2018
COMMUNITY
What ASB Polyfest means
LAUMATA LAUANO headed to the final day of ASB Polyfest 2018 to ask festival goers what the largest Polynesian festival in the world meant to them. The answers weren’t surprising, but they were heartening nonetheless.
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March 14th 2018
COMMUNITY
Embracing her culture
Jane Malauulu feels immensely proud to see other people embrace her Samoan culture at ASB Polyfest. The year 13 Mangere College student and Samoan Group leader says “It’s important to embrace your own culture because it’s part of who you are.”
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March 14th 2018
HEALTH
Second Auckland measles case confirmed
Auckland Regional Public Health Service said an AUT student, who was a passenger on Flight SQ285 on 22 February, has been confirmed to have the disease.
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March 13th 2018
COMMUNITY
Foundations of love, respect and patience
Levi says through his biological parents in Samoa to his adopted parents in New Zealand, the importance of alofa (love) and fa’aaloalo (respect) are integral to building strong foundations within his family.
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March 13th 2018
COMMUNITY
Pacific Mothers: Niue and Fiji Migration Stories
Pasefika Proud launched a second series of Migration and Legacy stories featuring our Pacific mothers, as a follow up to their series of stories from our Pacific fathers. Watch the first two videos below of strong Pacific mothers who migrated from Fiji and Niue.
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March 7th 2018
COMMUNITY
Largest annual Pacific youth festival in the world kicks off in a week
The largest Pacific youth festival of its kind now in its 43rd year will see more than 10,000 secondary school students from across the Auckland region perform traditional song, dance and speech
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February 22nd 2018
COMMUNITY
Preventing Families from Harm
South Auckland police officer Papaloa Talosaga is working to spread the Pasefika Proud message to build strong families, preventing and addressing violence.
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February 15th 2018
COMMUNITY
Helping Families (Kāinga) “Prosper"
Translated to mean Prosperous Families, Kāinga Tu’umalie helps to prevent and restore families from violence by providing a safe space for them to strengthen relationships and identify key issues within their family unit to work on.
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February 12th 2018
COMMUNITY
Projecting Hope
The Project Hope team helps address and alleviate family violence, sexual violence and abuse amongst our Pacific communities by first helping young Pacific people talk about their harrowing experiences in order to heal.
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February 2nd 2018
COMMUNITY
Rise and Shine: Brothers Bond
In the next Rise and Shine disability story, brothers Leatuao Larry Tupa'i-Lavea, and Adeaze duo Feagaigafou (known as Nainz) and Logovi’i (Viiz) Tupa’i remember their mum Selepa Malaefono Feterika Tupa'i, a strong Pacific woman who lived with a disability, fondly.
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January 17th 2018
HEALTH
PHARMAC supports Pacific pharmacists group
PHARMAC is supporting New Zealand’s first Pacific pharmacists' group to establish itself as a formal entity.
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January 16th 2018
COMMUNITY
Lavinia: A Living Example
Lavinia Lovo is a 22 year old Samoan-Tongan with Spina Bifida. Lavinia wants to be a counsellor for the disability sector to be a living example and a help for other disabled people.
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December 21st 2017
HEALTH
Auckland Dengue Fever spike - ARPHS issue health warning for Pacific-bound travellers
With a spike in the number of dengue fever cases in Auckland, Auckland Regional Public Health Service has issued a warning for those travelling to the Pacific Islands to protect themselves against mosquitos.
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December 19th 2017
COMMUNITY
Brothers Adeaze into their role
As the eldest brother to Feagaigafou (known as Nainz) and Logovi’i (Viiz) Tupa’i from the multi-award-winning duo Adeaze, Leatuao Larry Tupa'i-Lavea has distant memories of growing up in Samoa with his mum Selepa Malaefono Feterika Tupa'i.
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December 15th 2017
COMMUNITY
Rise & Shine Disability Series: Mathew's Mission
Mathew (Matt) Ngametua is a Cook Islander with mild Cerebral Palsy hemiplegia and diplegia. Matt is proud to be living an independent life and credits his mum with teaching him to live independently.
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December 14th 2017
HEALTH
Embedding cultural practices into mental health services
Culturally-centred programmes to address the mental health needs of at-risk Maori and Pacific youth will be explored with new funding.
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December 13th 2017
COMMUNITY
Pasefika Proud: Tips for Christmas Stress
Because it’s Our Families, Our People and Our Responsibility, we have some useful tips to help take the pressure off as we count down the days to ‘the most wonderful time of the year’.
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December 7th 2017
COMMUNITY
Luhama Rises, Shines and Inspires
The first from Pasefika Proud's newly launched Rise & Shine Disability Series, Luhama Niu is a Tongan with Cerebral Palsy who works part-time at Z New Zealand at Tom Pearce Drive at Auckland Airport. Watch her story
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December 6th 2017
HEALTH
Pasifika Health Week at Waitemata
The Waitemata District Health Board (WDHB) Pasifika Week was launched at the Opening Ava Ceremony by the Matua Advisory Council on Monday December 4 at Waitakere Hospital and runs through to the Friday December 8.
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December 6th 2017
COMMUNITY
Rise & Shine a light on disability and family violence
A new series of Rise and Shine Pacific Disability Resources raises awareness of disabled people and family violence to challenge some Pacific community attitudes towards the disabled community and address the stigma that sometimes leads to the physical and emotional abuse of disabled Pacific people.
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December 5th 2017
HEALTH
Le Va: Inspirational Careers in Public Health
Pacific NGO LeVa is promoting Pacific Mental Health and Addictions Scholarships and Pasifika Health Workforce Grants to encourage students into, and grow the size and skills of those already in, the Pasifika health workforce.
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December 4th 2017
COMMUNITY
Pasefika Proud: Creating Strong Resilient Families
The Siaola Famili Lelei initiative has been recognised by Police for their work towards alleviating family violence and child abuse amongst their Tongan communities.
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November 24th 2017
HEALTH
Health, Fitness and Family
A truly grassroots social enterprise, Hiko Health & Fitness (HHF) in Wellington is the embodiment of Yanetta Hiko and Helen Te’o’s combined will to make healthy lifestyle changes for their loved ones.
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November 13th 2017
COMMUNITY
Priorities for Pasifika success
Three months into the job, Ministry for Pacific Peoples Chief Executive Officer Laulu Mac Leauanae is confident he is ready for the challenges ahead and looks forward to leading a Ministry that is focused on ensuring Pacific communities thrive. ANGIE ENOKA reports
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November 9th 2017
HEALTH
Diabetes Action Month: Know the difference and Join the MoveMeant
Diabetes NZ is teaming up with FitBit, Equal and Natural’s sweeteners and Sanofi to giveaway Join the MoveMeant packs valued at over $300. Read about the different types diabetes and find out how to enter.
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November 6th 2017
COMMUNITY
Pasefika Proud message spreads to Samoa
Samoa is learning from the Pasefika Proud campaign, with Samoa’s own family violence prevention communications campaign being developed thanks to project support from MFAT and MSD.
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November 3rd 2017
COMMUNITY
Flags: Tongan and Samoan fans urged to keep the peace
Calls for calm amongst Toa Samoa and Mate Ma'a Tonga fans ahead of tomorrow's game in Hamilton and SPASIFIK publisher INNES LOGAN reflects on the implications of such violent fan-behaviour for our people
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October 30th 2017
HEALTH
Mumps hit Pacific and Maori in Auckland despite free vaccine
Pacific and Maori communities in Auckland have been hit hard this year following a severe mumps outbreak with more than 500 people affected, despite free vaccine.
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October 25th 2017
COMMUNITY
Hold Fast to our Gagana Tokelau
The 2017 line-up of seven Pacific language weeks has come to an end with Tokelauan Language Week, Vaiaho ote Gagana Tokelau being celebrated this week.
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October 16th 2017
COMMUNITY
Niuean Language Week 2017
Ministry for Pacific Peoples Chief Executive Laulu Mac Leauanae is urging all New Zealanders to get behind Niuean Language Week
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October 11th 2017
COMMUNITY
Fijian Language Message
We have a special message from the lovely Whanau Ora Navigator Tirisa Turagaiviu who tells us Auckland-based Pacific Health Care Provider The Fono’s motto in her native Fijian language.
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October 10th 2017
HEALTH
Five Ways to Wellbeing at Work - World Mental Health Day
A toolkit to support workplaces to boost wellbeing and create flourishing teams launched on World Mental Health Day, by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and Health Promotion Agency (HPA).
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October 9th 2017
COMMUNITY
Fijian Language Week 2017
Fijian Language Week runs from October 8 to 14 this year. Find out what you can do, and where you can go, to celebrate throughout the week
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October 5th 2017
COMMUNITY
Tuvaluan Language Week Message
Listen to social worker Laine Lekasa Steven say this year’s Tuvaluan Language Week theme in her message where she tells us what she loves the most about being Tuvalu and being able to speak her language.
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October 4th 2017
COMMUNITY
Not a Nobody
Despite lacking definitive stats around family violence within the community, Manuila Tausi knows it’s most certainly an issue. It's why he helped write Pasefika Proud’s Tuvalu Conceptual Framework to address family violence in New Zealand and facilitated the Tuvalu family violence training session- where we met a Tuvaluan who overcame family violence to help others today.
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October 1st 2017
COMMUNITY
Kiribati Family Violence Training Programme
A Kiribati Family Violence Training Programme - Boutokaan te mweeraoi will be held in Auckland over four full days of training between 13 and 28 October.
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September 28th 2017
COMMUNITY
What is a Pacific man?
In this video by Pasefika Proud featuring Pacific men Church ministers, community leaders and violence prevention advocates share their personal stories of family violence and ask a fundamental question – what does it mean to be a Pacific man?
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September 22th 2017
HEALTH
Maori-led research supports empowering positive smokefree approach for iwi
Research conducted by Whakauae Research for Māori Health and Development (Whanganui) highlights Māori public health workers and advocates attitudes towards Smokefree Outdoor Policies
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September 14th 2017
COMMUNITY
Ace brings his best
After a lengthy professional rugby career in New Zealand, the UK and Europe, Ace Tiatia returned home to Wellington, determined to transform men’s lives through an environment built on strong family foundations.
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September 12th 2017
COMMUNITY
Wellington Pacific Leaders Setting the Agenda
The Wellington Pacific Leaders’ Forum is helping to ‘set the agenda’ for Pacific communities in central Wellington.
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September 11th 2017
HEALTH
Pacific Voice at Nuka System of Care Conference in Alaska
Among a delegation of Pacific health providers attending, The Fono CEO Tevita Funaki presented his findings on a health system that focuses on holistic wellness built via a relationship-based model.
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September 11th 2017
COMMUNITY
Happy Māori Language Week or te wiki o te reo Māori 2017
It is Māori Language Week or te wiki o te reo Māori, which goes from September 11 – 17. This year the theme is Kia ora te reo Māori chosen to celebrate New Zealand’s indigenous greeting.
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Sepmtember 8th 2017
HEALTH
LifeKeepers suicide prevention training launches
LifeKeepers - a new evidence-informed suicide prevention training programme designed especially for New Zealand communities, was officially launched by Le Va on September 8
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September 7th 2017
COMMUNITY
Tongan Family Violence Training Programme
Pasefika Proud have a FREE Tongan Family Violence Training Programme that’s open for registration to be held in Auckland over five full days of training between 19 September and October 6.
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Sepmtember 7th 2017
HEALTH
Study shows mould in bedrooms causes asthma in young children
A new study shows that mould in bedrooms causes asthma in young children, vital info for our people as rates of hospitalisation for asthma are more than three times higher for Māori and Pacific children than other ethnicities
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September 4th 2017
COMMUNITY
Teki if you are Seki
It is Tongan Language Week and the Ministry for Pacific People want to highlight the uniqueness of Tongan dance, song, language and culture.
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September 1st 2017
COMMUNITY
Wellington Pacific Communities Tackle Money Management
Wellington Pacific communitieshave teamed up with the Commission for Financial Capability to train 20 Pacific community facilitators to run financial capability sessions.
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September 1st 2017
COMMUNITY
Tongan Language Week 2017
Mālō e lelei! Tongan Language Week begins next week from 3-9 September. This year’s theme is ‘Fakakoloa Aotearoa ‘Aki ‘Ae Nofo 'A Kainga’ — Enriching Aotearoa with our Family Values. See how, when and where to celebrate
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August 31st 2017
HEALTH
1mil to help Pacific communities tackle growing prediabetes epidemic
A new study will help empower Pacific communities to tackle the alarmingly high rate of prediabetes in Pacific youth and adults as part of a government push to improve the management of long-term health conditions in New Zealand.
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August 22nd 2017
HEALTH
Vaavaaitu and her renewed smile
In this dental case study Auckland-based healthcare provider The Fono share the story of dental patient Vaavaaitu, who shed a tear of joy at the results after accessing treatment with Dr Mowafaq Amso for a cavity-free smile.
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August 18th 2017
COMMUNITY
Pacific Homecare client Faivalu reclaims her birth name
Pacific Homecare client Faivalu Aiolupotea was known by her sister’s name ‘Pepe’ and it wasn’t until she reached the pension age that she took steps to reclaim her birth name. We share her story
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August 15th 2017
HEALTH
Pacific Homecare wins Whanau Ora Award
Auckland-based Pacific providers of home-based healthcare services to the elderly and disabled were awarded Pasifka Futures’ Best Performing Core Whanau Ora Partner on Monday 31st of July.
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August 14th 2017
HEALTH
LeVa CEO awarded by AUT Centre for eHealth for innovation leadership
Dr Monique Faleafa, Chief Executive of Le Va, was awarded an AUT Centre for eHealth innovation leadership award on August 10.
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August 8th 2017
HEALTH
Mai e Nima to bring eight-year-old ambassadors to NZ for Tongan Language Week
In a show of support for Tongan Language Week, Chris and Charlize will visit pre-schools and primary schools to teach children Tongan words for fruit and vegetables – as well as share their Tongan experiences with Mai e Nima.
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August 7th 2017
COMMUNITY
Managing Stress
The sudden death of his brother aged in his mid-30s prompted Rob Ngan-Woo to research stress in all forms of life. His popular and engaging presentation Enraged to Engaged at the Gathering of the 3000 revealed how to develop greater resilience to stress
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August 3rd 2017
COMMUNITY
Pasifika Futures to offer Whanau Ora services for another three years
Pasifika Futures has had its Whanau Ora contract extended for another three years with the Prime Minister calling their service important work that the government ‘just can’t do’.
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August 3rd 2017
HEALTH
Joseph Parker lends support to Samoan hearing initiative
WBO World Heavyweight Champion, Lupesoli'ai Laaulialemalietoa Joseph Parker, talks about his support for the Bay Audiology Free to Ear - Samoa programme that will help restore hearing to thousands in need in his homeland.
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July 27th 2017
COMMUNITY
Stories of our Pacific fathers: Tongan Migration Story
The final story in the Pasefika Proud Migration and Legacy series of our Pacific fathers features Nimi Finau who migrated from Tonga in 1960.
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July 24th 2017
COMMUNITY
David Tua: Love and Leadership
David Tua may have retired from the boxing ring four years ago, but the former world heavyweight title contender can still wow an audience, as he revealed how the love of his life helped turn his life around and give him new purpose with their Love Leadership Programme.
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July 21st 2017
HEALTH
Pacific Homecare customer always determined
Pacific Homecare customer Tolopo Falanaipupu Faapito was a champion cricketer in her day, with the help of her husband, family and Pacific Homecare she is determined not to let her health get her down.
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July 20th 2017
COMMUNITY
Stories of our Pacific fathers: Tokelauan Migration Story
This Pasefika Proud Migration and Legacy video from the Stories of our Pacific fathers series features Niusila Taupe from Tokelau. Niusila says that when he first came to New Zealand he had no problems because of fellow Pacific people and the church.
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July 20th 2017
HEALTH
Communities win and lose against the alcohol industry
With the help of Auckland-based Pacific Health Orginisation The Fono, mental health patient Nicholas Ah-Kee has been able to kick his smoking habit in the butt read about his journey
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July 14th 2017
HEALTH
Fono mental health patient kicks smoking in the butt
With the help of Auckland-based Pacific Health Orginisation The Fono, mental health patient Nicholas Ah-Kee has been able to kick his smoking habit in the butt read about his journey
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July 13th 2017
Community
Stories of our Pacific fathers: Cook Islands Migration Story
The second in the Migration and Legacy: Stories of our Pacific fathers series comes from Samuel Samuel who came to New Zealand from the Cook Islands in 1964 on scholarship.
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July 11th 2017
Community
Gathering of the 3000 engages Pacific men on key issues
Pacific men assembled to take part in more than 20 workshops at the Gathering Of The 3000, the first event of its kind aimed at tackling issues facing the community, in particular Pacific men.
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July 11th 2017
Community
Stories of our Pacific fathers: Samoan Migration Story
Pasefika Proud's new series of Migration and Legacy stories of our Pacific fathers launched at the Gathering of the 3000. Watch and listen to Etipasi Daniells-Silva who migrated from Samoa in 1958 with dreams of becoming a film star.
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July 10th 2017
HEALTH
Fono GP on making lives better at an affordable cost
General Practitioner Doctor Raina Elley enjoys a varied clientele at the affordable Fono Central clinic in Auckland city, where she has taken on a more permanent role after two years working as a locum Doctor.
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July 7th 2017
HEALTH
Teina always going the extra mile
Auckland based provider Pacific Homecare’s Employee of the Month for June was Support Worker Teinakore-O-George Tutai (Teina). Teina's dedication to looking after her complex clients and going the extra mile is what makes her such an asset to the team
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July 7th 2017
Community
A Porirua-Proud Youth Leader
Youth-leader Brienela Tauira, whose family found it a struggle upon arriving from the Cook Islands, is proud to be from Porirua and keen to contribute what she can to make her home-town violence-free.
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July 6th 2017
Community
Niue Family Violence Training Programme in Manukau
A Niue Family Violence Training Programme - Koe Fakatupuolamoui he tau Magafaoa Niue - will be held in Manukau, Auckland over five full days of training between 13-21 July.
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June 30th 2017
Community
Tokelau Family Violence Training Programme in Porirua
A Tokelau Family Violence Training Programme - Kāinga Māopoopo will be held in Porirua over five full days of training between 6-14 July. The programme aims to help practitioners, community leaders, and community members who may engage with Tokelauan families to prevent family violence.
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June 27th 2017
HEALTH
Help people quit smoking with The Fono
New Zealand's largest Pacific health and social services organisation and Pacific Employer of the Year (2016) The Fono are looking for a Pacific Health Promoter - Quit Coach to join their Ready Steady Quit Team.
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June 27th 2017
Community
David Tua hopes to inspire hundreds of Pacific Men to change lives
Hundreds of Pacific men will gather in Wellington to address issues such as family violence, health and financial capability at a time when police investigations into family violence hit a record high.
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June 26th 2017
HEALTH
Time to ditch sugary drinks in schools
The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) and Maori health care provider Hāpai Te Hauora have called on Education Minister Nikki Kaye to back ‘water only’ schools as two primary schools become the first in Auckland to ditch sugary drinks completely.
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June 13th 2017
Community
Understanding and Action through Faith
Pastors Maria and Apolo Simeona of Kings Lake Living Waters and Rev Masunu Utumapu, Samoan Methodist Church Auckland South Synod are both passionate about finding solutions to the issues of family violence within their congregations and communities.
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June 13th 2017
Community
Proud to be Pasefika
As CEO of South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services (SWPICS) in Tokoroa for more than a decade, Akarere Henry is proud of the family violence work undertaken since she joined the organisation.
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June 8th 2017
Community
TRC helping local families get into home ownership
More than 100 Tāmaki families have completed a financial capability and mortgage readiness programme with two thirds of those who took part now working towards home ownership.
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May 29th 2017
Community
Bridging the Gap
Working for Non-Government Organisations based in Christchurch and Samoa provides Jeremy Faumuina a useful insight into the struggles of New Zealand-born Samoans compared to those born and raised in the islands.
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May 26th 2017
Community
Heartbreakers and Heroes
Beulah Koale knew how to act the part of a young bakery worker in the critically-acclaimed film One Thousand Ropes. It was part of the life he lived growing up in South Auckland.
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May 22 2017
Community
Standing up to make a difference
As the first and only Cook Islands Presbyterian minister to hold a doctorate, Rev Dr Tokerau Joseph appreciates the value of knowing one’s history and culture.
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May 15 2017
Community
United in protecting the women of the world
Presenting at the United Nations in New York Conference on The Prevention of Violence Against Women in 2013 was an honour in itself for Porirua’s Fa’aolataga Leasi. What made it more rewarding was coming away from it knowing it wasn’t ‘just another talkfest’.
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May 8 2017
Community
Doing it the Pasefika Way
Samoan Congregational Minister of EFKS Hornby, Reverend Fitifiti Luatua, draws on his experience from more than 30 years living in New Zealand and serving God as an ordained minister.
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May 1 2017
Community
Agents of Change
When Malagaoma Allan Va’a began mentoring South Auckland Pacific youth in the mid-1980s the young men that he worked with saw him as a big brother. He laughs at how he’s seen by them now.
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April 28th 2017
HEALTH
New diabetes clinic promotes lifestyle changes to save lives
The new Pacific Responsiveness Strategy launched by PHARMAC aims to provide an opportunity to improve the health of Pacific people in New Zealand.
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April 27th 2017
Community
Pacific youth champion an aspiring social worker
Ailine Kei is an aspiring social worker who was inspired by the passion in Pacific peoples’ search for solutions to reduce family violence.
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April 20th 2017
Community
A potential to be realised
As a first generation New Zealand-born Cook Islander, Minister for Pacific Peoples and former pastor at the Tamaki Community Church, Hon. Alfred Ngaro recalls growing up in the Auckland inner-city suburb of Ponsonby in the 1970s.
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April 18th 2017
Community
Breaking the Cycle
Mother of Divine Mercy Women’s Refuge helps victims of family violence get away from harm and to begin the process of healing through a ‘whole family’ approach. Susana Fiu Fetalai shares her story and how it motivated her work in family violence.
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April 13th 2017
HEALTH
PHARMAC strategy for improving Pacific health
The new Pacific Responsiveness Strategy launched by PHARMAC aims to provide an opportunity to improve the health of Pacific people in New Zealand.
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April 11th 2017
Community
Register for Cook Islands Family Violence Training in Porirua
FREE Tūranga Māori Cook Islands Family Violence Training will be held in Porirua, Wellington from 19 April 2017 scheduled across 5 full days of training through to 27 April 2017.
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April 10th 2017
HEALTH
Niva always in demand
Auckland based provider Pacific Homecare’s Employee of the Month for March was Niva Tuteru-Maroroa who always puts in 100%. Her Coordinator says she is ‘in demand’ by clients and that’s why she is our March Employee of the Month! Learn a bit about her through this Q&A
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April 6th 2017
Community
Is sending troubled youths back to the islands really the answer?
A new study of Samoan youth gangs in South Auckland has found that sending troubled youth back to their homeland can be detrimental to their wellbeing, and that of the village they are sent to.
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March 29th 2017
Health
Pacific Providers Search for Solutions
Auckland’s health providers came together at the Novotel Auckland Ellerslie Hotel in March to develop a provider-led Pacific strategy towards self-determination in the region’s heath.
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March 16th 2017
Community
Pasifika Fono: Shape your South Auckland Community
National health support service provider Vaka Tautua are hosting a free event calling Pasifika people of all ages and islands to come along to express their opinion and talanoa with local board members.
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March 14th 2017
Community
It is all going down UPsouth
The Southern Initiative (TSI) is in the process of launching a crowd empowerment platform called UPsouth.
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March 8th 2017
HEALTH
Building Michael's Confidence
When Michael Siaopo was almost three years old, his parents Anele and Nigel, noticed he was slow in the way he spoke compared to other children his age. They initially thought he might have a hearing impairment. He didn't.
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March 7th 2017
Community
Pasifika Festival Celebrates 25 Years
Pasifika Festival, being held on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March at Western Springs Park, will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
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February 24th 2017
HEALTH
The Unstoppable Uriaau
Auckland based provider Pacific Homecare’s Employee of the Month for January was Uriaau Epi, who found her calling while caring for both her ill sister and father.A superstar at Pacific Homecare, Cook Islander Uriaau received some great feedback from the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination service (NASC) physio.Pacific Homecare shares a bit about her through this Q&A
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February 24th 2017
HEALTH
Seeing Smiling Patients
Samoan-born and raised Patrick Soon, of Chinese and Samoan descent, is a senior dental assistant from the Auckland based innovative health organisation, The Fono. Based at The Fono’s Wyndham Street Dental Clinic, Patrick loves seeing patients smile once they’ve been treated.
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February 8th 2017
HEALTH
Growing the Pasifika Health Workforce: Athena Tapu spotlight
Multi-year recipient of a Pacific Mental Health and Addictions Scholarship Athena Tapu was inspired by her family and community to pursue Psychotherapy. Read about her journey below along with how to apply for the 2017 Pacific Mental Health and Addiction Scholarship for those interested.
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January 17th 2017
HEALTH
Mili's Mission
Auckland based provider Pacific Homecare’s Employee of the Month for December was Miliaoga Fa’afaga, whose loyalty comes second-to-none. Having worked at Pacific Homecare for more than 20 years and has never called in sick Mili is always willing to go the extra mile with a positive attitude towards everything she does. Pacific Homecare shares a bit about her through this Q&A9.
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December 15th 2016
Health
Study to improve care of older Pacific people
A study to improve end-of-life care for older Pacific people will begin early next year at the University of Auckland as part of the Ageing Well, National Science Challenge.
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December 9th 2016
Health
Pacific shines at the 2016 Attitude Awards
There were two award recipients of Pacific descent at the 2016 Attitude Awards, 15 year old Paralympic swimmer Tupou Seini Neiufi won the Emerging Athlete Award, and music teacher Ese Aumalesulu received the Spirit of Attitude Award.
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December 8th 2016
Health
Safekids moving Whare: raising Maori and Pacific awareness on home safety with interactive exhibition
SafeKids’ Whare, a travelling exhibition that will visit 10 regions throughout Aotearoa in 2017, will raise awareness about the leading injuries in tamariki; those that happen in the home- an issue particularly prevalent in Maori and Pacific communities.
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December 2nd 2016
Health
Pacific Health research to help older generations create change for themselves
The Pacific Islands Families (PIF) Study at AUT South Campus has been awarded almost $1 million for innovative research as part of the ‘Ageing Well’ National Science Challenge.
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December 1st 2016
Community
Tōia Talks Second Instalment featuring Anonymouz
The second instalment of Tōia Talks will take place on December 8 and will feature Anonymouz (Matthew Faiumu Salapu).
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December 1st 2016
Community
A bit of South Auckland in the CBD with popUP South
From December 1st through til the 21st, Aucklanders and tourists will be able to visit popUP South, which showcases a rich diversity of Polynesian handicrafts, food and entertainment from South Auckland at the Wynyard Quarter on Auckland’s waterfront every day from midday til 8pm.
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November 28th 2016
Community
Canterbury Lecturer asks: Is Nathan Pukeroa our Trayvon Martin?
University of Canterbury lecturer Garrick Cooper of Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies discusses the lack of public outcry over the death of Nathan Pukeroa who was stabbed and killed by Dustin La Mont in December 2015, La Mont has been found not guilty of Pukeroa’s murder.
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November 15th 2016
Community
Sexual harassment in the Pacific a problem seldom researched
Police officers attending the Fourth Police Regional Training Program in Nadi, Fiji from 7-18 of November discussed sexual harassment and rape as part of the two-week workshop.
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November 2nd 2016
Health
Meet Sesa a Quit Smoking Specialist from the Fono
New Zealand-born Samoan Sesalina (Sesa) Setu who’s based at the Fono’s new location on the North Shore is part of the Fono’s new team of Quit Smoking Specialists who not only want to help you stop smoking but also improve your health and wellbeing.
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October 31st 2016
Community
Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards 2016 are open
Nominations for The Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards, which recognise and reward high-achieving young Pacific New Zealanders who have potential to make a big contribution to New Zealand, are open until November 7th.
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October 27th 2016
Health
First No Sugary Drinks logo in New Zealand
New Zealand’s first “no sugary drinks” logo was unveiled at an event in Wellington, at the FIZZ symposium (Toward a sugary drink-free Aotearoa) to empower communities around NZ to lift their health and wellbeing.
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October 25th 2016
Health
High rates of obesity among Samoans partly attributed to genetics
A study reports that a genetic variant that affects energy metabolism and fat storage partly explains why Samoans have among the world’s highest levels of obesity.
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October 17th 2016
Community
Take a trip for Niue Language Week
It’s Niue Language Week, Ko Au Ko E Niue, from Sunday 16th to Saturday 22nd October, which is Niue Constitution day.
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October 3rd 2016
Community
New Pacific Provider opens in Christchurch
Etu Pasifika Ltd, which means Pacific Star, is a new Pacific provider established in Christchurch.
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October 3rd 2016
Community
Pacific families on the North Shore to benefit from new services
Pacific families living on the North Shore will now benefit from community-based services delivered by The Fono, which opened a new location on Saturday 1 October at Raeburn House in the Northcote Shopping Centre.
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September 23rd 2016
Pacific youth in need of more support
The latest report on Pacific youth in New Zealand has exposed persistent health, social and educational disparities which, according to researchers, require urgent attention.
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September 14th 2016
Toia Talks: Our people. Our stories.
Otahuhu Pataka Korero Otahuhu Library will be holding an exciting free lecture series in September titled Toia Talks with the slogan this month being ‘Our people. Our stories’.
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August 19th 2016
Pacific the priority for Catalysts 4 Change
Women and children were the priority for the Catalysts 4 Change – Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Women, Children and their Families Conference in Auckland in early August.
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August 2nd 2016
Health
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in the Pacific
TAHA, together with the Pacific Society for Reproductive Health, are hosting the Catalysts 4 Change - Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Women, Children and their Families Conference on the 3-4 August 2016
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July 27th 2016
New Stop Smoking Service to benefit Auckland’s Pacific communities
A new regional Stop Smoking Service has been launched to improve smoke-free numbers in Pacific, as well as Maori and pregnant communities.
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July 26th 2016
Pasifika Week – Achieving Health Equity for Pacific
The annual Counties Manukau Pasifika Week attracted health professionals, community members and students from across South Auckland for an entertaining week of education and entertainment.
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July 15th 2016
Rheumatic Fever – Warmer, drier homes
Keep your home warm and dry and create as much space to spread out around your home, rather than having to crowd in the same room. Having more warm rooms and more sleeping spaces available means germs such as strep throat, which can lead to rheumatic fever, are less likely to spread.
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July 14th 2016
Health Promotion Forum Wins Bid to Host World Conference in New Zealand backed by SPC
Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand – Runanga Whakapiki Ake i te Hauora o Aotearoa (HPF) - is to host the next World Conference on Health Promotion.
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July 12th 2016
Anaseini’s quality service
Born and raised in Tonga, Support Worker Anaseini Fua has consistently provided quality service to each client she looks after, with a respectful mannerism that helps her relate to clients and their family members. Because of her ability to listen to their needs, and advocate well for them by communicating to our Coordinators, Anaseini is our Employee of the Month for May! We catch up with her for a quick Q & A
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July 5th 2016
First Pasifika Chair of Amnesty International NZ’s board appointed
New Zealand Samoan Peter Fa’afiu, a self-proclaimed ‘proud Glen Innes boy’, is Amnesty International’s first Chair of Pasifika descent.
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July 4th 2016
South Seas Healthcare Trust announces new CEO
Pacific health provider South Seas Healthcare Trust has announced a new CEO, Silao Vaisola Sefo, to oversee the growth of the organisation and provide leadership at Otara’s biggest health and social service centre.
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July 1st 2016
Bowel cancer atlas reveal info on Pacific and Maori population and the disease
About 40% of Maori and Pacific people with bowel cancer only found out they have the disease when they require emergency hospital care, according to new information released by the Health Quality and Safe Commission in late June 2016.
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June 30th 2016
Continuity of care in Manurewa
Auckland based innovative health organisation, The Fono says the relationship between doctor and patient is one that is special and unique. Providing a continuity of care to the varied and complex needs of patients, while taking a caring approach, takes a special kind of General Practitioner (GP).
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June 22nd 2016
Pacific Leaders share solutions to prevent family violence
Pacific leaders from churches and social services around New Zealand came together for the first time at the Pasefika Proud National Pacific Leaders Fono, hosted by the Ministry of Social Development, to find solutions to end family violence in Pacific families.
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June 17th 2016
Documentary looks at diabetes in Samoa
Part four in a documentary series about diabetes, The Disease That Is Killing My Family, looks at how diabetes has become the leading cause of death in Samoa.
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June 15th 2016
Living healthy and smokefree
Auckland based innovative health organisation, The Fono patient Bermuda Pongi, of Tongan descent, started smoking when she was 17 years old.
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June 15th 2016
Growing stronger and healthier men together
This week is Men’s Health Week. Auckland based provider Pacific Homecare says it’s an opportunity to become more aware of the health of our Pacific men.
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June 14th 2016
Solving teething problems
Dr Pip Brickell, Dentist at Auckland based innovative health organisation, The Fono Central in Auckland’s Wyndham St, is thankful she wasn’t part of her mother’s generation when it came to dealing with troublesome teeth.
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June 13th 2016
MIT Opens up Pasifika Community Centre
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) has opened the doors to their first ever Pasifika Community Centre dedicated to Pacific people of all cultures and faiths.
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June 7th 2016
The Fono Central Perks
Dentist Mariam Anwar from the Auckland based innovative health organisation, The Fono says she disliked her crooked teeth when she was growing up. But the skills of her family orthodontist to correct them inspired her into the profession.
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June 7th 2016
AUT inspires Seychelles’ response to childhood obesity
Director of Family Health and Nutrition Programmes for the Seychelles Islands, Rosie Bistoquet, is excited to gain insights to take back to her developing nation of Seychelles, on curbing childhood obesity.
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June 1st 2016
Bettering Pacific Health through Fruit
Professor of Horticulture at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Steven Underhill hopes to improve the health of Pacific people with research into progressing the production of fruit in the region.
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May 31st 2016
Strengthening Pacific connections at the Auckland Museum
Auckland Museum has opened up access to its Pacific taonga (treasure) collection, starting with the Cook Islands on May 27, and strengthening ties with Auckland’s Pacific communities.
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May 24th 2016
Pacific leaders will meet to tackle NCDs
Pacific Island leaders, ministers and officials from regional and global development agencies will gather in the Kingdom of Tonga from 20-22 June 2016 to discuss better ways to tackle the region’s non-communicable diseases (NCDs) crisis.
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May 19th 2016
Rheumatic Fever Prevention Programme commonly asked questions
Rheumatic fever is a deadly disease with 92% of all cases affecting Pacific and Maori children. It starts with a sore throat and can lead to heart surgery, and is more prevalent in the colder winter months. Rheumatic fever is a painful illness that is preventable, so take note of the key prevention message: Get your child’s sore throat checked now.
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May 18th 2016
Mangere Town Centre Celebrating Nine Years Smokefree
Mangere residents have reason to celebrate this month with their town Centre set to commemorate nine years since it became Smokefree in 2007. ASH New Zealand invites Mangere’s local residents and wider community to come together on Saturday the 28th of May, at the Mangere town square, to celebrate where it all began.
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May 16th 2016
Pasifika Medical Association Conference celebrates 20th Year in August
The conference “The pathway to leadership is service” will be held on 24, 25 and 26 August 2016 at the Rendezvous Hotel in Auckland.
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May 13th 2016
National Health Notice: Measles case confirmed in traveller
Were you or someone you know on this flight? The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a health advisory notice confirming a case of measles in a traveller who flew from Rarotonga on April 24 arriving in Auckland at 06:10 on April 25 on Jet Star flight JQ130.
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May 12th 2016
Stress less with effective budgeting
Pacific Trust Canterbury (PTC), the largest provider of Pacific health and social services in the South Island knows all too well how making ends meet can be challenging, stressful and a huge burden on your well-being. Struggling to re-pay debt, pay everyday bills like rent, power and groceries, meet the costs of school fees and uniforms, vehicles and cultural obligations can all mount up and add to your stress. Whatever your financial situation, budgeting can benefit you whether you’re in debt or saving.
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May 12th 2016
Fiji calls for child psychologists to help sexual abuse victims
With an increase in child sexual abuse victims in Fiji, there is a call for child psychologists to help these victims, many of whom are left traumatised.
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May 3rd 2016
Raising awareness of rheumatic fever
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman welcomes the start of the 2016 rheumatic fever awareness campaign.
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April 28th 2015
Wellness for our Metua Pakari
A new pilot programme for the elderly in the Glen Innes, Panmure, Point England and Mt Wellington areas has been launched to provide time away from home for our elders. Called Metua Pakari, the programme is a partnership facilitated by the Auckland Eastern Bays Kuki Airani Trust and Auckland based provider Pacific Homecare.
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April 27th 2016
Improving wellness while living with long-term conditions
Do you have a long-term `condition/s such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental illness or kidney disease? As our population ages and people are increasingly managing more than one `condition`, Auckland based innovative health organisation, The Fono is aware how crucial their role is in supporting the people in their communities to self-manage. Here they provide some tips / principles for self-management of long-term `condition`s (LTCs).
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April 27th 2016
Quality care for all
As an advocate for quality dental care that’s affordable, dentist Peter Kim feels right at home working at the central Auckland based innovative health organisation, The Fono.
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April 22nd 2016
GPS hits the mark
Le Va’s third national conference, Growing Pasifika Solutions (GPS) for our Young People started in style at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, South Auckland.
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April 22nd 2016
Do you know the signs of meningitis?
Meningitis kills or disables around 1.2 million people worldwide each year. Even with prompt diagnosis and treatment, approximately 10% of patients die and up to 20% or more sustain permanent damage and disability. Pacific Trust Canterbury, the largest provider of Pacific health and social services in the South Island is encouraging communities to be aware and know the symptoms of Meningitis.
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April 15th 2016
Inspiring Kiwis to be honoured at New Zealand Respiratory Awards
The tough challenges of living day-to-day with asthma and other respiratory conditions will come into sharp focus Friday 15th April at the national Respiratory Achievers Awards. The ceremony will be held at Te Papa in Wellington, from 6.30-10pm.
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April 13th 2016
New family violence intervention service in West Auckland
Sadly, family violence is a serious and prevalent issue for many Pacific families in West Auckland, with around 35 incidents being reported to the Police every week. In response to this serious issue, Auckland based innovative health organisation The Fono is now able to offer specialised social work support to affected families.
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April 11th 2016
Le Va launches Aunty Dee – free online help for the young
To help fight depression, Le Va has introduced ‘Aunty Dee’, a website that offers free advice for young people of Pacific and Maori descent.
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April 6th 2016
Ana leads the way
As newly appointed Social Services Team Leader for the Auckland based innovative health organisation The Fono, Ana Aitcheson sees her role as supporting her team “to deliver high quality services to families in need”.
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April 1st 2016
Relive Auckland’s ASB Polyfest 2016
As the buzz from Polyfest 2016 begins to wind down we’d like to congratulate all the school groups that placed, as well as all the students who participated.
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February 15th 2016
SPASIFIK issue 66
World-first study puts research spotlight on neglected neuromuscular conditions
In a world-first, an Auckland University of Technology (AUT) research team has embarked on a country-wide study of the prevalence and impact of genetic muscle disorders.
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