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SMOKEFREE PASIFIKA HIBISCUS AWARDS |
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By Malia Tua’i Manuleleua |
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“Our Children, Our Future”
was the key theme in the annual 2005 PACIFICA Conference held at the
Auckland University Fale earlier this month.
Esther Cowley Malcolm, PACIFICA President said that it was time to put
the hard issues on the table and address them. “In order to achieve
well being for Pacific people it was important to provide a supportive
environment for our children - the more you know the more you owe and
for those of us who have more knowledge, more skills, more talents,
more power, more influence, more wealth and more access to resources we
have a lot more to owe/give back to our communities and to society at
large.”
The 3 day conference brought together a colorful combination of women
from all sectors ranging from Politicians, Sports personalities, Church
leaders, Unionists, Researchers and Artists who debated issues on
Positive Parenting, Conflict Resolution, Child Abuse and others.
One of the main events, “the Smokefree Pacifica Hibiscus Awards” (SPHA)
highlighted the significance of Smoke free pacific communities as well
as acknowledging the work of Pacific women in their respective fields
of expertise.
Luisa Falanitule, Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) SmokeFree
Co-ordinator said that “the Awards were a great collaboration with ADHB
and PACIFICA. These are the first pacific Smokefree Hibiscus awards to
be held. It is excellent to see PACIFICA taking the lead in spreading
the smokefree pacific messages within pacific communities.”
Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clarke who officially opened the conference
also paid tribute to PACIFICA for hosting the Awards and promoting a
Smoke free environment in Pacific communities as Smokefree is a passion
for her.
The Awards four categories comprising of Arts, Sports, Youth and
Community went to the following women: Leniahi Lund - Community Award,
Dejoles Pereira – Sports Award, Theresa Chung Sum- Youth Award and
Merita Wi Kaitaia – Arts Award.
Niuean, Leniahi Lund, winner of the Community award was humbled by the
recognition of her work. Leniahi is from a long line of skilled
weavers. Her knowledge and expertise has been evident in the |
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Luisa Falanitule (ADHB), Esther Cowley-Malcolm (PACIFICA), and
winner of Community Award- Leniahi Lund at the Smokefree
Pasifika Hibiscus Awards. (Photo: Health Promotion, ADHB) |
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Maka Pilokolu flanked by granddaughter Ziniz and Dick Hubbard,
Mayor of Auckland at the Smokefree Pasifika Hibiscus Awards
event at PACIFICA Conference. (Photo: Health Promotion, ADHB) |
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Sunder Lokhande (ADHB) with MC Jackie Clarke at the Smokefree
Pasifika Hibiscus Awards, one of the main events during the
annual 2005 PACIFICA Conference. (Photo: Health Promotion, ADHB) |
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facilitation of weaving
workshops and other events raising the profile of Niuean hand craft.
“Leniahi is the Co-ordinator of the Niuean Mumu Afi, a weaving group
notorious for their exquisite skills in weaving of baskets, mats and
other handicrafts of Niuean design. She has also worked as a teacher
and translator for Child, Youth and Family. Leniahi has done a
wonderful job - the award was well deserved,” added Luisa Falanitule.
The SPHA has taken its lead from the inspiring and successful Black
Pearl Auahi Kore Smoke free Awards in the running for 7 years
acknowledging achievements of Maori women.
Sponsors for the event included Mayor Dick Hubbard (Auckland), Deputy
Mayor (Auckland), Dr. Bruce Hucker, Auckland Regional Public Health
service (ADHB), Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB),
National Heart Foundation / Pacific Island Heart beat and Ministry of
Social Development.
For further details on the Smokefree Pasifika Hibiscus Awards contact
Luisa Falanitule:
luisaf@adhb.govt.nz or ph: 09
623 4618.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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