PHB Introduction to Smoking Cessation workshop
21 December 2007 - Source: Pacific Islands Heartbeat Press Release
 
Pacific Islands Heartbeat present free training opportunities for Health Professionals and Community Health Workers who work with Pacific People in New Zealand.

Introduction to Smoking Cessation (2 modules over two days).

This training is intended for health professionals (nurses and community health workers) to enhance their knowledge and skills in providing brief advice to patients/smokers and support them by making appropriate referrals to services that can help them in the quit process if they are not registered.

The program also provides capacity for participants and service providers to become Quit Card providers (if not registered) through the completion of the Cessation Practitioner Training Module 3 and registration with the Quit Card programme.

The course has a deliberate emphasis on what is culturally relevant and appropriate for Pacific people.

Workshop contents include:
The training is based on the Revised New Zealand Smoking Cessation Guidelines 2007. Other topics discussed in the training include; ‘The Pacific Community and their issues’; ‘Providing and giving brief advice’; ‘Communication Skills and Pacific Cultures’; ‘Application of Knowledge and skills’; ‘Relevant Strategies and Support for Pacific Smokers’, etc.

Date: 30 & 31 January 2008
Venue: National Heart Foundation Building Seminar room, 9 Kalmia Street, Ellerslie, AUCKLAND
Time: 9:30am – 2.30pm
Cost: FREE
Morning and Afternoon tea will be provided

For more information please contact:
Jane Tariau, PIHB Smoking Cessation Training Facilitator
DDI: (09) 571 9191 ext.707
Fax: (09) 571 9190
Email: janet@nhf.org.nz
 

Te Vaka produces remix for environment
20 December 2007 - Source: Greenpeace Australia Pacific Press Release
 
Greenpeace today launched a remix of New Zealand based Pacific group Te Vaka's song "Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Choice."

In 2004 Te Vaka, one of the most successful bands in Polynesia wrote the song for Greenpeace and it now features in their latest album titled "Olatia".

Meshing traditional Polynesian drumbeats with socially conscious messages sung in Tokelauan, Tuvaluan and Samoan, Olatia's heart belongs to the people it tries to inspire, and to the environment it intends to see saved from ill use and neglect.

The "Our Ocean" song is a remixed version of Te Vaka's passionate call as Pacific Islanders to regional leaders, and to the world's fishing industry, to ensure the Pacific tuna fishery survives large scale commercial fishing. The group's leader, singer and lyricist Opetaia Foa'i, is committed to the social, political and economic causes of the peoples of the Pacific Seas.

Mr Foa'i said Pacific Islanders have deep-rooted cultural bonds with the ocean.

"I enjoy the issues; trying to get the messages across . . . The issues need to be highlighted. I just don't see any sense in just writing a song that does not say anything. I am very concerned about what has happened in the Pacific mainly environmentally. Most of the people cannot say anything, but I can say something, in the language of the South Pacific,'' he said.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Greenpeace and raise environmental awareness in the Pacific."

Greenpeace Australia Pacific Oceans Team leader Nilesh Goundar said the Pacific was at the forefront of environmental degradation on both land and sea.

"We join Te Vaka in reminding our people that true sustainability must feature as a priority in our developmental aspirations," he said.

"As we prepare for Christmas and the New Year, we hope that as this song hits the airwaves it will remind us of the delicate balance of our fragile ecosystems that we peoples of the Pacific need to respect and protect."

Notes:
Te Vaka is an Oceanian musical group. It was founded in 1995 in New Zealand by Opetaia Foa'i. The band has twelve members. They come from many different countries. Opetaia Foa'i was born in Western Samoa and his parents were from Tokelau and Tuvalu. The lyrics of the band are in the Tokelauan language. The name of the band means "the canoe" in the Tokelauan language.

Te Vaka is a unique group of thirteen musicians and dancers from Tokelau, Tuvalu, Samoa, Cook Islands, and New Zealand bought together under the inspired leadership of Opetaia Foa'i.

Their current album titled "Olatia" features a version of this song written for Greenpeace. For more information: www.tevaka.com
 

Pegasus Health Announces Maori and Pacific Scholarship Winners
19 December 2007 - Source: Pegasus Health Press Release
 
A father of three who took the leap and enrolled at medical school on being made redundant from his truck-driving job is one of six recipients of this year’s Pegasus Health Maori and Pacific Scholarships.

Fifth year Christchurch School of Medicine student Eli Leckey received his Pegasus scholarship at a ceremony in Christchurch recently. The scholarship will be a welcome supplement to his only income at this time – a student loan.

“My wife and I would like to show our three boys that you can achieve goals and that education is very important,” says Eli.

“Many Maori do not get the opportunity to go to university – my mother and father never went, and neither did my brothers and sisters.”

“I struggled at school, left at the end of the fifth form and was expected to go on to become a farm worker, work in the mines or do some other labouring job. Now my children talk about going to university. I’m changing my life, not only for me, but also for my family so they can also become what they want to be.”

Eli plans to work in rural health on graduation in 2008 and following his house surgeon years.

“The number of Maori doctors in rural areas number less than 1% of the total doctors in New Zealand. Growing up in rural areas, I have seen the impacts of this first hand.”
Pacific nursing students, Sereima Cokanasiga and Fonofili Taefu Pearce, and Maori nursing students, Lisa Silk and Kressy Bryant, along with medical student, Kiri Wicksteed, also received scholarships from Pegasus Health this year.

About the Pegasus Health Maori and Pacific scholarships:

The scholarships were established in 2001 to encourage young Maori and Pacific Island students to train to work in the health sector.

“While 16% of New Zealand’s population is Maori, just 2% of its general practitioners are,” says Pegasus Health Managing Director Dr Paul McCormack.
“Pacific people make up 7% of our population – yet only 1.5% of our GPs identify as being of Pacific descent,” adds Dr Api Talemaitoga, a Pegasus Health Pacific GP.
“The figures for nurses and allied professionals would be similar – and it’s an issue right across the health sector.”

Dr Matea Gillies, a GP who sits on Pegasus Health’s Maori Reference Group, says that encouraging young Maori and Pacific workers to train as doctors, nurses and allied health professionals not only opens the doors to new careers for those who might not otherwise consider them, but can remove barriers for some patients.

“There are lots of barriers to people accessing health care, but having the option of seeing someone of the same culture can sometimes mean the difference between visiting a health professional and not.”

“When they do see a health professional, some people will respond quite differently to a person of the same culture than they would somebody from another. I know that in my practice there are patients who will tell me things they wouldn’t otherwise disclose because they know I am Maori.”

Dr Talemaitoga says that being sensitive to individual cultural barriers can make all the difference.

“We ran a ‘buddy’ programme recently to try and encourage Pacific women to undergo cervical screening – friends made appointment for women to get screened and attended the appointments too. It made all the difference to have that support.”
Tagaloa Su’a, Manager of Tangata Atumotu Trust, agrees.

The trust is one of a number of Pacific providers in Christchurch delivering mobile nursing and health promotion services to Pacific people. It is an accessible and culturally effective service set up to address barriers to accessing health care.

“The service began because of the huge demand for Samoan nurses to provide free care to sick people in the community after they’d finished working their ‘day jobs’ in hospitals. The project started out as the Samoan Nurse Association, but soon went pan-Pacific.”

Tagaloa says while there is clear demand for Pacific health workers across the board, supply remains light.

“There are shortages right throughout the sector – we need nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, physios, counsellors, the whole lot.”

“What Pegasus is doing is fantastic – they are taking a very responsible attitude towards the problem, and initiatives like the scholarships and Pegasus’ wider Pacific initiatives really do help.”

“As well as helping financially, the scholarships make young people aware that they have a choice. They begin to see that a career in health is an option.”

Pegasus Health has invested more than $200,000 in the scholarships programme over the past six years, and more again into cultural education programmes for its practice teams.

“While there are excellent services targeted specifically at Maori and Pacific patients, by far the majority of care is still provided by general practice doctors and nurses,” says Dr McCormack. “All of our practice teams have the opportunity to undergo education programmes to help them better understand the individual needs of these groups.”

The winners:

Maori Nursing Scholarship Winners:
• Lisa Silk of Ngati Kahungunu descent is in her final year of studying towards a bachelor of nursing degree at CPIT
• Kressy Bryant of Nga Mahanga Otiri and Te Ati Awa iwi is in her second year of nursing training

Maori Medical Scholarship winners:
• Kiri Wicksteed, of Tuhoe Whakatohea and Tuwharetoa iwi, is a 4th year medical student
• Eli Leckey, of Ngati Porou and Nga Puhi 5th year medical student at the Christchurch School of Medicine

Samoan Nursing Scholarship Winners:
• Fonofili Taefu Pearce, of Samoan descent
• Sereima Cokanasiga, of Fijian descent, in her second year of a nursing degree at Otago Polytechnic


Kressy Bryant
“The health system so desperately needs Maori health professionals.”

Nursing student and Pegasus Health Maori Scholarship winner Kressy Bryant grew up surrounded by people working in and around the health field – and even though it took her some time to commit to both her own nursing training and her Maori heritage, she’s never looked back.

“Mum has worked as a nurse since I was five years old and our neighbour was a nurse too. Dad works as an environmental health officer – so I am surrounded by health, really.”

However, it took a frustrating stint working in a low-functioning dementia unit for Kressy to take the leap into nursing training.

“We had a very high turnover of registered nurses, and each one would give us a different set of instructions and belittle the previous nurse’s work. I got really sick of it and thought the only way to really find out what is right is to become one.”

Kressy only recently embraced her Nga Mahanga Otiri and Te Ati Awa Maori heritage, having been brought up in a European family.

“My mother is Maori, but was adopted out as birth. When I finally met her birth family, I felt at home for the first time – ever.”

Just two years into her nursing training, Kressy says just 80 of her original class of 130 remains – with only a handful of Maori students.

“Of those just three ‘look’ Maori, etc. There are a few others who identify as being 1/35th Maori, that kind of thing. But so few who would put their hand up and say they’re Maori.”

Part of that, Kressy says, is the fear that not having te reo skills makes them somehow ‘lesser’ in terms of their Maori heritage.

“I was quite iffy about even applying for the scholarship at first,” says Kressy, “because I don’t speak Maori and therefore don’t feel 100% Maori. Another girl I encouraged to apply said she felt like it was wrong, like she was abusing the system because she had been labelled as a plastic Maori in the past by other Maori for her lack of knowledge about her heritage.”

Kressy says it’s time to move on from the idea that a person needs to live and breathe it in order to take pride in their heritage.

“We need to accept that there is a broader range of people who identify as Maori, beyond those who speak the language. The health system so desperately needs Maori health professionals.”

Kressy says the scholarship money will make all the difference to her studies – and her life.

“It might not sound like much money to most people – but it’s the most money I’ve seen in a long time. It’ll buy me a laptop and make the work so much easier. Before this I’ve had to go into polytech after hours to get things done, sometimes until three or four in the morning – I couldn’t afford a taxi home, so I used to find it quite scary walking home in the early hours.”

“The laptop will mean safety and security – it’s a great feeling.”

Kiri Wicksteed
“Hopefully this will encourage other Maori students to get involved in heath…”
Fourth year Otago University medical student Kiri Wicksteed was one of four Maori students to receive a Pegasus Health Scholarship at a ceremony in Christchurch recently.

“There is a real shortage of Maori doctors for Maori people so it is an honour to be recognised as a Maori student going through medical school. Hopefully this will encourage other Maori students to get involved in health,” says Kiri.

A love of sciences led Kiri to university four years ago but it was an open day at Otago Medical School that really sealed the deal. “Since starting my medical training I have not had one days regret.”

“The statistics are not good for Maori health. I don’t think this is going to change overnight but if we get more Maori doctors working in Maori health it will go a long way to making improvements long-term.”

“There are still many cultural barriers out there that need to be broken down – many Maori people don’t trust the health system. We need doctors and nurses who understand the needs and cultural background of Maori – this is where we will see big changes in attitudes,” she says.

Kiri belongs to both the Tuhoe Whakatohea and Tuwharetoa iwi. “I grew up in Christchurch but my whanau is from the North in Opotiki and Ruatoki.”

After three years training Kiri is excited to have embarked on her practical training.
“This year we are starting to come face-to-face with patients – this is what it’s all about and it has been really affirming of my decision to become a doctor.”

Kiri has not decided what field of medicine she will practice when she graduates, saying that she wants to get experience before she makes any firm decisions.

“The scholarship has really taken the pressure off for this coming year – instead of having to get a job on top of school I can really concentrate on my studies.”

“The scholarship does mean more than just money though – the support we get from Wendy Dallas-Katoa and everyone else at Pegasus Health is outstanding,” she says.

Lisa Silk
“…encouragement that you are doing something as a Maori student that is worthwhile…”

Lisa Silk (Ngati Kahungunu) says the money from her Pegasus Health Maori Health Scholarship will make a difference to her at an individual level, but the difference it could make on a wider scale is just as important.

“Winning the award is important to me because it is encouragement and acknowledgement that you are doing something as a Maori student that is worthwhile. But more than that, encouraging young Pacific students into health can potentially make a difference beyond their own lives to other individuals, families and communities.”

Lisa is in her final year of nursing studies at CPIT, so she has had plenty of opportunities to work with patients.

“I think Maori clients do identify with me quicker than they might non-Maori health workers. It helps build a rapport faster and that is always a good thing.”
Lisa says she chose nursing as a career partly as a result of her own personal experiences – both good and bad.

“My own experiences with different health workers were not always nice. However, I have also met some great nurses who were inspiring, and I was able to see through them how nursing can create change and make a difference in peoples’ lives.”

Eli Leckey
“I’m changing my life, not only for me, but also for my family so they can also become what they want to be.”

A father of three who took the leap and enrolled at medical school on being made redundant from his truck-driving job is one of six recipients of this year’s Pegasus Health Maori and Pacific Scholarships.

Fifth year Christchurch School of Medicine student Eli Leckey received his Pegasus scholarship at a ceremony in Christchurch last week. The scholarship will be a welcome supplement to his only income at this time – a student loan.

“My wife and I would like to show our three boys that you can achieve goals and that education is very important,” says Eli.

“Many Maori do not get the opportunity to go to university – my mother and father never went, and neither did my brothers and sisters.”

“I struggled at school and left at the end of the fifth form and was expected to go on to become a farm worker, work in the mines or do some other labouring job. Now my children talk about going to university. I’m changing my life, not only for me, but also for my family so they can also become what they want to be.”

Eli is of Ngapuhi and Ngati Porou descent. He plans to work in rural health on graduation in 2008 and following his house surgeon years.

“The number of Maori doctors in rural areas number less than 1% of the total doctors in New Zealand. Growing up in rural areas, I have seen the impacts of this first hand.”

Sereima Cokanasiga
“Nothing would ever deter me from this path, but to win a scholarship for doing what I love is just Christmas.”

After helping nurse her grandparents and watch them struggle to get proper care through the Fijian health system, Sereima Cokanasiga knew she had to do something.
“That was my defining moment – I knew then and there I wanted to be a nurse, to do my bit to make improvements to the health system. I told myself that I couldn’t just stand by and let things fail – I needed to be an advocate.”

Sereima is in her second year of her nursing degree at Otago Polytechnic and received a Pegasus Pacific Health Scholarship in Christchurch recently. The scholarship will go a long way to helping Sereima pay for course related and travelling expenses.

“The scholarship is a real achievement for me. I came here from Fiji in 2004 knowing that I wanted to become a nurse and work in the Pacific community and this has given me a real boost.”

“We need more Pacific health professionals working in the community. At this time there are very few Fijians working in the community.”

“We need a good mix of all Pacific cultures to run Pacific community health and ensure the health messages are getting out to the right places. A good example of success in this regard would be the recent cervical screening programme – this illustrates what we can do when people come together,” she says.

Sereima is one busy nursing student – she is also doing a course on childcare and community as well as working part-time as a caregiver for the elderly.

“This certificate is great because it is really giving me the good basics for community care across all levels – childcare, the elderly and disabled.”

“I love what I do – I really believe I was born to look after people. Nothing would ever deter me from this path but to win a scholarship for doing what I love is just Christmas,” she says. “Nothing would ever deter me from this path but to win a scholarship for doing what I love is just Christmas.”
 

Sir Barry Curtis completes Lion Foundation Hall of Champions
18 December 2007 - Source: TelstraClear Pacific Press Release
 
Recently the unveiling of the final caricature completed one of New Zealand’s largest indoor murals, The Lion Foundation Hall of Champions at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau.

The addition of Sir Barry Curtis, New Zealand’s longest serving Mayor from 1984 – 2007, was completed by artist Otis Frizzell. The image of Sir Barry wearing his Mayoral Chains is complemented with his traditional Manukau welcome including “Manukau – New Zealand’s most progressive city”.

The private unveiling was a very humbling experience for Sir Barry and is now available for public view.

“It was only fitting to recognize Sir Barry alongside our other Counties Manukau hero’s for without his support and vision the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre would never have been realized” said Noel Robinson, Chairman of the Counties Manukau Trust that developed and operates the Events Centre on behalf of the community.

The Mural also includes Counties Manukau legends – Barbara Kendall, John Walker, Sir Edmund Hillary, Phil Fuemana, Sir Woolf Fisher, Yvette Williams, Possum Bourne and David Lange.

For further information contact: Richard Jeffery, CEO TelstraClear Pacific via mobile: (021) 521 833, or email: ceo@pacific.org.nz
 

NZ academic warns of more Pacific riots
17 December 2007 - Source: ABC Radio Australia
 
A New Zealand university professor has warned that riots in Tonga and the Solomon Islands targeting Chinese immigrants could flare up in other parts of the pacific

Associate Professor John Henderson of Canterbury University was addressing the New Zealand parliament's foreign affairs select committee.

The MPs are holding an inquiry into New Zealand's relations with South Pacific countries.

Eight people died during the riots last year in the Tongan capital, Nuku'alofa and it has been reported that some Tongan business owners used the riot to target their more successful Chinese rivals.

In April, riots in the Solomons were sparked by the election of Snyder Rini as prime minister, with allegations the elections were heavily influenced by Asia.

Professor Henderson has told the select committee it is possible Vanuatu and Fiji, where it is estimated there are more than 20,000 Chinese, could experience the same violence.

He says the need to protect its overseas community could be used by China as a justification for ramping up its military presence in the Pacific.
 

Preserving the art of making Samoan fine mats
16 December 2007 - Source: TV3
 
Samoan fine mats were once considered so valuable that just one could buy several acres of land, or even free a man condemned to death.

These days, the mats are still precious but the skills of making them have been lost to many Samoan women, the traditional weavers of the mats.

But a group of enterprising Samoan women are reviving this art and New Zealanders are helping them do it.

Women in Business is helping to revive the art with help from Oxfam New Zealand.
"It is a very old tradition and the Samoan fine mat is a very important part of Samoan culture, but it seems to have lost its value over the years where they are now using very large hard mats as opposed to the very fine beautiful mats that they used in the old days," says Adi Tafunai from Women in Business.

A mat usually takes about eight months to complete, but some can take years.
The sacred cloths are never used on the floor.

They are worn at important events, given as gifts or exchanged as a form of currency.
"Historically they were used by the high chiefs in Samoa for formal presentations and mothers made a fine mat when they had daughters, it was the bride's bridal wear and used very traditionally in traditional Samoan ceremonies and clothing for the chiefly people," Tafunai adds.

The mats are so special they are made only on commission.

And for each mat, a woman will receive nearly NZ$2,000, which is a good salary in Samoa.

Tourism is one reason the skills have missed a couple of generations, leading to a demand for cheaper mats, of much poorer quality.

This project is not just about reviving a sacred tradition it is also about providing an income in an area where there are no jobs, no ways to make money, and the people here still largely live off the land but they do need money for basics like medical attention and school fees.

30-year-old Apiseka is considered the best fine mat weaver in Samoa.

She lives on Savai'i with her husband Falefa and their three children.

They have electricity, but no running water.

Before she started weaving, they had no income.

"Now there is a lot of money to look after my family and my children's education," Apiseka says happily.
 

Gearing up for the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo
15 December 2007 - Source: New Zealand Pacific Business Council Press Release
 
The New Zealand Pacific Business Council is hosting the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo at the Waitakere Trusts Stadium in Auckland on the 5th and 6th of March 2008. The Expo aims to achieve market growth for both New Zealand and Pacific Island businesses by way of reciprocal ‘two-way’ trade and investment.

The Expo is strongly supported by the New Zealand Government, the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission, and three of the major Councils in the Auckland region (Auckland City, Manukau City and Waitakere City).

It is expected that representatives from the vast majority of the 25 Pacific Island countries will be participating. The Expo is the ideal venue to discuss trade opportunities, projects for possible investment and joint ventures.

The Expo will focus on maximising business outcomes for both sellers and buyers by ‘matching’ exhibitors with the relevant buyers or ‘decision-makers’, while promoting both New Zealand and Pacific Island goods and services.

Several workshops on relevant Pacific Trade matters will be held during the Expo; and as part of the NZPBC’s focus on commercial outcomes, opportunities will be available for private one-on-one meetings.

To enhance the creative element of the Expo, a Pacific Fusion Fashion show and Pacific Art Exhibition will be held during the Expo.

The New Zealand Pacific Business Council was formed in March 2005, with the primary focus of promoting ‘two-way’ trade and investment between New Zealand and Pacific Island countries.
 

Big Sista P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A.: Pacific women inspiring students
14 December 2007 - Source: Pacific Music Awards Trust Press Release
 
The Pacific Music Awards Trust is happy to announce that S3 is to be the naming rights sponsor of the celebration of Pacific music in May 2008.

The country's premier awards night for Pacific music will also be a night to help get the road safety message across to young people.

S3 (pron. ess-cubed) is a Pacific community initiative dedicated to promoting road safety among young drivers and pedestrians.

The S3 programme is aimed at reducing the risk and hospitalisation rates road accidents have on the Pacific people in Auckland.

The S3 Pacific Music Awards are in their fourth year and the winners are to be announced at a sparkling event at Manukau City's TelstraClear Pacific venue on May 31.

Pacific Music Awards Trust spokesperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua welcomes the involvement of the S3 programme in the awards.

“Pacific Music Awards and S3 is a partnership and sponsorship relationship that acknowledges and continues the Pacific leadership tradition of serving our music industry, road safety and our communities.”

“The high profile of the S3 Pacific Music Awards supports the life-saving work of S3 as it addresses road safety amongst Pasifika youth, their families and our communities," Rev. Strickson-Pua says.

Nominations for the S3 Pacific Music Awards open on January 15, 2008 for recordings released during the 2007 calendar year, in the following categories; Best Pacific Group, Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist, Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Song, Best Pacific Music Album.

For terms and conditions of entry and to submit a nomination, visit: www.pacificmuiscawards.org.nz
 

Big Sista P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A.: Pacific women inspiring students
13 December 2007 - Source: P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Press Release
 
A Pacific Womens’ project called Big Sista started at McAuley High School in Otahuhu, Auckland on Friday, 7 December 2007 with 12 Pacific women speaking at the Year 10’s careers day.

The Big Sista project's aim is to inspire students to choose long term career paths by sharing their journeys and emphasising the role of education.

The group spoke to 150 Year 10 students at McAuley High School in Otahuhu. Members of the group included past pupils and mostly women from P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A.’s Auckland branches such as P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Time out branch, P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Tamaki branch and P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Auckland Central branch.

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. was founded in the mid 1970’s by Eleitino Paddy Walker and a number of pioneering Auckland Pacific women who are still active in the organisation today such as Seiuli Moira Walker, Toesulu Brown and Laurel Taufauata.

Today P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. is thriving with its mix of Pacific born and New Zealand born, older and younger generations working towards a better New Zealand through lobbying, networking and community projects. The speakers covered careers in health, medicine, counselling, catering, law, business, banking, media, television, arts, education, acting, poetry, management, public service and research. Speakers included Jacinta Faalili-Fidow, Karlo Mila Schaaf, Alice Meredith, Stephanie Erick Peleti, Marilyn Kohlhase, Dr Juliet Walker, Lana Perese, Sandra Kailahi, Helen Schmidt Sopoaga, Maria Meredith, Jae Stowers and Josephine Bartley.

A lack of role models in achievement-related areas was noted in the following report “Towards making achievement cool: Achievement in Multi Cultural High Schools (AIMHI)” It is in this area that the group believes a positive impact can be made as most have been through the school system, are of similar backgrounds and faced challenges in their journeys to where they are today.

The students enjoyed the variety of speakers and no surprise was the popularity of one of the speakers Sandra Kailahi who is currently appearing on TV1’s Fair Go. Sandra is also the president of the Auckland Central branch.

The Northern Region Vice President of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A., Josephine Bartley said:

“If just one student acts on what we have talked about in our sessions and is motivated to stick to their career path no matter what obstacles they may face then our job has been worthwhile.”

P.A.C.I.F.I..C.A. is easily accessed on the website: www.pacifica.org.nz
 

Labour confirms Mangere candidate for 2008 General Elections
12 December 2007 - Source: Su’a William Sio
 
On Monday, Labour confirmed Manukau City’s Deputy Mayor, Su’a William Sio, as its candidate to contest the Mangere Electorate Seat in the 2008 General Elections.

Chair of the Mangere Labour Electorate Committee (LEC) Tafafunai Tasi Lauese said Mr Sio, aged 47, has the unanimous support of the Labour Party and Mangere’s Labour Electorate Committee.

A member of the Labour Party for over 20 years, Mr Sio brings a depth of community service, knowledge and local experience in the Manukau community, most recently as a Manukau City Councillor since 2001. This has included serving as the Chair of the Manukau City Council Plan Committee under appointment by Sir Barry Curtis in 2004.

In this year’s local body elections in Manukau, Sio was the highest polling candidate for the Otara Ward. He was recently appointed as Deputy Mayor by the new Mayor of Manukau, Len Brown. Sio is the first person of Pasefika heritage to hold the office of Deputy Mayor in Manukau City, regarded as the largest Polynesian city in the world.

Mr Sio, who grew up in Manukau, says he feels humbled and privileged by the confidence and support offered by people, young and old, from all walks of life, from far and wide.

“I feel a huge sense of responsibility resting on my shoulders tonight after being endorsed as Labour’s Mangere candidate,” he says.

“I take on this candidacy with the united support of my family and the Labour Party by my side.”

“I want the people of Mangere to know that Labour will take nothing for granted in Mangere. We will work hard to regain the confidence, the respect and the support of voters throughout Mangere Bridge, Mangere East and Mangere Central. ”

“I look forward to working across our diverse communities, including our young people with the courage and the energy they bring to things, to ensure that we all work together to make New Zealand a better, fairer and more prosperous place for everyone.’’

For more information, contact Su’a William Sio via mobile: (027) 257-8855
 

Graham fight heralds a return to the ring for Ali Dutt
11 December 2007 - Source: Vegod Dutt
 
Ali'itasi (Ali) Dutt
Father: Rev. Reupena Leasuasu (Safune)
Mother: Serafi Leasuasu (Leauva'a)

Ali a Youth Worker/Counsellor at Aorere College (South Auckland) returns to the ring after a three and a half year layoff and is treating this event as an opportunity to blow out the cobwebs. Ali and Mariam have an international audience with the WBO ringside to sanction the main event where Dan Mckinnon 10-2-1 fights for the WBO Oriental Title and world ranking.

Recently Ali's passion for boxing featured in Sandra Kailahi's book Pasifika Women (Reed Publishing). Her key word was 'perseverance' something Ali is well accustomed to. The journey to the ring happens well before the event. The training, the expectation, the nerves, the excitement, the anticipation, the mocking and so on weighs well on every fighter. Even more so, as a Samoan woman who's passion lay outside the realm of what is not typically a Samoan woman's persona. On the other hand however, she has started a following for young Pacific Island women who have a passion beyond the traditional to step out, believe in themselves and encouraged them to never give up.

Her Trainer Alex Sua is well aware of Ali's ability and passion and he pushes her to breaking point. This is a lonely sport, there's no team member to throw the ball to when you get tired. You may have 2 minutes per round but, after 1 minute lactic acid burning kicks in, at 1minute 30seconds the legs and shoulders go numb and in the last ten seconds you’re trying to give it all you got wishing you trained a lot harder. By the last round you want it over and if there were any nerves in the first round by this time they are well shaken off. At the end of the fight the faithful pat you on the back and the critics exploit your flaws (welcome to the world of boxing).

Ali is not expecting to lose, however, she is not expecting an easy fight either. She is well aware of the evil of complacency and will make every effort to rise up and win. Last friday night at Vili's Boxing Gym Tournament she was invited into the ring and was asked what everyone could expect when she fight's Mighty Mariam Graham on Dec 15th? (This Saturday) She responded with ‘come to the fight and find out.’

The fight is going to be held at the ABA (Auckland Boxing Association) 1 Ngahura Street, Eden Terrace, Doors open at 5pm. For further details contact Genetics Gym (09) 262 3686 or 027 393 0182.
 

Celebration of Pacific diversity in Otara
10 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
‘Celebrating Diversity’ was the theme of the event targeting Pacific disabled and Pacific older people held at the Otara Leisure Centre last Friday. The event was held as part of the international day for Pacific disabled organised by the Pacific Information Advocacy Support Services Trust (PIASS) and well supported by various organisations including some government agencies.

Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark attended the event and she spoke about the purpose of the day and was appreciative of the efforts of PIASS in coordinating this event. She also encouraged the community to further their understanding of disability issues and to mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities. She acknowledged the valued contribution of the older Pacific peoples in New Zealand and she is supportive of the event, which is committed in adding to New Zealand’s prosperity.

It was a unique celebration which began with a Maori welcoming, followed by a short devotion conducted by Pastor Robert Mani. The ava ceremony was next as part of a Pacific protocol in welcoming the dignitaries. This was followed by an opening speech by His Worship, the Mayor of Manukau, Les Brown which he concluded with a Christmas waiata ‘Silent Night’. The General Manager of PIASS, Philip Beilby talked about the significance of the event and the purpose of their organisation.

“PIASS is a non-profit organisation aiming at promoting the health and wellbeing of Pacific disabled and older people. We work in accordance the New Zealand Disability Strategy and Positive Ageing Strategy to improve opportunities for Pacific disabled and elderly people to participate fully in the community and any areas that they choose”, says Mr Beilby.

This is the third year of this event formerly known as the international day for Pacific disability and day care exhibition. This event was inspired by an international day recognising people with disability which was established in 1992 by the United nations General Assembly to promote awareness of disability issues and the capabilities of disabled people.

The Pacific version of the day also acknowledged older people and was turned into a colourful and joyous day. The event featured short presentations and speeches, stalls and exhibitions and entertainment by different ethnic groups including Edgewater Satellite Class with Somerville.

According to Catherine Temu (PIASS) and main organiser of the day, support from the different ethnic communities was overwhelming and it encouraged us all to remain committed to our vision of improving the overall health and wellbeing of Pacific people experiencing disability.

The event attracted close to 1,000 people and was hosted by 531PI announcer, Mr Barney Teao.
 

Inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing in Apia 2008
09 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
Event Polynesia Boxing in association with South Pacific Boxing Inc. this week announced the first Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event to be held in Apia on Saturday 26th January 2008.

According to Mr. Teleiai Su’a Edwin Puni, Managing Director of Event Polynesia, “This is exciting for Samoa boxing going forward and promoting Samoa as a host country of international events.”

The main bout will see IBF Australasian Cruiser Weight title holder, Mr. Laurence Tauasa fight for the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Oriental Cruiser Weight title in front of his home country Samoa for the first time. Mr. Tauasa continues to be a Samoan flag bearer in the boxing world and has fought under the Samoan flag since turning professional despite representing Australia in his amateur career.

Mr. Ale Vena Ale, secretary general of South Pacific Boxing is pleased with the opportunity provided by the Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event for local professional boxing referees and judges to be able to officiate international boxing tournaments.

Main under card will feature Walter the Tongan Warrior, current South Seas Cruiser Weight champion against Samoa Commonwealth boxing medalist Lupematasila Bob Gasio currently fighting out of Auckland.

Other bouts will include the International Amateur Challenge Cup between New Zealand top Invitational Team verses Samoa top Invitational Team plus the Fa’afafine International Title fight for the vacant belt.

“This will be an excellent build up for both countries leading up to the Oceania Boxing Tournament to be held in Australia in March 2008,” said Ms Tui Gallagher, Auckland Boxing Association president and Boxing New Zealand executive.

For more information contact Mr. Tuilagi Maiava Saipele Esera on (+685) 751-9458 or email: saipele@eventpolynesia.com
 

NZ Specialists restoring sight in Fiji
08 December 2007 - Source: Fiji Times
 
After nine years of darkness, 68-year-old Dionisia Yagose can see thanks to a team of specialists who removed her eye cataract for free.

Mrs Yagose of Tokou Village on Ovalau could not stop crying as she was overwhelmed at seeing her grandson for the first time.

It was wonderful to see my one-year-old grandson, she said.

I was blind for nine years and I see this as a new lease of life.

Mrs Yagoses blindness was caused by a cataract.

I never thought Id see again. Im very happy and thank God for working through the doctors to make me see.

I was so happy after the surgery I cried and cried.

Her nephew Inoke Vuivuwa, 44, thanked the doctors and nurses for giving his aunt her sight back.

We were so happy and could not believe it when she returned last Friday, he said.
We called all the family and had a feast to celebrate. Mr Vuivuwa said Christmas would be wonderful for them.

This is an early Christmas for everyone. We spent nine years guiding her and now shes walking around on her own.

She knew people by their names and voice only. The day she came out of the hospital she kept asking whos this, whos that, when she met someone.

Pacific Eye Institute director Doctor John Seeto said Mrs Yagoses condition was related to age.

Everyone who reaches that age will suffer from cataract, he said.

She was totally blind, incapacitated. Cataract is one of the main causes of blindness.

Mrs Yagose was among 400 people on Ovalau who benefited from the Fred Hollows Foundation team of ophthalmologists led by Dr John Szetu.

The team was able to restore the eyesight of 40 people.

Foundations executive director Carmel Williams says there is a severe shortage of eyecare professionals in the Pacific which must be remedied in order to reduce blindness. More than 80,000 people are blind in the Pacific Islands.

In Fiji there is a backlog of about 6000 cases needing surgery.

This will continue to grow by about 800 new cases each year, unless we have more eye doctors and nurses available in the country.
 

Commander Joint Forces in talks with Pacific nations
06 December 2007 - Source: New Zealand Defence Force Press Release
 
Major General Rhys Jones was on a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P3-K Orion as it touched down in Niue, Rarotonga and Samoa during scheduled maritime surveys this week.

Maj Gen Jones has already met heads of state and key personnel in Niue and Rarotonga, and will do the same in Samoa today in what has become an annual series of talks.

The goal is to ensure that support from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is well tuned to the needs of these countries.

“In order to be certain that we know the real needs of the Pacific Island nations it is important that we maintain contact and personal relations with the key personalities. My visits are part of this ongoing programme of engagement," said Maj Gen Jones.
The NZDF has supported disaster relief operations, assisted in the building of infrastructure, and patrolled the economic zones of the Pacific countries for many years.

Less known is the help that the NZDF provide in the training and support to local military and police forces, both in their home locations and in New Zealand.

The economic zone patrols are a regular task for the RNZAF Orion, usually carried out once a month and often in conjunction with Navy patrol boats to primarily target illegal foreign fishing vessels.
 

Blessing and re-dedication of Le Ageagea o Tumua
05 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
Dr Seddon Bennington, Chief Executive of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and acting Kaihautu Arapata Hakiwai recently called for a blessing and re-dedication of Le Ageagea o Tumua o le Ai o le Faatoesega a le Palemia ma le Malo o Niu Sila ia Samoa. Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark and the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi attended the ceremony at the Wellington museum yesterday evening.

The 'ie toga (fine mat) is in the exhibition Tangata o le Moana: The story of Pacific People in New Zealand on level four of Te Papa where the re-dedication will take place.

'Ie toga are the highest-ranking item in the Samoan exchange system and greatly valued. They are often used in Samoan ceremonies, and this ‘ie toga was gifted during a ceremonial apology known as an ifoga.

What is the meaning behind this gift to the Prime Minister of NZ after her public apology to the Samoan people in 2002? According to Samoan Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, the story of Le Ageagea o Tumua and the act of gifting it are both about love, death, remorse and forgiveness between kin.

This 'ie toga is called Le Ageagea o Tumua (the substance of Tumua). Le Ageagea o Tumua was gifted to New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark after her public apology to the Samoan people, made in Samoa, in June, 2002. Prime Minister Clarke visited Samoa to take part in Samoa's celebrations of forty years of political independence. While there, she took the opportunity to apologise on behalf of the New Zealand Government for events that took place during New Zealand's administration of Samoa from 1914 to 1962.

The two most traumatic events which took place during the New Zealand administration were an influenza outbreak in 1918, from which thousands of Samoan people died when an infected ship was allowed to dock without undergoing proper quarantine procedures, and the fatal shooting in 1929 of nine protestors during a peaceful march by the Mau independence movement.

"The gifting of Le Ageagea o Tumua to PM Helen Clark is a gift to Aotearoa. It is akin to a gift of marriage where this marriage connects, reclaims and becomes the legacy of love between two nations, cultures, and their children - the nations of Aotearoa and Samoa", added the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.
 

Pasifika writings launched at Pasifika@Massey conference
04 December 2007 - Source: Massey University Press Release
 
A philosophic meditation on leadership by a former Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga is the first in a series of inspirational writings by Pacific Island statesmen and scholars published by the University, and launched at the fourth annual Pasifika@Massey conference recently.

Sprinkled with quotes from Confucious to Kipling, Aristotle to Einstein, the 32-page document penned by Dr Senipisi Langi Kavaliku is the first in the Pasifika Leaders’ Forum.

It is the latest initiative of the Pasifika@Massey strategy, and is aimed at spreading the knowledge, ideas and experiences of respected leaders to a wider audience in education, development and community services in New Zealand.

Dr Kavaliku, the first Tongan to gain a Masterate and PhD prior to 35 years as a cabinet minister in Tonga, has held a swag of top-ranked positions in government, university and church governance throughout the Pacific.

He graduated a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University, a Masters of Arts from Cambridge University and doctorate from Victoria University, and is currently Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

His authoritative, thoughtful dissertation, titled Pasifika Leadership: An issue of Quality and Relevance, touched on personal experiences of being educated abroad and the challenges of returning to Tonga and adapting to being appointed in a leadership role.

Knowledge of culture, creating trust among colleagues and with people he represents, professionalism, education, and seeking the support of mentors were among the critical qualities needed for effective leadership, Dr Kavaliku wrote.

For Pacificans in leadership roles in New Zealand, he cites the importance of being sensitive to the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society. “Emotional intelligence” was the new buzzword for good leadership generally, but has long been part of a Pacifican style of leadership, he says.

The two-day conference at the Auckland campus attracted about 30 Pasifika staff and students from all three campuses.

Director Pasifika Professor Sitaleki Finau gave an overview and progress report on achievements of the Whenua Research and Academic Pasifika Network, and Professor John Raine, Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( Auckland) offered a perspective on Pasifika@Massey as keynote speaker at the conference.

Ten research students presented progress reports for discussion and feedback on their Pasifika-themed postgraduate research, with topics ranging from the efficiency of commercial banks in Pacific nations to the relationship between spirituality and education performance among Pacific tertiary students.

Sione Tu’itahi, chairperson of the Pasifika@Massey network, said the strategy had fostered many achievements since its inception in 2003, including the creation of Pasifika fale (spaces) on all campuses, more Pasifika staff and students doing Pacific-related research, a successful pilot project in several Auckland secondary schools to encourage students to continue to university studies and an increasing awareness around New Zealand and the Pacific region of the Pasifika@Massey strategy.
 

Pacific leaders call for end to family violence
03 December 2007 - Source: New Zealand Olympic Committee Press Release
 
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has announced the New Zealand Women’s Basketball Team (Tall Ferns) has been selected to the New Zealand Olympic Team to Beijing 2008.

The Tall Ferns, who qualified for the Olympic Games after beating Fiji in the Oceania Championships in September, have also demonstrated to New Zealand Olympic selectors they are capable of progressing beyond pool play at Beijing next year. The Tall Ferns are currently ranked 16th in the world.

“We are confident the team is capable of a strong finish in Beijing. The Tall Ferns delivered an excellent result at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 and have improved their performance since then,’ said New Zealand Olympic Committee Secretary General and selector, Barry Maister. “They won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne last year and recorded a very close result against seventh-ranked Cuba recently. “

The Tall Ferns made the quarter-finals in Athens 2004 and an intensive build-up programme is planned as the team heads for its 3rd straight Olympic Games.
Basketball New Zealand will name the individual players in 2008.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee will be making further selection announcements for Beijing 2008 as teams and individuals meet selection criteria.

Most selections will be made in early 2008.
 

New Zealand contributes to Forum Regional Security Fund
02 December 2007 - Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release
 
The Government of New Zealand is to contribute NZ$500,000 towards the Forum Regional Security Fund in the coming year.

Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Greg Urwin and the Acting New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Joanna Kempkers signed documents relating to the grant in Suva, Fiji, today

“The Regional Security Fund enables the Forum through the Secretariat to respond to difficult and tense situations in the region as well as helps us to coordinate and organise regional security initiatives in keeping with the broad security mandate given us by Forum Leaders when they endorsed Biketawa Declaration at their meeting in Kiribati in 2000. We are most grateful for the generous contribution New Zealand has made to the Fund,” says Mr Urwin

“Under the auspices of the Declaration, in the past eleven months we have undertaken two successful Forum Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meetings, an Eminent Persons Group mission to Fiji and an independent study of Fiji’s electoral process – all of which was supported by the Regional Security Fund,” he said.

The fortnightly Forum-Fiji Working Group Meetings are also supported by the Regional Security Fund.

It was the Independent Technical Assessment for an Election Timetable in Fiji that found that elections could be held in Fiji by March 2009. This date has since been agreed to by the interim administration. And through the fortnightly Working Group meetings, the Forum has been able to keep the channels of communication and dialogue with Fiji open and to work constructively with the interim administration.

“The fund has enabled us to fulfill our Biketawa mandate, and it is most important that we should continue to have the means to do so,” Mr Urwin said.
 

Celebration of Pacific migrant stories in Aotearoa
01 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
The inaugural Pacific Narratives for Pioneers took place this Wednesday at the Whitireia Polytechnic in Porirua. The event is designed to allow Pacific peoples to share the stories of their life’s journeys from the islands between the 1940's and today.

Pacific migrant elders from eight Pacific Islands spoke in their native language, sharing experiences and stories about life in the islands and in Aoteroa.

The day started off with the Karanga conducted by Whitireia Maori department which was followed by opening remarks from Chief Executive of Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Don Campbell.

Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban opened the event and acknowledged the Pacific peoples journey and the qualities they contribute to New Zealand.

Event coordinator Esther Laban says the initiative is a great chance for New Zealand born Pacific to hear about stories of those coming from the islands in search of a better life for their children and their families.

The Pacific profiles based on the results of census 2006 show that there are 10,083 Pacific people aged over 65 years old (3.8 per cent) in New Zealand. It also indicates the largest single ethnic group in the 65+ age bracket is the Samoan community, with 4,536 people.

Narratives Day ran from 9am to 4pm with entertainment provided by different ethnic groups. This event is part of the Strong Pasifika Families Week and one of Whitireia's initiatives to build stronger ties to Pacific Island communities.
 

Pacific leaders call for end to family violence
30 November 2007 - Source: Families Commission Press Release
 
Pacific leaders are calling on their communities to work together to help put an end to violence within their families.

Yesterday at the Pacific launch of the It’s Not OK campaign, the Families Commission said community leadership and involvement is needed to raise public awareness and understanding of family violence.

The Families Commission, with the Ministry of Social Development is leading the Campaign for Action on Family Violence (It’s Not OK).

At the Pacific launch Commissioner Sandra Alofivae said “we all want a society that is very clear that no family violence is ok.”

“Family violence involves any type of behaviour that makes someone in your family afraid of you. It is not ok to yell at your kids, it’s not ok to intimidate your elderly parents, it’s not ok to hit anyone. But it is ok to seek help - from friends families and local services,” said Commissioner Sandra Alofivae.

She said violence can happen within any family however risk factors include the use of alcohol and drugs, financial hardship and other stress.

Research studies show that Pacific people accept violence as part of family life and appear to tolerate quite harsh physical discipline of children.

In 2004 a study of a thousand new Pacific mothers showed over the previous year nine out of 10 had experienced verbal aggression from their partner, over a third reported “minor” physical violence and one in five suffered “severe” violence.

“It is vital that as Pacific people, we support and encourage each other to change our attitudes, behaviour and tolerance to family violence and that we know how to offer, and to seek help,” she said.
 

Pacific Islands Heartbeat Certificate in Pacific Nutrition Graduation Ceremony
29 November 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
The National Heart Foundation’s Pacific Island Heartbeat team recently celebrated the achievement of 22 graduates of the Pacific Island Heartbeat Certificate in Pacific Nutrition.

The new graduates will add to growth in the number of Pacific Health Professionals able to offer advice and support in making healthy food choices vital to positive health outcomes for Pacific people and communities.

The Certificate in Pacific Nutrition is a great example of a successful programme that recognises the importance of local community involvement and enhances the health and well-being of Pacific population.

Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban applauded the National Heart Foundation and the Auckland University of Technology for delivering a practical nutrition course by Pacific peoples.

Minister Laban also encouraged the graduates to use their skills to work with their people.

The Pacific families are already switching on to the benefits of healthier lifestyles through various programmes like ‘HEHA’ which is vital for addressing issues such as obesity, food, nutrition and levels of physical activity.

The benefits of improved nutrition, in particular vegetable and fruit intake, supplied important vitamins and minerals that have some protection against chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease.

So far, approximately 425 students in eight centres around New Zealand have participated in the Certificate in Pacific Nutrition training. These graduates are now working in fields like nurses, health promoters, dental workers, community health workers, and from churches and education settings.

The recognition of this graduation is well regarded by the Pacific community and the health sector for future improvements.
 

Opening of Vakaola Pacific Community Health Premises
28 November 2007 - Source: New Zealand Government Press Release
 
Our Pacific people are the foundation on which our families and communities are built, and we all have a role to in supporting and promoting the health and wellbeing of our Pacific families.

Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste, Ia Orana, Gud de tru olgeta, Talofa ni, Talofa, Kia ora tatou and warm Pacific greetings to you all.

Thank you Tevita Finau for your warm introduction and a heart felt thank for asking me to join you today in celebrating the opening of the new Vakaola premises.

A warm welcome to the guests here today:
- Her Excellency Sisilia Talagi, High Commissioner of Niue
- Te Aukura David Isaia, Chairman of the Board and all the Vakaola team;
- Judith Aitken, Chairperson of CCDHB; and Peter Glensor, Chairperson of HVDHB;
- and Jenny Brash, Mayor of Porirua

I am here today as a representative of the New Zealand Government, and also as the proud representative in Parliament of the people of this community, Porirua and Mana - which is one of the most active, hard working, committed and vibrant communities in our country.

Our Pacific people are the foundation on which our families and communities are built, and we all have a role to in supporting and promoting the health and wellbeing of our Pacific families.

The relocation to a bigger centre illustrates how Vakaola has grown to fulfil the needs of its clients and our local community. Vakaola have a good reputation nationally and your expansion illustrates that you are fulfilling a service need and have support from the Pacific community.

You celebrated your 10th anniversary last year and can be proud of your longevity and achievements over this time. Vakaola is highly regarded as a unique model of care providing Pacific specific services for Pacific peoples in this community.

I would like to thank Vakaola for the leadership and work shown in reducing the stigma and discrimination that is often associated with mental health, especially in their work for Like Minds, Like Mine.

Last week Associate Health Minister Steve Chadwick launched the 'Like Minds, Like Mine National Plan 2007 - 2013: Programme to counter stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.' Our government knows that this programme is making a valuable contribution to creating a more inclusive New Zealand, thanks to the work of community-based projects like Vakaola who have raised awareness and taken the message of social inclusion into their communities.

We know that Pacific perceptions and approaches to mental illness differ markedly from the Western medical approach. We also know that Pacific people are less likely to use mental health services even though they experience mental disorders at higher levels than the general population.

That is why, it is essential that all mental health providers take Pacific perspectives on mental health into consideration when planning services responding to the needs of the Pacific population. Consideration needs to be given to the issues that impact specifically on Pacific mental health, such as the Pacific view that mental health and wellbeing also includes all other aspects of health, social, cultural and spiritual wellbeing. That is precisely what Vakaola embodies and contributes to its success.

Having more experienced and qualified Pacific mental health workers is another key factor in ensuring that the mental health sector delivers the best quality service to all those affected by mental illness. The evidence is clear that there is a need for a strong Pacific mental health workforce who are aware of Pacific people's cultural needs as well as their clinical needs.

It is very heartening to hear that Vakaola management paid for their staff to do the social work diploma at Whitireia - they realise the value of supporting their workforce to expand on their knowledge and experience. It is also heartening to know that momentum is building for the further development of the Pacific mental health and addiction workforce.

For example, Te Pou - the National Centre for Mental Health Research and Workforce Development, has begun to increase its capacity to provide leadership for developing the Pacific capacity of the mental health and addiction workforce.

I hope that you all continue to enhance your skills and act as leaders in Pacific mental health. Together we can help Pacific peoples with mental health problems move to greater independence and raise awareness of mental health issues within the Pacific community.

Under this Labour-led government, Pacific people have made huge economic and social gains, and we have a great opportunity build on these.

Pacific people do experience inequalities in comparison to other New Zealanders, and a higher prevalence of mental disorders and lower levels of utilization of mental health services amongst Pacific peoples contributes to these unequal outcomes. Responsive services to address the social and economic determinants of health, ensure service effectiveness, and improving health outcomes for different Pacific communities are vital.
We need to work together with all our Pacific communities to ensure our people reach their true potential, and that we continue to build on the huge gains of the past nine years under Labour. New Zealand succeeds when our families and communities are strong and thriving - so keep up the good work!

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate you all for the important contribution that you have made to Pacific people's health and well-being.

Some of you will recall that it was during a visit that Prime Minister Helen Clark launched the name Vakaola. Vaka translates to canoe, and ola means life. This service has supported many of our people through rough tides, and assisted them in reaching smoother shores.

You should be very proud of your achievements and the need for a new centre demonstrates your success.

I would particularly like to acknowledge the work of Tevita Finau and his team in organising today's event. I wish you all the very best in your future work and I look forward to hearing of the great work the Vakaola team is doing shaping healthy Pacific communities of the future.

Ia manuia lava.
 

Call for New Zealand to become multilingual
27 November 2007 - Source: Human Rights Commission Press Release
 
A concerted effort is needed to increase knowledge and use of a diverse range of languages in New Zealand says Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres.

Mr de Bres presented a two-page draft national languages policy to an international conference on Language, Education and Diversity at Waikato University on Saturday.

The policy establishes a framework for developing or renewing specific strategies in a range of key areas: English for speakers of other languages, Te Reo Maori, New Zealand Sign Language, Pacific languages, community and heritage languages and foreign languages.

It also calls for a focus on languages in the home, the community, education, public services, broadcasting and business.

The policy notes that English is the most widely used language in New Zealand, and the ability to communicate in English is important for all New Zealanders.

It points out that a majority of New Zealanders currently speak only one language. There are however significant communities who have a heritage language other than English. Maori, Pacific and Asian communities alone make up nearly a third of the population. The most common community languages other than English are Te Reo Maori, Chinese languages, Samoan, and Hindi.

Mr de Bres said that New Zealand has a particular responsibility under the Treaty of Waitangi and international law to protect and promote Te Reo Maori as the indigenous language of New Zealand. It also has a special responsibility to protect and promote other languages that are indigenous to the New Zealand realm: Vagahau Niue, Gagana Tokelau, Cook Island Maori, and New Zealand Sign Language. It has a regional responsibility, as a Pacific nation, to promote and protect other Pacific languages, particularly where significant proportions of their communities live in New Zealand.

He said that a significant and growing proportion of New Zealand’s trade is with Asia, and learning the languages of our key trading partners is an economic imperative.

Priorities in the implementation of a national languages policy are to:
Establish an appropriate coordinating and monitoring mechanism for language policy, and identify lead organisations for specific language and sector strategies Develop and maintain strategies for the identified languages and sectors Promote cooperation and sharing between agencies and communities in the development of strategies, resources and services Promote positive public attitudes to language diversity and increase the number of people learning languages Train and support more teachers of languages Develop resources to support language learning and use.
 

Enhancing educational outcomes for Pacific children and youth
26 November 2007 - Source: Pacific Forum Secretariat Press Release
 
Pacific Forum Education Ministers will discuss the theme of 'Enhancing educational outcomes for Pacific children and youth' when they gather in Auckland, New Zealand, 26 - 28 November.

"The Ministers will review the implementation of the Forum Basic Education Action Plan including an overview of the progress of the Pacific Regional Initiative for the Delivery of Basic Education (PRIDE) which is the implementation mechanism for the Plan," Feleti Teo, Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat said.

Another important initiative is the development of a Pacific Regional Qualifications Register that is being developed by the South Pacific Board for Educational Assessment. This will assist with the portability of qualifications within the region and ultimately with labour mobility.

Next year, it will be seven years since the Forum Basic Education Action Plan was conceived. It has been added to at each subsequent Education Ministers Meeting and is now a rather weighty document.

"While I'm sure that the areas in the Plan are still relevant, it is timely to sit back and review its contents and the relevance to the educational priorities expressed by our member countries. We need to look critically at the impact of the Plan and the various aspects of its implementation," Mr Teo said.

"We would also like Ministers to start considering at this meeting what is the most appropriate form of support for education systems in our region. This is a sensitive area, given that education systems tend to be highly national in nature."

Mr Teo said the balance between regional and national programmes and how regional programmes can best add value to national initiatives is an interesting issue that warrants careful consideration.

"It is an area that regional organisations must also handle with care because of the sensitivity in the interface between regional and national programmes. The question in this regard, is how regional programmes can add value to national initiatives."

The Forum Education Ministers will also discuss the issue of Sector Wide Approaches highlighting the advantages and the challenges of this approach to education sector development and overall aid effectiveness.

This approach has been adopted by several Forum Island Countries with assistance from various development partners.

The Ministers will also be briefed on a case study in Solomon Islands on how the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can enhance learning opportunities in remote communities.

UNESCO will also report to the Education Ministers on several initiatives including the 'Education for All Mid-Decade Assessment' and 'UNESCO's National Education Support Strategies'.

The meeting, hosted by the New Zealand Government, will be opened with a traditional Maori welcome on 26 November.
 

Pacific prisoners learning rehabilitation through legend
25 November 2007 - Source: Department of Corrections Press Release
 
Staff and prisoners at Mt Eden Prison in Auckland celebrated last week as the first participants in its Pasifika Legends Story Telling Programme graduated.

Eight offenders graduated this month from the 40 hour programme which was held over ten weeks. Friends and family attended to congratulate offenders and celebrate with them.
The programme, previously run in other Auckland facilities, has proved to be a success with staff and prisoners.

“Research suggests that culturally-based programmes for prisoners are more successful,” says Regional Adviser for Pacific Asenati Lole-Taylor.

“Often New Zealand-born Pacific prisoners have never been exposed to their cultural identities. They are sometimes third generation New Zealanders who haven’t been brought up the traditional Pacific way - such as fa’a-samoa - and can feel displaced in situations where they are expected to act in a culturally appropriate way, yet don’t know how”.

Mrs Lole-Taylor says “The Pasifika Legends programme helps prisoners to understand and embrace their cultural identities. Cultural practices are explained through legend, which allows the prisoner to become more receptive to other rules around them. This, along with building self-esteem and motivating positive attitudes helps prepare prisoners for release, and to re-enter the community and workforce.”

The Department plans to continue running the programme in the Auckland region, and, if it proves successful, look at extending it into other facilities.

Other initiatives to support Pacific Island prisoners and their families in the Auckland region are also gaining momentum.

A fono for Fautua Pasefika (specified visitors) is being held at the end of November. The volunteers from across the region will meet together to discuss their work with prisoners and their aiga (families). Fautua Pasefika assist Pacific Island prisoners in a range of ways, including spiritually, and with their families, who Mrs Lole-Taylor says are “often ashamed of the prisoners’ actions and shun them”.

“Reconnecting prisoners with family is often a strong factor for successful reintegration to the community.”

“Having cultural initiatives that are supported by the community helps the majority of prisoners with the journey back to the other side of the wire. It can be difficult, but with family and community support prisoners can turn their lives around, shift their focus to their aiga (family) and work toward a new life for themselves with their partners and children”.
 

Return to Roots Mission deemed a success
24 November 2007 - Source: Maori Television Press Release
 
A Maori youth magazine and a documentary about a Kiwi surfing star are the media finalists in the 2007 NATIONAL MAORI SPORTS AWARDS screening on Maori Television on Saturday November 24 from 9.30 PM to 11.30 PM.

The national awards organiser ‘Te Tohu Taakaro o Aotearoa Charitable Trust’ will host the prestigious black-tie awards ceremony at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua for the first time in its 17-year history. A range of awards will be presented including administrator, coach, umpire/referee, team, disabled sportsperson, and junior and senior sportsman and sportswoman as well as several world champions.

The Maori Sports Media Award of the Year, Whakapaaoho Reo o Hinepukohurangi, is aimed at encouraging more positive and expert reporting on Maori sports and improving the depth and quality of Maori sports reporting.

The finalists are:

TAMATI ELLISON (TAIOHI: ISSUE 25)
A magazine for youth published by Te Mana, a programme run by the Ministry of Education to help rangatahi get the most out of school. The free magazine was relaunched in a new format in March this year and its profiles of Maori sporting achievers” such as professional rugby player Tamati Ellison “provide encouragement, motivation and inspiration”. The editor is Sandi Hinerangi Barr (Ngai Tahu, Ngati Porou).

AIRINI MASON
An hour-long documentary produced by Te Kauhoe Wano (Ngati Awa) from Toa TV, based in Piha near Auckland, for Maori Television. The film focuses on Kiwi surf star Mason (Ngati Awa, Rongomaiwahine) and the influence whanau has had on her international success. The documentary will re-screen on Maori Television on Wednesday November 14 at 8.30 PM.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR 2007 NATIONAL MAORI SPORTS AWARDS:
Year: 2007
Censor: Not rated
Duration: 120-minute special broadcast
Language: Maori and English languages
 

Return to Roots Mission deemed a success
20 November 2007 - Source: PITIC NZ Press Release
 
The ten Pacific Island entrepreneurs from the inaugural Air NZ Return to Roots Trade Mission to Samoa and Tonga 5-10 November led by the Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission (PITIC NZ) have returned home buzzing with the results of their mission.

Although the dollar values of the deals are yet to be fully determined, the long term results for the entrepreneurs are definitely positive with deals for small producers and the larger Pacific producers conservatively estimated at more than NZD $1 million dollars and solid long term relationships developed.

Opportunities have arisen to sell and lease property in Tonga and Samoa; potential training opportunities undertaken jointly between NZ and Pacific partners have materialized and opportunity to export Tongan processed tomatoes and tapa for packaging was established. In the pipeline - a possible joint venture to start a scooter hire business in both Tonga and Samoa.

The mission was so successful that all participants rated the initiative highly for opening doors into the Samoa and Tongan market. A few of the delegates have undertaken to sign Memoranda of Understanding with a range of companies and organizations including Women in Business in Samoa; a manufacturer of coconut oil and a company in the fishing industry in Tonga.

PITIC NZ Trade Commissioner Chris Cocker says the above deals confirm that there are great opportunities in the Pacific Islands that NZ based Pacific Island Entrepreneurs could tap into, develop long term and prove as win-win situations for the New Zealand Pacific business people and their Pacific based joint ventures.

“There’s huge potential for the Pacific to create long term business partnerships with those Pacific entrepreneurs in New Zealand. This mission has succeeded in achieving our objective of opening doors and building links between the Pacific and New Zealand Pacific entrepreneurs. “

Despite some ongoing challenges faced by the Pacific islands – Samoa has successfully proven that these challenges can be overcome and there is possibility for good investment and growth.

Tonga is in the process of rebuilding its economy and despite being an economy in transition there are good signs for positive future developments he said.

“There’s international interest in the untapped potential of the Pacific and we want to ensure that our Pacific entrepreneurs in NZ get first hand opportunity to view the business opportunities and what’s available in Samoa and Tonga” added Cocker.
 

Nurturing Pacific families in safe and caring communities
19 November 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
A week long community initiative led by Strong Pasifika Families, running from 24 November to 01 December, aims to reduce the incidences of family and community violence in the Porirua area. Their vision is nurturing strong vibrant Pacific families in safe and caring communities.

The intention of the initiative is to generate community action by raising awareness and educating the Porirua Pacific communities about minimising incidences of family and community violence.

It is the hope of Strong Pasifika Families to achieve their scheduled activities by using a strength-based approach, highlighting the vibrancy and cultural strength of Porirua Pacific communities. The Strong Pasifika Families committee is well represented by eight Pacific ethnicities.

One of the many events taking place during the week is the Strong Pacific Families parade, led by ACC, which starts at Waitangirua mall at 8AM and heads towards the mini festival at Te Rauparaha Park, which runs from 10AM to noon. Featuring in the parade is Mr Funnyman, Tofiga Fepulea'i and the Mission choir. Other events included in the week are the 'No Sweat Parenting' programme with Pio Terei and the Pacific narratives.

The event is well supported by various organisations including government and private agencies.
 

Pacific Island forum convenes at Te Papa
18 November 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
Next week's Pacific Island forum will be a chance for the Pacific community to get together and talk through any issues and concerns about the current laws and services important to Pacific families of today.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast and Wellington City Council Chief Executive Garry Poole will lead the forum based on Pacific families; the pulse of the Pacific people

The Forum will be a community focused event for Pacific Island communities to discuss and identify any issues or concerns they want to raise with the Council, and how they want to work with the Council in the future.

It will also be an opportunity for the Council to listen to the community and provide brief updates on current projects.

The Niuean community is invited to conduct hymns and prayers before Mayor Kerry Prendergast opens the forum, welcomes guests and introduces the theme and speaker. Wellington City Council CEO, Garry Poole will set the scene and update the community on actions taken since the last forum. An opportunity is also given to Byron Roff, Director of the Housing Project and Chairperson of the Pacific Advisory Board, Mrs Ida Faiumu Isa’ako to give their updates. The guest speaker of the evening is the Commissioner, Afioga Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae.

It is the hope of Wellington City Council CEO, Garry Poole that this Pacific Island forum will strengthen their working relationship with the community and to ensure the Council responds to its needs.

The forum is to be held Monday, 19 November from 5.30–8.30pm at the Rangimarie Room, Te Papa Museum.
 

Solutions to obesity needed rather than research
17 November 2007 - Source: Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Press Release
 
“Researchers should stop describing the problem and help us find solutions”, says Dr Colin Tukuitonga, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs in response to a latest research from Otago University which stated Pacific Island children have the highest rate of extreme obesity in New Zealand.

“We all know there is a problem. We want to know what works. Work with communities to develop solutions”.

“As a ministry, we acknowledge the input and effort that goes into the development of this research; however, we need to find answers for these problems as a way forward.”

“Understanding Pacific peoples' perspective of health is essential to successfully working with them on health problems and to provide leadership and direction by developing innovative and effective programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle amongst Pacific peoples” added Dr Tukuitonga.

The Ministry continues to provide advice around the importance of identifying key priorities for Pacific Health and to ensure a specific focus on actions to be taken that will address health issues of Pacific peoples.

“I am well aware of the seriousness of these conditions but are we doing enough to improve health outcomes for Pacific peoples in New Zealand, and for improving the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders?” said Dr Tukuitonga.
 

Prime minister addresses Pacific church and community leaders
15 November 2007 - Source: Community Partnership Pacific Health Conference 2007
 
The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Helen Clark was recently the guest speaker of the 10th Community Partnership event hosted by a family of Pacific health providers (Health Star Pacific Trust, AuckPac PHO, TaPasefika PHO, Tongan Health Society PHO, Tamaki PHO, Penina Health Trust, Pacific Islands Heartbeat – Heart Foundation, The Quit Group, West Fono Health).

The Community Partnership Pacific Health Conference was held on Thursday 15th November 2007 at the Ellerslie Event Centre, with an attendance of 500 Pacific church and community leaders, representing close to 300 churches and community organisation from the wider Pacific ethnic groups in Auckland.

The conference this year continued its tradition of promoting and building relationships between Pacific communities and the primary health sector. This sets the successful platform to improve access by Pacific communities of health programs and services in Auckland, which in turn will enhance the provider’s ability to deliver health services to Pacific people.

One of the focus’ of this year’s conference was the viewing of a short documentary to promote Healthy Eating Healthy Action. The Pacific HEHA DVD is a joint project between Pacific PHOs, their health providers and church communities; funded by the Ministry of Health to help combat obesity and its related health problems, including diabetes and cardio vascular diseases.

‘Early detection is your best protection’, was another message for our Pacific communities, at the conference during a special Cancer Candle Light service. Pacific people must not be complacent and should attend cancer screening programmes including breast cancer and cervical cancer screening. These are free services for eligible enrolled patients with our Pacific and Maori PHOs and their GPs.

The point of difference with the Community Partnership Pacific Health Conference is the focus on the community as the primary audience, not health providers or government health agencies. To see the world from the community’s perspective, to communicate in the language of the community, to think like the community, to let the community tell their own health story and journey and for us the healthcare providers to learn and respond accordingly.

It is called Community Partnership with communities first!
 

Awards celebrate Pacific excellence in the arts
14 November 2007 - Source: Creative New Zealand Press Release
 
New Zealand's Pacific artists were honoured on Monday night at the Arts Pasifika Awards 2007, which encourage and celebrate excellence in Pacific arts in New Zealand.

Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Committee Chairperson Pele Walker said the annual Arts Pasifika Awards celebrate the rich and diverse range of Pacific art in New Zealand.

"This year's award winners come from a range of artistic backgrounds - from opera to theatre, film, dance, visual art and literature. Their work illustrates not only the richness and diversity of Pacific arts, but also the valuable contribution it makes to New Zealand's profile as a creative Pacific nation," Pele Walker said.

Auckland-based filmmaker, producer, director and writer in film, television and theatre Justine Simei-Barton (Samoa) was awarded the $7000 Senior Pacific Artists' Award. As the owner and director of New Zealand's first Pacific independent professional film company, Tala Pasifika Productions Ltd, Justine has been a mentor for young emerging indigenous theatre practitioners.
Auckland-based academic, writer, poet and performer Dr Okusitino Mahina (Tonga) was awarded the $5000 Pacific Heritage Arts Award for making a major contribution to maintaining, reviving and promoting Tongan heritage artforms in New Zealand.

Critically acclaimed theatre director Nina Nawalowalo (Fiji) of Wellington received the $5000 Pacific Innovation and Excellence Award. Her theatre production, Vula, was performed at the Sydney Opera House and will tour to Europe in 2008.

Visual artist Sale Pepe (Samoa) was awarded the $3000 Salamander Gallery Award for Emerging Pacific Visual Artists. Currently studying at the Auckland University of Technology, Sale's work has been exhibited in New Zealand and Sydney.

London-based opera singer Sani Muliaumaseali'i (Samoa) received the $3000 Iosefa Enari Memorial Award to support the development of Pacific opera. Sani recently appeared as Froh in Das Rheingold at the Longsborough Opera Festival.

Performing arts troupe WakaUra Dance Group (mixed group) of Wellington received the $3000 Emerging Pacific Artists Award. They have represented New Zealand's diverse Pacific cultural communities both here and overseas.

Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Committee hosted tonight's awards ceremony at Auckland Museum.

2007 Arts Pasifika Award recipient information:
Justine Simei-Barton's Senior Pacific Artists' Award