NEWSROOM: 06 April - 12 April 2008

Corporate greed hides behind the sex billboard
12 April 2008 - Source:  Pacific Islands Board Auckland City

Thanks to our Tongan mother Eseta who brought this issue to the attention of our Pacific Islands Board, our other Pacific community members have also come forward and raised their concerns.

The Pacific Islands Board Auckland City (PIBAC) are getting behind the angry calls from their communities against the offensive billboard that is advertising “DO YOU WANT LONGER LASTING SEX.” The billboard has been strategically placed throughout the Auckland region in a way that it is in everyone face. It is an eye sore and the Pacific communities in particular find it highly offensive. The billboard advertisement sends a wrong message despite what Associate Professor Jack Vaifman said. Erectile dysfunction is not a community issue, rather a personal and private issue that is specific to males.

Mrs Aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor says that Associate Professor Vaifman of the Advance Medical Institute needs to know that; Intelligence is not just about what the brain does, but it is also about what the community values.

As for comments from APN general manager Mr Clemas, he needs to learn that if the message was designed to reach men, then grown up men know how to see their doctors or specialist/clinicians. They are also mature enough to access website for such information, says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

Our wider community including our children should not be targeted by this ugly, insensitive and thoughtless billboard, as it is a blot on our landscape.

The Council’s bylaw Part 27 Signs 2007, section 27.2.2.3 says that
A person may not place or allow to remain in place any sign that:
iii. is offensive or threatens harm;
Obviously, there is a need for the Council to carry out its community obligation to ensure that this type of visual pollution is not to be allowed.

The Pacific Islands Board Auckland City calls for the ugly advertisement to be removed and taken down immediately. Its members also encourage its Pacific communities to write in to the Advertising Standards Authority and register their concerns.

Pacific Island families do not want their daughters to see such sign in the presence of their brothers. The disconcerting message is upsetting a lot of our Pacific communities, and has been purposely worded.

Benjamin Fifita Makisi - Tenor
11 April 2008 - Source:  Operatunity Press Release

Talented tenor Benjamin Fifita Makisi (recently seen as the soloist at Sir Edmund Hillary’s funeral) is returning to New Zealand from his contract with Opera Australia to perform in a series of concerts presented throughout New Zealand by Operatunity. Benjamin and the very popular Operatunity Daytime Concerts will be seen from Whangarei to Invercargill in a concert entitled “What a wonderful World” which will see him perform solos and duets (including Nessun Dorma, the Pearl Fishers Duet & the Act 1 finale from La Boheme) as well as popular items such as Come back to Sorrento and Girls were made to love and kiss.

Operatunity and its well known singers/directors Susan Boland, John Cameron and Geoffrey Hughes, who have presented these sell out concerts for over 7 years, will be joining Ben to present their special blend of fine music and fun.

These well received concerts are presented at 11.00 am and run for an hour and a half and then the audience are hosted to lunch by the performers with a chance to chat with them, and catch up with friends.

The demand for these concerts has seen them expand from their initial first audience of 13 to regularly selling out many venues and scheduling a second show at 2 pm.

To see the fabulous Ben in concert with Sue, John and Geoffrey bookings are essential and are available on toll free 0508 266 237 or visit them at www.operatunity.co.nz. We have a double pass to give away, just contact us to go into the draw.....

His profile- Fifita Makisi was born in New Zealand and is of Tongan and Samoan origins. He has studied extensively in NZ, USA and Australia. He is becoming one of Australasia's rising young tenors.

He has studied Masters of Performance at the University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney Australia (1999 - 2000) and graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at Victoria University in Wellington, NZ (1992).

He has won many awards and Eisteddfod competitions here and abroad including the winner of the McDonalds Aria Competition in Sydney 2002, the Lockwood Aria in Rotorua NZ 2001 and the recipient of the Iosefa Enari Memorial Opera Award 2002 and the Helpmann Fellowship Award 1999.

Ben has toured extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand and has performed lead tenor roles with NBR New Zealand Opera including Count Almaviva: The Barber of Seville, Ferrando: Cosi fan Tutte, Arturo in Lucia di Lammermoor and Pong in the recent production of Turandot. He has recently sung tenor solos with Auckland Choral Society, and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and returns to NZ following a contract with Opera Australia.

Auckland Venues
Avondale Encounter Christian Centre: 495 Rosebank Road, Avondale
Botany St Columba Church: 480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany
North Shore Windsor Park Baptist Church: 550 East Coast Road, Mairangi Bay
Orewa Centrestage Theatre: 60 Centreway Rd, Orewa
Papakura Hawkins Centre Theatre: 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura
Remuera Somervell Church Auditorium: 497 Remuera Rd, Remuera


North Island Tour Venues
Hamilton Central Baptist Church: 33 Charlemont Street, Hamilton
Kapiti Meadows New Life Church: 1 Realm Drive, Paraparaumu
Lower Hutt Assembly of God Church: 22 Marsden Street, Lower Hutt
Napier Napier Municipal Theatre: 116 Tennyson Street, Napier
New Plymouth Citywestchurch: (formerly A.O.G.) 62c Poplar Grove, New Plymouth
Palmerston North Palmerston North Convention Centre: 400 Main Street West, P.N
Taupo Great Lake Centre: Story Place, Taupo
Tauranga Holy Trinity Church: Corner 3rd Ave and Devonport Rd, Tauranga
Thames War Memorial Civic Centre: 200 Mary Street, Thames
Wanganui Wall Memorial Hall - Concert Chamber: Watt Street, Wanganui

South Island Tour Venues
Blenheim Marlborough Convention Centre: Corner of Alfred & John Street, Blenheim
Christchurch La Vida Centre - 34a Hansons Lane, Upper Riccarton
Dunedin Mosgiel Coronation Hall: 97 Gordon Rd, Mosgiel
Greymouth Regent Theatre: Corner of Mackay & Herbert Sts, Greymouth
Invercargill Civic Theatre: 88 Tay Street, Invercargill
Nelson Hope Community Church: Ranzau Road West, Hope, Nelson
Timaru Theatre Royal: 118 Stafford Street, Timaru

What A Wonderful World
Auckland Tour Venues
Avondale May 13th
Botany May 20th
North Shore May 12th
Orewa April 30th
Papakura May 22nd
Remuera May 19th

South Island Tour Venues
Blenheim May 26th
Christchurch May 27th
Dunedin May 30th
Invercargill May 29th
Nelson May 23rd
Timaru May 28th

North Island Tour Venues
Hamilton May 1st
Lower Hutt May 5th
Kapiti May 6th
Napier May 2nd
New Plymouth May 9th
Palmerston North May 7th
Tauranga May 14th
Taupo May 21st
Thames May 15th
Wanganui May 8th
Whangarei May 16th

Laban: Electricity Amendment Bill
10 April 2008 - Source:  New Zealand Government Press Release

Madam Speaker,

Kia ora, talofa lava, and warm Pacific greetings.

I rise to speak in support of the Electricity (Disconnection and Low Fixed Charges) Amendment Bill.

I rise to honour a mother, wife, daughter, sister, auntie, cousin and friend – a woman of the Pacific.

Folole Muliaga was a 44 year old mother of four children. She worked as a pre-school teacher, she cared for her community. She was working hard to provide for her family, she was also studying to further educate herself.

Like many Pacific Islanders, the Mr and Mrs Muliaga left their homes, families and country to come to New Zealand and provide their children with education and opportunity. They worked hard so that they would be able to succeed.

Mrs Muliaga and her husband were low income earners, living in Mangere working hard to stay on top of their finances. This became even more difficult when Mrs Muliaga was hospitalised and the family got behind in their power bill.

As Members of Parliament it’s a story we have heard before from our constituents.

As a Labour-led government we have worked hard to ensure that those who need it most are supported especially when 'times are tough' – there are numerous policies aimed at families like the Muliaga's such as Working for Families, increases to the minimum wage, cheaper doctor's visits and the list goes on and on.

None of us expected that the tragic circumstances around Mrs Muliaga's death could happen in New Zealand.

As we know, she was using an electrically powered oxygen machine when her family's power was disconnected because of an over due account. Her death was unnecessary, terribly saddening and shocked us a nation.

I will never forget the tears of sadness when together with the Prime Minister some us visited the Muliaga family.

There is a Samoan proverb - "Ua tagi le fatu ma le eleele" - the stones and the earth wept - the expressions designating great sorrow such as a death of a loved one.

A ua toe fa'e'e le manuia ma le filemu tumau – after the event peace and tranquillity prevails.

The way the Muliaga family dealt with the death of their loved one illustrated to all New Zealanders the spirit of forgiveness and the humanity of how Pacific people can deal with tragedy, leading to healing and reconciliation.

The contractor who cut the power and the electricity provider Mercury Energy and Mighty River Power were invited by the family to Mrs Muliaga's funeral. The family said they only had love for the contractor and not hate for him.

This kindness and alofa is extremely admirable and inspirational – I'm not sure many of us could say we would be that forgiving if we lost a much loved mother and wife in these kinds of circumstances.

Since this tragedy - the Electricity Commission has worked with electricity retailers, government departments and community organisations to develop guidelines for dealing with disconnections for low income and vulnerable consumers.

These guidelines ensure that regulations are in place to protect vulnerable consumers and those reliant on electricity for medical equipment to maintain life. This bill ensures that government can regulate the content if electricity retailers do not adhere to them voluntarily.

I am pleased to hear that electricity retailers have taken this issue very seriously and have been voluntarily implementing practices for their vulnerable and medically dependent consumers. I am told that in communities like Mangere, these guidelines are making a real difference.

Ensuring that we take social responsibility for our vulnerable or disadvantaged, whether it be because of age, health, disability, income, culture or language is vital for all members of our community and our society.

Strong communities and cultures are building blocks for nationhood and our identity as New Zealanders.

We all have a role to play.

As a proud New Zealand born Samoan, I know my community is based on families and extended families. The Samoan words are aiga, aigapotopoto.

I know that our other Pacific Island communities are based on similar values.

Our community in turn is based on the Samoan values of alofa, fa’aaloalo, and agaga - love, respect, reciprocity and spirituality – important values to live by and base communities on.

The circumstances of Mrs Muliaga's death highlighted that we need to ensure that our government agencies and community providers are connecting with our grass root communities.

We need to work together to ensure that the help and assistance is reaching those in our community it's designed to assist. Information needs to be accessible and available - and our people need to be encouraged to seek help when they need it.

This bill is a result of our government taking this issue seriously, protecting our disadvantaged, and ensuring the well-being of all of our families in New Zealand.

I am proud to be part of a Labour-led government that encourages protection for some of the most vulnerable in New Zealand society.

Labour will always go in to bat for those who are struggling and in need.

As I support this bill in its third reading, I and we remember Folole Muliaga. I think of her husband and children, her extended family and community who have lost so much, and hope that this legislation ensures that a tragedy like this never happens again.

Thank you and fa'afetai tele lava.

Weightlifting raised as diabetes epidemic answer
09 April 2008 - Source: Massey University Press Release

Weightlifting raised as answer to diabetes epidemic among Pacific Islanders

A new study will be the first to establish the value of weightlifting in combating diabetes amongst Pacific Islanders.

PhD candidate William Sukala and a team of Massey University health researchers will conduct the first randomised, controlled trial amongst Pacific Islanders, using a programme of supervised weight lifting, known as progressive resistance training.

Their study is called SPIRIT – South Pacific Islanders Resist Diabetes with Intense Training. Forty participants with type 2 diabetes will be drawn from church groups and diabetes health care professionals, most in the Porirua area. All will be tested and assessed. Twenty will take part in supervised weight lifting for 16 weeks while the rest will have usual care. The weight lifting will involve nine exercises, targeting all major muscles of the body, performed three times a week.

Mr Sukala says it is well established that Pacific Islanders are disproportionately affected by type-2 diabetes and obesity, compared with Europeans.

“The epidemic of diabetes within the Pacific Islands community is a major public health concern that must be addressed with appropriate interventions,” he says.

“Other international studies conducted in high-risk groups have indicated that weightlifting is both safe and effective in improving blood sugar control and other factors in type-2 diabetes management.

“However, there has been very little advocacy for its use in the medical management of Pacific Islanders diagnosed with diabetes. This is likely to be because no clinical trials have been conducted within the Pacific island group.

“At present the generic advice given to people with diabetes is usually a vague ‘get out and take a walk’. At this point, nobody even considers the therapeutic value of weightlifting.”

Researchers from the University’s Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health have partnered with the National Heart Foundation, the Capital and Coast District Health Board, Porirua-based City Fitness, Pacific Island churches and diabetes health specialists.

“We know that earlier studies support the value of physical exercise in preventing and mitigating both diabetes and obesity in Maori and Pacific Island people. But this is the first randomised, controlled study – and the first New Zealand study – to focus specifically on weightlifting. We intend to prove its value with this research,” says Mr Sukala.

“The objective is to first run the study as a strictly controlled trial, and then adapt it into a self-determined, community-based fitness programme that people want to take part in. That can be encouraged and taken forward by Pacific Island churches and community centres, not just within New Zealand, but back to the islands as well.”

Mr Sukala expects the study will also bring benefits to the wider community.

“The fact that it is taking place will raise awareness within the scientific community and the public of the value of weightlifting as a safe and effective weapon in the fight against diabetes and its close ally, obesity.”

Samoa works to gain access for fruits and vegetables to NZ
08 April 2008 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

A team of senior officers from New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is due to visit Samoa next month to further discuss and study the possibility of exporting fruits and vegetables to New Zealand.

Details of the trip follow talks held in Apia over the week-end between New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters, and Samoa’s Prime Minister, Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.

Samoa is keen to gain access for fruit and vegetables and New Zealand has offered to provide assistance over quarantine requirements.

Meanwhile two countries have also agreed to share interests in broader security issues in the region.

There is a possibility of the traditional defence and police Mutual Assistance Programme or MAP talks being widened to include other government agencies such as Customs and Immigration.

South Africa end Kiwis run
07 April 2008 - Source: TVNZ

The South Africans toppled the Kiwis 15-7 in a boilover result and end the New Zealanders winning run to claim the Adelaide Sevens title on Sunday.

New Zealand had gone 47 matches unbeaten in the series since last year, but they're still poised to win their eighth overall title in nine years.

The Kiwis relied on last minute tries in the quarter and semi-finals to defeat Tonga and Fiji respectively, before being surprisingly outclassed by the South Africans in the final before 17,133 spectators at Adelaide Oval.

Shattered Aussies

The South African triumph came as Australia was licking collective wounds after being thrashed by Fiji 28-7 in their quarter-final.

Last weekend at the Hong Kong Sevens, the Australians also were turfed from the tournament at the same stage.

Coach Millard lamented lost opportunities in the Fijian loss, which was followed by a 21-7 defeat by Tonga in a consolation plate semi-final.

"I'm shattered but it's no use being angry," Millard said.

"It was always going to be tough but we had some opportunities to score some tries under big pressure but it didn't click.

"The spirit the boys showed was great but we needed to take those opportunities ... they have just got to learn from their mistakes."

Australian captain Shawn Mackay was disappointed but heartened by improvement of a squad which has only been together for two weeks.

"We feel like we have got so close yet we're so far away," Mackay said.

"We have got to start putting on some performances that can knock off the big teams.

"But this is the best group of 12 players that we have brought away for a while.

"We have got to think about it in the big picture of things - we have only been together for two weeks so the more time we can spend together, I think we are going to see some better performances.

"Now that (ARU chief) John O'Neill has come and seen what all the other teams are putting into Sevens, and the ARU are right behind us, hopefully we can step forward from this."

Tonga and Wales celebrate

Tonga claimed a shield triumph with a 14-12 win over Kenya, while Argentina won the bowl final courtesy of a 26-21 defeat of the United States.

Wales pipped Canada 12-7 to win the plate final.

SLIP SLOP SLAP sum tops $85,000
06 April 2008 - Source: National Communications Manager

The inaugural Dulux SLIP SLOP SLAP campaign held this summer with the Cancer Society of New Zealand raised $85,863 towards promoting awareness and SunSmart behaviour of skin cancer in outdoor workers.

During December 2007 and January and February this year, Dulux donated money from all sales of exterior paint, Dulux Weathershield, to the Cancer Society plus provided sun protection giveaways and information to customers and staff.

Thanks to trade customers and DIYers buying 1.2 million litres of paint, the campaign raised $85,683 and Dulux distributed nearly 2000 litres of free sunscreen.

The money will go back to helping the same trade customers via an outdoor workers programme being launched by the Cancer Society later this year. The programme’s main aim will be to increase sun safe awareness and action among painters, builders, road crews, gardeners and other outside workers because they have (especially those with fair skin) a higher than average risk of non melanoma skin cancers because of cumulative exposure to UVR.

Dulux presented the donation to the Cancer Society at a thank you function held yesterday at the society’s offices in Thorndon, Wellington.

Cancer Society CEO Dalton Kelly said he was thrilled with the result. “We see this as the beginning of a great partnership. The money raised this year is going to help us with a project we have long dreamed of putting together. Prior to next summer we intend to promote and provide information and resources for employers and outdoor workers on SunSmart behaviour. The majority of outdoor workers are male so this project ties in nicely with our focus on men’s health this year.”

Dulux general manager Greg Warren said he delighted the first campaign was so successful and that the money raised would directly help Dulux trade customers. “Sun safety is an important issue for outdoor workers but often it is overlooked. We want everyone to be aware of how just easy it is to be safe in the sun.” Mr Warren said Dulux looked forward to working with the Cancer Society during future summers to raise even more money for the cause.

“Support for organisations such as the Cancer Society is part of Dulux’s commitment to New Zealand society and also to our staff – sponsorship like this gives our staff another reason to come to work in the morning.”

Dalton Kelly, Chief Executive of the Cancer Society (left) and Greg Warren, general manager of Dulux.

Media enquiries:

Lynne St.Clair-Chapman
National Communications Manager Cancer Society of NZ
(04) 494 7195 / Mob: 027 4444 150
Dalton Kelly Chief Executive
(04) 494 7273 / 027 231 0067.

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