NEWSROOM: 09 March - 15 March 2008

Pampering and safety tips at this year's polyfest
15 March 2008 - Source: Lee-Anne Duncan

Pacific women seeking a pampering are invited to visit the ACC tent at this year's Polyfest for a free make-over, while learning how to keep safe and what ACC can do for them if they are injured.

ACC has a large and visible presence at this year's festival, aimed at improving Pacific people's use of the no-fault social insurance scheme.

"We know that Pacific and Maori people are under-represented as clients of ACC, and that's not because they don't get injured," says ACC's Taulalo Fiso. "Many Pacific people don't realise ACC can help them whenever they are hurt, whether they are injured in a road accident, at
home, at work or even while playing sport.

"We also know that targeting Pacific women is a great way to get across safety messages, so in this week's Polyfest, ACC - in partnership with Niu FM - is setting up a Fale Manaia, or Beauty House. The Fale Manaia is based on the idea of women getting together at the beauty salon,
talking, sharing problems and offering solutions," Mr Fiso said.

Woman aged between 15 and 64 will be welcome to come in and get a free hair, skin and make-up treatment. While they are there they will be offered tips on how to stay safe around the home and on the road, and how to access ACC's various services.

Translated ACC information will also be available, and ACC staff and volunteers will be surveying the crowd, while ACC has naming rights to the Tongan stage.

Media wishing to drop in to the Fale Manaia are welcome.”

KiwiSaver Seeks To Boost Pacific Islanders' Savings
14 March 2008 - Source: Pacific Magazine

Tens of thousands of Maori and Pacific families have signed up for KiwiSaver, but more needs to be done to improve the savings rate of all New Zealanders.

Research suggests that in the first six months of KiwiSaver (ending 31 December 2007), Maori and Pacific Island workers represented an estimated 10 and 5 per cent respectively of the total KiwiSaver membership. While these early estimates may have since increased due to a shift towards greater automatic enrolment of KiwiSavers, the government will make lifting Maori and Pacific savings rate a priority.

“KiwiSaver has been a huge success, with nearly 500,000 New Zealanders currently saving for their future through the scheme,” Finance Minister Michael Cullen said. “KiwiSavers are increasingly spread across age groups, income brackets, and ethnicities.

“As I have said previously, we need to do more to improve Maori and Pacific New Zealanders. The initial data suggests this is not just about income levels – an evaluation report to be released tomorrow shows that there are large numbers of low to medium income workers saving through KiwiSaver.”

“Encouraging whanau to save for the future is a priority for this Labour-led government” Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia said. “What we need to do is get out into Maori communities and show whanau the real benefits of saving. Inland Revenue’s targeted advertising campaign is helping to do just that.”

“Pacific Island New Zealanders are over-represented in lower-income brackets, but KiwiSaver is designed to make saving for retirement easier than ever before for all New Zealanders,” Pacific Island Affairs Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said. “Recent government changes, including the option for a 2 per cent contribution rate, need to be better understood in Pacific communities. We are committed to our communities developing a culture of savings that will provide them with a stronger and independent economic base for their families and futures.”

Kiwis celebrate Olympic double
13 March 2008 - Source: Fifa.com

New Zealand had cause for a double celebration as their men's and women's teams secured the Oceania Football Confederation's nomination for the Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing with straightforward victories in the qualifying event which took place in Lautoka, Fiji.

The men's team topped their standings with a resounding 8-0 victory over the Cook Islands on Sunday, but the hard work had already been done with wins over main rivals Fiji [2-1] and the Solomon Islands [2-0] on the first and fourth matchdays respectively.

It left them needing a point from their final match against the Cook Islands, who had lost their four previous matches by an aggregate score of 30-0.

By the time Steven Old and Jeremy Brockie had scored inside the first 20 minutes the result was a formality, but a brace from Jason Hayne, plus goals from Sam Messam, Daniel Ellensohn, Costa Barbarouses and skipper Aaron Scott added to the islanders' misery.

"We we're always going to win this match, it was just a case of how many," said Kiwi coach Stu Jacobs. "But you still have to maintain your professionalism and the lads certainly did that today."

However, the Oly-Whites, together with their female counterparts, face a nervous wait to see whether the New Zealand Olympic Committee will ratify their inclusion in the Olympic events. In the next few days, a New Zealand Football representative will meet with the NZOC's three-man Olympic selection panel to discuss the merits of both teams.

With New Zealand's future uncertain, there was added impetus on both Fiji and Solomon Islands in the race to seal second spot.

Fiji looked to be doing things the easy way and found themselves 2-0 up inside the first 25 minutes through Roy Krishna and Maciu Dunadamu. But the Solomon Islands staged an astonishing comeback with three goals inside 14 minutes inspired by a Joachim Waroi brace and a candidate for goal of the tournament by Michael Fifi.

Straightforward for Ferns
Renee Leota's first international goal came at a crucial time for the Football Ferns who recorded a 2-0 win over a hardworking Papua New Guinea side in a one-off encounter at Port Moresby's Rugby League Stadium on Saturday.

Coach John Herdman's pre-match call for patience from his side was justified as it took the Kiwis 55 minutes to break the deadlock.

'It was what we expected with Papua New Guinea putting 11 players behind the ball and a bobbly pitch making passing difficult," said Herdman. "However, we we're always in control and it was just a matter of time before we scored."

Picking up on a poor clearance on the edge of the box, 17-year-old Leota buried a right foot shot into the bottom left hand corner to break the deadlock and relieve the mounting tension.

With the resistance of the South Pacific Games champions broken, substitute Kirsty Yallop added another nine minutes from full time to cap the win and secure Oceania's nomination for the Olympic games.

Free training lessons for Manukau dogs
12 March 2008 - Source: Media Release Manukau City Council

Manukau dog owners are being offered free help to make their dog a better pet.

DSS Animal Management in partnership with Manukau City Council will provide a free two-hour dog training session with a special focus on training and socialising dogs with little or no formal training.

DSS Manager Barry Gillingwater says dogs that are exhibiting behaviour problems should come along to the training.

"Improving the communication between dogs and their owners will go a long way to reducing dog problems," he says.

DSS dog trainers will assess each dog in order to gauge their degree of 'good manners', obedience and overall standard of training.

Owners will be given feedback and guidance which they can take home and practise.

Sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday 29 and 30 March and again on Saturday and Sunday 5 and 6 April.

DSS provides services on all issues relating to dog and stock animal problems, the management of public complaints and dog registration.

The company has a wide variety of education programmes that are available to all areas of the community like DSS Animal Management's Dog Do's and Don'ts which aims to educate children in the right way to behave around dogs.

The training sessions are very popular so bookings are essential. Owners must be residents of Manukau city. Contact DSS Animal Management on 279 9318 or email callcentre@dssl.co.nz

What Free Dog Training

When 29 and 30 March, 5 and 6 April 2008

Where DSS Animal Management, 141 Roscommon Road, Wiri. (Behind the Shell Service Station)

Contact DSS Animal Management, 279 9318.

Valerie Vili supports World Kidney Day
11 March 2008 - Source: Kidney Health NZ Press Release

World Champion Valerie Vili has taken time out from her hectic pre-Olympic schedule to give her support to a major event to raise awareness of kidney disease in New Zealand.

The third World Kidney Day takes place on Thursday (March 13) and will be marked in more than 60 countries, including New Zealand where events are being led by Kidney Health New Zealand (formerly the New Zealand Kidney Foundation).

The event aims to highlight the message that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common (with around one in 10 adults have signs of it), harmful and treatable.

Valerie has agreed to become an ambassador for Kidney Health New Zealand, and will use her high profile to help the organisation after the Beijing Olympics.

“The facts and figures around kidney disease are shocking, and it’s a problem on the increase,” says Valerie, 23, who today (NZ time) added the World Indoor title to her list of triumphs. Her winning throw of 20.19m was 45 cm ahead of her nearest rival and is an Oceania and New Zealand Indoor record.

“I’m sure a lot of people would be surprised to hear that one in 10 adults have signs of kidney disease. The really scary thing is that the vast majority are often unaware of it and don’t find out until the condition has reached a far more advanced stage, and treatment options are limited.”

In New Zealand about 2000 people are on dialysis and the number is growing every year. About 1200 are alive with a kidney transplant, and at any one time around 350 Kiwis are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

“One of the key aims of World Kidney Day is to educate people about who is at risk from kidney disease. Although it can affect anyone, there are groups which are at greater risk,” says Valerie, this year’s Supreme Halberg Award winner.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely linked with diabetes and high blood pressure and is more common in Maori and Pacific people.

”As a Pacific Islander this concerns me greatly, and I just hope that by adding my voice it helps get the message across where it’s most needed.

“Being involved in sport to such a high level means pushing myself all the time, and it has made me more aware of my body and I have more respect for my health than ever. It’s something you should never take for granted,” says Valerie.

There is a lot that can be done to treat CKD in its early stages but most people with early CKD do not know that they have a kidney problem as they may not get symptoms until the disease has progressed.

“We are missing opportunities to help people early and prevent them from ending up on dialysis or needing transplants.

“This event is all about giving those at risk the knowledge to empower them to do something proactive, something which could potentially save their lives,” says Valerie, who is due to compete for the first time at the World Indoor Championships in Valencia next month (March).

Two simple and inexpensive tests are available which can detect CKD, but developing a whole-population screening programme would be hugely expensive and unlikely to prove cost-effective.

One of the aims of World Kidney Day, a joint initiative between the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), is to promote a targeted screening programme, aimed at those most at risk.

In addition to indigenous populations, studies have shown that the other people at an increased risk of CKD are those aged over 50, those who smoke, have high blood pressure or diabetes, and those with a family history of kidney disease.

”We are delighted Valerie has chosen to give her support to this event, and really highlight what a major issue kidney disease is throughout New Zealand,” says Professor Kelvin Lynn, Medical Director of Kidney Health New Zealand.

Search for Miss Samoa NZ 2008-2009 has begun
10 March 2008 - Source: Miss Samoa NZ Committee Press Release

Talofa Lava Everyone

We are on the search for Miss Samoa NZ 2008-2009 to represent the Samoan Community of New Zealand. This event will be on held on May 10th 2008 at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre at Manukau

If you would like the opportunity to take part in this once in a lifetime experience where you can:

- Learn more about your Samoan Culture ( Dancing/Language/Culture)
- Meet lots of new people and make new friendships
- Boost your self confidence and public speaking skills as you take this journey of self discovery and personal growth
- Have the opportunity to travel
- Be in to win many great prizes
- Stand the chance of being selected to represent your community as Miss Samoa New Zealand 2008-2009
- Most importantly HAVE LOTS OF FUN.

Pageant Information

1) Rules of Eligibility
• Samoan Origin
• Between the ages of 18 and 26. Proof of age and name is required please ( photocopy of valid passport or drivers license )
• Have never been married or had any children
• Has never lived in a de facto relationship
• Has not committed any crime or offence

2) Categories
A) Traditionally Inspired
Use any traditional materials i.e. tapa, seashells, leaves, afa, Ietoga, lopa, or coconut shells to make a creative traditional outfit.

B) Sarong
This category is a 1 piece Samoan style of beachwear. Create your own style using any type of colourful material. This can be wrapped or tied in your own unique way and can give the appearance of either a 1 or 2 piece sarong.

C) Talent
This is an opportunity for contestants to display or express your chosen talent, skills, or creativity.

D) Puletasi
The Puletasi is a Samoan style 2 piece formal wear.

E) Interview
Conducted in English, the Interview will test your confidence and give you the opportunity to prove your public speaking skills.

The following awards will be presented on the night (these do not count towards the final points of the competition)
Miss Personality – This award is chosen by the committee members.
Miss Friendship - Contestants will vote for this award before the pageant night.
Miss Photogenic – This award is chosen by the official photographer on the night.

Pacific artist makes beautiful flowers out of empty plastic Coca Cola bottles
09 March 2008 - Source: PITIC NZ Press Release

Craig Harlow, a Fijian artist with the Fiji based Pacific Arts Alliance has created a novel new use for empty plastic Coca cola bottles littering the streets of his Pacific paradise.

He’s cutting the bottles in half and turning them into giant translucent flowers that can be strung into wall hangings, floating swimming pool flowers or simply as eye catching table ornaments.

Craig Harlow is part of the Pacific Arts Alliance currently exhibiting at the Pacific Trade Expo at the Trusts Stadium in Waitakere City, Auckland 5-6 March 2008.
In his home in Fiji, he and other artists have recognised the need to clean up the Pacific islands who are struggling to deal with the mounting heaps of plastic bottles and litter.
Craig experimented with the empty plastic coke bottles and began turning them into fold up flowers and so far he’s captured a lot of interest from curious Expo visitors.

Letila Mitchell, of the Pacific Arts Alliance says there is a general problem with litter and rubbish in the Pacific with many islands lacking the ability or resources to be able to recycle their rubbish.

“Pacific artists are now using a lot of what is rubbish to create art work and other products such as plastic strapping for baskets, plastic bottles for wall hangings.”
The artists are trying to clean up the Pacific she said.

The Pacific Arts Alliance was sponsored to attend the Pacific Trade Expo 2008 and the Pasifika Festival by the Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission (PITIC NZ).
Handicraft producers Marshall Islands, Kiribati were also invited by PITIC NZ to attend the expo along with a spice grower from Papua New Guinea.

The Pacific Trade Expo 2008 was opened today by the Prime Minister the Rt Helen Clark who acknowledged the trade imbalance with the Pacific islands and the need for two-way trade. Prime Minister of Tonga, the Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele also addressed the audience of more than 200 people. There were also a number of other politicians from the Pacific and New Zealand including, Samoan Minister Misa Telefoni, NZ Foreign Minister, the Rt Hon. Winston Peters, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Tito Phillip Field. Waitakere City Mayor, Bob Harvey welcomed the various delegations from the Pacific and all participants and visitors to the Pacific Trade Expo 2008.

If you would like to see Craig Harlow’s beautiful recycled plastic flowers made from plastic bottles, or any of the other wonderful arts and handicrafts from Fiji, Marshall Islands and Kiribati, please feel free to visit the Pacific Trade Expo 5-6 March at the Trusts Stadium, Waitakere City, Auckland.

For more information on the Pacific Arts Alliance or the Pacific Trade Expo 2008, please contact Louisa Sifakula on 021 0454183 or Eleanor Ikinofo on 021 127 7083 The Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission (PITIC NZ) L3, 5 Short Street, Newmarket, Tel: 529 5165 or Fax: 523 1284, email info@pitic.org.nz
 

Back to Top               News & Info               Newsroom Archive