Pacific Health

Budget pressure felt by Pacific, Māori families as health groups warn of ‘missed opportunity’

Health and community leaders warn the Government is investing too late while communities continue to struggle with housing, healthcare, and food insecurity.

Christine RovoiFri, 29 May

Health

WHO Pacific chief links youth mental health crisis to climate stress and online harms

Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala says Pacific governments must urgently use sports and physical activity to help tackle rising mental health pressures facing young people across the region.

Christine RovoiTue, 26 May

Health

'20 out of 10 bad': Niuean man’s $2050 dental bill highlights cost crisis for Pasifika

A newly costed proposal for publicly funded adult dental care comes as Pacific health leaders warn many families are delaying treatment until pain becomes severe and costs climb.

Khalia StrongMon, 25 May

Politics

Proposed changes to Māori and Pacific diabetes pathway spark equity concerns

A proposed change to access for diabetes medicines is raising concern among advocates who warn Māori and Pacific patients could be diagnosed later, despite wider eligibility overall.

'Alakihihifo VailalaFri, 22 May

Local Democracy Reporting

Diabetes wait times fall in Counties Manukau but pressure on public services rise: HealthNZ

Te Whatu Ora says changes to Counties Manukau’s diabetes dietitian service have nearly halved patient wait times, although waitlists are rising again amid staffing turnover.

Taelegalolo'u Mary AfemataTue, 19 May

Community

Sisterhood in Service: Pacific leaders take ‘Jammie Army’ across NZ to fight winter cold

Dame Valerie Adams is expanding her Jammies for June campaign to Wellington for the first time as experts warn cold and crowded homes continue to drive preventable illness among Pacific children.

Khalia StrongTue, 12 May

Community •

Tonga •

Aotearoa New Zealand

The former Tongan flight attendant breaking a 33-year nursing barrier

After 15 years in the skies, Sione ‘Ulufonua swapped the aircraft aisle for the emergency ward and he is now calling for more Pacific men to join a profession that only opened to them in Tonga in 1993.

Aui'a Vaimaila Leatinu'uThu, 07 May