Publications

Kawa in All Things

PHANZ Māori policy advisor Chris Webber provides a think piece to progress our application of kawa in public health. 

As we reap the fruits of embracing Māori engagement with public health, we should discover guidelines for our collective future - like ’ kawa in all things’, a pressing need in places where kaupapa Māori need to prevail. This universal principle for customary practice balances human behaviour with guidance drawn from realms of atua - often tied up in pūrākau (traditional stories) like our creation story or activities of the children of Ranginui and Papatuanuku.

    The concept of kawa is understood in traditional Māori settings and governs 'organised efforts of society' there - like how activity is conducted on the marae and which tikanga are applied in what order during protocols like powhiri. As space is found for Māori expression in wider public health settings, so too can the guidance of kawa be applied. For PHANZ, this includes a Tiriti-inspired 50% Māori on our governance committee to open space for new growth and enlightenment - a bit like the kawa of powhiri on marae or kawa of new harakeke shoots emerging safely between the parents and grandparents in the domain of Tane. The template of ‘what to do' is sacred or tapu, not to be corrupted by vagaries of human minds, egos and politics other than applying local tikanga for ‘how to do it’. In some regions the words are interchangeable (tikanga/kawa) but the eternal principles remain. 

    So which kawa applies where? On the marae, the war-like domain of Tumatauenga in front of the meeting house permits fiery korero, whilst inside more peaceful korero prevails as the domain of Rongo. What workplace wouldn’t benefit from such separations and dedications of space? As a musician, the performers ‘green room’ helps settle and prepare for a stage performance, helping the right spirit carry in the music. At very least, a karakia helps create space for minds to settle and tune into the task at hand to with the intention to achieving the desired outcomes.

To answer the question - keep asking the question, and be listening for the answer - not just from the human mind, or the one, but from collective wisdom of community from whence the kawa resides. Find the ‘carriers of the kawa’, the whakahaere, or create space for them to surface. Kaumatua with the knowledge may be in short supply, but younger leaders may be picking it up and being recognised amongst others as individuals or in a collective caucus.

Aronui-Tikanga-Kaupapa

Drawing from Royal's (2004) explanation for ‘organic arising’ of tikanga, a tool for understanding human behaviour can be applied and used to refine what kawa will be maintained by whom. A person or group's world view (aronui) relates to their selected ground or subject (ka-u-papa) from which understanding of correct actions arise (tikanga) pertaining to that kaupapa or world view. A group cultivating gardens on dry ground will develop different water tikanga from a group cultivating gardens on wetlands - the kawa for garden growth will be achieved by each using different sets of tikanga around water transport or drainage by those ‘whakahaere’ or leaders whose kawa is to know what the plants need to grow. By extension, someone growing hydroponics in their back room needs the same kawa of getting correct requirements for plants to grow, but will do it differently - the set of new tikanga becomes the kawa that is maintained.

    The same is needed in many contemporary spaces Māori are operating in, but then become frustrated or burnt out when generic systems don’t accommodate sufficient tikanga and kawa - let alone have adequate ‘whakahaere’ to apply it. In generic spaces like government agencies, this shouldn't be left solely to government or departmental managers that change with the times. It needs to be enshrined in more than just policy or Tiriti principle interpretations. My aspiration to assist organised efforts of society, is all Māori who work in government space must be valued, respected, cared for and protected - like in the pūrākau about Rata who took a tree from the forest without proper acknowledgement, so the forest took the tree back. We often say this when we hand over someone in a whakatau, but sadly learn sometime later they felt used, abused and burnt out before leaving. The whakahaere of this kawa should help correct things.

    A final seed to plant here - Te Kawa Tapu a Hine. From our pūrākau, our taha wahine (female aspect) is central from coming into the world via te whare tangata and exiting the world via Hine-nui-te-po. However some might say the male energy of Tumatauenga has dominated in the world which now needs healing from domains of Rongo and the female energies. Just one way to look at things, but tied up by the concept of ’Te Kawa Tapu a Hine’ - the need for sacred healing and protective protocols in the world, in our policies, amongst people, for the planet. We are looking for ways to lock this into the work we do.

    Pehea ou whakaaro - what do you think? Engage in our monthly 2nd Friday Kai Tahi zoom sessions to discuss the five elements around our kawa discussions and find ways to progress kawa in your space.

 Reference

Royal, T.A. (2004). An Organic Arising: An Interpretation of Tikanga based upon Māori Creation Traditions. Published in Tikanga Rangahau Matauranga Tuku Iho - Traditioinal Knowledge and Research Ethics Conference 2004. Nga Pae o te Maramatanga. Auckand.

 

A potential emerging issue?

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria leptospires which are usually found in animals such as rats, dogs, cattle, and pigs. This disease is found worldwide and can affect both animals and humans. In an RNZ article published in February 2023, the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has noted an increase in leptospirosis cases across the region which could be linked to the larger rainfall events and the resulting flooding.

How is Leptospirosis transmitted?

Leptospirosis is transmitted to humans through contact with the urine of infected animals or contaminated water and soil. Even a splash or fine spray of urine or indirect contact with urine-contaminated water can spread large numbers of leptospires. Infection generally occurs through cuts and cracks in the skin or through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. The bacteria thrive in moist or wet conditions and can survive for several weeks in groundwater and moist soil.

In New Zealand, the disease is commonly associated with working in high-risk occupations involving animals or animal products such as farming, meat processing and veterinary work or involving frequently contaminated environments such as those experienced by forestry or sewer workers.

In 2019, there were 82 cases of leptospirosis across New Zealand with the majority of cases related to occupations with exposure to animals (see report for more Leptospirosis statistics).

What are the signs and symptoms for diagnosis?

Leptospirosis can affect both animals and humans, and the severity of the disease can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe illness and even death. Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 14 days after infection and include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a rash. In severe cases, the disease can cause organ failure (liver, lung, kidney), bleeding, and meningitis.

Diagnosis of leptospirosis can be challenging as the symptoms can mimic other diseases such as influenza. The diagnosis of leptospirosis is typically based on clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory testing, and a history of exposure to potential sources of the bacteria. Laboratory-based tests such as blood tests are used to detect antibodies to Leptospire bacteria to confirm the diagnosis.

How can we prevent it?

Prevention and control of leptospirosis are primarily focused on reducing the exposure of humans to infected animals and avoiding contact with contaminated water or soil.

In the workplace, personal protective equipment must be worn (gloves, boots, protective suits or clothing, anti-splash goggles, etc). Vaccination is also an effective way to prevent Leptospirosis. In New Zealand, a vaccine is available for cattle, and farmers are encouraged to vaccinate their herds to reduce the risk of transmission to humans.

In the event of a wound, wash thoroughly with clean water and soap, disinfect with an antiseptic solution, and protect any cuts and grazes with waterproof covering.

To reduce the risk of leptospirosis, it is important to take precautions such as avoiding swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water such as lakes, rivers, and streams, particularly after heavy rains (water quality and safety hazards information available on safeswim.org.nz)

Public health significance?

In New Zealand, leptospirosis is listed as a notifiable infectious disease under the Health Act 1956, which means that medical practitioners must notify any suspected cases to the local medical officer of health as soon as possible. Leptospirosis is also regarded as a significant hazard under the Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) Act 1992. Employers should report cases of leptospirosis as a Notifiable Occupational Disease (NOD) to WorkSafe New Zealand. Early notification of cases helps to ensure that appropriate public health measures are taken to prevent the spread of the disease and appropriate data collection and analysis procedures are in place to prevent future outbreaks of similar circumstances.

Given the likelihood of further severe weather events in New Zealand, knowledge gained from previous outbreaks is important for preventative and protective measures for the future. For example, if there were more lepsopirosis cases in Auckland because of the flooding then an awareness campaign on how to hygenically navigate floodwaters (i.e., avoid where possible, no swimming or playing in floodwater notices) and how to hygenically navigate the resultant clean up (e.g., wear gloves, cover any cuts or grazes) would be important to implement.  

Increased awareness of the disease and its potential consequences is essential to ensure the continued health and safety of both humans and animals in New Zealand.

If you suspect that you have been exposed to leptospirosis, it is important to seek medical attention within 24 hours to get tested. Treatment with antibiotics is effective if started early, and early diagnosis can help prevent severe complications.

Article written by: Véronique Nuns 

REFERENCES

Public Health Surveillance: Notifiable diseases in New Zealand: Annual Report 2019

https://surv.esr.cri.nz/PDF_surveillance/AnnualRpt/AnnualSurv/2019/2019AnnualNDReport_FINAL.pdf

Public Health Surveillance: Annual Notifiable Disease Tables (by year)

https://surv.esr.cri.nz/surveillance/annual_diseasetables.php

Ministry of Health: Leptospirosis

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/communicable-disease-control-manual/leptospirosis

LEPTOSPIROSIS: Information for medical providers

https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/media/7635/wks-6-leptospirosis-medical-providers.pdf

Leptospirosis: Good practice guidelines

https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/media/7636/wks-4-leptospirosis-prevention-and-control.pdf

RNZ article 24/02/2023 Salmonella and leptospirosis thriving in pot-cyclone conditions

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484818/salmonella-and-leptospirosis-thriving-in-post-cyclone-conditions

RNZ article 21/02/2023 Rise in leptospirosis cases could be linked to flooding

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/484620/rise-in-leptospirosis-cases-could-be-linked-to-flooding

Asian and other ethnic populations account for a significant proportion of Aotearoa’s population (more than 18% as at Census 2018; almost one in five now) and these populations are also increasing at a fast pace. Although some Asian and ethnic groups have higher life expectancy at birth, lower rate of infant mortality and lower mortality rates for some conditions, we must acknowledge these groups are extremely diverse in culture, language, health status, settlement history, and unmet health needs. We will have to develop systematic rather than ‘piecemeal’ national health strategy and implementation plans at regional/district level for Asian and ethnic communities to maintain the outstanding results and to address those areas where issues exist already or are emerging particularly for some Asian and ethnic sub-groups, former refugees and asylum seekers. It is highly recommended to apply an (vertical) equity lens to Asian and ethnic populations, to understand the unique health needs of these sub-populations and proportionate investment of resources via Asian and ethnic health research, to set up dedicated regional/district level Asian and ethnic health divisions with commissioning powers and empower community organisations for better health outcomes, patient experiences and well-being.

Over the past 2 years, there have been a couple of milestone statements published/released by the Asian caucus of the Public Health Association (PHA) NZ or core members of the Asian caucus, as follows:

Recommendations on the health system reform from the Asian Caucus of the PHA (https://lnkd.in/gg4W-64C)
 
Statement on the health system reform for Asian and ethnic communities (https://lnkd.in/dJBkSC4w)

Pae Ora: ensuring a healthy future for all – including Asian and Ethnic minorities
(https://lnkd.in/e58_CVur)

This petition is built on the previous work of the PHA, academics and community organisations, requesting that "the House of Representatives urge Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand to develop a national, entity-level policy/strategy and regional/district implementation plans to improve the health and well-being of Asian and other ethnic minority population groups". 

You can sign the petition here - closes June 10 2023

Nominations are now open for our 2022 Public Health Champions. If you have an individual or group that you wish to nominate, you can do so by completing the form below and sending it back to National Office via email. There are four awards on offer; the Public Health Champion Award, the Pasifika Public Health Award, the Tū Rangatira mō te Ora Award, and our new Asian and Ethnic Peoples Public Health Award. Nominations will remain open until the 11th November 2022, 5pm. You can find an honours list of our previous winners on our website and the nomination form here

Recently, CAHRE held a panel discussion on Pae Ora and Ethnic Minority Health at its National Symposium. The session led to a passionate and wide-ranging discussion involving conference attendees that included health practitioners, service managers, academics, researchers, representatives from government and non-government sectors and communities.

Mr Grant Berghan (previous CEO) and Dr Lifeng Zhou (Asian caucus chair) were among the panellists of the 2022 CAHRE Symposium and Associate Prof Roshini Peiris-John (Asian caucus member) facilitated the panel discussion. 

In the document attached, key points from the panel discussion reflecting the views of the panellists and delegates that attended the conference are summarised to facilitate appropriate government responsiveness to the health needs of this population in Aotearoa New Zealand.

To date, the document has been sent to the nation’s top health leaders including some ministers and MPs related. Hon Andrew Little’s office has indicated that the Minister has noted our concerns and asked the MoH to provide a formal response.

You can read the document here: Ensuring a healthy future for Asian and Ethnic minorities.pdf

From July 2023, the primary test for cervical screening will change to a human papillomavirus (HPV) test, with the option of self-testing. The current cytology-based test has served New Zealand well for over 20 years and played a huge role in reducing cervical cancer mortality. Why is HPV testing going to a be a better primary screening test? How will it will find more pre-cancers and prevent more cases of cervical cancer? Will the self-testing option lead to greater participation in the screening pathway? What consideration has been given to equity and Te Tiriti obligations? And how is the transition being planned and organised?

Find out how and why we are transitioning to HPV Primary Screening in July 2023 by reading the full overview here.

PHANZ thanks the HPV cervical screening team for sharing their knowledge and insight on this issue. If you have any questions from the article you can contact the HPV Primary Screening Project, National Cervical Screening Programme via email HPVSCreen@health.govt.nz

Grant Berghan (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai, Te Rarawa) has announced his resignation as CEO of the Public Health Association of NZ. (PHANZ)

Grant who joined PHANZ as CEO in October 2020 said it was with regret that he was stepping down, as he had loved working for and  with PHANZ during what had been a particularly busy time in our   health sector.

“Not only have we contended with Covid-19, but we have been part   of the most significant health reform process this country has seen   in the past 30 years,” said Grant whose last day with PHANZ is on  August 26.

 “I realised that, as the health reforms became a reality on July 1st, 2022, the timing is perfect for me to relinquish the role to a new person, who can support the organisation with fresh energy and ideas in this new environment.

“I wish to thank you all for your support to me over the past two years. I particularly want to thank the Executive Council of the PHANZ, and the staff of our national office for their service and commitment to our work despite the challenges.

“Without you there is nothing. I have been threatening to semi-retire for several years now. This is the first step on that journey. I wish you all the very best for the future.

"Mauri ora ki a tatou katoa.”

PHANZ Executive Council co-presidents Gail Duncan and Nari Faiers thanked Grant for his service saying he had “brought vision and connected the PHANZ during the challenging times of Covid-19 lockdowns, and positioning of public health in terms of the Health and Disability Review and representation of Māori interests". 

The co-presidents said Grant's first action as CEO was to embark on a national road trip from Kaitaia to Invercargill to meet face-to-face with PHANZ members across the branches and with graduates of a Māori leadership programme to seek feedback from PHANZ members on how PHANZ could be relevant in a post-Covid environment, and to understand public health issues in each town/city and generate interest and registration with PHANZ. 

"He has ensured ongoing PHANZ office staffing; including policy advisors, project management, communications, and office management and engaged regularly with PHANZ branch chairs. Grant spoke at the World Health Promotion Conference in December 2021 and has co-hosted the CPAG Post Budget Breakfast events, most recently in May 2022," they said.

“He has led and developed an updated membership drive and Te Tiriti-focused communication plan. This year Grant led PHANZ into the new public health-shared service across Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority with expectation of improved outcomes for Māori, Pasifika and disabled people being the prime focus.

We wholeheartedly thank Grant for preparing and motivating the PHA to amplify public health influence across the whole of government and community and exploit the synergy that lies at the intersection of Māori health (hauroa aa iwi) and public health (hauroa aa iwi).”

Te Kōkī refers to the bird song chorus when manu of all kinds gather at dawn to sing and kōrero together.  When they stop singing there is an immediate silence and they flit back to their various places of mahi and habitation until the next kōkī.    

Te Kōkī Hauora is the name given to the gathering of manu hauora to kōrero and meet (online and kānohi ki te kānohi – face to face).  In this context, the network refers specifically to Māori working within mainstream Public Health Units (PHU’s) throughout Aotearoa

Te Kōkī Hauora (Māori Public Health Network) was established in June 2020, from the increasing pressures that Māori workforce within Public Health Units were experiencing. Covid19 exacerbated inequities and institutional failures that already existed within Public Health services. Therefore, there is some urgency to support the Māori workforce to minimise future workforce turnover and to prepare the sector for ongoing and future public health challenges. The roopu focused on their immediate need to;

• Have a safe place to kōrero with other Māori experiencing the same issues

• Providing collegial and cultural support 

• Sharing intelligence from across hapori Māori, and lessons learnt 

• Discussing Public Health issues that required attention whilst dealing with a pandemic

As a response to the challenges of inequities and growing pressures on Māori workforce an opportunity was sought to collaborate with Waikato DHB, Māori Health Equity Directorate and the MOH, Māori Health Directorate to host a Public Health symposium. The aim of the day was to explore effective ways of sharing Māori Covid19 learning and practises to strengthen our public health response. The outcome of this symposium can be found here.  Te Ao Hou Symposium report. 

The roopu continued to hui online and after the completion of a SWOT analysis in June 2021, it was agreed to approach Public Health Association to umbrella the roopu moving forward. TKH sought this support due to the high level of trust and confidence that they had in Grant Berghan and Leah Bain. Since then, PHA have advocated the needs of TKH and have worked with Ministry of Health to acknowledge that even though there has been effort made to build Māori workforce and increase their participation in decision-making and service delivery, more needs to be done to create these conditions for change. 

Te Kōkī Hauora will be hosted by the Public Health Association on the 26 August, in Rotorua at the Hikitia te Wairua waananga. The waananga will be an opportunity to validate the experiences of the past, but most importantly for Te Kōkī Hauora  whānau to reconnect, and establish tools to build resiliency as individuals and roopu hauora. 

In 2016 Adrian Te Patu (Aotea, Kurahaupo) who was then a co-vice president of PHANZ, became the first Indigenous person elected to the Governing Council (GC) of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA). A leader in public and Indigenous health Adrian played a key role in the establishment of the Indigenous Working Group of the WFPHA, of which he is now Chair, in 2018.

PHANZ caught up with Adrian recently to reflect on the highlights of his time on the Council, the achievements of the Working Group since its launch, and its plans and goals for the future.

Q: It was six years ago that you were nominated by the Public Health Association of NZ (PHANZ) and then elected as the first Indigenous person to become a member of the Governing Council (GC) of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA). We would love to hear about how your journey with the WFPHA began, and what motivated you to join them?

New Zealand was a founding member of the WFPHA in 1967 with a New Zealander being a president in the early years. Our association was invited to re-join the federation and to put forward a candidate and if possible, an Indigenous candidate for a vacancy on the governing council. I was a co-vice president of the PHANZ and one of four Māori on our council. The PHANZ put forward my nomination and as an election was required, sent me to Geneva to attend the general assembly where I was able to speak to the nomination and mihi to the global representatives while representing PHANZ, Te Ao Māori and our nation. The Ministry of Health gave me government delegation status which supported my nomination and allowed me to attend the World Health Assembly (Annual WHO meeting). I was also supported financially by my iwi Te Atihaunui a Paparangi to attend.

Q: Being the first Indigenous person on the GC must have been such an honour for you! Can you recall how you felt when you heard you were elected to this role, and did you feel any added pressure of having to live up to this milestone?

After the results were announced I was immediately humbled with the representatives from China, Japan, USA, Cuba, Australia offering wee gifts of recognition and words of welcome

to New Zealand’s return to the federation. Professor Michael Moore of Australia spoke as president-elect, of his pride in the federation’s milestone of recognising the importance of its first Indigenous GC member. So, I felt very humbled and proud of the recognition given to our association and as one of 370 million Indigenous people globally, and my whanau, iwi of Aotea and Kurahaupo waka.

Q: What are some of your reflections/highlights on your time serving two terms, concurrently, on the Governing Council?

Including and infusing the narrative always with indigeneity, accentuating other with a sociocultural, socio-political, socio-ethnic lens. Having the IWG invited by the WHO and UNICEF to moderate a global dialogue session at the 40th anniversary of the Alma Ata Declaration in Kazakhstan. We sent two women, a Māori, and an Aboriginal-Ni Vanuatu woman.

Q: How significant was the launch of the Indigenous Working Group of the WFPHA in May 2018? Can you tell us a bit about how the Group was formed, who comprised the Group and what was the impetus behind it?

At the 50th anniversary congress on the WFPHA in Melbourne 2017. A traditional “yarning circle” under the whakaruruhau of the Kulin nation and attended by Indigenous folk plus supportive non-Indigenous colleagues from across the globe gave me the mandate to establish a working group and petition the GC to accept the group formally. It was accepted in November then work began to form and have a formal launch at the next general assembly in six months. The Hon Ken Wyatt, Australian Minister of Indigenous Health gave the IWG a seeding grant that allowed us to have the launch, which was at the University of Geneva, which was attended by global dignitaries, leaders, our MOH senior staff including Dr Ashley Bloomfield who was in his role as DG for three days plus WHO, UNICEF staff. The week we were there we had 11.2 million tweet impressions and 1000 organisations and individuals watched the hui live online.

Q: What are the main aims of the Working Group, and what are some of the main achievements/highlights since it was launched?

Our aims are to provide an international platform for the voice of Indigenous public health supported by local, national, and international associates and organisations.

· Build and implement a 3-year work plan focused on priorities learned from evidence

-based research and face-to-face workshops held at identified international events and other relationship and network resources

· Continue to build a membership base of Indigenous and Associate members. Currently there are members and associate members from New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Republic of Congo, and Tunisia.

Q: As Chair now of the IWG what are your goals heading into the future?

We plan to grow the IWG membership. We would like to have a permanent seat similar to the Young Professionals seat on the governing council. Currently, only member nations can

have a seat. The health of Indigenous people (370 million) is not as prominent as it is in developed countries like ours. I see it not as our role but our duty to support indigenous health outcomes from our relative safety. Recently a British journalist and an Indigenous activist were murdered in the Brazilian rain forest.

Q: When we look back at your time at the WFPHA we acknowledge that you and your ‘better half’ Emma Rawson Te Patu, make a pretty good team! You’ve both played key roles in the WFPHA, in the IWG, and with Emma’s recent appointment as the first Indigenous woman vice-president and president-elect to WFPHA you must be so proud! How has this teamwork contributed to both your roles at the WFPHA?

Having served six years on the GC I am very happy to be replaced by someone who is familiar with, and familiar to the GC and staff in Geneva. We do make a good team, but my tenure was focused on creating and giving momentum to an indigenous presence. Her nomination was supported by our Māori caucus and our PHA Executive Council, then voted on by international public health leaders. Already she is achieving our IWG plan by chairing the WFPHA session at the APHA Conference Boston, convening a meeting at the European Public Health Conference Berlin and guest speaking to an international public health course at Oxford University. My role is to continue to lend support as her husband, business partner and colleague.

Senior Policy Advisor - Māori, Chris Webber outlines some Māori development

With Matariki and new year planning done, there’s a sense of urgency to save the world we know as public health emergencies escalate and all hands on deck are required - including Māori. A Māori framework is assisting our head office plans in this regard - evolving and being shared as people are ready. 

Kai Tahi
We have successfully trialed Kai Tahi 2nd Friday lunchtime zoom sessions for building Māori Capacity - this month being our fifth gathering with a focus on Manaakitanga and guest speaker Emma Rawson-Te Patu, President Elect of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (currently Vice President). Below are some links to the recorded  central portions of the sessions  which can be found at our workshops page on PHA.org.nz here. 

• Kai Tahi 1 (11 March 2022) - Reo-tanga and Guest PHANZ CEO Grant Berghan
• Kai Tahi 2 (8 April 2022) - Kaitiaki-tanga and Guest PHANZ Co-president Nari Faiers
• Kai Tahi 3 (13 May 2022) - Ūkaipō- tanga and Guest PHANZ Māori Caucus Chair, Karmin Erueti
• Kai Tahi 4 (10 June 2022) - Rangatira-tanga and Guest Digital Indigenous Director, Tania Hodges
• Kai Tahi 5 (8 July 2022) - Manaaki-tanga and Guest WFPHA President Elect, Emma Rawson-Te Patu

Mahi Tahi
With the need to ramp up efforts, we are moving to next steps in our ara poutama progression in the style of ‘Gather, Mobilise, Lead’. Mahi Tahi (work together as one) seeks to mobilise those who are gathering, by encouraging hands on deck as leaders emerge to drive passion or subject expertise. A monthly zoom check-in including training and support will be trialed 4th Friday lunchtimes (12-1pm) here or zoom 817 9954 3603  passcode 629772 - all welcome. Our Turanga Tukua submission hub website is hosting a Mahi Tahi base and sign-poster to group coordination here. If you want to lead or help with something, check the mahi tahi site for details and help us evolve it. Initial training will include sessions on emergency management, leadership, submission writing, policy and public health 101.

Toa Takitini - Champions Programme
The third initiative in our ara poutama (stairway to excellence) is Toa Takitini - a ‘champions’ development programme. We want to promote Toa (warriors) making a commitment to drive their passion or subject expertise with the support of others (takitini) and open pathways and platforms for the work to forge ahead. A current example is supporting our first indigenous women to lead the World Federation of Public Health Associations, Emma Rawson-Te Patu - who we had a karakia for at our July Kai Tahi to support the journey. We have set a goal to identify and set apart ten champions by December - contact chris@pha.org.nz for more information and check into the Mahi Tahi page to manage details