Public Health Association of New Zealand

Long drives from rural towns to the nearest healthcare providers are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the health challenges faced by rural communities in Aotearoa. Among the most pressing issues are mental health disparities, with suicide rates among rural males being 64% higher than in urban areas (Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, 2024). These disparities are further compounded by systemic barriers, limited access to healthcare, and inequitable funding. To address these issues, we need targeted policies that consider the unique needs of rural populations. Read Sheldon Aitken's mahi here: https://lnkd.in/gr6YYE5V

🌟 Nurture the Future Within 🌟 Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora have launched an innovative campaign aimed at empowering parents, wāhine, and whānau to prioritize alcohol-free pregnancies. The campaign focuses on preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. FASD can result in lifelong physical, behavioural, and intellectual challenges. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, which makes education and support vital. Together, we can create a healthier future for our tamariki and whānau by supporting alcohol-free pregnancies. Let’s protect and nurture the next generation. 💜 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gcHF7yAT #NurtureTheFuture #FASDPrevention #AlcoholFreePregnancy #HealthNZ

🛡️ COVID-19: A Shift to Personal & Community Responsibility In Aotearoa New Zealand, managing COVID-19 is now about personal choices and community care. Key updates include: ✅ Changes to isolation rules ✅ Streamlined notifications ✅ Updated guidance for GP visits ✅ Staying current with vaccinations 💡 PHANZ has created a poster with all the essential details to keep you and your whānau informed, proactive, and prioritising well-being. 📖 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g5Pg93Yd #COVID19 #PublicHealth #Aotearoa #CommunityCare #PHANZ

🚨 Whooping Cough Epidemic in Aotearoa New Zealand: What You Need to Know 🚨 Health authorities have confirmed that Aotearoa is in the early stages of a whooping cough (pertussis) epidemic, with cases steadily rising across the country. 📊 Key Stats: 263 new cases in the four weeks leading to 15 November 2024 (Ministry of Health). 161 additional cases reported in the week ending 6 December (RNZ News). Experts warn this epidemic could last 12–18 months, posing significant risks to vulnerable communities. A nationally coordinated response is underway to curb the spread. 💡 Stay informed and protect your whānau: 👉 Learn more and download the PHANZ fact sheet: https://lnkd.in/g3JeJa2Q #WhoopingCough #PublicHealth #StaySafeNZ #PHANZ 

✨ Join Liana Poutu for a Wānanga Series! ✨ Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa invites you to learn about the submission process through one of these upcoming sessions: 📍 Monday 16th December 2024 ⏰ 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM 📍 Ngāmotu House, Level 5, 139 Devon Street West, New Plymouth 💻 Wednesday 18th December 2024 ⏰ 7:00 PM 📍 Online via Zoom 📍 Thursday 19th December 2024 ⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Ngāmotu House, Level 5, 139 Devon Street West, New Plymouth 🎟 Register now: Click here to register: https://lnkd.in/gjUt9_De 📄 Learn more: View the PowerPoint presentation here: https://lnkd.in/gBZhpiKZ Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and support! 🌟 #TeKotahitangaOTeAtiawa #Wānanga #CommunitySupport

🚗 Why Does Transport Poverty Matter for Health? 🏥 In her thought-provoking piece, Angela Curl explores the significant, yet often overlooked, connection between transport poverty and health outcomes. 🚶♀️🚍 Transport poverty refers to the lack of affordable, accessible, or reliable transportation options, and its consequences are far-reaching. It disproportionately impacts those in lower-income communities, the elderly, and people with disabilities, limiting their ability to access healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Read Angela's mahi here: https://lnkd.in/gyvP8Xyc #TransportPoverty #HealthEquity #SocialJustice #PublicHealth #InclusiveCommunities #HealthAndWellbeing

A special thank you to Dr Angelique Reweti who this month shared her important and relevant presentation and research contributions. This webinar topic was Wāhi Kōrero, An innovative health research initiative that amplifies the voices of individuals and communities often left out of traditional healthcare conversations. The webinar recording will be available to members through the PHANZ members' portal. For more information on the Wāhi Kōrero project, please visit their website https://wahikorero.co.nz/

Join Our Feature Webinar with Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles 📅 When: Wednesday, 29th January 2025 🕐 Time: 1:10 PM - 1:45 PM (UTC+13) 📍 Where: Online 💵 Cost: $20 for non-members, FREE for members Topic: 🔹 Coping with Harassment and Abuse: Learn strategies for navigating harassment and abuse while holding your employer accountable for its policies. About Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles A trailblazer in microbiology and science communication, Siouxsie Wiles leads the Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab, where she researches new antibiotics and bacterial evolution. Her engaging communication style and advocacy have earned her numerous accolades, including the NZ Prime Minister’s Science Prize and being named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in 2021. Siouxsie’s innovative pandemic graphics, created with Toby Morris, have been globally celebrated for making complex science accessible. She’s also the author of Antibiotic Resistance: The End of Modern Medicine? and a champion of demystifying science for all audiences. 👉 Register here: Public Health Association of New Zealand Upcoming Events https://lnkd.in/gX3-nMUR Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of Aotearoa’s most influential voices in science and public health. 📢 Tag a friend or colleague who would benefit from this insightful webinar. #PublicHealth #PHANZ #Webinar

📜 Public Submissions on the Treaty Principals Bill Now Open: A Call to Action 📜   Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a foundational document, signed between two sovereign nations - tangata whenua and the Crown. Over time, due to conflicting translations of the Māori and English texts, guiding principles have been debated and developed by the Waitangi Tribunal, courts, government, and Treaty settlement processes to reflect the intent and spirit of Te Tiriti and The Treaty. Current Principles Include: 🤝 Partnership 🛡️ Active Protection ⚖️ Equity and Equal Treatment 🔄 Redress 📚 Informed Decision-Making 🌱 Self-Determination 🚀 Right of Development Now, the proposed Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 2024 aims to redefine these principles without consultation with tangata whenua, a key Tiriti partner. To engage in this critical conversation, Te Hāpai Te Hauora has developed a submission builder tool to help you craft your submission on the Bill. 💻 Get Started Here: https://lnkd.in/gi5XmGxw ⏰ Submission Deadlines: Via Te Hāpai Te Hauora website: By 12 PM, Monday, 6 January 2025 Official deadline: By 11:59 PM, Tuesday, 7 January 2025 Your voice matters. Let’s stand for the spirit and intent of Te Tiriti. ✊ #TeTiriti #Waitangi #Partnership #ActiveProtection #Equity #SelfDetermination #PublicHealth #Aotearoa