Coco Talanoa — Coco News / Page 18

As New Zealand continues to be in lockdown and Covid cases increase in the community, getting vaccinated is of great importance. Here are a few things you should know about the vaccination process in Aotearoa.

“When you get vaccinated, you are not just protecting yourself but also your aiga, friends, churches and community. The vaccine is free and available to everyone aged 16 and over. It will help to protect Aotearoa from COVID-19”

- The Ministry of Pacific People 

Vaccination Appointments and Bookings

If you are aged 30 or over, or you are in Groups 1, 2 or 3, you can book your vaccinations now. Parents or guardians who are eligible to book for a vaccination can also book in a vaccination for any 12 to 15-year-olds in their whānau. This will make it more convenient for whole families to be vaccinated at the same time.

Bookings for everyone aged 12 and over open next Wednesday on 1 September. When it is your time to book, there is no cut off — you can book any time.…more

via Pasifika Medical Association Group 

Collective responsibility between different organisations and Pacific providers is the thread that binds them together as Pacific communities continue to be the worst affected by New Zealand’s current Covid-19 Delta outbreak. 

Amidst concerns around the Government’s response to the needs of Pacific communities during this current Covid-19 crisis, several Pacific leaders say it highlights the importance of working together to address the needs of the Pacific community.

Director of Pacific Health at the Ministry of Health (MoH), Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, says her relationship with Pasifika Futures (PFL) allows for a better understanding of the communities needs.

“Pasifika Futures have access to the Pacific communities and so we get a holistic picture of what’s going on and are able to provide services to what people need on the ground.  

I hear the concerns of our community and we try our best to meet those needs, but it can’t be done alone.…more

The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics Games officially kicked off on Tuesday night with the opening ceremony held at Japan's impressive national stadium.  Like the Olympics, the games were to have taken place last year but were postponed due to the Covid pandemic and the opening ceremony was not able to include spectators.

The twelve-day sporting celebration includes a total of 539 events in 22 para sports. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said a total of 161 countries and 4,500 para athletes are taking part in this years games and includes the Refugee Paralympic Team.…more

Soul Cafe & Barber shop opened on Rarotonga last week and for co-owners Caleb Tatuava and Vou Williams, it's a dream fulfilled ten years in the making.

The funky new establishment which is located in Tupapa/Maraerenga, only 10 minutes walk from Avarua has a unique menu specialising in 'Build your own' sandwiches similar to Subway and a smoothie menu made from fruit growing on and around the island with hip hop inspired names.

The hip hop flavour also spills onto the Barber shop side with a massive mural dedicated to hip hop greats Tupac, Biggie, Snopp Dogg, Ice Cube & Eminem.  The shop is only one of three barber shops on the island and hopes to fill a gap in the market for local youth.…more

Pacific families continue to seek immediate support from the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) through Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora agency for Pacific families as the Covid-19 Delta outbreak continues to worsen and Alert Level 4 lock down is extended further.

Speaking in a talanoa for 531 PI’s Pacific Mornings radio show yesterday, CEO of PMA, Debbie Sorensen, says demand for the lockdown support from families grows daily and all the PFL partners throughout the country are responding as fast as they can.

She says over 4600 people have accessed support as well as over 3000 food parcels being distributed to date.  

“The most important things at the moment are of course food supplies, food security and making sure that they can pay their bills.”

Mrs Sorensen stresses that due to the size of the Delta outbreak, there are a lot more families needing to self-isolate and will need this additional support as well. PFL partners offer an assortment of services and this includes mental health and wellbeing support.…more

Almost all of the eligible population of the Cook Islands group has now had both Pfizer Covid 19 jabs including the outer islands enua. The Islands are currently in Alert Level 2 after the announcement of NZ's Covid 19 positive cases.

A rapid roll out of Covid testing on Rarotonga saw a fast and effective testing process of the 3000 plus tourists that came into the island via the NZ travel bubble in the Covid positive period.…more

via Pasifika Medical Association 

Amidst the current level4 lockdown in New Zealand, Pacific businesses are still hustling to survive. Small businesses have felt the brunt of the Pandemic and they are even more disadvantaged during lockdown. Although this hasn't deterred Pacific businesses owners who continue to stay resilient.

Here are ways you can use that coffee money you've been saving to support small Pasifika businesses.

1. Order from the businesses that are open.

A handful of Pacific businesses can operate during Alert Level 4 and are ready to meet your lockdown needs.

Currently, Sweet & Me are operating safely under alert level 4 and offering delivery services to those who want to order an island styled treat during lockdown.…more

Amidst the current level4 lockdown in New Zealand, Pacific businesses are still hustling to survive. Small businesses have felt the brunt of the Pandemic and they are even more disadvantaged during lockdown. Although this hasn't deterred Pacific businesses owners who continue to stay resilient.

Here are ways you can use that coffee money you've been saving to support small Pasifika businesses.

1. Order from the businesses that are open.

A handful of Pacific businesses can operate during Alert Level 4 and are ready to meet your lockdown needs.

Currently, Sweet & Me are operating safely under alert level 4 and offering delivery services to those who want to order an island styled treat during lockdown.…more

Via Pasifika Medical Association Group 

Etu Pasifika the largest Pacific health provider in Christchurch re-opened their Covid-19 vaccination centre last week and are experiencing a surge in bookings for the vaccine from Pacific families.  

Clinical Director for Etu Pasifika, Dr Monica Nua-George says the change in alert levels has seen more Pacific people calling their clinic to book their vaccination for themselves and their families.  

“We’re looking at a lot more people than our previous weeks and we have  processes in place to manage the increased load while maintaining the Alert Level 4 restrictions.…more