Man dies from Covid-19 in Middlemore Hospital
Via RNZ
A man in his 50s linked to the Auckland cluster has died at Middlemore Hospital today, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.
The death toll from Covid-19 in New Zealand is now 23.
The man was a confirmed case of Covid-19 and was being cared for in intensive care at Middlemore.
The ministry said his family were regularly updated, and his wife and son were able to visit him, using full PPE.
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said he acknowledged the anxiety New Zealanders "may be feeling about today's news, both in the wider community and also for the family and whanau grieving over this death".
"Our thoughts are with his family and community at this time of loss and grief.
"We have always recognised that further deaths linked to Covid-19 were possible. Although the health system has done and will continue to do everything we can to prevent them, this can be a very challenging virus to treat and for some people to recover from.…more
DWAYNE THE ROCK JOHNSON, HIS WIFE & 2 CHILDREN RECOVERING FROM COVID-19
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson shared in an instagram post earlier today that himself, his wife Lauren Hashian along with their 2 young daughters Jasmine (4yrs) and Tiana (2yrs) are recovering from Covid19 after testing postive about three weeks ago.
He revealed they caught it off close family friends who had visited with them not realising they were positive at the time.
Dwayne said his two young daughters, exhibited mild symptoms, but he and his wife, Lauren Hashian, were a different story.
"I can tell you that this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family," he said. "And for me personally, too, as well, and I've gone through some doozies in the past."
"But I am happy to tell you guys that we as a family are good. We are on the other end of it. We are on the other side. We are no longer contagious. And we are -- thank god -- we are healthy," he said.…more
Covid19 Pacific Update - 03 September 20
New Zealand has entered its fourth week of Covid19 community transmission after the initial lockdown earlier in the year. New Zealand is now at Alert Level 2.5 restrictions for Auckland (masks on public transport mandatory plus restrictions on mass gatherings) and Alert Level 2 restrictions for the rest of the country have been extended.
We're giving daily updates via the Ministry of Health and the Prime Minister on our Facebook page.
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Here is our update for the Pacific Region below -
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Increased Support needed for Pacific students to stay in school
Pacific high school students who are dropping out of school to help with the family income during the Covid-19 crisis should be provided with appropriate support to ensure their education is prioritised, says a leading Pacific psychologist.
Dr Byron Seiuli, a member of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) who is based in Hamilton, says leaving school for Pacific students may be the best short-term solution during the pandemic but may not help their families in the long term.
“Research has shown that those who drop out of school to help their families do not overcome the income barrier they initially face. Instead this behaviour perpetuates the cycle and it does not get any better for the student or their families,” he says.
“Many Pacific families have already sacrificed a lot to get their children through higher education so they can be in better paid employment and provide them with improved economic independence.…more
Asuelu’s cash – is sending money traditional Samoan culture?
By Lefaoali’i Dion Enari
Watching Asuelu, his wife, mum and sisters argue over money on 90 day fiance has sparked much debate. Some believe he did not give enough, while others found the request for one thousand extreme.
The more I watched the show, the less I judged, and realised how complex the situation was for Asuelu.
As a Christian husband and father, under the bible, it is his responsibility to protect and provide for his wife and kids. Simultaneously, as a Samoan son and brother, he is also bound by the feagaiga (sacred covenant) between his mother and sisters, with a duty to love, care and protect them. As a Samoan Christian he must consult with his wife and listen to the fautuaga (advice) of his mother and sisters.
Irrespective of if the show is scripted or not, this is a lived experience for many of us. We face challenges that come with balancing roles as a married partner, parent, son/daughter and sibling, whilst also providing tautua (service) to our extended family.…more
Compliance and awareness critical in keeping Pacific families safe at Alert Level 2
As Auckland adjusted to moving back into Alert Level 2.5 yesterday, a senior Pacific doctor says the Pacific community needs to clearly understand the new restrictions in order to further safeguard their families from Covid-19.
Senior member of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Dr Collin Tukuitonga, who also chairs the Pacific Expert Advisory Group to the Associate Minister of Health, says while there’s still community transmission being reported, families should remain alert and embrace the new guidelines.
There are around 132 active cases and more than 127 of which are linked to the Auckland August cluster, which is the largest the country has seen.
“Three quarters of the cases in the Auckland cluster have been Pasifika people. It’s important that we continue to adhere to the current guidelines and embrace the new ones,” says Dr Tukuitonga. “Two additional requirements are really important; one is to avoid mass gatherings. People need to understand that there’s a limit of ten people if you want to meet in a group.…more
Keepin it Fresh - TIRA (Choir Event in Auckland)
Tira in maori means 'Choir' and at this free public event, everyone came together to gather around some prominent artists (mostly of maori heritage) and sing songs together as a community.
An amazing way to unite people with the reo Hatea Kapa Haka was one of the groups who were invited to come down and share their voices and waiata.
They also back up Hollie Smith on one of her most well known songs - 'Bathe in the River'
TUA | Homecoming - Part 1: Tua Tagovailoa returns to Hawaii for first time since championship game
In 2018, Tua Tagovailoa and his family returned home to Hawaii for the first time since moving to Alabama the year before.
Take a behind-the-scenes look, as the Tagovailoas reunited with family and friends for a celebration-filled week.
Check out the full five-part series, TUA | Homecoming here - you'll be transported to Tua's hometown of Ewa Beach and meet the people who helped raise him.
Being inclusive with our elders during Covid-19 resurgence
The impact of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis is deeply affecting our elderly with an increase in anxiety and depression amongst the group, says a leading Pacific old age psychiatrist.
Dr Etuini Ma’u, a member of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) who is based at Waikato Hospital, says families need to take extra care to ensure that the Pacific elderly have the right support and reassurance during these uncertain times.
“The impact of lockdown is affecting the elderly deeply. There’s been an increase of anxiety and depression. The longer this drags out, the harder it will be for them.
It’s about maintaining that social connection and recognising that this is a very disruptive and uncertain time for your parents, for your elderly. Stay in contact, touch base with them regularly, offer them practical support, given the recommendation is that vulnerable people stay home.…more
L EYES - SAMOAN RANGE/FDKNS TRIBUTE
Poly entrepreneurs Dave Parker from Parker Films (Samoan) and Martin Coromandel (Maori) who owns & runs eyewear company L Eyes with his wife Allies in Brisbane, have collaborated on the 'Samoan Range' of eyewear to showcase the love for their culture.
L.Eyes is a small family business originally from New Zealand but now residing in Australia. They wanted to bring a product like no other to the eyewear market and have a number of Maori inspired designs in their eyewear catalogue and range.
The Samoan range which Dave has teamed up with them on, officially dropped at midnight/early hours this morning and can be purchased at the L Eyes Website here - https://www.leyesstore.com/collections/685-range/products/samoan-range
The frames were designed by Martin's brother Jared using the Samoan patterns from Dave's sleeve and each pair is handmade with unique wooden temples by L.EYES. Dave says it'll be the last time they do these specific designs and there's a limited number of stock so you'll need to get in quick if you'd like to purchase a pair.…more