Congratulations to 1 News Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver who won 2 major awards at the Voyager Media Awards last night for her coverage of the Samoa Measles Epidemic last year.  

Barbara who was born and brought up in her Mothers home island of Kiribati has always been passionate about the Pacific Islands and fighting for Pacific Islands issues to be covered in mainstream media.

She said of winninng both awards "I am so super proud to take out two major categories - 'Best TV news story' and 'Best coverage of a major event' but winning it for my Samoan measles coverage is bittersweet. While I am thrilled that the significance of this tragic event is recognised it does feel wrong in some ways to celebrate because of the lifetime of hurt so many families have ahead of them." 

She said the Samoan measles epidemic affected her profoundly on both a personal and professional level and she really struggled with witnessing so much needless grief.…more

The Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) scholarship recipient, Pyllein Pauli Taetafe, says that her career as a nurse has helped her realise her dream of helping children suffering with illnesses. 

“Seeing children suffer with their illness is sad. But I get my strength from knowing that I’ve given them the best care possible and the times I’ve made them smile, encourages me as I know I’ve done my small part to make them happy.” 

She says she can empathize with families, after having to overcome the death of her own father when she was just seven years old. 

“When my dad was dying, I experienced the process from a child’s lens and now as an adult I’m seeing children being sick, so the emotional connection is real for me and I feel I’ve come full circle.” 

She says the job becomes difficult when patients succumb to their illnesses, especially children. 

“I’m a Sunday school teacher and a youth leader so my passion for children does come through.…more

For first-time mum Louina Tuipulotu being pregnant and having a baby during the Covid-19 lockdown period, made her feel extremely anxious.  But when she finally gave birth at the end of April to a healthy daughter and held her newborn in her arms, all that worry went away.

“I’m glad we are both well and healthy. I’m enjoying being a mother for the first time.”

Normally, the Tongan mother and her husband Viliami would rely on their large extended family to support them. But the Hamilton couple only had each other during her pregnancy and while Louina gave birth to their daughter Fusi Athaliah. She says the experience brought her and her husband closer together.

“I was supported because my husband has been taking very good care of me. It’s made me feel comfortable and relaxed.”

Ngatepaeru Marsters, a midwifery clinical educator and member of the Pasifika Medical Association, says Pasifika mothers who are giving birth during this time have had to adapt without having their families by them for support.…more

On May 15th, a group of 10 from 4TK/ 4 Tha Kulture (South Auckland Climate Change Activism Group), visited landmarks from all around South Auckland, armed with banners and chalk.

“It’s important for our Pacific and wider community to understand how COVID-19 and climate change are directly related, especially with the rising sea levels in the Pacific Islands as well as the growing rate of natural disasters like Cyclone Herold. The future of our people depends on it.” Says 17-year-old South Auckland 4 Tha Kulture (4TK) Organiser Aigagalefili Fepulea’i - Tapua’i.

The May 15th strike was solely centred on 4 Tha Kulture’s new demand, alongside School Strike 4 Climate (SS4C), for a Green COVID-19 Response. They demand that, as Aotearoa now begins to offset the economic impacts of COVID-19, the Government must invest in building a renewable and regenerative economy. This must be done through meaningful partnerships with communities, Tangata Whenua and Pasifika, and youth to ensure a just transition and that no one is left behind.…more