Wellington Choir in Fiji – Methodist Church Conference 2005

Former Wellingtonian & Journalist dies after Asthma Attack

Farewell for a journo – Kavai (Kavs) Damu
by Paula Tagivetaua
FIJI TIMES – Friday, January 08, 2010

TODAY I pay tribute to a friend, fellow journalist and kai noqu.

They buried Kavai Damu at midday yesterday at Vatuwaqa cemetery — far from home in Saqani, Cakaudrove and vanua ni vasu in Dama, Bua but to the Tamavua Seventh-Day Adventist church of which he was a member — at home with God. He passed away on January 1, at Rakiraki.

More than 300 relatives, media colleagues, friends from all walks of life, former classmates of Queen Victoria School and members of the police media cell attended a requiem church service at the SDA church on Princes Road yesterday.

The eulogies from media reps, family, vanua and church read the story of a man who was in every way the prodigal son of the Bible in the sense that he left the church and firm Christian upbringing he grew up in to embrace the world, fall in love with the pleasures it had to offer and in the end, had the strength of faith and character to make his peace with God before God took him home.

I came to know Kavai or tamadrau na drua after he entered the mainstream media several years ago and through grog sessions at the Ravais at Mead Road with his wife Sara.

Every time we met, he was always cracking a joke and making people laugh and other times we met, he seemed to be red-faced and tipsy.

He always treated me with a level of respect he did not accord other people. He always addressed me miau or kai noqu which showed he knew where he came from. He was in fact a full-blooded kai Vanua Levu.

Many remember Kavai for the character he was — full of life and wit. I never heard him speak badly of a person.

He loved the world and all it had to offer and in turn was loved by all he touched.

He lived life to the full in the real sense, as if he lived up to the motto of his Bure Rewa at QVS which was Teri kawai or if he had to put it in the Bua dialect – Why bother.

As such, nothing seemed to bother him — he drank everything and smoked everything but behind all his escapades and mischief, he was a good father and family man who carried out his obligations to the full.

One time he read the sports news in Fijian, previewing the Super 14 match of the week.

“Kemuni na dau taleitaka na qito rakavi, na qito levu ena macawa ‘qo rau na sota kina na timi ni Cagilaba kei iratou na Pusi.”

Kavai meant the Super 14 match between the Hurricanes and the Cats.

Such was his wit that he sometimes mispronounced deliberately just to make people laugh, like the time he mispronounced Tana Umaga’s name but I dare not say because it is rudish.

One time he gave a kerosene stove as a Christmas gift to a workmate and another time he fakawela their TV to someone he had wet during New Year’s celebrations.

He was an asthmatic and once said that he was “experienced with the pump”.

If I had to collate all the anecdotes of Kavai from his 39 years – the jokes and mischief he got into – I would fill a volume but I leave them as memories to people who knew him.

When media colleagues presented their reguregu on Tuesday at Oneata Street in Nabua, I passed my condolences to Sara with a handshake and she found it hard to speak.

“Isa, Mod, I wish I had gone with them.” Sara had to work through New Year’s Day.

“It was just him and the kids and mum and right now, it’s like he’s just gone to Hong Kong and has not come back yet.”

Last year, Sara said Kavai took the kids to Bua and this year they went to Rakiraki on a round-the-island trip with his parents. They said he had planned to start a newsletter for his church which had confirmed him as their information minister.

His last act was to leave the hospital at Vaileka where he was waiting to be treated and go to the shop and buy goodies for the children who were victims of a road accident hours before, at the expense of his own life.

After that he went home and collapsed and when rushed to hospital the women there wailed “isa, na turaga qo e se qai mai solia ga qo na kakana vei ira na gone”.

The pastor who went to bring his body said the nurse on duty that New Year’s morning told him “this man’s death was different, when they brought his body he seemed to be smiling”.

I want to share something Kavai wrote and sent to friends on the net which gives a measure of the father he was.

It goes:

My eldest son goes to special school. After spending two years in early childhood intervention, Tu-na started Class One at Hilton School this year while his ‘normal’ twin sister is in Class Four.

A medical muck-up early in Tu-na’s life set him back, I believe, although he was the stronger of the twins and the first to speak. I still remember his first word — “taxeee”.

After two serious operations, nine-year-old Tu-na makes a big mess at meal time, needs a hand getting dressed and has difficulty reading and writing his ABC, amongst his other disabilities.

Like Shay (Kavai is referring to the story of another kid), Tu-na also has this “strong desire of belonging and be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps”.

It does present a challenge to a parent like me but at the same time I’m blessed to witness God’s power manifested in Tu-na’s life. He has so much love to give. When I have my asthma attacks he is always coming around asking if I am all right, scurrying around for my inhaler and even rubbing my back.

Whenever I am sick, he is the most eager one in the family to help get a glass of water or look for my medicine and is always on standby should I require anything else. And whenever I konk out in our lounge from a long day’s work, he is usually the one covering me with a blanket in the middle of the night.

It is for the sake of my son and his other equally loving siblings that I often pray to God to sustain me so I can see them through to their adult life and, more importantly, prepare them for Jesus’ second coming.

I know that God has prepared a place for people like Tu-na and Shay where they will find ever lasting joy. That place is also for us if we believe in him. He is coming back. The signs are there.

Many will preach to us about this and that but we should always test these teachings by the Bible (I John 4:1), (Acts 17:11).

It is the only infallible guide for us in these times (Isaiah 8:20).

Study it prayerfully. God has promised that we will find him if we seek him. We have hope because he has overcome evil (John 16:44). All we have to do is connect to him (John 15:5).

God bless.

Kavai leaves behind Sara and their four children.

Rest in peace kai noqu.

Moce, our friend Kavai
Shalveen Chand
Fiji Times news – Friday, January 08, 2010

Two-year-old Frances Damu at the Vatuwaqa cemetery. Picture: ELIKINUKUTABU

JOURNALIST and editor Kavai Damu was laid to rest yesterday as family and friends gathered at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tamavua to bid adieu to a man who left a legacy in field of journalism.

Kavai had a big heart, said Fiji Broadcasting Corporation news director Stanley Simpson as he read an eulogy prepared by media colleagues.

“His loss is not just a loss for the journalists of today, but for the journalists who will join us in the future. They will miss the services of a senior experienced journalist like Kavai.”

Damu died as a result of a severe asthma attack in Rakiraki on January 1.

According to staff at the Rakiraki Hospital, Damu had an initial attack early that morning and used a nebuliser.

He later returned with biscuits and cakes for children who had been injured in an accident the night before.

He had another attack later in the day which proved fatal.

Wife Sara and three-year-old daughter, Frances led the pallbearers into the church.

Tears streamed down Frances’ cheeks, moving the congregation to tears.

Mr Simpson read: “I know that Kavai would have been chuckling to see me up here. He would have been chuckling to see all his colleagues here in church, some of whom he would be well aware, have not been inside a church for a very long time.”

He added that in losing Damu, the media industry not only lost an editor but a workmate, and a colleague.

“We are going to be one short too of a friend, a father and a brother.

“The media family has lost one of its significant leaders, someone who would have been extremely valuable in moulding future journalists and developing the Fiji media” said Mr Simpson.

Damu began his journalism career on the FM96 radio waves, becoming a familiar voice on air. In 2003 he joined the Review magazine and later went to become the news editor for online media company, fijilive.com.

Damu was laid to rest at the Vatuwaqa Cemetery. His casket was carried to his final resting place by members of different media organisations.

He is survived by wife Sara, children Frances, Sephaniah, and twins Moritikei and Kiana

Journalists mourn fallen friend
Fijilive News – 4 Jan 2010

Members of Fiji’s journalism fraternity are mourning the sudden loss of FijiLive.com news editor Kavai Damu who died as a result of an asthma attack on New Year’s Day.

Damu, 39, died at the Rakiraki Hospital while on holiday with family members including his wife Sara, their four children, his parents and siblings.

Originally of Bua, he was educated at Queen Victoria School and later studied in New Zealand on a scholarship.

In expressing their condolences, industry members have described Damu as a talented individual, a leader, a friend to many and who was always willing to help.

Damu will be buried at the Vatuwaqa cemetery on Thursday following a funeral service at the Princes Road Seventh Day Adventist Church at 10am.

Fiji Sun News – 4 Jan 2010
The sudden death of Fijilive.com Editor, Kavai Damu, has shocked the media fraternity.
Mr Damu, commonly known to friends as Kavs, passed away in Rakiraki after an asthma attack on Friday.

Radio News Director Vijay Narayan said Mr Damu would be missed.

“I worked with him for three years,” said Mr Narayan.

“He started his media career in 2000 and we worked together during the May 2000 coup and the 2001 general election.

“I was very close to him and he left us in 2003 to pursue other dreams.

He described Mr Damu as a person with many dreams.

Another of his colleague, Maikeli Seru described Mr Damu as a true friend and mentor.

“For the many years I have known him, Mr Damu has always been generous and full of life. I appreciate having him as a friend and a colleague,” said Mr Seru who is now a sub- editor at the FijiSUN.

Mr Damu is survived by his wife Sarah who is a radio announcer and their four children

Fiji Times News – 2 Jan 2010

Journalist Kavai Damu died at the Rakiraki Hospital on New Year’s Day after an asthma attack.

He was on holiday with his children, parents and siblings when he had the asthma attack and was rushed to the Rakiraki Hospital.

Kavai’s journalism career involved broadcast and print media. He started as a newscaster on the FM96 and Legend FM airwaves. He also led the online news team of fijilive.com.

Kavai was originally from the province of Bua in Vanua Levu. He finished his secondary education at Queen Victoria School and was awarded a scholarship to study in New Zealand.

His body was brought to the Suva Private Hospital yesterday. Kavai is survived by wife Sara and their four children.

Cyclone Mick hits Fiji

By MICHAEL FIELD – Stuff.co.nz – 14/12/2009

A strengthening Cyclone Mick has started to pound Fiji’s major tourist area of the Yasawa Islands this morning.

Fiji’s Meteorological Service says Mick has intensified with winds of 80kph an hour gusting to 100kph.

The latest warning says the cyclone will hit the Yawawa and Mamanuca Islands, the main populated island of Viti Levu and Beqa.

There are usually around 6000 New Zealand tourists in Fiji in December.

By 7pm on Monday the cyclone is expected to be centred around 20 kilometres north east of the international airport at Nadi.

There are warnings of sea flooding in low lying coastal areas.

On Vanua Levu several villages have been evacuated as people head to higher ground.

State owned Fiji Broadcasting said the Emergency Operations Centre has activated its emergency evacuation centres.

All communities are advised to move to these centres if they see the need to do so.

A gale force wind warning has been issued for Vanua Levu, Viti Levu, Taveuni and the Northern Lau Groups while other areas have a strong wind warning.

Taveuni Island had cut its power supply in a bid to ensure any damage to generators was minimized.

In January at least 11 people died in a severe storm that afflicted the western part of Viti Levu.

Former Wellingtonian Doing Well in Fiji

From rags to riches
Fiji Sun – 18 November 2009

Nemani Tueli dropped out of school in form five after his family could no longer afford his education.
Today, Tueli is a successful businessman owning a security firm and a café in Namaka, Nadi.

The 51-year-old said everyone goes through phases in their life which builds what is in store for their future.

Mr Tueli said he had spent 15 years in New Zealand which helped change his life and made him what he is today.

“I had to look for a better life and when I went to New Zealand in 1986 I didn’t know it was my destiny,” he said.

“For me to survive I had to do it. That’s what I have been through and driven by faith in my life. The poor upbringing hurts when I look back. That’s why some of the kids have to go through these phases of life to become someone.

“Life is more than this-that’s how you see things. I looked at the opportunity and I said, I can do that, that’s where I am now. “Somehow I was driven by surviving factors the way I was brought up that drove me to break into that barrier.”

The Kaba villager from Tailevu owns Rhino Security and Chit Chat café.

Tueli started his security business in 2004 when he returned from New Zealand where he had been working as a security contractor.

In 2007, he diversified and ventured into the restaurant business.

Mr Tueli said Nadi has become his home now and he sees a lot of potential in it.

He said everyone needs to get education to achieve their goals.

“I send my children to International School so that they get education-something which I could not fulfill when I was young,” he said.

“Education is the key for the future. Try and achieve your education and you have to respect the other races as well. You learn a lot from that when you understand each other.

Tueli is married to Akanisi and they have three children, Ruci, Meli and Lenuasi.

He now spends most of his time helping the Nadi Rugby Union where he is the chairman

PASIFIKA FESTIVAL FOOD, ARTS & CRAFTS APPLICATION FORMS

Bula Vinaka

All those wanting to put up stalls at next year, February 2010, WELLINGTON PASIFIKA FESTIVAL!!!!!

A reminder that ALL foodstalls / Arts & Crafts application forms are due in THIS FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 5pm at the Council Reception.

Late applications will not be looked at unless prior arrangements have been made.

Please let me know if you need more forms.

Below is a list of what I have so far.

Samoa: FOOD – 2; ARTS & CRAFTS – 1

Tonga: FOOD; – None; ARTS & CRAFTS – 1

Niue: FOOD; – None; ARTS & CRAFTS – 1

Cook Islands: FOOD; – None; ARTS & CRAFTS – None

Fiji: FOOD; – None; ARTS & CRAFTS – None

Tuvalu: FOOD; – None; ARTS & CRAFTS – None

Tokelau: FOOD; – None; ARTS & CRAFTS – None

For Inquiries or questions, please contact:

Bessie Fepulea’i
Pacific Advisor
Wellington City Council
04 499 4444
04 803 8398
www.wellington.co.nz

2009 PIPSA Conference

Fale Pasifika, 20 Wynyard Street, University of Auckland 3-4 December, 2009

Theme: Pacific Democracy: What’s Happening?

More than 50 papers will be presented by leading scholars, analysts and political commentators from around the Pacific region including Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, Australia, United States, Japan, Niue, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, on issues relating to constitutional change, coups, political violence, human rights, development, corruption, peace-building and conflict resolution, alternative political systems, parliamentary democracy and more.

Sir Paul Reeves, former Governor General of New Zealand, distinguished statesman and eminent political mediator in the Pacific region, will open the conference. Sir Paul Reeves’ speech will focus on problems of democratization in the Pacific.

The keynote speaker on day 2 (December 4) is Mr Phil Goff, former Minister for Foreign Affairs who will be speaking on “Pasifika New Zealanders in the new political scene.” PIPSA was established in Hawaii in 1987 as a forum for Pacific scholars, policy makers and analysts to engage in discussion, research and publications about political issues in the Pacific islands.

The PIPSA general conference takes place once every two years in different locations around the Pacific, including Port Vila, Suva, Noumea, Queensland, Rarotonga, Honolulu, Christchurch and Guam. You are welcome to attend. The registration fees are: Academics (F/T) and Employed (F/T) (Non PIPSA Member)-NZ$80.00; Academics (F/T) Employed (F/T) (PIPSA Member)-NZ $70.00; Students/Pensioners-NZ$50.00.

PIPSA conference organizing team Steve Ratuva, PIPSA President, University of Auckland (s.ratuva@auckland.ac.nz)

David Hegarty, PIPSA Vice President, Australian National University (david.hegarty@anu.edu.au)

Jonathan Schultz, PIPSA Secretary/Treasurer, University of Melbourne (j.schultz@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au)

Tarcisius Kabutaulaka, Committee member, University of Hawaii (tkabutau@hawaii.edu)

Anne Brown, Committee member, University of Queensland (anne.brown@uq.edu.au)

Tina McNicholas, Committee member, Pacific Cooperation Foundation, (Tina@pcf.org.nz)

Folole Asaua, Conference coordinator, University of Auckland (f.asaua@auckland.ac.nz). For further information please contact Folole Asaua (f.asaua@auckland.ac.nz)

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Day 1 (December 3)

8-8.30 Registration

8.30-8.45 Traditional Maori and Pacific Island welcome

8.45-8.55 Welcome and introduction, Dr Steven Ratuva, President PIPSA

8.55-9.30 Opening and keynote address, Sir Paul Reeves, The crisis of democracy in the Pacific: The case of Fiji

9.30-10.00 Morning tea

10.00-11.30 Plenary: Coups and the crisis of democracy in Fiji – Facilitator:

Shubhash Appanna (Auckland Institute of Studies), From democratic dictatorship to democracy in Fiji. Dr Susanna Trnka (The University of Auckland), From the ground up: Ethnographic analysis of ethnic identity, violence, and the state in Fiji. Hélène Goiran (New Caledonian independent scholar), The political roles of the Fiji military: a history of the chiefs’ warriors, heroes of the World Wars, peacekeepers and dictators Rev Akuila Yabaki (Fiji Citizens Constitutional Forum), From paramountcy to equality: Constitutionalism, dialogue and ethno-political conflict in Fiji

11.30-1.00 Plenary: Democracy in Samoa – Facilitator:

Dr Desmond Amosa (University of the South Pacific), Political stability in Samoa: A devil in disguise? Falaniko Tominiko (University of Auckland), Temokalasima le fa’amatai: A true democracy or dictatorship in disguise? Tamara Tulitua (University of Auckland), Talatala le upega: Disentangling the net-Samoan culture, identity and politics

1.00-2.00 Lunch 2.00-3.00 Plenary: Politics in the French Pacific – Facilitator:

Dr Mathias Chauchat (University of New Caledonia), Seeking a collegial politics in New Caledonia today Dr Sémir Al Wardi (University of French Polynesia), Tahitian democracy: a specific political culture Dr Christophe Chabrot (University of New Caledonia), Citizen involvement in the independence or autonomy process in New Caledonia

3.00-3.30 Afternoon tea

3.30-4.30 Plenary: Democratic reforms in Tonga – Facilitator:

Tevita Havea (University of Auckland), The Constitution of the Kingdom of Tonga v. Democracy Prof Ian Campbell (University of the South Pacific), Pacific democracy: What’s happening in Tonga? Dr Malakai Koloamatagi (University of Canterbury), Constitutional reform and democratization in Tonga

4.30-6.00 Plenary: Democracy in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands – Facilitator:

Dr Bill Standish (Australian National University) PNG: Reforming sub-regional democracy. Or not? Gordon Nanau (Solomon Islands College of Higher Education), Understanding vulnerability, insecurity and instability in the Solomon Islands Jackson Gege (Solomon Islands College of Higher Education), The impact of public service management practices on democracy in the Solomon Islands. Joe Kanekane (PNG Law and Justice Sector) Informing and educating the masses under a stable government, an analysis of how the media in Papua New Guinea is performing its role, under the National Alliance led government from 2002- to the present.

6.30-9.00 Cocktail

Day 2 (Friday 4)

8.30-10.30 Plenary: Pacific women and politics – Facilitator:

Dr Christine Forster (University of Queensland); Sexual offences, law reform in Pacific Islands: Replacing colonial norms with international good practice standards Dr Yvonne Underhill-Sem (University of Auckland), Sexual and gender-based violence as a regional politic issue: taking us back to move us forward? Dr Alumita Durutalo (University of the South Pacific), The principle of political equality in Pacific electoral systems: case study of women’s participation in Fiji’s elections since 1972 Dr Lawrence Kalinoe (University of Papua New Guinea), PNG – Nominated women MPs and reserved seats for women? Dr Asenati Liki Chan Tung (Australian National University), Women and Leadership in Pacific Public Sectors – Samoa and Solomon Islands

10.30-11 Morning tea

11-12 Plenary: Pasifika politics in NZ – Facilitator:

Keynote: Hon. Phil Goff (NZ Leader of the Opposition), Pasifika New Zealanders in the new political scene Hon Carmel Sepuloni (NZ Labour Party), Voting patterns of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand elections Peni Fa’alogo (University of Auckland), So you are sorry: what does that mean? Can the apology reshape the collective membership of Samoan New Zealanders?

12-1 Plenary: Pacific ParliamentsFacilitator: Dr Quinton Clements (Center for Democratic Institutions, Australian National University), Pacific Parliaments: Research Report Prof Bob Nakamura (New York State University) Pacific parliaments: Research report Afamasaga Toleafoa (Samoan economist/diplomat/politician/consultant), Pacific parliaments: Research report David Hegarty (Australian National University) Melanesian local governance – Absent the state

1.00-2.00 Lunch Parallel session A (Room 104) Parallel session B (Room 107) Parallel session C (Room 108)

2.00-300 Democracy, civil society and the media – Facilitator:

Dr Crosbie Walsh (University of the South Pacific), Political Blogs on Fiji: Cybernet Democracy or What? Dr Mark Hayes (Queensland University of Technology), What to do when statements fail: Responding to assaults on media freedom in Fiji and PNG Jan Beange (Barrister and Solicitor), Promoting civil society voice in the Pacific-Does NZ charity law impose regulatory barriers to [private aid? Traditional governance, identity and youth Facilitator: Tarisi Vunidilo (Archaeologist), Na bula vakavanua: Case study of change in contemporary village governance in Fiji: An indigenous view Dr Patrick Vakaoti (University of Otago) and Vanisha Mishra (University of the South Pacific),An exploration of youth leadership role in Fiji Birtha Richmond-Tongahai (Niue Government), Findings of Niue’s inaugural Youth Assembly project Human Rights and corruption – Facilitator: Rebecca Emery (Amnesty International, NZ), AI human rights abuse assessment method Apolosi Bose (Amnesty International, London), Human rights abuse in Fiji Dr Peter Larmour (Australian National University), Anti-corruption and anti-politics in the Pacific Islands

3.00-3.30 Afternoon tea Parallel session A (Room 104) Parallel session B (Room 107) Parallel session C (Room 108)

3.30-5.30 Democracy and development Facilitator:

Trisia Farrelly (Massey University), Democracy and development: An indigenous Fijian example Dr Haruo Nakagawa (University of the South Pacific), Democracy, governance and growth Scott Hook (University of Queensland), Indigenous capacity development and local institutional structures-is there a role for the World Bank (and other donors)? Rethinking democracy and human rights Facilitator: Tui Rakuita (Australian National University), Disentangling language games: Problems associated with democratic practice in Oceania Hūfanga Dr ’Okusitino Māhina (Vava’u Academy for Critical Inquiry & Applied Research),Culture and Identity: A Tā-Vā, Time-Space, Theory of Democracy Dr Volker Boege (University of Queensland), Democracy and custom – incompatibilities or complementarities? Legitimacy issues in Pacific democracies Governance and democracyFacilitator: Duncan Wilson (Senior Regional journalist), Models of democracy and society in economic development: The Solomon Islands and the “Washington consensus” Siobhan McDonnell (Australian National University), State failure and the politics of intervention: What can Australian indigenous policy makers learn from the Pacific Yolinda Chan (University of Auckland), PACER-Plus: The emergence of “forced consensus” approach to regional economic governance in the Pacific

5.30-6.00 Summing up plenary Dr Scott Kroeker (University of Hawaii), Submerged democracies: Future considerations for disappearing Pacific states Summing up Closing

6.30-10 Farewell Pasifika feast ($40 per ticket)

Allied Mental Health Programme – Victoria University

Bula Vinaka

Victoria University of Wellington’s Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health is pleased to confirm we have secured 15 funded places from Te Pou for the Postgraduate Certificate in Health (Allied Mental Health) programme.

Applications are now being accepted online at https://signups.victoria.ac.nz/oes/ for any new graduates who may be interested and eligible to undertake study in 2010 from Central Region, Lower North Island and South Island areas.  Further information regarding this postgraduate certificate can be found on the Graduate School website http://www.victoria.ac.nz/nmh/prof-programmes/health/allied-mental-health.aspx

Please do not hesitate to contact either myself or the Programme Coordinator, Margaret Pack if you have any questions

Chris Fox

School Administrator/EA to HoS

Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health

Victoria University of Wellington

P O Box 600

Tel: 04 463 5442

 

Margaret Pack PhD MA (Applied) Social Work (Registered Social Worker) MANZASW

Programme Co-ordinator/Lecturer

Allied Mental Health

Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health

Victoria University

P.O. Box 600

WELLINGTON

(04) 463-5993

(04) 463-5442 (fax)

E mail: margaret.pack@vuw.ac.nz

Draft Tertiary Education Strategy

Ni Bula Vinaka,

E vakarautaka tiko na matanitu e na gauna oqo e dua na i dusidusi vou ni vuli torocake (Tertiary Education), ka kerei mai kina na noda nanuma na lewenivanua. E na sogo tale tiko na noda vakasama na lewenivanua e na Vakaraubuka oqo. E nanumi ni sa ka bibi me da vakaraitaka na noda nanuma, ka sa mani vakau toka yani oqori e dua na kena i lavelave me baleta na i vavakoso e Mt Roskill, Okaladi ka rawa ni koni la’ki veisautaka se vakuria me vakacurumi kina na veika koni gadreva. Au sa na waraka na nomuni nanuma me yacova na yakavi ni mataka.

E sa na rawa talega ni koni vakauta vakadodonu ki na Tabacakacaka ni Vuli e na email: strategy@minedu.govt.nz.

Loloma bibi

Sireli Kini

Auckland

Tertiary Education Strategy

2010 – 2015

Background

The New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Education has released a draft Tertiary Education Strategy and invited members of the community for their responses to the following questions. The response closes on Friday 6^thNovember 2009. Members of the Fiji Methodist Church in Auckland are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this important exercise.

• Will the proposed approach to targeting, improving system performance, and supporting high quality research, help realise the Government’s 3-5 year priorities?

• Do the Government’s expectations of providers and industry training organisations accurately and fully reflected contribution these sub-sectors and the sector as a whole, can make to realising this strategy?

• Will the early indicators of progress provide an accurate indication as to whether or not the system is making progress towards Government’s goals for tertiary education?

The Fiji Methodist Church in Auckland considers education in general and indeed tertiary education critical for the well being of its members. Through successful completion of tertiary education, people are able to enter into the job market at a higher level with higher economic returns. Empirical experience and evidences show the opposite for those that enter job market without tertiary qualifications.

The Fijian People

In 2006 the Fijian People in New Zealand is one of seven profiles on Pacific peoples based on the results from the 2006 Census. The subject population for this profile is the usually resident populations of Fijians at the time of the 2006 Census. Fijians are defined as those who specified Fijian as a response to the ethnicity question.

The 2006 Census showed that the Fijians were the fifth largest Pacific ethnic group in New Zealand, making up 9,864 or 4 percent of New Zealand’s Pacific population (265,974). The Fijian population increased by 40 percent (2,820) between 2001 and 2006. The median age of the Fijian population (half are younger and half are older than this age) was 24 years. By comparison, the median ages for the Pacific and total New Zealand populations were 21 years and 36 years, respectively. Fijians born in New Zealand account for 44 percent (4,251) of the total Fijian population. This was a 3 percentage point decrease since 2001.

Eighty two percent (82%) or 4995 of Fijian adults have a formal educational qualification (secondary school or post-school qualification). The comparable figures for the total Pacific and New Zealand populations were 65 percent and 75 percent, respectively. 59 percent (5,847) of the Fijian population live in the Auckland region, which is an increase of 1 percentage point since the 2001 census.

The Tertiary Education Commission plays a pivotal role in assisting to establish comprehensive education pathways that meet the learning needs of all New Zealanders, including all who identify as Pacific peoples. Pacific peoples are now an established and integral group within New Zealand’s population. Statistics New Zealand report of the 2001 Census showed that one in 16 people in New Zealand were of Pacific ethnicity at the time of the 2001 Census of Population and Dwellings (Statistics New Zealand). The Pacific peoples population will also continue to grow at a faster rate than the total New Zealand population. Even though this growth rate will slow in the next 20 years, medium term projections by Statistics New Zealand estimate that New Zealand’s Pacific population will reach 414,000 by 2021 – an increase of about 58 percent (Statistics New Zealand, 2003).

Given this trend, it is logical to take pre-emptive steps to in order to gain maximum benefit. The Pacific existence and contribution to New Zealand is important when addressed positively to avoid opportunity cost.  An independent report by the New Zealand Institute for Economic Research projects revealed that if the education and training levels of the current generation of Pacific children can be accelerated to match current levels attained by non-Pacific children, then by 2021 New Zealand’s economy would benefit by $4-$5 billion.* (NZIER Pacific Peoples Economic Participation Report – Implications for the New Zealand Economy)

Tertiary Education Strategy issues:

The median age of the Fijian people in New Zealand is 24. While the TES targets young people under 25, it is important to consider the plight of teenage mothers in the Strategy.

The Strategy therefore must consider that New Zealand has one of highest teenage pregnancy rates in the developing world, with about 50 teenage girls in every 1000 falling pregnant.  This pregnancy rate puts us behind the United States, but at a similar level to that of England and Wales. European countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Denmark are considerably lower.

While reasons for our national status are continually debated, there are definite trends within New Zealand which highlight ‘at risk’ teenagers. It is widely acknowledged that children who were born to teenage parents are more likely to become teenage parents themselves, and that teenagers in low socio-economic groups are also more at risk. Maori and Pacific Island teenagers have a higher fertility (completed pregnancy) rate than European, and their abortion rate is higher also. There are of course teenagers who fall pregnant outside of the ‘high risk’  groups, and questions about sex education and self-esteem come in to play.

Juggling study with parenting is difficult, no matter what the circumstance, but for teenagers who fall pregnant while still at school, even basic level education can be difficult to maintain. While the introduction of teen parent’s schools has helped address this issue, teenage parents still suffer disruption to their education during pregnancy and in the months following their child’s birth. In areas where there is no teen parent’s school available, education for teen parents is difficult, and while some continue their education through correspondence or other forms of distance learning, many simply drop out all together.

The targeting of young people (aged under 25) therefore should be pursued together with other approaches such as sex education, values and appreciating and accepting the role of the Church and spiritual in developing and sustaining the well being of people.

Tertiary education stakeholders such as the Government, students, and their families devote significant resources to tertiary education. Their expectations are sure that qualifications are of high quality and relevant for their requirements. It is noted that the Government alone invests $3.7 billion every year.

Given the enormous level of investment and expectations, it is imperative that the goals are achieved. Tertiary education providers should be made strictly accountable in every aspects of the journey from entry to successful completion. In the quest to increase participation, some small providers are using promotion and marketing techniques that are aimed at increasing higher entrance numbers with less emphasis on success and quality completion.

Some of those small institutions are enrolling students from Fiji for courses that cost $14,000 per year. Students were told to pay $7,000 upfront and the balance to be paid while they are studying in New Zealand and working for 20 hours per week. It is a great concern that some of those students who were lured to study in tertiary institutions under this system are struggling to study and pay for their living let alone paying for the balance of $7,000 let alone successfully completing their courses. A quick analysis of this arrangement reveals that it almost impossible to pay the balance of the cost let alone completing the course. We need to continue to support students to study full-time, as this is a big factor in completion rates. The system should also monitor what information tertiary institutions disseminate in their promotion and marketing campaigns.

The Government should put in place and implement stringent quality assurance measures to ensure that tertiary education providers are consistently accountable for the quality and outcome of educational services. The system should provide students and the tertiary education industry confidence in the quality assurance framework. The quality assurance should start from recruiting/enrolment right through to completion. On the other hand the public tertiary providers need to ensure they are financially viable so they can provide quality education on an ongoing basis. The evaluation findings and reports should be made public.

We therefore suggest:

• Stringent quality assurance system
• Government to recognise and accept the Church as a partner in Tertiary Education
• Government to be aware and deal with small providers that lures student to study and work.

This submission generally reflects the opinions of members of the Fiji Methodist Church in Auckland that worship in Mount Roskill. Draft copies of the submission have been sent to other members of the Fijian community in other churches and centres in New Zealand to include their views and to submit directly to the Tertiary Education Commission.

Road rule changes this weekend

Ban on using a hand-held mobile phone while driving isn’t the only change on NZ roads coming into force this weekend.

Transport officials are keen to ensure motorists are up to speed with the alterations to current driving laws from Sunday.

The new road rules will include bikers using headlights at all times, increased restrictions on using bus lanes, and limits on towing speeds.

“The changes cover road use by drivers, motorcycle riders, cyclists and pedestrians,” says a spokesperson from the NZ Transport Agency.

“All of the changes are being introduced to make New Zealand’s roads safer and more efficient to use.

“Poor visibility is a contributing factor in many multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes, and daytime headlamps will help make motorcycles more visible to other road users.

“And setting a nationally consistent maximum distance for special lanes makes the requirements clearer for drivers and makes enforcement easier.”

Here is a full list of the changes:

• Motorcyclists and moped riders must use headlamps or daytime running lamps during daylight hours. This requirement applies to riders of all mopeds or motorcycles made after 1 January 1980.
• Drivers crossing special vehicle lanes (i.e. bus lanes) to turn left or get to a parking space may only enter a special lane when they are less than 50 metres from where they will turn off, and that they complete the manoeuvre in the minimum length of lane necessary.
• Drivers must give way to pedestrians who are ‘obviously waiting’ to cross at a pedestrian crossing (the current requirement is to give way to pedestrians on a crossing).
• Vehicles towing another vehicle without a rigid towing system (i.e. using a tow rope) will be limited to a maximum of 50km/h

For more information visit :

www.nzta.govt.nz/publications/road-user-amendment-2009

Resource to help people cope with financial stress

22 October 2009

Media Release

Resource to help people cope with financial stress

The Ministry of Health today published a brochure providing practical advice and information about support services for New Zealanders who are suffering from stress because of the tougher economic times.

“Research has shown that people who have lost their jobs or are experiencing financial hardship are at greater risk of suffering from mental health problems such as anxiety or depression,” Director of Mental Health Dr David Chaplow said.

“This brochure offers practical advice for coping with stress and looking after family members during times of financial hardship. It also provides information on the telltale signs of anxiety or depression and the available support services,” according to Dr Chaplow.

“People who are adversely affected during times of adversity because of job loss or tight finances are encouraged to seek help early. There is help, if they need it.”

Copies of the brochure called “Coping with Financial Stress: Looking after yourself and your family/whanau during tough economic times” will be distributed nationwide for use in Work and Income service centres and general practices. The brochure can also be downloaded or ordered from the Ministry of Health website (http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/coping-with-financial-stress).

A number of epidemiological studies have shown a link between financial stress and mental health. Research has also shown that early intervention approaches are effective in helping reduce the potential adverse impacts from financial stress.

ENDS

For media queries, please contact: Luz Baguioro, Media Advisor (04 496 2349, 021 802 622)
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