Potatoes: Tackling spuds' perception issue despite their popularity
The consumer insights study from Potatoes New Zealand reveals that, rather than recognising their health and nutritional benefits, many Kiwis may still consider spuds just a 'carb'.
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NZ Herald
3 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Bowel screening uptake in Bay of Plenty appalling
It is a similar story in the Lakes health district, covering Taupō and Rotorua, where 27,694 were sent between August 1, 2022, and May 26, 2025. Of those, only 15,039 were returned. These figures are alarming because New Zealand has one of the world's highest bowel cancer rates, and it is the second-highest cause of cancer. That means an average of about eight people a day are being told they have it. It's not just an older person's cancer either, because more than 350 people under 50 are diagnosed annually. Many people know someone who has survived bowel cancer or died from it, and much has been done over the past eight years to try to get in front of the problem. The National Bowel Screening Programme started in July 2017 and has been introduced by all the former 20 district health boards, with Bay of Plenty being the last. People are invited to join the programme at 60, and are then sent a free home-test kit every two years until the age of 74. The Government is lowering the eligibility age to 58 nationwide from March. It has, however, been criticised for axing plans to lower the age for Māori and Pacific people to 50. The national charity Bowel Cancer New Zealand wants the screening age lowered to match Australia, where it is 45. It is, understandably, unhappy with the Government's slow progress. The media and advertising also play important roles in raising awareness. There are countless news articles in the media, and the national bowel screening multimedia campaign launched in July 2022 encourages people to take part in screening, emphasising it is free, quick and simple, 'and you can do it at home'. The good news is that Health NZ credits the campaign with raising awareness. But perhaps among the most powerful weapons for raising awareness are the individual patient stories. Kiwis such as Tauranga survivor Rachael Ferguson, who was 32 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in December 2020. She has been 'clear' since surgery in February 2021. Then there's Rotorua father Matthew Keogan, who was 49 when he was diagnosed in 2021. He was told to get his affairs in order and say goodbye to his family as he might live only another three to six months. He has made a miraculous recovery after chemotherapy and immunotherapy with pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Last month, Northland's Cheryl Waaka, a former Black Fern and mother of two teenagers, talked about facing her toughest opponent yet: stage 4 bowel cancer. There are plenty of other personal stories on Bowel Cancer NZ's website, each offering an insight into that person's journey, each offering hope and each helping drive a greater understanding. All these people are brave and inspirational. So, given there's been a national screening campaign, heightened awareness, personal stories, and a lowering of the screening age, a reasonable question remains: Why would people fail to do something simple that costs them nothing but could save their lives? Reasons could include fear, stigma and people simply not wanting to go through what they perceive as the unpleasant procedure of having to collect samples and send them off. However, it would be fair to say some people probably can't be bothered, are ignorant or believe it won't happen to them. Whatever the reasons, the Bay of Plenty and Lakes figures are appalling. As survivor Rachael Ferguson rightly says, there are 'so many people under the age of 60 that are screaming out to have those kits' that eligible people not returning them is simply 'wasted resources'. The Government needs to lower the screening age further. At the same time, everyone eligible needs to take up the offer. It could save their lives. Bowel Cancer NZ chief executive Peter Huskinson has the final word. 'That free test in your mailbox doesn't just detect cancer – it can stop it before it starts,' he says. 'Don't leave it in a drawer. Put it by the loo and get it done.' Wise words indeed. Sign up to the Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Triton Hearing: Proud to support better hearing
Triton Hearing is proud to support better hearing across the Dunedin region, with trusted clinics in central Dunedin, South Dunedin, and Mosgiel. Whether you're based in the city or further out, our local team is here to help you stay connected to the sounds and people that matter most. PHOTO: Triton, Dunedin South Our experienced audiologists offer free hearing checks, personalised hearing aid fittings, and ongoing care tailored to your lifestyle. Each clinic provides a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable asking questions and exploring the latest hearing technology. At Triton Hearing, we believe better hearing changes lives – and we're committed to making hearing health easy and accessible for all Kiwis. Visit us in Dunedin, South Dunedin, or Mosgiel and take the first step toward better hearing today.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Orewa Local Gets #GutsyForGutCancer Running 161km In Under 24 Hours
Orewa local Neville Modlin inspired his community this past weekend running 161.8km in 23 hours and 55 minutes to pay tribute to his father who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. In late November 2024 when Neville Modlin's father casually mentioned he was feeling 'a little under the weather' their family had no idea that his funeral would be held on New Years Eve that same year. Neville's father passed away only 6 weeks later after a short and intense journey with pancreatic cancer which is becoming one of New Zealand's deadliest cancers with 88% of Kiwis passing away within 5 years of diagnosis. Neville says 'the speed that everything progressed for my dad was totally unexpected.' Within 10 days they were planning the estate, after 15 he became an expert in cancer medication and in 30 he was organising fulltime care and planning a funeral. Not to mention supporting his mum throughout the process who was navigating losing her life partner of over 60 years. Neville channelled his grief into action, taking on his biggest personal challenge in part of The Gut Cancer Foundation's #GutsyForGutCancer raising critical funds and awareness for Kiwis battling gut cancer. 'What began as a personal challenge became a public journey. I never expected the magnitude of what unfolded, besides the first 4km I was never alone' Neville says. Even at 3am he had local runners coming out to show their support and run alongside him, some whom he had never met before. Neville and his family have been blown away by the communities support both on the day and in the fundraising campaign as they've now surpassed their initial fundraising goal by almost 6 times! Like many New Zealanders Neville didn't know much about gut cancers when his father was diagnosed, 'because he went downhill so fast there was little support – We were figuring it out one day at a time.' Liam Willis, Executive Officer of The Gut Cancer Foundation (GCF) highlights that gut cancer is the most common form of cancer in New Zealand with over 6,100 Kiwis diagnosed every year. 'They have some of the worst survival rates of any cancers;' 8 Kiwis die from gut cancer every day. The GCF funds innovative research, addresses barriers to treatment and is particularly focused on improving experiences similar to Neville's by establishing a comprehensive pipeline to support Kiwis with access to vital resources throughout the cancer journey for patients and whanau. Liam shares the GCF has created an online hub of resources that is a comprehensive source of information for anyone diagnosed with a gut cancer, adding 'our team are on hand to answer questions they or their whanau may have.' 'We are committed to developing this service to ensure we meet the need of our community and no one has to face a gut cancer diagnosis alone." The generosity of the GCF supporters and donations help gives New Zealanders access to international clinical trials and allows the foundation to continue to be the voice for our communities. 'By raising awareness of signs, symptoms and specific risk factors we hope to see these cancers detected earlier, increasing the chances of patients surviving their diagnosis.' says Liam.
