Mum of two Ramiri Paul's life hangs in the balance while she awaits a new kidney
The killer disease was in the headlines a fortnight ago when Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Tarsh Kemp died suddenly. Kemp was also on the kidney transplant waiting
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NZ Herald
a day ago
- NZ Herald
Mum of two Ramiri Paul's life hangs in the balance while she awaits a new kidney
Wāhine Māori Ramiri Paul is one of the 400 New Zealanders on the kidney transplant waiting list. The killer disease was in the headlines a fortnight ago when Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Tarsh Kemp died suddenly. Kemp was also on the kidney transplant waiting
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Hospital Nurses To Take Nationwide Strike Action
Friday, 11 July 2025, 2:05 pm Press Release: New Zealand Nurses Organisation More than 36,000 Te Whatu Ora nurses, midwives, health care assistants and kaimahi hauora have voted to strike for 24-hours after Health NZ failed to address their safe staffing concerns. New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) Chief Executive Paul Goulter says there was strong support from members to take strike action after a new offer from Te Whatu Ora last week was worse than a previous one in May. "This latest offer from Te Whatu Ora fails to address concerns about safe staffing despite them being raised continually throughout the collective agreement bargaining process. "Patients are at risk because of short staffing. Nurses, midwives and health care assistants are stretched too thin and can't give patients the care they need. This is heartbreaking for our exhausted members who became health care workers because they want to help people. "Te Whatu Ora data obtained by NZNO under the Official Information Act shows between January and November last year, 50% of all days shifts were understaffed across hospital wards in 16 health districts," Paul Goulter says. (see table in editor's notes) To "add insult to injury" members have again been offered a wage increase which doesn't meet cost of living increases and will see them and their whānau go backwards financially, he says. "There were 30,000 New Zealanders who moved to Australia in the past year. We know some of them are burnt out nurses moving for better conditions and wages. "Te Whatu Ora needs to do more to retain our nursing workforce, employ graduate nurses and ensure patients get the care they need. This is about the health and wellbeing of real people and their whānau, not the need to meet some arbitrary budget set by the Government. "It looks like this Government has lost control of health," Paul Goulter says. Notes: -The nationwide strike will be held from 9am on Wednesday 30 July until 9am on Thursday 31 July. -The strike will be a complete withdrawal of labour at every place in New Zealand where Te Whatu Ora provides health care or hospital care services. -Life preserving services will continue to be provided. © Scoop Media
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Winter Wellness: The Overlooked Role Of Orthotics In Cold-Weather Comfort And Safety
As the season progresses, the team at Orthotic House are encouraging New Zealanders, particularly older adults, active individuals, and those managing chronic pain, to consider foot health as a vital part of their winter wellness strategy. As colder temperatures settle in across New Zealand, health and wellness routines often shift to meet the season's challenges. But one critical area is frequently left out of the conversation – foot health, especially the role orthotics can play in helping Kiwis stay comfortable, mobile, and injury-free during winter. While winter wellness strategies typically focus on immunity, nutrition, and warmth, fewer people consider how the season affects their feet. Yet as conditions become wetter, icier, and colder, foot-related discomfort and injury risk can increase – particularly for those with pre-existing conditions like flat feet, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. 'Our feet are the foundation of movement, and in winter they're under increased stress,' says Lydia Charteris, General Manager at Orthotic House. Foot orthotics are custom or over-the-counter shoe inserts designed to support the feet and correct biomechanical problems. According to Charteris, foot orthotics can contribute to winter wellness in five key ways: 1. Enhanced Stability on Slippery Surfaces Orthotics provide better foot alignment and balance, which can help reduce the risk of slips and falls. Proper arch support stabilizes the foot and ankle, offering more confidence on wet or uneven ground. 2. Improved Circulation and Warmth Poor foot alignment can restrict circulation, especially in cold weather. Orthotics promote more natural movement and posture, which can enhance blood flow and help keep your feet warmer. 3. Reduced Joint and Muscle Pain Winter tends to exacerbate joint stiffness and muscular tension. Orthotics can help evenly distribute body weight and reduce strain on knees, hips, and the lower back, common pain points during the colder season when we're less active and more bundled up. 4. Support for Winter Footwear Many winter shoes can offer style and insulation but lack proper arch support. Orthotics can be inserted into certain footwear to make them more supportive. 5. Continued Activity and Mobility Staying active is vital for physical and mental health during winter. By reducing discomfort and injury risk, orthotics help ensure you can keep walking, hiking, or even skiing safely through the season. Winter wellness is about more than minimising illnesses, it's about maintaining comfort, stability, and mobility through the most challenging months. Orthotics support not just your feet, but your overall well-being, helping you move through winter with greater ease and confidence. 'Orthotics are more than a shoe insert, they're a tool for maintaining independence, reducing discomfort, and keeping people moving,' says Lydia Charteris. As the season progresses, the team at Orthotic House are encouraging New Zealanders, particularly older adults, active individuals, and those managing chronic pain, to consider foot health as a vital part of their winter wellness strategy.
