More Kiwis turning to methamphetamine and the worst of the weather is over
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Scoop
2 hours ago
- Scoop
New Edition Of Trusted Guide To Ageing Now Available For The Upper North Island
The Eldernet Group has released the latest Upper North Island edition of Where From Here – He Ara Whakamua, a FREE, comprehensive resource designed to help older people and their whānau navigate their ageing journey. Often referred to as the 'older person's bible', this edition includes up-to-date listings on all care homes and retirement villages available across the Upper North Island, from Auckland up to the Far North. Extensive indexes of home support providers, along with social, kaumātua and day programmes, can also be found inside. Where From Here – He Ara Whakamua empowers older people and their whānau with clear, unbiased information. Find anything from financial considerations, how to go about choosing a retirement village or care home, why you should get an Enduring Power of Attorney, and much more. The Eldernet Group have compiled all the facts and figures, and interpreted confusing terms, to enable older Kiwis and their families to make informed decisions with confidence. Where From Here – He Ara Whakamua is also used by healthcare and community service professionals, such as NASC workers, to help inform the people they work with. 'We provide the Where from here books to all our clients and their families, as well as the general public. We love the section about choosing a rest home; it is incredibly helpful for those who have decided it is time to take the next step in their dementia journey.' – Samantha McGaw, Dementia Waikato The Upper North Island edition of Where From Here – He Ara Whakamua is now being distributed by local libraries, healthcare providers, community hubs and more. This book can also be accessed online for those who prefer a digital format. How to get your FREE copy A list of local distributors is available on the Eldernet website – About Us: For nearly 30 years, The Eldernet Group has been helping older Kiwis make informed choices about their lives. Every year, they publish four regional editions of Where from here, tailored to different regions of New Zealand. Their website ( offers the country's most up-to-date directory of rest homes — including real-time information on which facilities currently have spaces for new residents — and the most comprehensive list of retirement villages and home support services. For even more independent, impartial guidance, Eldernet's Knowledge Lab provides a wealth of articles on topics ranging from financial assistance, to navigating dementia, to tackling ageism, and more.
NZ Herald
2 days 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
4 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.
