Pacific Waves for 10 July 2025
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RNZ News
9 hours ago
- RNZ News
NZ travellers urged to prioritise insurance as dengue outbreaks surge across the Pacific
By Elenoa Turagaiviu , PMN Kiwi travellers are strongly advised to secure comprehensive health insurance prior to travel to pacific islands. , given the escalating incidence of dengue fever across the Pacific region. Photo: 123RF Travellers from New Zealand planning a getaway to tropical destinations are being urged to grab comprehensive travel insurance, as dengue fever cases continue to climb in certain Pacific countries. Fiji has been particularly hit hard, reporting the highest number of dengue cases and related deaths. Health officials are advising anyone venturing to areas where mosquitoes can spread diseases to take extra precautions. This includes using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and staying in places with screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Travellers are also reminded that medical services in these locations can be limited, so it is important to continue taking steps to avoid mosquito bites throughout the day. Should anyone feel unwell during their trip or within three weeks after returning home, they should seek medical attention right away and inform their doctor about their recent travels. As of 16 July, several Pacific island nations, including Fiji, Sāmoa, and Tonga, have reported a surge in confirmed dengue cases. Sāmoa's Ministry of Health has reported a total of 945 confirmed dengue fever cases this year alone. Newsline Samoa reports that the latest data indicates that 237 new cases have been recorded in one week. A concerning trend is that a large percentage of those affected are under 20 years old. The country has also confirmed two dengue-related deaths, with about 10 per cent of patients needing hospitalisation. Nine dengue fever deaths have been recorded in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Photo: Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji The Cook Islands declared a dengue fever outbreak in Rarotonga in May, with 50 cases reported since February. Most patients have recovered, but some required hospital care. Kiribati followed suit in late April, identifying a dengue outbreak with a total of 96 confirmed cases and 383 more suspected cases as early as June. The age range of affected individuals spans from infants to seniors, but children aged three to nine have been most affected. Tonga has also seen a rise in dengue cases, reporting five new cases as of 4 July, which brings its total to 889 since declaring an outbreak in February. Three dengue-related deaths have been noted, but no patients are currently hospitalised. Tonga's Ministry of Health is carrying out mosquito spraying in areas mostly affected. Photo: Tonga Ministry of Health Fiji's health officials reported a major outbreak earlier in the year, with 8708 confirmed cases and four deaths recorded from January to early May. The Western Division was hardest-hit, accounting for most of the cases. Despite these alarming statistics, Fiji's Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, has reassured travellers that Fiji remains a safe destination. Gavoka says key tourist spots haven't been directly affected and encouraged visitors to follow standard health precautions. "It is important to note that dengue fever is not uncommon in tropical regions and is a year-round risk in many such destinations," he says. "Fiji has successfully managed dengue outbreaks in the past through swift and coordinated public health responses. "The United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention currently maintains a Level 1 travel notice for Fiji, advising travellers to follow routine precautions to prevent mosquito bites." Travel advisories from various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, which are advising their citizens to take typical precautions to avoid mosquito bites while visiting Fiji and other affected areas. To reduce the risk of infection, Fiji's health officials recommend visitors use insect repellant, wear long-sleeved clothing to cover their skin, and choose accommodations that are equipped to keep mosquitoes out. -This article was first published by PMN .
RNZ News
09-07-2025
- RNZ News
Pacific Waves for 10 July 2025
Journalist recalls last voyage on the fateful Rainbow Warrior; American Samoa declares dengue fever outbreak; Ratu Tevita predicted to stand in Fiji elections - professor; Kiribati youth embrace language through performances. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
07-07-2025
- RNZ News
Aotearoa's i-Kiribati community honours language and culture
Photo: MPP Thousands of i-Kiribati people across Aotearoa New Zealand are celebrating their rich language and culture during Kiribati Language Week, which is now in its fifth year. The celebrations kicked off on Sunday in Wellington at Pataka Art and Museum, with community members joining together, including officials from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, the New Zealand Kiribati National Council - Maneaban Te I Tungaru Society, and the Tuvalu government. This year's theme encourages everyone to embrace and respect their cultural practices, highlighting how this fosters dignity and a brighter future: Maiuakinan te katei ri nanon te tangira ma te ikarinerine bon wantongan te mwenga ibukin te rikirake. Kiribati, an island nation located about 4700 kilometres north of New Zealand, has a population of 130,000 residents. In New Zealand, there are nearly 4000 people of Kiribati descent. At the launch event, Tuvalu's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Feue Tipu, shared heartfelt memories of his childhood in Kiribati. He was honoured to participate in the celebration. He urged i-Kiribati to keep their cultural identities alive, especially in a new environment where it's easy to lose touch with one's roots. He encouraged parents to instil pride in their heritage and to help their children learn the Kiribati language and culture. He says the event is a reminder not only of personal histories but also of the collective responsibility to nurture their cultural legacy. "I grew up in Kiribati when I was young. I went to Tarawa to attend secondary school for five years, and then I went to Fiji for a scholarship. In Kiribati, I started working with Fijians," he says. "I learned a lot from them. I need to pay my respects to these old people who have navigated life and work. I thank you, too, for being courageous enough to host this event." He says this year's theme aligns with Kiribati's valued cultural practices, emphasising their love and respect, which uphold their dignity and foster growth for a prosperous future. "I know this is an event that the government of New Zealand thought would be useful for us as New Zealanders. The reason is that we are starting to lose our cultural heritage. Even within my own family, my kids speak English. "So, I try to make sure that the kids speak up. And now, the family recognises itself; they have participated in many activities in Fiji, but it's our duty as parents to have that pride in us. To recognise where we come from and where our identity lies. "Even standing in front of you, I can connect with Kiribati. Not only was I brought up in Kiribati, but I also have ancestors from Kiribati. I had three deans who connected with Kiribati." Tipu says he was not going to miss Sunday's special occasion. "Thank you very much for the invitation. I had to be here. I felt I had to be back here to celebrate your legacy because we take pride in reconnecting with our past. Photo: MPP "I know that growing up in New Zealand, the environment here is such that we quickly lose our identity and our language. So, thank you. "We've been listening to the whole community tonight, and we've been amazed at how we are here and teaching people to speak and learn their language and culture." After the launch, a combined service was held, and various activities were organised to engage the community. Highlights included a 'word of the day', recorded songs, discussions about spirituality, and storytelling sessions exploring Kiribati's history before and after the arrival of Christianity in the Pacific nation. As part of the week-long celebrations, the i-Kiribati community will also commemorate their independence on 12 July, marking 46 years since gaining self-rule from the United Kingdom. Here's a look at some of the planned events for the week: Meanwhile, this week also offers a chance for the i-Kiribati community and others to celebrate and share their heritage with pride. A language, culture, and knowledge display will be held at Te Herenga Mātauranga Whānui General Library, Auckland University. A small collection of books and photographs will be showcased. The display will be held from 7-13 July in the Pacific Space on Level One of the library. Kiribati Language Week ends on 12 July. Kiribati is the third Pacific Language Week celebrated in 2025, following Sāmoa and Rotuma. Next is Vanuatu Bislama, which is launching for the first time and will be celebrated from 27 July to 2 August. Photo: MPP -This article was first published by PMN .
