Latest news with #CliveAspin
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
Missing Wellington nurse Vanron Ngoun found in Bangkok
Vanron Ngoun, also known as Van, was last heard from in Naples, Italy, on 27 May. Photo: Supplied / Facebook Wellington nurse Vanron Ngoun has been found in Bangkok, alive and well. Close friends of 60-year-old Vanron Ngoun had been "extremely concerned" after not hearing from him for two weeks. Flatmate Clive Aspinsaid Ngoun , who is on holiday in Europe, was last heard from in Naples, Italy, on 27 May He had been sending updates then the messages stopped, which was out of character. His family had been extremely concerned after not hearing from him for two weeks. Aspin said Van had been found safe and well Bangkok but that he was not able to communicate as his phone had been stolen. More to come...
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
'He went silent': Fears for NZ nurse Vanron Ngoun missing overseas
Vanron Ngoun, also known as Van, was last heard from in Naples, Italy, on 27 May. Photo: Supplied / Facebook A close friend and flatmate of a 60-year-old Wellington man on holiday in Europe says his family are extremely concerned after not hearing from him for two weeks. Clive Aspin said Wellington Hospital nurse Vanron Ngoun, also known as Van, was last heard from in Naples, Italy, on 27 May. "He was sending us regular updates about his travels and what a great time he was having since he left New Zealand on May 15th. Then suddenly he went silent." Van Ngoun, 2017. Photo: Supplied / Facebook He said Ngoun, who was travelling by himself, had always kept in contact during overseas trips. "It is absolutely, totally out of character. "To suddenly not hear from him is completely unlike him and extremely concerning." He said Ngoun's family in Cambodia also stopped hearing from him on 27 May. "They are deeply concerned. "He has a very close relationship with his sister in Phnom Penh, and she has been trying to contact him but has had no response." He said Ngoun was due to take a flight from Milan to Cambodia via Bangkok and Qatar on 30 May. Aspin wanted authorities to verify whether his friend, a long-time New Zealand resident and Australian citizen, got on that flight. "The level of support from Australian authorities has been almost non-existent. "We want to know they are at least keeping their eyes open for any person with his name that comes to their attention." He said they had also notified police, embassies, and hospitals in Italy, Qatar, Thailand, and New Zealand. He wanted New Zealand police to engage with the International Criminal Police Organisation, Interpol. He urged people living in or travelling through Naples, or anyone with connections in the region, to keep an eye out and contact authorities if they had any information about Ngoun's whereabouts. Van Ngoun, 2015. Photo: Supplied / Facebook A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed that they were aware of the situation. "We have been in touch with the Australian High Commission in New Zealand and understand that consular assistance is being provided by Australian authorities." Police confirmed they had received a missing person's report. "We have made some initial enquiries as much as we are able. "In the instance of someone reported missing in another country, the matter is ultimately under the jurisdiction of authorities in that country. "Likewise, any consular assistance would be provided by the country of the individual's citizenship." Police said they would potentially look to engage with Interpol in the coming days if no further leads emerged. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Ngoun travelled on an Australian passport and that his disappearance is incredibly worrying and concerning for his family and friends. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Bridging The Gap In HIV Prevention For Māori: Insights And Resources Now Available
Press Release – Research For Maori Health and Development The research, Investigating Barriers and Enablers to Preventive HIV Access for Mori Communities, reveals that Mori continue to face cultural, systemic, and personal barriers to HIV prevention including stigma, fear, and healthcare services that … Aotearoa risks following global trends where HIV has become a disease of the marginalised — unless urgent action is taken. A new study released exposes critical gaps in HIV prevention for Māori men and takatāpui, and launches a new booklet designed to empower communities with culturally relevant information on PrEP (pre exposure prophylaxis) and sexual health. The research, Investigating Barriers and Enablers to Preventive HIV Access for Māori Communities, reveals that Māori continue to face cultural, systemic, and personal barriers to HIV prevention — including stigma, fear, and healthcare services that often feel unwelcoming or unsafe. 'People still feel whakamā about seeking sexual health services. They're worried about being judged, misunderstood, or even outed. That's not good enough in 2025,' says Dr Clive Aspin, Research Project Advisory Group. Disparities in HIV diagnoses National data shows a concerning trend: while HIV diagnoses among Pākehā have dropped dramatically — from 53 in 2019 to 28 in 2023 — diagnoses among Māori have slightly increased, from 17 to 19 over the same period. This growing inequity signals that Māori are not benefiting equally from existing prevention strategies. 'These numbers may seem small, but they tell a bigger story. Without culturally grounded responses, Aotearoa risks becoming a nation where HIV disproportionately affects its Indigenous people — just as it has elsewhere in the world,' says Dr Amohia Boulton, Research Director. Protecting people from HIV is not just about individual health – it strengthens the wellbeing of entire whānau. This research informs strategies to improve outcomes for Māori by acknowledging and addressing the unique experiences of Māori. By centring te ao Māori in HIV prevention, this study supports the right of Māori to protect our whakapapa in ways that uphold mana and avoid stigma. When Māori can access care and information that reflect who we are, all of us – stand to benefit. A legacy of stigma — and a call for change The research highlights how the trauma of the 1980s AIDS crisis still echoes in Māori communities, with lasting stigma, fear, and misinformation deterring people from accessing care. Participants described discrimination in healthcare settings, lack of privacy, and shame tied to sexual health — especially for takatāpui Māori. Turning research into action: a new resource To support that change, the team has developed a new community booklet that responds directly to the research findings. The resource provides: • Easy-to-follow information on PrEP and HIV prevention; • Culturally resonant explanations grounded in kaupapa Māori; • Voices and experiences from the Māori community; • Guidance for whānau, providers, and allies on how to create safe, stigma-free spaces for care. This resource aligns with the National HIV Action Plan for Aotearoa (2023–2030), which seeks to eliminate new HIV transmissions and ensure everyone living with HIV can lead healthy lives free from stigma. 'Sexual health should be a normal part of wellbeing — not something shrouded in shame,' says Dr Clive Aspin. 'This booklet is a practical, powerful tool to help shift the kōrero and make prevention accessible to all Māori.' Acknowledging partners and looking forward The research team also extends deep appreciation to the advisory partners whose knowledge, lived experience, and guidance shaped the direction and depth of the pilot study. Their contribution helped ensure the work was grounded, relevant, and responsive to the diverse realities of the communities and sectors involved. The booklet and full research findings are available at:
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Bridging The Gap In HIV Prevention For Māori: Insights And Resources Now Available
Aotearoa risks following global trends where HIV has become a disease of the marginalised — unless urgent action is taken. A new study released exposes critical gaps in HIV prevention for Māori men and takatāpui, and launches a new booklet designed to empower communities with culturally relevant information on PrEP (pre exposure prophylaxis) and sexual health. The research, Investigating Barriers and Enablers to Preventive HIV Access for Māori Communities, reveals that Māori continue to face cultural, systemic, and personal barriers to HIV prevention — including stigma, fear, and healthcare services that often feel unwelcoming or unsafe. 'People still feel whakamā about seeking sexual health services. They're worried about being judged, misunderstood, or even outed. That's not good enough in 2025,' says Dr Clive Aspin, Research Project Advisory Group. Disparities in HIV diagnoses National data shows a concerning trend: while HIV diagnoses among Pākehā have dropped dramatically — from 53 in 2019 to 28 in 2023 — diagnoses among Māori have slightly increased, from 17 to 19 over the same period. This growing inequity signals that Māori are not benefiting equally from existing prevention strategies. 'These numbers may seem small, but they tell a bigger story. Without culturally grounded responses, Aotearoa risks becoming a nation where HIV disproportionately affects its Indigenous people — just as it has elsewhere in the world,' says Dr Amohia Boulton, Research Director. Protecting people from HIV is not just about individual health - it strengthens the wellbeing of entire whānau. This research informs strategies to improve outcomes for Māori by acknowledging and addressing the unique experiences of Māori. By centring te ao Māori in HIV prevention, this study supports the right of Māori to protect our whakapapa in ways that uphold mana and avoid stigma. When Māori can access care and information that reflect who we are, all of us - stand to benefit. A legacy of stigma — and a call for change The research highlights how the trauma of the 1980s AIDS crisis still echoes in Māori communities, with lasting stigma, fear, and misinformation deterring people from accessing care. Participants described discrimination in healthcare settings, lack of privacy, and shame tied to sexual health — especially for takatāpui Māori. Turning research into action: a new resource To support that change, the team has developed a new community booklet that responds directly to the research findings. The resource provides: • Easy-to-follow information on PrEP and HIV prevention; • Culturally resonant explanations grounded in kaupapa Māori; • Voices and experiences from the Māori community; • Guidance for whānau, providers, and allies on how to create safe, stigma-free spaces for care. This resource aligns with the National HIV Action Plan for Aotearoa (2023–2030), which seeks to eliminate new HIV transmissions and ensure everyone living with HIV can lead healthy lives free from stigma. 'Sexual health should be a normal part of wellbeing — not something shrouded in shame,' says Dr Clive Aspin. 'This booklet is a practical, powerful tool to help shift the kōrero and make prevention accessible to all Māori.' Acknowledging partners and looking forward The research team also extends deep appreciation to the advisory partners whose knowledge, lived experience, and guidance shaped the direction and depth of the pilot study. Their contribution helped ensure the work was grounded, relevant, and responsive to the diverse realities of the communities and sectors involved. The booklet and full research findings are available at:
