Latest news with #CookIslander
Scoop
2 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
New Breast Screening Campaign Launched To Empower Pacific Women
Pacific screening rates remain below the national average. As of April 2025, the national screening target for eligible women stands at 70 per cent, but for Pacific women, coverage is only 68 per cent nationally, and even lower in some regions. BreastScreen Aotearoa has launched a bold new campaign, Vaine Toa, to uplift, inform, and empower Pacific women across Aotearoa New Zealand to prioritise their health and take up free breast screening. The campaign launch event took place on Monday 19 May with a special cinematic screening at Riccarton Hoyts in Christchurch, hosted by BSA lead provider ScreenSouth. The event featured the debut of the Vaine Toa campaign ads, followed by the acclaimed film Tinā. The cinema lights dimmed, the screen came to life – and with it, the voices of Pacific women calling each other to be brave, to be seen, and to be well. Lisa Te Paiho, Programme Manager for BreastScreen Aotearoa, said the Vaine Toa campaign is about more than just awareness—it's about creating a shift. 'Screening saves lives. When cancer is found early, treatment can be simpler, and you can carry on with your life and with your aiga. This campaign is about starting the talanoa – opening up the conversation around breast screening. We want women to see that this is something they can fit into their busy lives. Anyone can do it. We encourage them to do it for themselves, for their families, and for their communities.' Among those invited to the Christchurch launch were un-screened and under-screened women from the community – many attending a breast screening-focused event for the first time. One such guest, Cook Islander Marcia West-Tetevano, shared her deeply personal reason for being there: 'I felt like a Vaine Toa being invited, and for our future generation as well – I want to represent, I want to be strong. Breast Screening is something that I haven't done myself, but it's something that my own mother died of so it really made me want to come here. I have a screening booked in! I'm proud to be going and doing it next week.' She said the only thing to fear is fear itself. 'We are all Vaine Toa. Let's stand up and represent and do right for our next generation.' Breast cancer remains the most common cancer for women in Aotearoa, with approximately 3,500 women diagnosed each year. Early detection through regular mammograms is critical – women diagnosed through screening are around 34% less likely to die from breast cancer than those diagnosed outside of the programme. Despite the life-saving benefits, Pacific screening rates remain below the national average. As of April 2025, the national screening target for eligible women stands at 70 per cent, but for Pacific women, coverage is only 68 per cent nationally, and even lower in some regions. BSA ScreenSouth's general manager Louise McCathry said Pacific women's screening rates in her region are sitting even lower at 62-64%. Pacific women are not only more likely to get breast cancer, but also more likely to die from it. Dr Tua Lealaiauloto Taueetia-Sua, a leading voice in Pacific women's health and chair of the BSA Pacific Campaign and Resources Advisory Group, said the Vaine Toa campaign reflects the strength of Pacific women. 'Too often, women put everything else first—family, work – and by the time they think of screening, there's no time left.' She said women could also take a support person, such as a sister, daughter, or aunty, if that made them feel more at ease: 'We have to be there for our grandchildren and our great grandchildren. If you're not well, you can't be there for your family, so you've got to look after yourself first.' The campaign was launched with inspiring voices from the community, including local BSA Waitaha/Canterbury champion and breast cancer survivor Maria Eileen Lemalie: 'Be brave and courageous. We now have Pacific faces leading these campaigns. It is a culturally safe space. We owe it to our families and to the migrant dream to thrive, to be healthy, and to challenge the statistics.' BSA Vaine Toa campaign actor Siobhan Hope shared a personal call-to-action: 'Don't leave it. Get your breast screening when you're eligible. And if you notice any changes in your breasts, see your GP and get them checked. It could save your life.' Co-star Katerina Fatupaito added: 'Just do it. There is no reason to be shy or whakama anymore because there are beautiful clinics and people there that are willing to help.' BreastScreen Aotearoa offers free mammograms every two years to women aged 45 to 69 with no symptoms of breast cancer. A mammogram can detect changes inside the breast before they can be felt – making early detection possible, and treatment more effective. Vaine Toa! Are you due for your breast screening? If you are aged 45-69, call 0800 270 200 to enrol and book your free appointment today. Visit for more information.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
New Breast Screening Campaign Launched To Empower Pacific Women
BreastScreen Aotearoa has launched a bold new campaign, Vaine Toa, to uplift, inform, and empower Pacific women across Aotearoa New Zealand to prioritise their health and take up free breast screening. The campaign launch event took place on Monday 19 May with a special cinematic screening at Riccarton Hoyts in Christchurch, hosted by BSA lead provider ScreenSouth. The event featured the debut of the Vaine Toa campaign ads, followed by the acclaimed film Tinā. The cinema lights dimmed, the screen came to life – and with it, the voices of Pacific women calling each other to be brave, to be seen, and to be well. Lisa Te Paiho, Programme Manager for BreastScreen Aotearoa, said the Vaine Toa campaign is about more than just awareness—it's about creating a shift. 'Screening saves lives. When cancer is found early, treatment can be simpler, and you can carry on with your life and with your aiga. This campaign is about starting the talanoa – opening up the conversation around breast screening. We want women to see that this is something they can fit into their busy lives. Anyone can do it. We encourage them to do it for themselves, for their families, and for their communities.' Among those invited to the Christchurch launch were un-screened and under-screened women from the community – many attending a breast screening-focused event for the first time. One such guest, Cook Islander Marcia West-Tetevano, shared her deeply personal reason for being there: 'I felt like a Vaine Toa being invited, and for our future generation as well – I want to represent, I want to be strong. Breast Screening is something that I haven't done myself, but it's something that my own mother died of so it really made me want to come here. I have a screening booked in! I'm proud to be going and doing it next week.' She said the only thing to fear is fear itself. 'We are all Vaine Toa. Let's stand up and represent and do right for our next generation.' Breast cancer remains the most common cancer for women in Aotearoa, with approximately 3,500 women diagnosed each year. Early detection through regular mammograms is critical – women diagnosed through screening are around 34% less likely to die from breast cancer than those diagnosed outside of the programme. Despite the life-saving benefits, Pacific screening rates remain below the national average. As of April 2025, the national screening target for eligible women stands at 70 per cent, but for Pacific women, coverage is only 68 per cent nationally, and even lower in some regions. BSA ScreenSouth's general manager Louise McCathry said Pacific women's screening rates in her region are sitting even lower at 62-64%. Pacific women are not only more likely to get breast cancer, but also more likely to die from it. Dr Tua Lealaiauloto Taueetia-Sua, a leading voice in Pacific women's health and chair of the BSA Pacific Campaign and Resources Advisory Group, said the Vaine Toa campaign reflects the strength of Pacific women. 'Too often, women put everything else first—family, work – and by the time they think of screening, there's no time left.' She said women could also take a support person, such as a sister, daughter, or aunty, if that made them feel more at ease: 'We have to be there for our grandchildren and our great grandchildren. If you're not well, you can't be there for your family, so you've got to look after yourself first.' The campaign was launched with inspiring voices from the community, including local BSA Waitaha/Canterbury champion and breast cancer survivor Maria Eileen Lemalie: 'Be brave and courageous. We now have Pacific faces leading these campaigns. It is a culturally safe space. We owe it to our families and to the migrant dream to thrive, to be healthy, and to challenge the statistics.' BSA Vaine Toa campaign actor Siobhan Hope shared a personal call-to-action: 'Don't leave it. Get your breast screening when you're eligible. And if you notice any changes in your breasts, see your GP and get them checked. It could save your life.' Co-star Katerina Fatupaito added: 'Just do it. There is no reason to be shy or whakama anymore because there are beautiful clinics and people there that are willing to help.' BreastScreen Aotearoa offers free mammograms every two years to women aged 45 to 69 with no symptoms of breast cancer. A mammogram can detect changes inside the breast before they can be felt – making early detection possible, and treatment more effective. Vaine Toa! Are you due for your breast screening? If you are aged 45-69, call 0800 270 200 to enrol and book your free appointment today. Visit for more information.
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- NZ Herald
Vaine Toa breast screening campaign launched to empower Pacific women
This article was prepared by BreastScreen Aotearoa and is being published by the New Zealand Herald as advertorial. BreastScreen Aotearoa has launched a bold new campaign, Vaine Toa, to uplift, inform, and empower Pacific women across Aotearoa New Zealand to prioritise their health and take up free breast screening. The campaign launched on Monday May 19 with a cinematic screening at Riccarton Hoyts in Christchurch, hosted by BSA lead provider ScreenSouth. The event featured the debut of the Vaine Toa campaign ads, followed by the acclaimed film Tinā. The cinema lights dimmed, the screen came to life – and with it, the voices of Pacific women calling each other to be brave, to be seen, and to be well. Lisa Te Paiho, Programme Manager for BreastScreen Aotearoa, said the Vaine Toa campaign is about more than just awareness – it's about creating a shift. 'Screening saves lives. When cancer is found early, treatment can be simpler, and you can carry on with your life and with your aiga. 'We want women to see that this is something they can fit into their busy lives. Anyone can do it. We encourage them to do it for themselves, for their families, and for their communities.' Among those invited to the Christchurch launch were un-screened and under-screened women from the community including Cook Islander Marcia West-Tetevano, who shared her deeply personal reason for being there: 'I felt like a Vaine Toa being invited. Breast Screening is something that I haven't done, but it's something that my own mother died of so it really made me want to come here. I have a screening booked in! I'm proud to be going and doing it next week.' Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Aotearoa, with around 3500 diagnoses each year. Early detection through regular mammograms significantly improves survival, reducing the risk of death by about 34%. A mammogram can detect changes inside the breast before they can be felt – making early detection possible, and treatment more effective. Despite this, Pacific screening rates remain below average. As of April 2025, the national screening target for eligible women stands at 70%, but for Pacific women, coverage is only 68% nationally, and even lower in some regions. Pacific women are also more likely to die from breast cancer. Dr Tua Lealaiauloto Taueetia-Sua, chair of the BSA Pacific Campaign and Resources Advisory Group, said the Vaine Toa campaign reflects the strength of Pacific women. 'Too often, women put everything else first – family, work – and by the time they think of screening, there's no time left. We have to be there for our grandchildren. If you're not well, you can't be there for your family, so you've got to look after yourself first.' The campaign was launched with the community, including local champion and breast cancer survivor Maria Eileen Lemalie: 'Be brave and courageous. We now have Pacific faces leading these campaigns. 'It is a culturally safe space. We owe it to our families and to the migrant dream to thrive, to be healthy, and to challenge the statistics,' she said. BSA Vaine Toa campaign actor Katerina Fatupaito said: 'Just do it. There is no reason to be shy or whakama anymore because there are beautiful clinics and people there that are willing to help.' Vaine Toa! Are you due for your breast screening? If you are aged 45-69, call 0800 270 200 to enrol and book your free appointment today. Visit for more information.
BBC News
27-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Cook Islands China deal riles allies as West's grip loosens
The Cook Islands may be small but the ambitions of its leader are mighty and his signing of a range of deals with China without consulting the public or New Zealand – an ally to which it is closely tied – has caused increasing irritation and agreements are the first of their kind with a country that is not a traditional ally. They cover infrastructure, ship-building, tourism, agriculture, technology, education and, perhaps crucially, deep-sea mineral Minister Mark Brown says his decisions will be based on the "long-term interests" of the Cook Islands, which are remote, resource-rich and vulnerable to climate change. Not everyone agrees with him. The new, wide-ranging deals with Beijing have led to protests on Rarotonga - the largest Cook Island - and a vote of no confidence against Brown in parliament, which he survived earlier this week. They have also worried Australia, another powerful ally. New Zealand said it was "blindsided" by the China deals, but Brown believes his country is independent and does not need to consult Wellington on issues he says are of no concern to has, nevertheless, tried to reassure Australia and New Zealand that the deals with China don't replace their relationships. But the apparent snub comes at a time when the West's grip on the Pacific seems to be loosening. The rise of China in the Pacific isn't new. Whether it's bagging a security deal in the Solomon Islands or providing medical services in Tonga, China's presence in the region has been growing. And the US and its allies have made a consistent effort to counter now there is a new dynamic at play as the Trump administration upends relationships with allies such as Ukraine and appears increasingly unpredictable. The Cook Islands has had what's known as a "free association" relationship with New Zealand, a former coloniser, since the 1960s - meaning Wellington helps on issues like defence and foreign affairs, and that Cook Islanders hold New Zealand two countries are very close. There are around 15,000 Cook Islanders living in the Pacific island nation, but as many as 100,000 live in New Zealand and Australia. Culturally, Cook Island Māori - who make up the majority of the population - are also closely related to, but distinct from, New Zealand Māori. "[The relationship with NZ] connects us politically and connects us to our brothers and sisters of Aotearoa [the Māori word for New Zealand] – they left our shores to sail to Aotearoa. We need to remember that," said Cook Islander Jackie Tuara at the recent protest against Brown's deals with China. "Let us stand in partnership with countries that have the same democratic principles as we are a democratic nation, are we not? We don't want to see our land and our oceans sold to the highest bidder. Those resources are for us – for our children, for their future."The deals Brown has made with China aren't the only sign that he wants to pull away from New Zealand that have caused concern. He recently abandoned a proposal to introduce a Cook Islands passport following a public outcry. In a nation that is not used to huge displays of protest, several hundred people recently gathered outside parliament in Rarotonga, holding up placards that read: "Stay connected with NZ".But for all those who are opposed to Brown's recent moves away from New Zealand, there are plenty of Cook Islanders who back specialist Philipp Ivanov, in apparent agreement with the prime minister, says that "the Pacific island nations have their own agency, their own motivations and their own capabilities". He believes that the recent developments in the Cook Islands are "all part of that little great game that's going on between Australia and China and New Zealand in the Pacific. It's a whack-a-mole kind of game." Testing the waters While the US has long been a dominant force in security and military in the region, China has tried to strengthen its ties with the small but strategic Pacific Island nations through aid, infrastructure and security response, the likes of the US and the UK have beefed up their diplomatic presence across the region. Australia too has made it clear it will redouble its support. But it's unclear to what extent US President Donald Trump will continue his predecessor's commitments in the region to counter China - and Beijing is taking advantage of week, planes flying between New Zealand and Australia were diverted after China conducted military exercises involving live fire. Both Australia and New Zealand had been trailing the three Chinese warships that were making their way down the eastern coast of Australia in what experts say is an escalation and unexpected show of power. "It's a pretty efficient way of testing the diplomatic response in both the Australia-China and New Zealand-China bilateral relationship, and what the US is prepared to say in defence [of its allies]," says defence analyst Euan Graham, from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute."It's also making the point that in the numbers game, China will always be ahead of smaller countries with smaller navies and Australia's navy is at a historic low."Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was keen to emphasise that no international laws were broken and that the drills were carried out in international waters. Indeed, many have pointed out that Australia and its allies often sail warships through the South China Sea."I'd see it as China wanting to capitalise on the chaotic effect that Trump is having right now," says Mihai Sora, director of the Pacific Islands programme at Australia's Lowy Institute. "China is taking advantage of that moment to [say], look Australia, you are actually alone. Where is the United States in all of this?" A balancing act Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong freely admits "we are in a permanent state of contest in our region, that is the reality". In speaking out about the warships last week, Australia's government was trying to reassure the public about China's intentions, while also wanting to tell Australians that it's all in hand. That is not a coincidence as Australia heads towards a federal election in the coming months."[Opposition leader Peter] Dutton comes from this national security and home affairs background, so the government doesn't want to give him any air to criticise Labor," Philipp Ivanov says. "Being weak on China would be disastrous for them, given what's going on in the US and given our own elections." But it also brings into focus the dilemma this part of the world faces."Canberra will be contesting every single move that Beijing tries to make … and it reflects the fact that Canberra and Beijing have diverging strategic interests," says James Laurenceson, the director of Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology he adds, they also have "enormous commonalities" - China is Australia's largest trading partner - and New Zealand's - for instance."So you've got to be able to ride both these horses at the same time."It's not an easy relationship - it never has been. The bigger surprise is that of the US, a traditional many in the Trump administration still describe China as a grave threat, US allies are unsure what to expect from the Washington-Beijing now, as Trump threatens steel and aluminium tariffs and a withdrawal of foreign assistance, Australia feels more isolated than ever. The recent activity of China's warships in the Tasman Sea serves to highlight that isolation."I wouldn't think of them as military acts, so much as political acts using military hardware," Mr Ivanov says. "I think the political act is to say, look, we can do this anytime we want. You can't do anything about it, and the United States is not doing anything about it, because they're busy tearing down the global system."
South China Morning Post
24-02-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
New Zealand need not fear China's growing ties with Pacific nations
China's engagement with the Pacific has once again been placed under the microscope after the announcement that it signed a ' strategic partnership ' with the Cook Islands. Advertisement This comes after a security agreement China signed with the Solomon Islands in 2022 and a proposed agreement involving 10 Pacific countries that was put on hold after objections from some Pacific states, significant pushback from Australia and tensions with the United States. Unsurprisingly, the news of the deal between China and the Cook Islands has elicited a wave of concern throughout the Anglosphere, including New Zealand, which has a free association relationship with the Cook Islands. New Zealander Foreign Minister Winston Peters seemed upset, saying Wellington was kept 'in the dark'. Peters said New Zealand would analyse how the deal could affect the country's 'vital national interests'. While Peters has maintained a diplomatic tone, the response of the New Zealand commentariat has been much more alarmed. One prominent commentator called the agreement a 'frog in the pot moment' amid China's apparent efforts to 'establish a new order in the Pacific'. Another claims that 'China is driving a wedge between the Cook Islands and New Zealand' while one commentary states that 'New Zealand can learn from Australia's new approach' which has redefined 'competition in the region'. The response so far illustrates that dated frames of analysis – such as realist notions of great power politics and the underlying zero-sum nature of international relations – still dominate. This is why characterisations of the Indo-Pacific as representing something of a ' new cold war ' have become so popular in recent times, despite the current situation bearing little resemblance to the original Cold War. New Zealander Foreign Minister Winston Peters (top centre) and Cook Islander Prime Minister Mark Brown (lower left) were among the delegates attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on August 26, 2024. Photo: AFP The theory of multiplexity – pioneered by international relations scholars such as Amitav Acharya, a professor at American University – offers an intriguing alternative lens to consider the recent geopolitical shifts in the Pacific.
