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Scoop
3 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Calling On Kiwis To Share Their Stories This World Drowning Prevention Day
Water Safety New Zealand and ACC are calling on New Zealanders to take part in World Drowning Prevention Day on Friday 25 July - an annual advocacy event organised by the World Health Organisation - by sharing personal stories and raising awareness about the everyday actions that can prevent drowning, prevent injury, and save lives. This year's global theme, 'Your Story Can Save A Life' encourages people across Aotearoa and around the world to speak openly about their experiences in, on, or around the water - from close calls to life-saving moments, and the lessons that shape our decisions. In sharing our stories, we learn from the experience of others. This can save lives. Some stories are well known, including that of Water Safety New Zealand's own Rob Hewitt (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Rangikoianake), an ex-navy diver with his own harrowing tale of surviving 75 hours lost at sea. Rob now dedicates much of his time advocating for water safety, with a particular focus on Māori and Pasifika communities, generously sharing his story to draw attention to the necessity of Water Safety and having an unwavering respect for the water. Interventions Lead at Water Safety New Zealand, Esther Hone (Ngāpuhi), has her own story of survival and of loss. She was drawn to a career in water safety after losing a friend when boating on a lake when she was younger. 'That experience had a dramatic impact and made me understand how quickly things can go wrong - particularly in open water environments where conditions can change so quickly.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading In 2024, New Zealand recorded 74 drowning fatalities - the lowest annual toll since 2018 and a 14% drop from the 10-year average. While the reduction is encouraging, Water Safety New Zealand say the risks of preventable drowning remain very real. An average of 86 New Zealanders drown every year. Many fatalities involve preventable behaviour such as not wearing a lifejacket, entering the water alone, consuming alcohol or other drugs, and underestimating conditions. New Zealand drowning facts: Men continue to be overrepresented - 73% of drownings in 2024 (54 out of 74 total drownings) were male adults (aged 25 and above) 90% of craft-related drownings in 2024 were not wearing a life jacket 88% of 2024 drownings were adults Nearly 20% of drownings in 2024 were at one of NZ's highest risk drowning locations. 'We are making good progress, particularly with our tamariki, but every life lost is one too many,' says Esther. 'World Drowning Prevention Day provides an opportunity to speak up, share our stories, and help shape a culture where water safety is second nature.' ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says World Drowning Prevention Day is an opportunity to be more mindful of the risks in and around the water. 'A drowning is a devastating event for any whānau and community, and our hearts go out to every family who has lost a loved one,' he says. 'Most of these tragic drownings are preventable if we take the time to consider the risks.' Whitaker stressed the importance of following the Five Ways to Survive – New Zealand's Water Safety Code. 'Far too many New Zealanders are drowning, and these events are preventable,' he says. 'If we take time to assess the risks and make smart choices before we jump in, we can keep on doing the things we love.' New Zealanders are invited to take part in World Drowning Prevention Day by sharing their own water safety experiences to help reinforce that the power is in prevention. How to take part: Use World Drowning Prevention Day as a reason to post your water story or safety message on social media to contribute to a culture of water safety in New Zealand. Share an experience, life lesson or thought around water safety, reminding New Zealanders that the power is in prevention Use hashtags #WorldDrowningPreventionDay, #WaterSafetyNZ, and #ShareYourStory Access free downloadable toolkits and digital assets from 'Whether it's a national story or a moment from your local beach - what you share can save lives,' says Esther. 'Let's connect, share, and work together to solve drowning in New Zealand and create a culture of water safety. The power is in prevention'. Notes: People who overestimate their ability, ignore weather forecasts, don't wear lifejackets, or think swimming skills are all they need to stay safe – are people who put their lives at risk around water. The five points of New Zealand's Water Safety Code – Five Ways to Survive were developed based on drowning and injury data, and global evidence of what works to save lives: Water Safety New Zealand also notes that the first reading of the Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill will likely take place in July. Again, another important moment - and an opportunity to both express our support for the bill and express the need for one consistent national rule around lifejacket use for all ages, particularly given the number of adult drownings where no life jacket was worn. About Water Safety New Zealand Water Safety New Zealand is the lead agent for water safety and drowning prevention in New Zealand. For more than 75 years, we've made it our mission to support people and places to be safer around water. We do this through focused data science, leadership, education, and advocacy. As a charity, we are dedicated to making New Zealand's waterways safer for everyone.
RNZ News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
'Toitū te reo': All welcome as national Māori language festival returns
Tame Iti speaks to a packed out crowd at Toitū Te Reo 2024. Photo: Supplied / Toitū Te Reo Organisers of Aotearoa's national Māori language festival want people of all ages and ethnicities to "toitū te reo" - to uphold the language - as the kaupapa returns for its second year. Toitū Te Reo, described as a two-day "celebration, inspiration, education, and activation of the language and culture", will take place in Heretaunga Hastings on November 13-14. Festival founder and director Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod (Ngāti Kahungunu) said the kaupapa, born out of a desire to uplift te mana o te reo Māori. was shaped by growing pressure on the language in recent years. "It was morphed into a festival during the time where the language was under attack from left, right and centre," he told RNZ. "And it was a response to that, but it was a positive response. It was, how we can unite the country and bring people together, but also bring ourselves together as Māori." Toitū Te Reo is the evolution of Te Reo ki Tua, a revitalisation symposium hosted in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu. "It's a street festival. It's unapologetically Māori, yet incredibly accessible to non-speakers," MacLeod said. "We want young, old, locals, visitors, and those from every ethnicity to come along and have a go at te reo Māori." Toitū Te Reo - Aotearoa's national Māori language festival- director and founder Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod says the kaupapa is a "transformative bicultural opportunity for everyone." Photo: Supplied / Toitū Te Reo Organisers said the festival welcomed about 10,000 people last year , from reo champions to absolute beginners. Despite receiving funding in 2024 from the previous government, this year's kaupapa will go on without it. "It's a different climate," MacLeod said. "We were lucky last year with some residual funding from the former government, but that funding is not available under the current government. "So it means we've had to work extra hard to find people to support what I still believe is a transformative, groundbreaking initiative." He said the shift has only deepened the resolve of the organising team, but it raised questions about who was responsible for backing the language. "My challenge to us as Māori, with regards to mana motuhake - if we really believe in our language and we want to invest in a national forum that uplifts but also inspires a lot of language activists across the country - then support it. Instead of us being booted like a political football between central government back to iwi and vice versa." "If we keep harping on about how important the language is, then we need to commit to it and show some leadership… Stop talking about the language and commit to uplifting it." Photo: Supplied / Toitū Te Reo Toitū Te Reo will be host to a variety of kaupapa, including kapa haka performances, wānanga, symposiums, kai, toi Māori, and live podcast recordings, all designed to meet people wherever they are on their reo journey. "There's no other forum in the country that brings this many people together purely for the language revitalisation plight," MacLeod told RNZ. "It brings together some of the country's most recognised exponents, but also grassroots language champions, not necessarily people who sit in academic institutions… It brings together a fantastic mix, as well as non-Māori who have committed their lives to the re-emphasis of the language." MacLeod said regardless of where you sit on the language proficiency spectrum, "everyone requires a bit of inspiration". "We require a bit of activation. We require a little bit more education and an opportunity to celebrate and connect." MacLeod speaks from personal experience. He grew up in Brisbane with parents who were part of the generations who lost their language. "I remember very well how hard it is to acquire te reo Māori," he said. "And I still have vivid memories of what that was like. It's not easy." That's part of why accessibility is a core focus of Toitū Te Reo, he said. "We've tried to make it as welcoming as possible," "Even if you're fluent or if you're in the middle, there's dedicated symposium areas and lots of different presenters, panels to cater for everyone. But even the most fluent need to do some work to maintain their reo." Photo: Supplied / Toitū Te Reo While the scale of the festival will be slightly smaller this year, MacLeod said Toitū Te Reo is about national reach, but from a provincial base. "National kaupapa don't just belong in Wellington and Auckland. They can be hosted in provinces too. "When Ngāti Kahungunu established the National Māori Language Revitalisation Symposium, it had a domino effect, several tribes went on to establish their own. And I feel that'll be the case with Toitū Te Reo in time. Why can't we have several celebrations of the language and culture around the country?" With the kaupapa taking place in four months time, MacLeod is hoping for an even bigger turnout than last year. "Toitū Te Reo will inspire you. It will educate you. It will entertain you. It will activate you. It will strengthen you," he said. "And it will provide a platform for thousands to come together and celebrate the language that is quite often attacked from all quarters of this country." Toitū Te Reo 2025 will take place in Heretaunga Hastings CBD on 13-14 November. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Spinoff
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
‘Immersed in stacks of picture books': Isobel Joy Te Aho-White's reading life
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu), illustrator of three books up for awards at the 2025 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. The book I wish I'd written and illustrated Good Faeries, Bad Faeries by Brian Froud. I love his method of putting pen to paper and letting his intuition take over, with no expectation as to what comes out, and then, in the case of Good Faeries, Bad Faeries, giving personalities and backstories to the characters after they've been drawn. I think that approach has helped me when I feel like I have creative block. Just scribble, zone out, and think about it later. Everyone should read Watership Down by Richard Adams – it's a reimagining of Homer and Virgil's Odyssey and Aeneid, but with bunnies, which makes it better. It also brings in other themes such as humanity's propensity for mindless destruction and domination over the animal kingdom. The book I want to be buried with Tough question, because it can change on any given day. So, let's just say a sketchbook for jotting down ideas and observations. The first book I remember reading by myself I remember being immersed in stacks of picture books as a kid (nothing's changed, really), and I'd cycle through them. Some early impressions were Funnybones by Janet and Allen Ahlberg, Animalia by Graeme Base, and The Nicklenackle Tree by Lynley Dodd. I also had the classics: Madeline, Asterix, Tintin, Babar, the books of Richard Scarry, Dr Seuss, The Berenstains. The pictures drew me in – the more detail, the better. If we're talking chapter books, some early ones I enjoyed were The Hobbit, The Song of Pentecost, The Cooper Kids, Anne of Green Gables, The Babysitter's Club and the Famous Five. The book I pretend I've read I have pretended to read Das Kapital by Karl Marx and A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, but to be honest, I found them too dense and only skimmed them. Maybe I need illustrated versions. Dystopia or utopia The stuff I make is usually utopian, but the stuff I enjoy is usually dystopian, crime or horror adjacent. How does that work? Maybe I need something to bounce off. Some faves that come to mind are Animal Farm by George Orwell, Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, The Long Walk by Stephen King, and Uzumki by Junji Ito. Fiction or nonfiction I appreciate both and read them in completely different ways. Most of my bookcase is filled with nonfiction reference books that I pick up and skim through if I need some information on a subject – mostly books about pūrākau Māori, history, art/design and native plants. But when it comes to novels, it's audiobooks all the way. I listen to them while I'm working. It's a crime against language to This may be an unpopular opinion, but I think books that jump around the timeline without telling you that they're doing it can be really grating. Similarly, I'm not usually interested in reading a prequel to a series that takes place before the series that I just read, because I know what's going to happen, and I've moved on. The book character I identify with most I've always felt an affinity for Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll. She gets stuck in a situation that is completely baffling to her, where everyone seems to be marching to the beat of a different drum, and she's rarely given adequate context for anything. To me, that's what it's like being on the autism spectrum and trying to follow social cues. The book I wish would be adapted for film or TV Robin Hobb's Liveship Traders should be adapted for film. I think it would be visually stunning. The serpent sequences could be animated and psychedelic, while the main story could be live action. The character of The Fool/Amber/Lord Golden is probably one of my favourites of all time – I think Hunter Schafer would ace that role. Most underrated book I don't think Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake gets enough love among the fantasy classics. Or maybe it gets the right amount, but Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia and the Harry Potter series are comparatively overrated. In any case, it's got a crumbling gothic castle, a catastrophic flood, parkour, cloaks, daggers, and a room full of cats, which in my mind makes it one of the greats. Greatest New Zealand book Wāhine Toa by Patricia Grace and Robyn Kahukiwa had a big impact on me, because it's empowering, grounding and explicit in its Māori feminism. It examines eight archetypes from pūrākau Māori, using bold art and gentle prose that together create a layered and comprehensive study. It's the first book about female divinity that I picked up, looked at the land I know, the women that raised me, and go 'yeah, that makes total sense'. What I'm reading right now On Audible I've got all the JP Pomare books lined up, because I like to binge crime and suspense. On Apple books I've got Performance by my e hoa David Coventry, which is about his experience of living with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). On my desk is Treasures of Tāne: Plants of Ngāi Tahu by Rob Tipa, which I'm currently opening at random. And I've just ordered a fresh new copy of Māori Rafter & Tāniko Designs by WJ Philips from Oratia, which I'm looking forward to. Ngā Kupenga a Nanny Rina by Qiane Mataa-Sipu illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White ($21, Penguin); A Ariā me te Atua o te Kūmara by Witi Ihimaera and illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White and translated by Hēni Jacob ($25, Penguin); and Ten Nosey Weka by Kate Preece, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White ($22, Bateman Books) are all available to purchase through Unity Books.
RNZ News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
'One big whānau': New Zealand mens softball team eye World Cup title
The Black Sox are the most decorated in men's softball history, winning 7 World Titles and totalling 13 medals. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC The New Zealand men's softball team are looking for redemption at this years World Cup, with a key focus of bringing a sense of whanaungatanga back to the squad. The Black Sox qualified for the 2025 WBSC Men's Softball World Cup in July last year, under the guidance of their new head coach Thomas Makea , a Hall of Famer, four-time world champion and three-time NZ player of the year. Eight teams are set to fight for the championship at this whakataetae (competition), which is one of the most expected events in the history of mens softball. The World Cup Finals will begin on 8 July in Prince Albert, Canada. Black Sox Head Coach, Thomas Makea, a Hall of Famer, four-time world champion and three-time NZ player of the year. Photo: Photosport Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea Ki Rarotonga), the first Māori head coach of the Black Sox, brings a wealth of experience and connection to the sport, having been coached by his own father to coaching his sons, Reilly Makea and Dante Makea-Matakatea. Reflecting on his coaching career, Makea told RNZ it was always something he was "supposed to do." "Growing up and as I got older, I just thought that's what I was supposed to do, give back." The New Zealand Black Sox as a team are not shy of success, having won the Men's World Championship a total of seven times, becoming World Champions for the first time in 1976. The side have won a medal in 13 of the first 15 World Cups, and appeared consecutively in the World Championship Final 10 times from 1984 to 2017. They are the most decorated softball team in history. However, in 2022, the Black Sox had a disappointing finish on home soil, where they placed 8th. Makea said they are determined to improve on their last World Cup performance, and creating a "brotherhood" plays a key role in that goal. "[The Black Sox] have come a long way over the last few years," Makea said. "We all know where they've been in 2022 and where they finished and how they finished, so [this year] it was about getting them to really play for each other, play for not only themselves but also their whānau and where they've come from." The New Zealand Black Sox are set to compete at the 2025 WBSC Men's Softball World Cup in July. Photo: Paul Hodgson/ Makea said for the past year the side has focused on both on-diamond and off-diamond relationships, to foster a sense of whanaungatanga within the squad. "It's just about being connected with one another and really working hard together." The concept of tuakana/teina, where younger players are mentored by their older counterparts, has also played a key role in bringing the boys closer together. "We've got a couple of tuakana from the past that have come back to help all these teina in this team. It's been a great connection that way too." "When we need that experience on the field, it's awesome to have those guys around to show the younger ones the way." He said this years side is a "quality team" and has the offensive and defensive skills to make the podium. "We're one big whānau with a team-first attitude." Reilly Makea (pictured) is playing in his third Mens Softball World Cup and has been marked by the WBSC as one of the top 8 'stand out' players to watch. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC What is not unknown to the softball community in Aotearoa is the strong whānau connections within the sport. Amongst this years World Cup team is four sets of brothers, two of which are Makea's sons. 'Whānau plays a massive part in this of the team is whānaunga," he said. "Most of these boys, their grandfathers have played, their fathers have played and I'm sure down the line their kids will carry on in that legacy." "It's just part of our sport. And it's massive for us too." The Black Sox's taiaha 'Te Awhiorangi' was gifted to the side back in 2013 and has since been bassed down through generations of teams. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC As the boys prepare to take the diamond, they will bring with them a special taonga from back home, a taiaha, Te Awhiorangi. The name Te Awhiorangi holds deep significance in te ao Māori. It refers to a legendary adze said to have been used by Tāne to separate Ranginui and Papatūānuku, severing the sinews that bound them. The taonga is also connected to stories from when Māori tūpuna came to Aotearoa. Some kōrero say it came here aboard the Aotea waka with Turi, others say it was brought by Tamatea-ariki-nui on the Takitimu waka and later passed down to Ngā Rauru through whakapapa. In both purākau (stories), Te Awhiorangi helped each tūpuna overcome challenges faced on their voyage. The name Te Awhiorangi is often translated as 'The Encircler of Heaven' or 'The Embrace of the Heavens.' Jerome Raemaki leads a haka for the New Zealand Black Sox at the 2025 WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Qualifier in July 2024. Photo: World Baseball Softball Confederation - WBSC The Black Sox's taiaha was gifted to the 2013 World Series Black Sox team by Hawke's Bay Māori art practitioner Charles Paringatai. This taonga was gifted to the 2013 World Series Black Sox team by Hawkes Bay Māori Art Practitioner Charles Paringatai. Since then, it has been passed down through generations of teams. "Once I got the job, I took that rākau back home to get blessed and to start my journey... It's a special taonga for us," Makea said. To mark the beginning of their World Cup campaign, the boys will come up first against Canada on Wednesday 9 July at 2.30pm NZT before they take on Argentina on 10 July, 2:30pm NZT. To tautoko the New Zealand Black Sox, whānau can catch the action via GameTime - the only official Live Stream provider.
Economic Times
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
Māori All Blacks squad named for 2025 tour, Eklund appointed captain
Māori All Blacks captain Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu) leads the 2025 squad announcement, ahead of matches in Tokyo and Whangārei Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu) has been appointed captain of the 29-player Māori All Blacks squad for upcoming matches against Japan XV in Tokyo on June 28 and Scotland in Whangārei on July 5. Head Coach Ross Filipo (Muaūpoko) selected the squad alongside Assistant Coaches Greg Feek (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa). Squad composition: 11 uncapped players and provincial representation The squad features 11 uncapped players, spanning four provinces and multiple Super Rugby franchises. Listed below are the selected squad members, including iwi, province, and Super Rugby club: Also read: All Blacks name five debutants in Scott Barrett-led squad for three France Tests Props: Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi / Bay of Plenty / Chiefs), Jared Proffit* (Ngāti Porou / Taranaki / Chiefs), Pouri Rakete‑Stones (Ngāpuhi / Hawke's Bay / Hurricanes), Kershawl Sykes‑Martin* (Ngāti Porou / Tasman / Crusaders), Mason Tupaea* (Ngāti Tiipa, Ngāti Amaru / Waikato / Blues) Hookers: Jacob Devery* (Te Aitanga a Mahaki / Hawke's Bay / Hurricanes), Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu / Bay of Plenty / Blues)Locks: Zach Gallagher* (Te Ātiawa / Canterbury / Hurricanes), Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu / Waikato / Blues), Antonio Shalfoon* (Whakatōhea / Tasman / Crusaders), Isaia Walker‑Leawere (Ngāti Porou / Hawke's Bay / Hurricanes)Loose Forwards: Nikora Broughton (Ngārauru, Ngāti Ruanui / Bay of Plenty / Highlanders), Jahrome Brown* (Ngāti Porou / Waikato / Chiefs), Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa / Wellington / Hurricanes), Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue / Canterbury / Crusaders), Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe / Manawatū / Highlanders) Also read: He treats them like sons and they gave him a title; Inside Rob Penney's journey that leads the Crusaders t Halfbacks: Kemara Hauiti‑Parapara* (Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou / Auckland), Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi / Northland / Blues)First Five‑Eighths: Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine / Northland / Crusaders), Kaleb Trask (Ngāpuhi / Bay of Plenty / Chiefs)Midfield: Corey Evans (Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu / Northland / Blues), Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu / Waikato / Hurricanes), Daniel Rona (Te Ātiawa / Taranaki / Chiefs), Xavi Taele* (Ngāi Tahu / Auckland / Blues), Gideon Wrampling* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine / Waikato / Chiefs)Outside Backs: Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa / Bay of Plenty / Blues), Jonah Lowe (Ngāti Pikiao / Hawke's Bay / Highlanders), Zarn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu / Hawke's Bay / Blues)Injury Cover: Kade Banks* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua / North Harbour / Hurricanes) as temporary replacement for the injured Daniel RonaPlayers not considered due to injury include Rameka Poihipi, Cameron Suafoa, Taha Kemara, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Marcel Renata, and Manaaki Selby‑RickitFilipo emphasized Eklund's leadership credentials: Also read: Chiefs vs Crusaders: How to watch Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final - Live streaming, TV, time, date and oth 'This team demands a strong leader with mana, and Kurt has shown that quality and more over a long period of time, for the Māori All Blacks, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the Blues. He has a lot of experience throughout the squad and that will be a strength for what will be two tough matches.'At 32, Auckland-born Eklund brings extensive experience with provincial and Super Rugby sides to the captaincy the 11 uncapped players, Xavi Taele stands out as the squad's youngest member at 20 years old. Filipo shared:'It's a proud moment for all the new caps and their whānau. This is a special team, and these players know they are here to are represent something bigger than themselves - their whakapapa, their language, the jersey and Aotearoa.'Another uncapped player, 31-year-old Jared Proffit, adds experience in the front row, highlighting the depth of talent in the squad announcement was broadcast live on Te Ao Māori News, All Blacks YouTube, and Māori+ YouTube. The event featured New Zealand Māori Rugby Board representative Rob Clark (Waikato), alongside Māori All Blacks Cultural Advisor Te Wehi Wright. Also read: Chiefs vs Crusaders: Red-hot Chiefs challenge Crusaders' reign in Super Rugby Pacific final Clark explained the team's cultural significance:'Māori rugby is the vehicle we use to express our indigenous identity. It holds the health and wellbeing of our people at the forefront... This team allows us to express our kaupapa to the world, to inspire all people and protect the taonga that is rugby in Aotearoa.'The squad has assembled in Auckland to begin preparations ahead of departure for Tokyo on June 25. Scheduled matches are:Saturday, June 28 – Māori All Blacks vs Japan XV, 6 PM JST at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, TokyoSaturday, July 5 – Māori All Blacks vs Scotland, 3:35 PM NZST at Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei
