Latest news with #TeWhareTapaWhā
Scoop
23-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
UC Launches New Degree To Meet Needs Of New Zealand's Health Sector
Press Release – University of Canterbury The new Bachelor of Health will support New Zealands most pressing health challenges and focus on employability and flexibility for graduates who will contribute to improvement health outcomes. Developed in close consultation with partners from across the health system and community organisations, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)'s new qualification reflects a broader, more holistic understanding of health. Reinforcing the University's reputation of delivering highly-skilled, work-ready graduates, the programme equips students with the knowledge and practical experience to meet growing demand for a wide range of roles across the health sector – from public health to wellbeing, mental health. nutrition, exercise and policy. 'Roughly 80% of health outcomes are shaped by factors outside the clinical care system, by factors like housing, nutrition, education and social connection. We wanted a degree that reflects this reality and prepares students to lead in these areas,' says Executive Dean Health Associate Professor Cathy Andrew. 'The degree incorporates a small core set of papers allowing students to make a custom-designed degree that meets their interests, including the option of a double-major.' Positive feedback from both graduates and employers endorses the third-year internship. 'Making the internship an integral part of the programme ensures our graduates are not only job-ready but have already contributed meaningfully to health outcomes in their communities.' Graduate Jemma Dalley said taking the internship as an elective during her study has been invaluable for her career, 'During my internship with the New Zealand Health Education Association, I created a teaching resource on Te Whare Tapa Whā, developing curriculum-aligned lessons, creative learning activities, and strong planning and facilitation skills. The experience gave me work ready skills, valuable connections, boosted my confidence as a kaiako [teacher], and continues to shape my teaching practice today.' The structure also accommodates students transferring from other universities says Associate Professor Andrew. 'In the past, students coming to UC from other health science programmes could only credit some of their courses. Now, with a Health Science major available, UC can better recognise prior study. The Bachelor of Health is designed to allow students to pursue additional certifications such as Associate Registered Nutritionist or membership with the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners' Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ), further enhancing their employability and professional recognition. The degree supports a wide variety of career paths including Health Protection Officer, Health Communication Specialist, Mental Health and Addictions Practitioner, Public Health Policy Analyst, and more. It also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study or graduate entry pathways into in nursing, medicine, psychology, and other professional health fields. Students can tailor their degree with a choice of eight majors, including: Public Health Health Education Psychology Māori and Indigenous Health Mental Health and Addictions Health Science Exercise and Sport Nutrition Physical Activity and Wellbeing The new Bachelor of Health responds to a growing national demand for health professionals with a strong understanding of health and wellbeing determinants but who do not require full clinical registration. These roles include youth workers, healthcare assistants, support workers, community health workers. 'New Zealand's workforce of unregulated health workers has more than doubled over the past decade, with increasing roles in mental health, primary care, and community health settings,' says Associate Professor Andrew. Launching in 2026, future students can apply for the new Bachelor of Health here.
1News
07-07-2025
- Health
- 1News
'I need to fix this' - battling back from mental health rock bottom
When Toi Rankin realised his wellbeing was out of balance, he roped in his mate Pab to help him out. What started as a personal check-in quickly became a kaupapa; a raw, honest, and often confronting exploration of what it really means to be well as young Māori and Pasifika in Aotearoa today. Watch the new series ALLGOODS now on TVNZ+. Content warning: This article discusses mental health. Toi Rankin's rock bottom was isolating himself in his room and disengaging from the world completely. He would order Uber Eats every meal and would sometimes get the delivery driver to pass it through his bedroom window so he didn't risk crossing paths with his flatmates. ADVERTISEMENT He didn't want to be seen by his friends or family, and he avoided even seeing himself in the mirror. Toi Rankin explains what it took getting out of his rock bottom in the new Re: News series ALL GOODS. (Source: Pepe De Hoyos Photography.) Over six months he gained 80kgs and got diabetes and sleep apnoea. He remembers driving past his mum one day and waving to her, but she didn't recognise who he was. "She was worried, like really worried. It was bad," Toi said. "That was really tough and one of those moments where I was like f***, I need to fix this." Introducing ALLGOODS In a desperate attempt to turn his health around, Toi linked up with a trainer called Pab and the Riff Raff run club – which he says quite literally saved his life. ADVERTISEMENT Together, they committed to trying to work out what it means to be well as Māori and Pasifika men today. "The story we wanted to tell was never about weight loss, because that's not the problem," said Toi. "There's so much more to it and I'm not an outlier, I'm actually part of the majority for being unhealthy physically and mentally." Re: News journalist Zoe Madden-Smith sat down with Toi to chat about what it was like taking one for the team and becoming the "stand in" for the audience of Māori and Pasifika men who may have gone through similar battles with their mental and physical health. Zoe: What inspired making ALLGOODS? Toi: Originally, we got funding to do a series about Riff Raff, the run club. But we ran into a few obstacles, so we basically had to pivot the series to make it work. We knew we wanted to tell a story aimed at Māori and Pasifika men, so the team was like to me, 'Why don't we move your story to be front and centre?' ADVERTISEMENT At that point I had done the massive weight loss thing and had lost 50kgs, but I had almost like regressed or stagnated a bit. So, we thought why don't we look at the series through a more holistic point of view and bring in Te Whare Tapa Whā and I'll be the stand in for the audience. Editor's note: Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori framework for health. The four pillars represent the four dimensions of health: taha tinana (physical health), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional health), taha whānau (family and social health), and taha wairua (spiritual health). Zoe: How did you feel about the spotlight being turned on you? Toi: I still feel weird about it. But at the same time, I'm like, it's not really about me. I just need to get out of my head because if this can inspire one person, then that's a win. But it was weird to watch it back, it was a big ego thing. My first TV showing of myself is me at my absolute worst. So that was really difficult, like f*** having to be on camera at your rock bottom. But I just kept telling myself 'This is bigger than you'. ADVERTISEMENT Toi Rankin says his weight gained caused him to develop chronic sleep apnoea. (Source: Pepe De Hoyos Photography.) Zoe: In the series you are really open about putting on 80kgs in six months, giving yourself sleep apnoea and diabetes – things that people usually wouldn't want to talk about. Why did you want to be so open? Toi: I didn't want pity from this. I didn't want it to come across as 'Oh my god, this was so awful'. But more, here's this thing that's that that's happened, and now I'm trying to fix it. This doesn't have to define who I am, so you know, let's get people up to speed and move on. Zoe: How long did your low point last for? Toi: It got worse and worse over time. Overall, it was probably for a year, but that really bad routine was about three or four months. But yeah, I was incrementally building on that shitty masterpiece for a long time. ADVERTISEMENT Zoe: What was the moment that made you realise you needed to change something? Toi: It was when I went to tie up my shoes and I fully got into a huff and started sweating. That's when I was like 'Mmm, this is not good or fun or cool'. I always just thought I could work off the weight, because my weight had spiked after uni but I worked it off. I kept telling myself I'd be able to dig myself out, but I kept going further and further until I realised, I can't do this on my own. So, I called my brother for help because he is a personal trainer. He told me he could write me an exercise and diet plan, or he could tee me up with his mate Pab and said, 'He's a bit wild, but he will take care of you'. Zoe: What was the hardest part about your journey? Toi: The hardest part was showing up. And it still is to be honest. I'm supposed to go to training this week, but I just haven't. ADVERTISEMENT When you go to training, you get your ass kicked, but you can almost autopilot that. The hardest part is getting there. But I've gotten over the anxiety part of it. I remember when I drove to the first training, I sat in my car and then drove home because I was just way too anxious about it. I thought I'd probably get judged because I'm so unfit. I don't even want to be seen by my family and friends like that, let alone some strangers. But the second attempt I went with my brother and once I met all the boys it was awesome. Zoe: What's your favourite episode of the series? What are you most excited for people to watch? Toi: My favourite one is the 'I love you bro' episode. I really loved the sewing workshop and being able to bring the Riff Raff and experience that with them. Male mental health in New Zealand is f****d and I liked that we were shining a light on that. ADVERTISEMENT And I like that all the boys showed up to support the cause — and the boys are all fired up about it on the chat afterwards. Zoe: Have you sewn since? Toi: No, but I honestly thought about buying a sewing machine. I went on Trade Me and I saw the exact one we were using, and I'm like, 'I'm gonna get you soon'. It's one of my goals. The Riff Raff run club. (Source: Pepe De Hoyos Photography.) Zoe: What did you learn about yourself through making the series? Toi: I learnt heaps but the hīkoi [filming at the 2024 Hīkoi mō te Tiriti] was especially gnarly for me. That was the biggest exposure therapy and that was the second shoot day. In my head I was like 'They can see from a mile away that I am a plastic Māori and that I'm all s***'. ADVERTISEMENT But most of the people were so happy to talk to me. So having that being proven wrong meant that I eventually relaxed into it the day. In that same episode we [the Riff Raff run club] also jump into the water at the end. So, getting undressed in front of the camera was gnarly too. I still feel uncomfortable watching it, but I know that's a me thing. There were a lot of moments where I was hugely pushed out of my comfort zone. But then I would do it and the world wouldn't end, and I was like 'Oh okay, nobody actually cares'. Zoe: What would you say to your past self who was at rock bottom? What would you want him to know that you know now? Toi: Movement is free. You can go for a walk, you can stretch, and you can start small and it's about building on that. And also, don't wait. Don't reserve all your positive energy into your future self because they don't exist. That's what I did, I said 'I am going to go travelling once I am fit and healthy. I'm going to do this, once I am this'. ADVERTISEMENT But by doing that, you're sort of taking all this positive energy away from yourself. And then you get to that date you set for yourself, and you haven't hit those goals and so you feel like s***. So, save some joy for now. Watch ALLGOODS on TVNZ+ now. This interview was edited for clarity and length.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Oceania Opens New Dementia Care Centre At Meadowbank Village
Oceania has officially opened its new premium dementia care centre at Meadowbank Village in central Auckland. The purpose-built centre — named the Ōrākei Building — delivers secure, specialist dementia care within a homelike, supportive environment, enabling residents to remain in the village as their needs change. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday 4 June to mark the occasion, attended by The Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson, along with prospective residents, their families, and Oceania staff. The new centre completes Meadowbank Village's care offering, which now spans independent living, rest home, hospital, and specialist dementia care services. Today, Meadowbank is a fully integrated master planned community featuring 193 apartments, 104 care suites and 40 dementia care suites to meet evolving resident needs. Suzanne Dvorak, Oceania's Chief Executive Officer, said this integrated care approach supports certainty and comfort throughout each resident's care journey. 'At Oceania, we're committed to advancing aged care through more personalised, connected support. The new Ōrākei Building at Meadowbank Village enables residents to access seamless, high-quality care that promotes wellbeing, dignity, and a strong sense of connection throughout every stage of life.' Designed around a resident-centred care model, the Ōrākei Building features shared kitchens, living spaces, a secure garden, and light-filled communal areas that focus on comfort and sustainability. The centre has 21 rest home level dementia care suites and 19 hospital level dementia care suites. All suites have been designed to support privacy and promote the independence of residents. Dementia-friendly design features include calming colour palettes, intuitive layouts, and clear signage to ease navigation and support daily routines. Oceania's Director of Clinical and Care Services, Shirley Ross, said the centre raises the standard for specialist dementia care in New Zealand. 'The Ōrākei Building at Meadowbank Village brings together clinical excellence, thoughtful design, and Oceania's deep commitment to helping people live with purpose, dignity, and connection at every stage of life,' she said. 'Our integrated, holistic model of care is grounded in truly knowing each resident — their needs, relationships, and what gives them meaning. It's about creating an environment where people with dementia are supported to live well, with autonomy and respect.' Multi-skilled caregivers will work consistently within each household to foster a sense of safety and belonging. Residents will benefit from a flexible daily rhythm with activities aligned to Te Whare Tapa Whā, supporting wellbeing across physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.
NZ Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
At-risk youth find success with Ringside Cafe in Tauranga
The programme combines tikanga Māori, te reo, and holistic youth development. Grounded in the Māori healthcare model Te Whare Tapa Whā, it offers work readiness training, fitness, guest mentoring, psychological support, and post-programme guidance to empower taiohi (youth) towards employment, further study, and resilient futures. 'The two young women, who were once considered at-risk youth, have turned their lives around,' he said. Hiku and Taratoa, friends for 14 years, opened their cafe seven weeks ago outside the Tauranga Central Baptist Church at 640 Cameron Rd. 'We met in primary school.' Creating the cafe has taught the friends various life skills about perseverance, and both have grown in confidence. 'Early on, we had days where we barely had customers,' Hiku said. 'Now we average about 30 customers per day.' In seven weeks, they have learned more about the art of coffee, how to steam milk and the different kinds of milk. 'Steaming the milk for a cappuccino takes three seconds, a latte two seconds, and a flat white one second.' Hiku and Taratoa split the cafe's roles, with Hiku providing customer service and Taratoa creating the coffee. The cafe is open from 7am to 12pm every weekday, and the two plan to add a food option, the Kiwi classic toasted sandwich, to the menu. Inman said mental health advocate Mike King, Allpress Espresso, and Tauranga Central Baptist Church supported the duo. 'Mike King generously loaned them a Silverstream coffee trailer to get started,' Inman said. He said the Gardiner Family Trust donated $20,000 to enable Hiku and Taratoa to buy the trailer outright, a massive milestone in their journey. 'The long-term goal for these guys is to take ownership of the whole thing and make it theirs.' He said Hiku and Taratoa had done amazing things in the short time they have had the coffee cart, even with limited resources. At-risk youth were often misrepresented in media as being involved in ram-raiding, causing violence and other troublemaking activities, Inman said. 'At-risk youth these days have anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of whanau support,' he said. Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust community coach Anna Veale said running their own business allowed Hiku and Taratoa to build their confidence. 'If you believe in somebody else, then they generally will believe in themselves.' Expectations were high for the two baristas, who must be at the coffee cart at 6.30am to prepare for the day and be consistent each day. 'We do believe in them.' Outside of catering, the duo would like to take the coffee cart on the road and attend more significant festivals, but they would need generators and transportation, Inman said.
