Latest news with #communitywellbeing
RNZ News
4 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Study finds Māori, Pacific communities can reshape media narratives
Brown Buttabean Motivation founder Dave Letele. Photo: Stuff / David White A new study shows Māori and Pasifika community initiatives can use media stereotypes to create their own narrative. The University of Auckland study, 'Taking the mic: Māori and Pacific voices in the media' examined the success of Brown Buttabean Motivation (BBM), New Zealand's largest community-based fitness and well-being organisation throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the study's lead author Dr Sandra Smith, senior marketing lecturer at the University of Auckland, over time, and especially during lockdowns, BBM became "much more than just a bootcamp and how to eat healthy". "It became an extension of whānau and a safe space where support could be provided to members in need. This finding echoes the notion that Māori and Pacific people are likely to seek help from family and community rather than from formal health providers," she said. University of Auckland senior marketing lecturer Dr Sandra Smith says organisations working to assist Indigenous and diverse communities should take control of their narrative in the news rather than reacting to media coverage. Photo: Supplied / William Chea / University of Auckland Outlined in the report, Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa face entrenched socio-economic and health gaps, including lower life expectancy and higher obesity rates. "Māori have experienced socio-economic deprivation because of colonisation and racism, manifesting in their significantly reduced life expectancy compared to non-Māori. Similarly, Pacific people also experience socio-economic and health inequities," the study said. "These health inequities were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, requiring a consideration of the changing experiences and requirements of diverse communities." Smith said these disparities can be worsened by mainstream media that frame health as an individual's responsibility, rather than a societal one. "Media narratives can shape how others view Māori and Pacific people and how Māori and Pacific people view themselves," Smith said, noting past decades of biased coverage. "So, we were interested in whether the media was actually reflecting the community in an accurate way, in a truthful way, or in a biased way." Pre-COVID, the study found that news media themes were consistently in line with high attendance at BBM's bootcamp. However, COVID-19 created different issues for the community and BBM adapted to the new environment and focused on new function programmes in response. Photo: Screenshot / Graph / University of Auckland Using the kaupapa Māori framework, Te Whare Tapa Whā and Pacific framework Fonofale, the researchers analysed 102 media articles and interviews (27 before Covid-19, 75 during) via computer-assisted tools and member checks with BBM. They tracked shifts in top media themes, such as Letele, people, weight, life and boxing, food, health, lockdown, children, and community support. "Covid-19 created different issues for the community. BBM adapted… New themes such as food, lockdown and children are reflective of this adaptation," Smith said. "It became more than just a bootcamp, but a community [and] a whānau." The study found that as gyms shut due to lockdown restrictions, BBM's strong social-media presence which let it livestream workouts, share health information and organise food parcels - became a safe space for whānau. "That's where they reach out to each other. That's how they perhaps coped when people were being locked down, losing their jobs, not knowing where their next healthy meal was coming from. That was a place where people obviously used those channels to connect." Smith said from previous research in the health space, specific communities - including Māori and Pacific - will respond better to their own people when it comes to disseminating important information or getting advice. "They're a lot more trusting of people within their own community. So, I think BBM then became a very important conduit for perhaps some of the health messaging helping people to navigate through some of the confusions around the time of the pandemic." Despite some lingering stereotypes, media coverage of BBM was "reasonably friendly… and reasonably accurate", the researchers found. "It's good to see that the media was reasonably friendly towards this community and was reasonably accurate. It wasn't perfect, but that was one of the key findings," Smith said. Dave Letele in studio with Guyon Espiner. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly Letele's ability to co-create his own media narrative was a stand out finding, Smith said. "Dave's own celebrity status… he was quite proactive and quite good at co-creating the narrative with the media rather than just having the media telling his story." Smith hopes this study will inspire other community-based groups to pick up the mic and tell their own stories. "I saw that Dave was very proactive in actually reaching out to the media, ensuring that the community's story was told accurately... I think communities can take a more proactive stance," she said. "Not necessarily waiting for mainstream media to create your narrative, but using the media channels that they're using themselves to tell their story." She said this specific study is a great way of learning about how Māori and Pacific people benefited from having a community like BBM. "I think we can all take something out of this story." The paper is published in the Pacific Health dialogue - a journal dedicated to health issues in the Pacific region - and is connected to a larger post-doctoral research project led by co-author, Dr Fa'asisila Savila (Pacific Health) and funded by the Health Research Council.
Trade Arabia
26-05-2025
- Health
- Trade Arabia
Active Abu Dhabi launches programme to community well-being
Active Abu Dhabi, an initiative by Emirates Foundation, has launched a programme named Misrah, a programme to promote national identity and community well-being. The initiative, a part of the Year of Community, was announced during an introductory workshop hosted at Active Abu Dhabi headquarters in Al Qana, Abu Dhabi. The workshop brought together representatives from government entities, community organisations, key media and logistics partners, as part of a comprehensive national effort to support community initiatives throughout 2025, in line with the aspirations of the UAE Year of Community. The introductory workshop was attended by by 50 participants, including representatives from government entities, community organisations, and key media and logistics partners. Participants included the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Department of Education and Knowledge – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Department of Community Development, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Ministry of Defense, Nafis Program, Abu Dhabi News Network, National Search and Rescue Center, PureHealth, Abu Dhabi Media, National Library and Archives, Federal Geographic Information Center, National Media Office, Office of the Ruler's Representative, and Abu Dhabi Police, alongside several academic institutions and private sector collaborators. The workshop explored opportunities for cooperation and integration between government and private sector entities, emphasising the vital roles of media, logistics, and culture in supporting the initiative. Misrah is a pivotal national initiative that brings to life the values of the UAE's founding fathers through an immersive journey that weaves together culture, identity, and physical activity. It aims to instill authentic Emirati values in young people. Reflecting Emirates Foundation's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and social responsibility, Misrah offers transformative experiences that reconnect youth with the UAE's cultural roots and deepen their understanding of the UAE's natural and human environment, by reviving traditions in a modern, meaningful way. Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said: "Misrah embodies the vision we hold at Emirates Foundation, where we believe that true empowerment begins with a sense of belonging, and that community partnerships are the primary drivers of positive change. We are proud of everyone who has contributed to transforming this vision into a national experience that resonates with pride and commitment." Mansour Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Active Abu Dhabi, said: 'Misrah is more than just an initiative; it is a message to every young man and woman that our past serves as a source of inspiration for our future. Health is not only physical but also resides in the soul, connected to a strong identity and authentic community awareness. This initiative truly embodies the essence of Active Abu Dhabi and brings its vision to life." Misrah is aligned with the national vision of fostering a stronger, more united, and socially cohesive community. Misrah combines physical activities, such as walking and camel riding, with heritage experiences that echo the desert lifestyle of past generations, enhancing young people's appreciation of their cultural heritage and inspiring a profound sense of national pride and belonging. Participants will journey up to 1,000 km, over a 30-day journey, across the UAE's diverse landscapes, undertaking daily walks that emulate ancient travel. Along the way, they will cultivate patience, discipline, and a spirit of cooperation.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Straub Benioff Medical Center to see new facilities
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Straub Benioff Medical Center is undergoing a massive transformation, according to Hawaiʻi Pacific Health. Hawaiʻi Pacific Health says the HMSA pledged $4 million to build a new facility on South King Street, marking their largest gift to Hawaiʻi Pacific Health and the first to Straub Benioff. Moped collision leaves two women hospitalized in Ala Moana Phase one of the project is currently underway, with crews working on the parking structure that will more than triple the number of current parking stalls. The top of the new structure will also house a state-of-the-art conference center, which will be named after HMSA. Ray Vara, the Hawaiʻi Pacific Health president and CEO said the two organizations share common goals around creating healthier communities, and the new space will help with preventative care, health education and improving community next part of construction will demolish the existing parking structure to make room for a new medical tower with an expanded Emergency Department, as well as larger patient and operating rooms. 'The campus of the future will drive toward healthier outcomes, not necessarily only taking care of people when they're sick,' said HMSA President and CEO Mark Mugiishi. 'This community center that we're working on together is a perfect start to that. It's a convening place where people can create meaningful relationships and partnerships.' For more information regarding the project, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BBC News
11-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dam Road park in Barton-upon-Humber reopens after £120k revamp
A park in Barton-upon-Humber has reopened following a £120,000 revamp, North Lincolnshire Council improvements to the park on Dam Road include new play equipment, seating, paths, bins, CCTV and new project was organised by The Friends of Barton Parks with funding from a range of Paul Vickers, chairman of the group, said "This isn't just a facelift, it is an investment in health, wellbeing and our local environment." He added: "The Friends of Barton Parks, along with local supporters, have created a fantastic space for people of all ages to enjoy."Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
