Contact Info: Vishal Rishi/Samuel Cho, The Asian Nework Inc., 101 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland. PO Box 27550, Mt. Roskil, Auckland.T: 09 815 2338 F: 09 815 2330 E: samuel.cho@asiannetwork.org.nz

W: www.asianetwork.org.nz

Spring 2015

In This IssueTANI Health Promotion for Asian Communities ---------------------------------------------------------------- pg 2Asian Health Initiatives ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ pg 3Healthcare Information & Supporting Services ----------------------------------------------------------------- pg 4-5FVP & Safety ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ pg 6-7Community Events ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- pg 8

Newsletter

TANI Events 2015Please pen down these events on your calendar!

Chinese Health SeminarTuesday 8th September10 am - 12 noonPearce St. Hall, Onehunga Community Centre3 Pearce Street, Onehunga

General Network MeetingTuesday 10th November10 am - 12 noonPearce St. Hall, Onehunga Community Centre3 Pearce Street, Onehunga

Chinese Health SeminarTuesday 17th November10 am - 12 noonPearce St. Hall, Onehunga Community Centre3 Pearce Street, Onehunga

Homecare Medical, a partnership between Pegasus Health and ProCare Health, is the preferred provider. The Ministry will be working with Homecare Medical to finalise the

contract and implementation plan for a smooth transition of existing services to the new service on 1 November 2015. The national telehealth service will integrate Healthline, Poisonline, Quitline, Gambling Helpline, Alcohol and Other Drug Helpline, the National Depression Initiative, and immunisation advice for the public. 111 calls and PlunketLine will not be affected. The free national telehealth service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days per week. The public can still contact services using current phone numbers. Behind the scenes, the new national service will be more seamless and ensure people access the right advice, at the right time, no matter where they live. The national telehealth service provides an opportunity to fundamentally change the way we as health and injury services and agencies, approach health and wellness in New Zealand to meet the growing demand, consumer expectations and the need for sustainable healthcare. Homecare Medical intends to adopt a service user co-design approach to deliver the New Zealand public access to a quality, highly effective and valued service. The Ministry and Homecare Medical are looking forward to working with you to ensure the national telehealth service is integrated into local / regional health pathways and initiatives. This will be achieved by a true two-way dialogue between the national telehealth service and local health, injury, social system agencies, organisations and clinicians. For more information on the national telehealth service please refer to the National telehealth services page. This page will be updated throughout the change process to keep you informed. If you have any questions please email them to telehealth@moh.govt.nz

Nāku noa, nā National telehealth service team

provides an integrated health line serviceNational Telehealth Service

Kia ora,The Ministry of Health is pleased to

announce the outcome of the national telehealth service procurement process.

Kia ora! Warm greetings to you all from TEAM TANI! Here is our Spring

newsletter for your informative reading.

I am pleased to share that our Northcote office is officially operative, two days a week. We feel that now, TANI shall be able to meet local

community needs more effectively through various health and wellbeing programmes that will be organised locally. As a result of this new office, our community engagement will be strengthened in North

Shore and the community will be benefitted with useful programmes TANI organises from time to time. For example, the recent Chinese health seminar delivered in Albany was a great success and was well received by local residents. This office is located at Norman King Building, 65 Pearn Crescent, Northcote (beside the library).

In addition, I would like to share that South Asian families and communities have shown considerable interest in our Healthy Babies Healthy Futures project . Team TANI is working closely with the enrolled families in helping them to improve maternal and child nutrition through various initiatives like cooking demonstrations, nutrition workshops, and seminars.

On behalf of TANI, I value everyone’s participation and support for our new initiatives as mentioned above. Enjoy reading this newsletter and your suggestions for improvements in our activities would be welcome. Team TANI looks forward to seeing you at the forthcoming TANI workshops and events!

Virinder Aggarwal Chairperson, TANI

TAN I Health Promot ion for as ian commun it i es

2

Educational seminars targeting the Chinese community was

continuously delivered as part of the Community Health Education

project: Be Healthy Be Happy. The message was about “Prevention

and management of Cardiovascular disease” to improve knowledge

of prevention of the disease and maintenance of the illness.

Prevention & self-care of cardiovascular disease for

the Chinese communtiy

Health message and information in relation to the topic of the mental health and depression was delivered to the Japanese community in their own language at the Japanese Health Seminar. We not only raised mental health awareness and delivered messages to prevent depression and suicide, but also shared information about mental health services in the New Zealand health system. Thank you all volunteers for supporting us and making this happen!

Mental health message shared with the Japanese community

Empowering Asian communities - Understanding our health systemTANI health promotion team continues

to work together with local libraries

across the wide Auckland region and

educate the members of the community

about the New Zealand health system

and healthcare service information. The

Health Talk is becoming more interactive

and community friendly program that

planned to respond to the needs of

people in the community.

3

Introducing Counties Manukau Health’s As ian Health Forum Did you know there are currently 123,000 Asians living in Counties Manukau?

That’s about 24% of the population. Fast forward to 2025 and that number is expected

to increase to 28% or 169,000 people. To represent this growing and diverse group,

the Counties Manukau Pan Asian Health Interest Group (PAHIG) was created to provide

a forum where Asian communities can come together to share their views and advice on

health and wellbeing matters and provide input into our future health services.

The group’s thirteen members include CM Health staff, community members from the

education sector and non-governmental organisations such as The Asian Network Inc

(TANI), and Plunket.

With extensive links with key Asian community stakeholders and local and regional

professional networks, PAHIG can support health services planning, implementation or

evaluation by ensuring relevant Asian community leaders and community groups are

engaged for cultural input and advice. PAHIG is supported by Counties Manukau Health

through the Directorate of Strategic Development, and will be looking to develop formal

links with the CM Health Patient and Whaanau Consumer Council and locality groups.

For more information about PAHIG, contact: Kar Po Chong, Planning Advisor, on ext: 3084 or chongk@middlemore.co.nz

The Online P ictorial Asthma Medication Plan (PAMP) for Children

West Fono Health Trust (Henderson) and the

Quality Use of Medicines Team at Waitemata DHB have created a tool to assist with providing asthma education to children and their families.www.pamp.co.nz produces personalised ‘pictorial’ plans emphasising regular ‘everyday’ inhaler use in a simple, colourful way. The plans can be printed in several languages (English, Chinese,

Samoan, Te Reo Māori, Tongan and Tuvaluan). The website is designed for use by health professionals to complement routine face-to-face asthma education… and it’s free!

Photo L-R: Carlos Lam Yang, Rani Joseph, Kar Po Chong, Jennifer Goddard, Priya Shahi, Edith Padavatan, Tomoko Yamaguchi, Derek Luo. Absent: Kitty Ko, Chee-Khiang Sng, Renuka Bhat, Vasu Moses,

Vishal Rishi, Vivien Cheung

English Version

Asthma Inhalers for...

Name:

SamuelEverydayMorning & Evening

2 puffs

FlixotideTM

Everyday

2 puffs

Oxis TM

Asthma Getting Worse

6 puffs every 5minutes ifrequired, or asdirected

EmergencyPhone Ambulance 111

Samuel needs a new plan if themedicines change, or by Oct 2

014

This plan was made by John at Moana Ave.

To contact your doctor or nursecall - 6340075

Flixotide is a registered trade mark of the

GlaxoSmithKline group of companies

Oxis is a registered trade mark of

AstraZenecaSalamol is a registered trade mark of IVAX

Pharmaceuticals

Version: 3.00

Created on: Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Developed by healthAlliance for Waitemata DHB

in partnership with West Fono Health Trust

Plunket Seeks Feedback on Plans to Improve Services for Asian FamiliesPlunket launched The Asian Peoples Strategy on 24 July, inviting feedback from the Asian community on its plans to ensure its services are relevant and accessible to the growing number of Asian families in New Zealand.

Asian people are now the third largest ethnic group in New Zealand, and the

fastest growing. Between 2006 and 2012 the number of Asian newborn babies enrolled with Plunket nearly doubled, prompting the organisation to launch an initiative to determine how it could better meet Asian families’ needs. “The strategy will bring a new focus and coordination to our efforts to ensure our services are accessible and culturally relevant to Asian families,” Jenny Prince, Plunket’s Chief Executive. “It is part of Plunket’s approach to continually respond to the changing needs of families, and ensure parents know we are here to support them to improve their children’s health outcomes.” Plunket is inviting the Asian community to give feedback on its draft plan, which can be accessed through the Plunket website www.plunket.org.nz. If you have any ideas how Plunket can better support your community, or you’d like to make a suggestion for the strategy, email asianstrategy@plunket.org.nz by 31 October.

Chinese Version

哮喘喷剂供给患者

姓名

Ling每日上午以及晚上

喷 2 次药

FlixotideTM

每日

喷 2 次药

Oxis TM

哮喘加剧

在需要时, 每 隔5 分钟喷 6 次药, 或遵医嘱

紧急情况拨打111叫救护车

Ling 改变药物时需要制定新计划, 或者在 2014 年 10月 之前

本计划由 John 在 Moana Ave 制定

联系您的医生或护士时请拨打电话 - 6340075Flixotide is a registered trade mark of the

GlaxoSmithKline group of companies

Oxis is a registered trade mark of

AstraZenecaSalamol is a registered trade mark of IVAX

Pharmaceuticals

Version: 3.00

Created on: Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Developed by healthAlliance for Waitemata DHB

in partnership with West Fono Health Trust

HOPE: Healthy Options = Positive Eating HOPE Course at Shanti Niwas

HOPE is a family-centred health promotion

programme, empowering existing community groups by training people to deliver the HOPE programme. The

aim of HOPE is to foster healthier lifestyles amongst ‘at-risk’ communities, reducing the incidence of diabetes and complications. Each session includes three key components: a

presentation of key information, physical activity, and a cooking demonstration followed by practical cooking experience for the family groupsJyoti Parashar (coordinator) and three seniors from Shanti Niwas attended the train the trainer programme delivered by Diabetes Auckland and ran a successful Hope programme at Shanti Niwas during school holidays. Various fun and creative activities were organised involving both young and old, the highlight being the healthy food cooking demonstrations with a message that healthy food can be tasty too. The participants found the course immensely useful and informative. The overal goal of Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc is to empower our seniors citizens of Indian and South Asian Origin and help them gain greater control over their life. We provide social support services,and deliver positive ageing programs thrice a week for lonely and isolated older people and once a week for people with disabilities. We also provide Elder Abuse prevention service, counselling, advocacy, translation, help accessing any age related services and help them integrate into New Zealand society for better quality of life, and for their families. For more information, contact Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust INC. at 622 1010 or email shantiniwas@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.shantiniwas.org.nz

4

Zero Fees Scheme for Children Under 13From 1 July 2015, most general practices will offer zero-fee visits for children under 13.

Children under 13 will also no longer need to pay the $5 charge for each item of

prescription medicine, though other charges may apply. DHBs will also be required to ensure that children under 13 can access zero-fee after-hours care and prescription medicines within reasonable travel time (maximum of one hour). The changes are designed improve access to healthcare for primary and intermediate school children, ensuring they can get the care they need when they need it and avoid possible complications and visits to hospital A&E departments.The ’zero fees’ scheme applies to a standard daytime visit to a GP or nurse at the child’s regular practice (where they are enrolled) or an after-hours visit to a participating clinic. It also applies to injuries covered by ACC. General practices can decide whether they offer zero-fee visits for children under 13. The vast majority of practices already offer zero-fee visits to children under six and it is expected that most will also extend the scheme to under-13s. To find out more, check with your general practice team or pharmacist or see www.health.govt.nz/visiting-a-doctor.

Celebration for ach ievement and b ig changesSport Auckland’s Green Prescription (GRx) programme based at the Onehunga YMCA recently celebrated the graduation of 12 GRx

clients who have made substantial changes to their health and lifestyle over a 3-6 month period.

All of these clients were referred to GRx for a variety of reasons including:

depression, mobility issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, weight loss and

to quit smoking. Our Healthy Lifestyle Advisor Laura has been working closely

with the clients through face to face reviews, delivering workshops and exercise

sessions. What is great about GRx is that it is a free support service available to anyone

18 years + who would like motivation and expert exercise advice which will

help to guide you toward sustainable lifestyle changes. 90% of GRx graduates

would recommend this service to others! We now have a Registered Dietitian

delivering community-based workshops to add another great dimension to the service. For more information call us on (09) 623 7956 or go to www.sportauckland.co.nz.

Do you need Healthcare Information?Go to www.healthpoint.co.nz

Health Point is a healthcare

services information directory which provides empowering and accurate information to both patients and healthcare providers.

Bowel Cancer Pilot ExtendedWaitemata DHB’s bowel screening pilot has

been extended for another two years until December 2017, meaning eligible residents will now be invited for a third round of testing.

Community Awareness Team Leader Elizabeth Buswell says people aged between 50 - 74 living in Waitemata will continue to receive an invitation and test kit through the mail when it’s their turn to participate. “We are encouraging people who are eligible to do the third test, as bowel screening can help find early signs of cancer.”Minister of Health, Jonathan Coleman, has announced the government will start consulting with the health sector to discuss the next steps towards potential roll out of a national programme. The pilot has detected cancer in 255 people so far.If you are aged between 50 - 74 years and live in the Waitematā DHB area you should have been invited to check yourself out with the FREE BowelScreening programme. If you have not received an invitation, or have moved house, please phone 0800 924 432.Symptoms of bowel cancer may include blood in your bowel motion or changes in your normal pattern of going to the toilet that continue for several weeks, for example. diarrhoea, constipation or a feeling your bowel doesn’t empty completely. Anyone with those symptoms is urged to see their doctor now.

Life is PreciousRegular cervical screening is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. During

September keep an eye out for opportunities to go for a free smear test. Pop up clinics which provide free smears for women will be happening in participating clinics in Auckland.Many Asian women are not sure about the New Zealand Cervical Screening Programme. This means Asian women have lower rates of screening and are at much higher risk for cervical cancer.

Some women choose to have a smear test or visit a gynaecologist when they visit their home country. There are many benefits to having a smear here in New Zealand and Asian women are both encouraged and warmly welcomed to participate in cervical screening here in New Zealand.For information about cervical screening and where to go for a FREE smear test call 0800729729http://nationalwomenshealth.adhb.govt.nz/health-professionals/auckland-regional-cervical-screening-

Go for a smear test - September is Cervical Screening Awareness Month

55

Manag ing D iabetes and Pre-D iabetesThe rate of diabetes is higher among Asians, particularly South Asians, than Europeans.

Diabetes means your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Your body needs glucose for energy but having too much glucose in your blood can be harmful for you. If your doctor has

diagnosed you as having diabetes or pre-diabetes, it is important to learn how to manage your health effectively, and reduce the risk of problems with your kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet and legs, and teeth.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes your doctor will discuss treatment options and dietary requirements with you.

However, additional information and support is available to help you manage your condition. We provide free courses on managing

diabetes. During three 2½ hour sessions you will have free access to a specialist nurse, dietitian, and podiatrist. These diabetes specialists

cover topics including diet and exercise, foot care, identifying and preventing complications, keeping motivated, and goal setting.

If you have type 2 diabetes and live in the Waitemata DHB area, we can also offer a free individual consultation with our dietitian.

Interpreter services can be arranged if required. You are very welcome to bring a support person, such as a friend or family member, with

you. For further information please contact MMcdonald@comprehensivecare.co.nz or 09 448 0019.

Waitemata DHB Wins National Public Sector AwardWaitemata District Health Board (DHB) has been nationally recognised for its work using patient feedback to drive improvements in care.

The DHB won the Justice Sector award for Excellence in Integrity and Trust at last night’s

Institute of Public Administration New Zealand (IPANZ) awards for its extensive work linking patient experience to the organisation’s values. Waitemata DHB Chief Executive Dr Dale Bramley says the programme is all about hearing from patients and their families and linking feedback to the DHB’s values of everyone matters; with compassion; connected and better, best, brilliant in order to drive improvements in care.To read more, please visit at http://www.waitematadhb.govt.nz/News/Media or contact Holly McClune, Communications Advisor, 09 486 8955 mobile 021 829 802 or at holly.mcclune@waitematadhb.govt.nz

Healthline is a free, confidential 24-hour health advice phone service

available to all New Zealanders. Healthline is funded by the Ministry of Health and provided by Medibank Health Solutions New Zealand in association with St John.

Guess What??

Can I Eat Red Meat if I have High Cholesterol?

Beef + Lamb New Zealand is a non-profit organisation responsible for promoting beef and lamb (red meat) to New Zealanders, and is happy to contribute to the TANI newsletter with common meat and nutrition questions answered by registered nutritionist, Fiona Greig.

In this issue we respond to the question:

“Can I eat red meat if I have high cholesterol?”Yes, as long as it is trimmed of visible fat and portions of around 120 grams are kept to 3- 4 times per week with plenty of vegetables. All beef and lamb displaying the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Quality Mark will be trimmed to a maximum 5mm fat, which can be further trimmed at home. A significant number of New Zealand beef and lamb cuts qualify for the Heart Foundation’s Two Ticks, as they have a saturated fat content of no more than 4% and recognised as core foods for a healthy diet.Lean beef and lamb also contain some of the important oils found in olive oil and fish oils. These include beneficial hearty healthy omega 3s.For more information on red meat nutrition or recipe ideas, visit www.recipes.co.nz or email fionag@beeflambnz.co.nz

Group Talks Supported by Cancer SocietyPeople with cancer and their friends and whānau can all experience a mixture of feelings when faced with a cancer diagnosis.

Psychologists at Cancer Society Auckland are there

to help people cope during this time, with group programmes and individual counselling. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk with someone outside friends and family to develop helpful ways to cope with a diagnosis and everything that it brings. People who have used our service have said:

“It was excellent! Really helpful down-to-earth practical suggestions. All really relevant and very helpful in dealing with not only the impact of cancer, but with all aspects of daily life. These sessions have been a very important part of my ability to cope with recent difficult situations”.All services are free and confidential, and our psychologists are experts in working with people affected by cancer. Group talks will cover the following topics:• Coping with emotions• Communication strategies• Getting the support you need• Sleep solutions• Stress management and relaxation.

Currently group talks are run in Manurewa, New Lynn, Orewa and Grafton.To find out more, call 0800 CANCER (226 237) or visit our website www.cancernz.org.nz

6

The Launch of STARS at PakurangaDance Therapy NZ is thrilled to announce the launch of a new programme, STARS Pakuranga starting October 2015.

STARS Pakuranga is a

dance movement therapy group for children ages 4-12

with Autism, ADD and other special needs. There are two groups which

meet weekly during the school term. These new programmes join

existing STARS groups in Onehunga, Mt Albert and Northcote.

Each group provides a fun, creative and expressive space. Not just a

regular dance class, these groups give participants the opportunity to

develop essential social, sensory and movement skills, which can have

a profound impact on their lives outside of the dance therapy group.

The amazing benefits include increased confidence, ability to make

eye contact, trying new things, managing emotions and interacting with

others.DTNZ offers free assessments for anyone interested in joining the

STARS programme. The assessments are a great way to meet the

dance therapy team and try out some of the activities that are on offer.

Term 4 groups start Thursday, 22 October. Please contact Abbey for details: 09.636.3029, info@dancetherapy.co.nz or check out our website www.dancetherapy.co.nz

Focus on Genetic Muscle DisordersWhen pushing for improvements in services, it is important to be able to provide evidence for why change is needed. Yet there is little information about who and how people are affected by these conditions.

Genetic muscle disorders include the muscular dystrophies,

myopathies affecting the muscles central core disease and Pompe Disease. Researchers at Auckland University of Technology are carrying out a study to find out how many adults and children in the country are diagnosed with a genetic muscle disorder and the impact the conditions have on them and those close to them. The study will also look into previously hidden financial costs to families and gaps in current services. The findings will be used to identify how services can be improved to assist those living with these conditions. Participants from across NZ will be asked to take part in an assessment of the impact of their own and/or their child’s condition. Assessments will be completed in-person at the person’s home or other preferred location, over the phone, or they can be self-completed online. Participants will receive a voucher as a thank you for taking part. People can be affected by these conditions in very different ways, so it’s important the team talk to as many people living with these conditions as possible.Anyone interested in this study can contact the study team on: email: mdprev@aut.ac.nz or phone 0800 MDPREV (637738) text: 0212458597

Guinness World Record Holders!Guinness World Record holders for the longest moving line of wheelchairs.Officially Amazing.

What a triumph for these young people and a great win for the

Disability Sector (and NZ!).The Cube and Yes Disability are proud to announce that they are now officially the Guinness World Record Holders of The Longest Moving Line of Wheelchairs. The event took place last year on International Day of Disabled Persons, at Mt Smart Stadium Auckland, with an impressive 247 participants. They managed to improve on their previous attempt the year before and in turn totally smashed the current record of 193 wheelchairs in a moving line, which was held by a group in Los Angeles,USA. What an inspirational idea by the young people from the Cube, the volunteers and the staff and for all involved.See the official title on the Guinness

World Records Website http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-moving-line-of-wheelchairs

Asian Health Clearinghouse

New resource from the Counties Manukau (CM) Health Library

to support Asian health research is available. To support and promote Asian health research, the CM Health library has developed the Asian health clearinghouse - a repository for Asian health research, information and resources. The library is keen to work with partners across the health sector to strengthen access to and understanding of Asian health research and resources. The clearinghouse is available to the public via the CM Health Library’s external website on Healthpoint – http://www.healthpoint.co.nz/public/other/counties-manukau-health-library-database/im:517187/ . If you would have any feedback or would like to contribute, please contact: Peter.Murgatroyd@middlemore.co.nz

Ming Ming’s StoryMing Ming Edgar is an extraordinary individual. This talented 25 year old doesn’t let being blind

slow him down; he challenges himself to be the best, with the help of four Support Workers from Geneva Northlink. His activities include weeding and cleaning a community garden and training at No Limits Gym, a gym

designed for people with disabilities. He powerlifts and trains for competitions. This year, he came first in the novice qualifying competition and the Northland Powerlifting Championships. He is also competing in the NZ National Powerlifting Championships. Being a young man of many talents, Ming Ming plays the piano, too. He has a musical Support Worker who teaches him new songs and takes him to play for the elderly. He says “my Support Worker goes above and beyond her duties, even going as far as learning iPhone skills to assist me in my learning.” There is never a dull moment for him. With the help of his Support Workers, he is able to do the things he loves. Geneva Northlink are proud to be able to work with such a positive spirit, and hope we can continue to influence him like he influences us.

Chinese Korean Information Consultant for ILS

My name is Marian Park, would like to take this opportunity to introduce Asian information consultant with Independent Living Service Inc.

ILS is a non-profit organization partially funded by Ministry of Health. We provide information for people with Impairments and have a showroom of products that would help people to live independently.My main role as Information Consultant (Asian Service) is to provide clients and stakeholders with information and

advice regarding ILS products and other relevant services of ILS to the Asian community, in particular Korean, across the Auckland region. My role also includes raising community awareness of ILS and services available to those with disabilities, and providing education around disabilities. Please feel free contact or refer to us should you require any support or have any enquirers provided below I will endeavour to assist where we can. Contact Marian (Korean) at marian@ilsnz.org or Felix (Chinese) at felix@ilsnz.org, ph 09 625 0312. Visit our website www.ils.org.nz

7

Volunteer Support Workers for Victim SupportAre you interested in supporting members of your community affected by crime and trauma?

We are recruiting Volunteer Support Workers who would like to offer their time, skills and life

experience. By joining the Victim Support team you will provide assistance directly to victims,

family/whanau and significant others affected by crime and trauma, including suicide and homicide.

To be part of our team you will require:• Sensitivity to the needs of crime and trauma victims.• Emotional maturity, patience and good communication skills.

• Weekly commitment to roster duty. • A computer and internet access.• Full driver’s license and access to own vehicle.

We provide comprehensive initial training, specialist training in homicide, bereavement and sexual violence,

supervision and a supportive and friendly environment. The Initial Training Program will be held in September

2015.For more information and to register contact 0800 865 868 or visit our webpage www.victimsupport.org.nz/volunteer/registration

Amelia’s Passion for Zumba and the community

Amelia Tan-Makhmalchi, the founder of Public Fitness and

Wellbeing Charitable Trust, won the Australia and New Zealand flavour instructor 2014.As a migrant herself, Amelia understands a lot of migrants feel isolation in a new country. She formed the Public Fitness and Wellbeing Charitable Trust, aiming to make Zumba fitness accessible and affordable to help people achieve a healthy lifestyle through active social interaction. Many

participants feel healthier and energetic. They feel a sense of belonging and feel like a big family.As a non-profit organisation, our low fee Zumba classes are $3, and free for under 16’s and over 65’s. Everyone is welcome to join us. We promise that you will love it. Amelia runs Zumba classes on the North Shore and West Auckland. Contact Amelia on 021 110 1127.

Disability Connect - Helping Families

Parent and Family

Resource centre is trading as Disability Connect

since October 2014. We continue to provide different topics of seminar to families with disabled children and Chinese Families Autism Support group monthly to South Auckland families with autistic children.Individualised Funding with Resipte: 2nd September 7pm-9pm, 9th September 7pm-9pm. 16th September 12:30pm-2:30pm Chinese Families Autism Support Group: 15th September 9:30am-1pm, 20th October 9:30am-1pm, 17th November 9:30am-1pm, 1st December 9:30am-1pmWe also have the Indian Families with Children of Special Needs Support Group for the South Auckland families started, so please contact Sanny Chan for future meeting dates, DDI: 09 526 1298 or email sanny@disabilityconnect.org.nz, For more information regarding seminars and booking, please contact 09 636 0351 or email admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz

Shakti’s 20th Anniversary celebrationShakti’s Anniversary celebrations:20 years of servicing migrant and refugee communities!

It began 20 years ago on the floors of a house under renovation in the suburb of Mt. Roskill, Auckland. Two decades on, Shakti Community Council has grown to service

New Zealand’s diverse migrant and refugee communities on a national scale through its seven organisations and 13 centres.Family violence awareness, prevention and intervention services have been at the core of Shakti’s services, focusing on being inter-generational social change. The journey has not been without its challenges, joys and sorrows. The organisation and its many milestones will be celebrated at a Gala Day at the Mt. Eden War Memorial Hall, 487 Dominion Rd, Balmoral, Auckland. Besides a rich line up of speakers we will have cultural presentations, food and fun-filled activities. Commemorative Events will also be held in Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin and

Wellington. Shakti extends an invitation to the communities to attend and be part of our celebrations as we reiterate our message of zero tolerance towards family violence.

88

Amazing link between taiwan and iranWhat could possibly be the link between Taiwan and Iran? Cyclones? No. Scientific achievements? Maybe. Amazing women? Yes!

Parri and Jean met a few years back in an ESOL class in Glenfield. Ever since, they have worked as a pair, and what a pair they are!

Parri is fair-haired and holds herself like the noble Persian women probably did in ancient times. She dances like a queen and teaches us her moves. She has a natural empathy, an ability to intuitively understand what newcomers need to feel better. And she laughs like there is no tomorrow. And so does Jean. Jean has dark hair, she is small, agile, her eyes glitter with intelligence. She sings beautifully and teaches us Mandarin songs. She has this natural ability to make the best of any situation. When I had to spend sometime in France recently to sort out family matters, Jean and Parri took it upon themselves to run the Newcomers activities at the Albany House. Not only were they there, they were there fully. Giving their best attention to all those who came and as a result those who came, came back. Parri and Jean are a true success story !Written by Laure Romanetti, Newcomers Network Albany, www.newcomers.co.nz

ASK for Connecting our CommunityYou are warmly invited to the

The Symposium draws together researchers, practitioners and community members to:

• disseminate research findings• identify and prioritise health and settlement research needs• make recommendations for the conduct of research with refugees in New Zealand. The key themes of this year Symposium are:• Research about refugee experiences • Research and evaluation of refugee services• Undertaking research with refugee peoplesIf you are working for or interested in refugee populations, or a community member, the Symposium will be the right place to learn, share, network and refresh academic and professional knowledge. Please visit www.refugeesymposium2015.co.nz to submit an abstract, register, and view delegate scholarship opportunities. For more information please contact Hagyun Kim (Symposium coordinator) Hagyun.kim@aut.ac.nz. We look forward to welcoming you in December!

Are you new to new zealand for information or support?Please contact Citizens Advice Bureau’s Face to Face Service in Northshore.

All are welcome. We do not see the visa status. Drop into CAB NORTHCOTE or CAB BROWNS BAY branches to get confidential and free advice:Citizens Advice Bureau NORTHCOTE Library Building, 5 Ernie Mays Street, NorthcotePhone: 480 2971 Open Monday to Friday 9.15am – 3.30pm

Citizens Advice Bureau BROWNS BAY2 Glen Road, Browns BayPhone: 479 2222 Open Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm

Refugee Research Symposium 2015When: Thursday 3rd December 2015Where: North Shore Campus, Auckland University of Technology