News In Brief
Diabetes to blame for most kidney disease suffers
Type II diabetes is the primary cause of kidney disease for the majority of Cook Islanders receiving dialysis treatment, says a New Zealand researcher commissioned by the Ministry of Health. Carla Wilson, enlisted by Health to look into the feasibility of establishing in-country treatment for kidney disease suffers, says 2009 figures show that 69% of dialysis patients have type II diabetes – making it the primary cause of kidney disease among Cook Islanders.
The report by Wilson, furnished to Health recently, looked at Cook Islanders receiving dialysis treatment in New Zealand, noting that one of the key drivers in the growth of dialysis patients in recent years is type II diabetes. The data researched in New Zealand revealed trends in the treatment of dialysis patients over a ten year period, from 1995 to 2004. Wilson also looked at projections by the New Zealand Ministry of Health, which indicate that dialysis is expected to grow at a rate of at least 5% every year from 2005 to 2015. Of those receiving dialysis treatments in New Zealand in December 2004, 19% were Pacific peoples, and the higher prevalence of type II diabetes and its impact at an earlier age in Pacific peoples contribute to higher rates of End-Stage Kidney Disease.
Wilson’s report says there has been steady growth in the numbers of Cook Islands patients on dialysis in New Zealand since 1996 although the rate of growth has slowed down in more recent years. More than 70 Cook Islanders were estimated to be on dialysis in 2009.
The research has not been able to clearly distinguish between Cook Islanders, who are resident in New Zealand and receiving treatment and those being referred to New Zealand from the Cook Islands. However, the referral data from the Ministry of Health indicates that since 2003, four patients per year on average have been referred to New Zealand to start dialysis treatment. The average age of these patients is 52 and 74% of the patients referred since 2003 were under 60 years. In general, the bulk of the Cook Islands patients fall into the age bracket of 41-60 years.
Included in the key factors of the report’s findings is that the average life expectancy of kidney patients is four years, and that there is likely to be a continuation of the slow increase in referrals of Cook Islanders for treatment.
Wilson recommended that the Ministry of Health maintain the status quo of patient referrals to New Zealand for dialysis treatment, due to the prohibitive factors involved in low patient numbers, and technical issues related to equipment costs and maintenance, and professional staffing.
Prime Minister Welcome to Shanghai
The Prime Minister, Hon Henry Puna, was given a red carpet welcome to Shanghai with an official escort into the city to attend a round of official engagements.
The Prime Minister met first with Mr Yang Xiong, Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai, after which the Prime Minister and his delegation were hosted to a banquet lunch. During the discussions, the Vice Mayor expressed the city’s appreciation to the Cook Islands for its participation in the Shanghai Expo in 2010, recalling that the Cook Islands was a very popular participant for Expo visitors and the dancers outstanding. Also discussed was possible cooperation with Shanghai in relation to renewable energy, tourism and financial services.
In the afternoon, the Prime Minister and his delegation were given a guided tour of the Shanghai Solar Energy Research Centre and had very useful discussions with Centre experts on solar energy technology, research currently underway and possible areas of cooperation in future. China is a world-recognised leader in solar panel development and the Centre’s management expressed an enthusiastic willingness to assist the Cook Islands in addressing its renewable energy requirements.
To end the day’s formal programme, the Prime Minister and his delegation met with Ms Connie Cheng, Vice-Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, and senior members of her staff. The Prime Minister highlighted the potential for promoting tourism to the Cook Islands from the Shanghai region. He stressed Government’s intention to take full advantage of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Cook Islands and China for the promotion of Group Tourism into the Cook Islands. The Prime Minister informed Ms Cheng that problems regarding certain visa issues for Chinese visitors wishing to travel to the Cook Islands via New Zealand were being addressed. Ms Cheng agreed on the potential of the Cook Islands as a tourist destination, noting the need to pursue sound promotion activities and for officials to follow through with practical initiatives. She offered to assist the Cook Islands where possible in the months ahead, including inviting the Cook Islands to participate in the Shanghai Tourism Festival.
“My discussions today were most fruitful. I am excited about the potential for the Cook Islands to cooperate with the Shanghai authorities and the various public and private sector bodies based in the immense, dynamic Shanghai region which as a result of my visit we will be able to pursue in the months ahead,” explained the Prime Minister.
-Foreign Affairs Media Release
Cook Islands meets CCEC
The Prime Minister, Hon Henry Puna, accompanied by the Hon Teariki Heather Minister of Infrastructure and Planning, and Mr Kiriau Turepu, Associate Minister of Agriculture, held a fruitful, informal meeting in Beijing with senior representatives of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) regarding Government’s infrastructure plans for the next few years.
Having been involved with past construction projects in the Cook Islands, the CCECC was anxious to hear from Government about its plans for the future. The Minister for Infrastructure and Planning also wanted to take the opportunity of his visit to China to meet with the CCECC and inform them of Government’s plans, particularly for improving water and road works on Rarotonga, and to explore with them possible areas of cooperation in the months ahead. The informal meeting followed the Minister’s earlier visit to the head office of the CCECC, where the Minister met with the Vice President.
During the discussion, the Prime Minister and his Ministerial colleagues informed the CCECC of Government’s plans and its commitment to ensuring that the country’s essential infrastructure is developed to support in the most effective and efficient way possible the Cook Islands’ overall development initiatives. “Without good infrastructure, our overall plans will not succeed,” the Prime Minister observed. “I am therefore in support of the Minister for Infrastructure’s vision for the country and also ensuring that, as we move forward, we get the greatest value for the money we invest in infrastructure development”. In that regard, Government wants to ensure that local labour and the best possible products from whatever source are utilised in any new project proposals. “The CCECC received the news very positively,” said Mr Heather.
Given the recent experiences of water shortages, improvement to the Cook Islands water catchments, was also highlighted during the discussions. The Prime Minister stressed that “no water or not enough water means a waste of having a multi-million dollar reticulation system around Rarotonga and therefore it is a priority to ensure that our efforts in the water sector improvements are supported with adequate resources and funding”.
When they returns home next week, the Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure & Planning will brief Cabinet on the outcomes of their discussions with the CCECC and it will then be possible to carry forward planning on how best to improve Rarotonga’s water system and road works in the coming months.
-Foreign Affairs Media Release
Fundraiser for Cook Islands Animal Humane Society
A fundraiser is being held at the Staircase on Saturday 24th September 2011 by the newly formed group Cook Islands Animal Humane Society. Kura Tansley, President-elect of the new group, explained in a short interview on CITV News that although the Esther Honey Foundation is doing a good job, the group she heads feels more should be done. “Because of my long association with animal welfare”, she said “ I still get many inquiries and complaints about the treatment of animals. So we have decided to form a new group that will support Esther Honey Foundation and carry out activities that complement theirs, without duplicating efforts.” Responding to comments about the existing animal charities, she responded “We are all working for the benefit of animals, so the more, the merrier!”
All who are interest ared asked to join in a “Fifties Theme” dine and dance night at The Staircase from 7pm onwards on Saturday 24th September 211. There will be including a one-hour cabaret show by local volunteers, and music from the fifties years to dine and dance by. Tickets are available from Kura Tansley on mobile 52862 or Imogen Ingram mobile 58289, or at the door. Ticket prices are $45 for one welcome drink, dinner and show or $20 for the welcome drink and show only.
Opening of the UNDAF National Consultations
In Avarua, on Tuesday 20 September 2011, the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Tom Marsters, launched the beginning of national consultations under the United Nations Development Assistance Strategic Framework – the UNDAF in the Cook Islands.
Honoured visiting guests from the United Nations, who are responsible for leading this international development program, were UNDAF Team Leader, Dr. Baoping Yang, and his team being Mr Alexis, Ms Bonin, Ms Planitz and Ms Kohl.
Participating in the current consultations are representatives of local government and non-government organisations and private sector representatives.
MINISTER’S ADDRESS
Government expressed our nation’s appreciation for the continued support of the United Nations towards our country’s development.
The Minister highlighted that our own nation’s efforts towards achieving our international obligations, in particular the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). We are currently ranked as the second best performing nation for the achievement of the MDG goals.
With international support like that received from the UN, the Cook Islands will continue to pursue the fulfilment of its international and regional commitments and responsibilities for the mutual benefit of not only our own people, but also to the wider global community.
In this regard, these UNDAF consultations will be an invaluable opportunity for the Cook Islands to form its future national development objectives and commitments. These consultations take place at a time when Government has initiated a process for the shaping of our next National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP).
Our NSDP must promote our national development priorities – such as economic growth, eliminating poverty, improving access to good education and health, environment sustainability, partnerships for equitable development and good governance.
Our national development goals can best be achieved through implementing sustainable solutions to address our national needs, by balancing our many competing priorities, which is linked with an equitable allocation of resources and opportunities for all, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities.
The current UNDAF consultations are an important step in the process of assisting the Cook Islands to achieve its national development goals.
- DPM Office Media Release
Primary School Athletics
On Friday the Herald spoke with the President of the Rarotonga Sports organizing committee and Principal of Avarua Primary School Gelling Jack to get the scoop on this years Primary School Athletics Competition.
“We are in term three now and it is time for all the schools to start training for athletics,” said Jack. Unfortunately this year the Primary schools event will be held on the 25th of October on term 4 and not at the end of term 3, due to minor changes form the committee because of the availability of the Stadium.
“The Stadium will be hosting the Kiwi vs Kuki league test and at the moment the stadium is being upgraded so we have no choice but to postpone till the 25th next month,” said Jack. There will not be any more changes to the event so all schools will have to bring the heat on Tuesday the 25th of October with the kids having a day off from school after ‘the day’ for Gospel Day.
Hosting this year’s event is Nikao Maori Primary School. - Tiare Ponini
Family In Trust Come To Rarotonga
Sydney born Cook Islands group Family in Trust (F.I.T.) is bringing their # 1 hit song Vaine Manea” for the first time in December. Their “Vaine Manea” track is quite popular amongst the Cook Islands circuit throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands and as far as Mitiaro where the young people on the island lisen to their favourite tracks on ipod and mobile phones. And they are brining their collection of hit songs performing at some notable night spots on Rarotonga.
Under the leadership of Atiuan musician Mr Ken Cameron, F.I.T. has been an influenced of the Sydney born artists for some time. F.I.T. have arranged shows at the RSA in Nikao, the Banana Court, The Hidies Bar and also the Tupapa Centre before they depart for the Christmas break in Atiu. They will also be appearing on Saturday at the Punanganui Market to sell and promote their new cd and video clips.
Te Putokotoko
TUMU MANAKO: “Te Tuakaouanga O te Mesia”
Ka akarongo tatou I teia au takiato tuatua mei roto mai I te vaa o tei tuakaou mei te mate kia Ioane Pipi. “Auraka e mataku, ko te au te muatangana e te akaopenga, ko au tei vai ana e tei mate, ina te ora nei au e mutukore ua atu. Amene”
E tei iaku te taviri o Ade e te mate.
Iaia I tuakaou mei te mate mai e tei mou I te taviri o te mate e Ade. Eaa I reira te aiteanga o to te Mesia tuakaouanga?
1. Kua ruti a Satani. I roto I te Genese 3:15. Kua totou ia e ko te ovi tei akaparuparu I te poavae o te vaine (Te Mesia) E ko te Mesia tei vavai o te mimiti o te ovi. Kua kitea katoa teia tuanga tuatua I roto I te tataonga a te Ebera e kua rave a Iesu I te reira. Kua rauka mai I te kiko e te toto ei tamate atui angaanga a te vaerua kino e te kiritianga I te au tangata tei mataku I te vaerua o te mate. I aere mai te Tamaiti a te tangata e takore I te angaanga a te vaerua kino (1 Ioane 1:8)
2. Kua oronga te mate I te tikaanga kite Tuakaouanga o tei mate, kua apii mai te Aposetolo a Ioane (Ioane 5:28, 29) Ko tei noo I roto I te au tanumanga ka akarongo ratou I te reo o te Tamaiti a te Atua e ka tuakaou mai ratou mei te mate mai. I te tanumanga o Lazaro kua akakite a Iesu e koia te tuakaouanga e te ora (Ioane 11:25-26) Kua akatu a Iesu ia Lazaro mei te mate mai ei akatupu I tei tataia. 1 Korinetia 15:15, 20-28. Kua autu a Iesu I te mate e kua ora tei tapekaia.
3. Ko te Bapetizo e aroaua te reira. Akara Roma 6:34 e vaarua koro te reira. Kua mate oki tatou I roto I te ara e kia tanumia tatou maia katoa ki roto I te vai o te Bapetizoanga ia tatou I tuakaou mai mei roto I te mate o te vai, ko te ao ora kia uti tatou e tomo ei ki te Basileia o te Atua mate ki te peu o teia nei ao ora ki roto I te oraanga tiaiua o to tatou Atua. Akara Kalatia 3:27, 1 Korinetia 12:13, 2 Korinetia 5:17, Kolosa 3:1-10.
Ko tei mate I roto I ara e te kino kia tatara ara koia katoa kia tapoki ia te ora taito na roto I te Bapetizo taruku
Na roto I te Bapetizo taruku, ka noo I reira te vaerua Tapu ki roto I te akaanau akaouia. Ka noo te Metua e te Tamaiti na roto I te Vaerua Tapu.
Ko te mana o te Atua ka akaari ia mai. Ko tei akakiteia mai e, koia te tamaiti a te Atua e te mana kia tau ki te vaerua o te tapu nui naro I te tuakaouanga o tei mate.
News Briefs
News in brief
News Briefs
News in brief
Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- Lucky $1,000 winner
- Century old palm trees and the French connection
- Koutu Nui takes part in Raui meeting in Moorea
- WOM Award Dinner for Ake Hosea-Winterflood
- Island of Atiu to host Koutu Nui AGM in June 2009
