Pacific Businesses to support in Lockdown
Amidst the current level4 lockdown in New Zealand, Pacific businesses are still hustling to survive. Small businesses have felt the brunt of the Pandemic and they are even more disadvantaged during lockdown. Although this hasn't deterred Pacific businesses owners who continue to stay resilient.
Here are ways you can use that coffee money you've been saving to support small Pasifika businesses.
1. Order from the businesses that are open.
A handful of Pacific businesses can operate during Alert Level 4 and are ready to meet your lockdown needs.
Currently, Sweet & Me are operating safely under alert level 4 and offering delivery services to those who want to order an island styled treat during lockdown.…more
Pacific Businesses to support in Lockdown
Amidst the current level4 lockdown in New Zealand, Pacific businesses are still hustling to survive. Small businesses have felt the brunt of the Pandemic and they are even more disadvantaged during lockdown. Although this hasn't deterred Pacific businesses owners who continue to stay resilient.
Here are ways you can use that coffee money you've been saving to support small Pasifika businesses.
1. Order from the businesses that are open.
A handful of Pacific businesses can operate during Alert Level 4 and are ready to meet your lockdown needs.
Currently, Sweet & Me are operating safely under alert level 4 and offering delivery services to those who want to order an island styled treat during lockdown.…more
Etu Pasifika Vaccination Clinic responding to increased demand from Pacific community
Via Pasifika Medical Association Group
Etu Pasifika the largest Pacific health provider in Christchurch re-opened their Covid-19 vaccination centre last week and are experiencing a surge in bookings for the vaccine from Pacific families.
Clinical Director for Etu Pasifika, Dr Monica Nua-George says the change in alert levels has seen more Pacific people calling their clinic to book their vaccination for themselves and their families.
“We’re looking at a lot more people than our previous weeks and we have processes in place to manage the increased load while maintaining the Alert Level 4 restrictions.…more
Financial Support Available During the August 2021 Lockdown
There are various COVID-19 financial support schemes available to those impacted by the recent New Zealand Lockdown, depending on your situation.
Overview of support available at different alert levels
Resurgence Support Payment
Resurgence Support Payment applications will open nationally from 8am on Tuesday 24 August 2021. Applications will remain open for one month after a nationwide return to Alert Level 1.
Businesses and organisations will be eligible if they experience a 30% drop in revenue over a seven day period after an alert level increase and meet other eligibility criteria. This drop is compared to a typical seven-day period in the six weeks before the increase in alert level. Seasonal businesses should show a 30% revenue drop compared with a similar week the previous year.
The decline in revenue must be a result of the specific alert level change, not just COVID-19 in general. You must have been in business for at least six months to be eligible. Charities, not-for-profit organisations, the self-employed and pre-revenue businesses, such as start-ups may also be eligible.…more
Pasifika Futures activate immediate Lockdown support for Pacific Families
As we continue to live in this “New Norm” and adjust our lives to different Alert Levels, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) through Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora agency for Pacific families – remains resolute and active in its support of Pacific families.
Pasifika Futures Director of Partnerships, Mr Craig Sionetuato advises that immediate support is available to Pacific families who need assistance during this current Alert Level 4 lockdown.
“We’ve increased investment with our Whānau Ora partners as they have strong relationships with their various communities,” he says.
PFL partners providing immediate support for Pacific families include; The Fono, Tongan Health Society Inc, Mt Wellington Integrated Health Care, The Village Community Service Trust, Taeaomanino Trust, K’aute Pasifika and Etu Pasifika.
Details of PFL partners are outlined above and support offered will include food, utility support and those affected by a loss of income.
“If you’re a Pacific individual or family and you’re needing urgent food or utility support, please reach out to one of our identified partners as the process for receiving assistance is fast and efficient.…more
Covid-19 Delta variant is “Much more infectious” so we must be vigilant says Pacific doctor
With the announcement of a snap lockdown at Alert Level 4 by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, people should feel reassured that the government is making the right decision, says Dr Collin Tukuitonga.
The sudden announcement comes after a positive Covid-19 Delta community case in Auckland. The 58-year-old man who tested positive is from Devonport but travelled to the Coromandel last weekend while unaware. The government has made the decision for all of New Zealand to move to Alert Level 4 for three days, while the period for Auckland and the Coromandel is seven days.
Officials have confirmed five positive Covid-19 Delta cases to date and are working quickly to trace any and every possible lead.
Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) member Dr Tukuitonga stresses that the severity of the Delta variant should not be taken lightly as it is the most transmissible variant of Covid-19.
“It’s much more infectious. One case of delta could infect up to 9 people and then those 9 would infect another 9.…more
Rarotonga leaps into Covid testing action with the influx of Kiwis on the island
Over 3000 kiwis visitors are currently in Rarotonga, where the Cook Islands have gone into Alert Level 2.
The government made a swift public announcement following New Zealand’s Level 4 decision last night, rolled out Level 2 measures and a fast and effective Covid testing regime around the island this morning.
All passengers that were in flights from Aug 11th are being asked to isolate in their accommodation and get Covid tested at the many stations set up overnight around the island. This process included an efficient drive through service with well trained local staff at the ready.
With the current barometer for Island Covid 19 being Fiji, the fear of the virus hitting the smaller Island of Rarotonga is uppermost on the minds of health workers and some locals:
“We are worried but all we can do is the best we can in the current situation, we have had two years of practice and we have put it into action. We have a system in place and are confident and we know what to do.…more
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - SIONE MOLI aka NONEH.
SIONE MOLI aka NONEH.
HIP HOP ARTIST
TONGAN
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First off, my real name is Sione Kesome Isileli Moli. I was born on March 29th, 1999 at Stanford Hospital. My parents are Amato and Ala Moli, I have a younger brother named Jeremiah and an older sister named Loisi. My father is from Nuku Nuku, Tongatapu and my mother is from Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu. In terms of my heritage, I’m full Tongan with a bit of Samoan from my great great Grandmother, and I come from a line of hard working individuals who bred greatness.
Growing up, I pretty much lived everywhere, but my life began in East Palo Alto, California. When I was born, my family stayed in a run down apartment complex on a street called Scofield Ave, where there were no playgrounds and sidewalks. That was what East Palo Alto looked like at the time. With roaches on the floor, crime roaming the streets, and my brother on the way, my parents chose to move us out the hood.…more
MMA fighter Fau Vake attack: Man sentenced to home detention
News report via RNZ & video above via NZ Herald Youtube - City Kickboxing fighters along with spokesperson Mike Angove and UFC champion Israel Adesanya want to see the law changed on the 'coward punch' after the death of team mate Fau Vake.
A man who admitted punching the head of a young MMA fighter who later died in hospital has been sentenced to six months' home detention, which the victim's friend likens to a Covid restriction, not justice.
Ofa He Mooni Folau, 29, pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting with intent to injure. He attacked Liufau (Fau) Vake, 25, who later died in hospital of head injuries, and his brother Ika after a night drinking in central Auckland in May this year.
"That's not good enough for being part of an attack that took a man's life," Vake's friend Dan Hooker said outside court.
"Six months, stay at home? That's Covid restrictions," Hooker said, who's also an MMA fighter. "100 percent the laws have to change."
Three others pleaded not guilty over the attack, including one charged with manslaughter.…more
ORDINARY TONGAN LIVES - Nukualofa, Tonga
Story collated and written by Haitelenisia Afemui ‘Uhila Angilau for her 'Ordinary Tongan Lives' facebook page
“It’s just me and my little sister. I’m older. We were left with our grandparents after birth because our parents separated. They weren’t married so we were born out of wedlock. I attended GPS Longolongo then passed my class 6 exam to Tonga High. There, I joined sports from form 1 to 4 but I wasn’t really good at it. I was into my friends too much that I failed in form 4. I had another chance to repeat but I moved to Queen Sālote College. Early when form 5 started, I got kicked out of school. Then I moved to Tailulu. I think I devalued myself thinking I didn’t have what other kids have. Instead of using my background as motivation, it became an excuse to put myself down.
There’s this one time we went to play soccer and our team lost. Some of the spectators called me to come out as I didn’t score anything.…more