The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics Games officially kicked off on Tuesday night with the opening ceremony held at Japan's impressive national stadium.  Like the Olympics, the games were to have taken place last year but were postponed due to the Covid pandemic and the opening ceremony was not able to include spectators.

The twelve-day sporting celebration includes a total of 539 events in 22 para sports. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said a total of 161 countries and 4,500 para athletes are taking part in this years games and includes the Refugee Paralympic Team.…more

Soul Cafe & Barber shop opened on Rarotonga last week and for co-owners Caleb Tatuava and Vou Williams, it's a dream fulfilled ten years in the making.

The funky new establishment which is located in Tupapa/Maraerenga, only 10 minutes walk from Avarua has a unique menu specialising in 'Build your own' sandwiches similar to Subway and a smoothie menu made from fruit growing on and around the island with hip hop inspired names.

The hip hop flavour also spills onto the Barber shop side with a massive mural dedicated to hip hop greats Tupac, Biggie, Snopp Dogg, Ice Cube & Eminem.  The shop is only one of three barber shops on the island and hopes to fill a gap in the market for local youth.…more

Pacific families continue to seek immediate support from the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) through Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora agency for Pacific families as the Covid-19 Delta outbreak continues to worsen and Alert Level 4 lock down is extended further.

Speaking in a talanoa for 531 PI’s Pacific Mornings radio show yesterday, CEO of PMA, Debbie Sorensen, says demand for the lockdown support from families grows daily and all the PFL partners throughout the country are responding as fast as they can.

She says over 4600 people have accessed support as well as over 3000 food parcels being distributed to date.  

“The most important things at the moment are of course food supplies, food security and making sure that they can pay their bills.”

Mrs Sorensen stresses that due to the size of the Delta outbreak, there are a lot more families needing to self-isolate and will need this additional support as well. PFL partners offer an assortment of services and this includes mental health and wellbeing support.…more

Almost all of the eligible population of the Cook Islands group has now had both Pfizer Covid 19 jabs including the outer islands enua. The Islands are currently in Alert Level 2 after the announcement of NZ's Covid 19 positive cases.

A rapid roll out of Covid testing on Rarotonga saw a fast and effective testing process of the 3000 plus tourists that came into the island via the NZ travel bubble in the Covid positive period.…more

via Pasifika Medical Association 

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

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

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

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

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