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Pacific Health – Current Physical Activity Status of Pacific Peoples in New Zealand

August 11th, 2011

Physical activity (PA) status of Pacific communities in New Zealand

According to the Active New Zealand Survey (ANZS) 2007/08 results by Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) 52% of Pacific respondents were regularly active, 36.5% were sometimes active compared with those who were not active (10.9%). While over half the people surveyed appeared to be active enough, 47% could be more active. That is, the data suggests that less than half are not meeting the national guidelines of 30 minutes of PA on at least 5 days out of 7.

Demographic profile of Pacific ethnic groups in New Zealand

In 2006, based on Ministry of Health data, the Pacific population accounted for 6.9% (265,974) of the total population in New Zealand. Samoa was the biggest community (49%) followed by Cook Islands (22%) Tongan (19%) Niuean (8%) Fijian (4%) Tokelauan (3%) and Tuvaluan (1%) peoples. Also, 37.7% of the Pacific population was under 15 years compared to 21.3% of the total population and the median age was 21 compared to the national average of 35 years. The majority (67%) of the Pacific population was living in Auckland (as was 66% of the Samoan population), and 60% of the population was born in New Zealand, the same percentage as 60% the Samoan population.

Increased levels of PA could reduce health risks affecting Pacific peoples in New Zealand

Getting more people active could slow down the rate of modern lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Physical activity may also reduce or eliminate risk factors such as cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes, overweight and obesity. Obesity affects more Pacific people than non Pacific people in New Zealand. For instance, in 2008, the Ministry of Social Development reported that Pacific peoples aged 15 years and over had higher obesity rates (65%) than the total population in this age group compared with European/other (23%) ethnic groups between 2006 and 2007.

Are you active enough?

  1. Are you achieving the national PA guidelines?
  2. What does PA mean to you?
  3. What types of PA do you enjoy?
  4. What makes it difficult for Pacific peoples to do PA?
  5. What would make easier for Pacific peoples to do more PA?

Talofa [Hello] I am a self employed independent researcher and I lead and manage Pasifika Research Ltd which is focused on improving education, health and social wellbeing of Pacific peoples in New Zealand. I have a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports and Leisure Studies. In 2009, I graduated with a Masters degree in Sport and Leisure Studies and my thesis was focused on understanding young people’s perceptions and experiences of physical activity in Apia, Samoa. In my spare time, I like to mountain bike, work out with weights, cross train, travel, read and write articles.

 

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Posted in health, island, pacific, Partnership

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Pacific Health – What Should I Do to Report Family Violence?

August 10th, 2011

A portrait of deaths related to family violence in New Zealand

Based on the Family Violence Death Review Committee (FVDRC) First Annual Report for 2008 – 2009, almost half of all murders every year, on average, are related to family violence. More women and children die from family related violence than men. On average, each year, 14 women, 6 men and 14 children die from family related violence. Between 2006 and 2008, on average, almost a third of all people were killed by a member of their own family. Data compiled by the New Zealand Police in 2009 reported 88 blameable or culpable deaths. Almost three quarters (65) were victims of murder compared with a quarter who were victims of manslaughter. Over two thirds were male (59) victims compared with 29 female. Astonishingly, two thirds of all deaths were over represented by male victims aged between 15 and 49. Also, 12 of 14 victims under 15 years of age were less than 5 years of age. Eighteen victims were under 17. Of 70 victims, 41 were killed by a family member. Almost three quarters of female victims and almost a third of males were killed by a family member or partner. By ethnicity, Maori accounted for 44% of all deaths followed by European (30%) Asian (7%) and Pacific (6%) and other ethnic (13%) groups.

What is family violence death?

Family violence death is when a person dies unnaturally at the hands of a family member or member of the extended family, care giver, intimate partner, previous partner of the victim or previous partner of the victim’s current partner (2009, FVDRC).

Who is FDRC?

The FDRC was established by the Minister of Health and they report to the Minister. The panel’s role is to review systems, policy and services to prevent the rate of family violence deaths.

What should I do to report family violence?

  1. If you are victim, call your local police station to make a complaint and they will explain all the options to you
  2. If you are not ready to make a complaint, call the Family Violence Information Line or It’s NOT ok or Women’s Refuge for help
  3. tell another member of your family or a close friend about the abuse.

Talofa [Hello] I am an independent researcher and I manage a small business enterprise called Pasifika Research Ltd. Our vision is to improve education, health and social wellbeing of all Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

 

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Posted in FDRC, health, island, pacific, Partnership

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