Kidney Health NZ Acknowledges The Passing Of MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp
Ms Kemp has been reported to have been waiting for a kidney transplant, one of around 400 people in Aotearoa currently on the waiting list. Her death is a significant loss and a timely reminder of the growing toll of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in New Zealand.
At least one in 10 New Zealanders are affected by CKD, with many unaware they have it. The condition is often silent until it is advanced. Symptoms may not appear until only 10 percent of kidney function remains. At that point, dialysis or a transplant becomes essential.
'Tarsh Kemp's passing reflects the very real and unequal impact of kidney disease and the need to act,' said Kidney Health New Zealand Board Chair David Shearer.
Māori experience kidney failure at up to three times the rate of non-Māori yet face persistent barriers to early detection, diagnosis and treatment. Diabetes and high blood pressure, two of the leading causes of kidney failure, are more common in Māori, Pacific and South Asian communities.
Despite this, CKD is not formally recognised in Aotearoa as a chronic long-term condition. Kidney Health New Zealand is calling for that to change, along with greater investment in early testing, dialysis services and transplant access.
'Dialysis units across the country are already under pressure, with some operating around the clock,' said Mr Shearer. 'As a country we need to boost transplant rates and reduce waiting times so fewer people die from kidney disease.'
Kidney Health New Zealand continues to work with Māori health leaders, clinicians and communities to improve outcomes and address the inequities that remain across the health system.
Ngā mihi aroha ki te whānau pani. Moe mai rā, e te rangatira.
Anyone in New Zealand affected by kidney disease, including friends and whānau, can contact Kidney Health New Zealand's free helpline from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday on 0800 543 649. Visit www.kidney.health.nz for more information.
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