King's Birthday 2025 Honours List
DNZM
To be Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit:
Ms Ranjna Patel, ONZM, QSM, JP
For services to ethnic communities, health and family violence prevention
Emeritus Distinguished Professor Alison Stewart, CNZM
For services to plant science and the arable sector
Mrs Catriona Ruth Williams, MNZM
For services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport
KNZM
To be Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit:
The Honourable Mark Leslie Smith Cooper, KC
For services to the judiciary
Mr Brendan Jon Lindsay, MNZM
For services to business and philanthropy
Mr Ewan Francis Smith, CNZM
For services to Cook Islands business and tourism
CNZM
To be Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit:
Ms Catherine Joy Andersen
For services to the music industry
Mr Wayne Robert Boyd
For services to business, philanthropy and sport
Professor George Charles Clifton
For services to structural engineering
Mr Anthony Edwin Falkenstein, ONZM
For services to philanthropy and business education
The Honourable Steven Leonard Joyce
For services as a Member of Parliament
Mr Donald Angus Mackinnon
For services to sports governance
Professor Emeritus Ian George Mayhew
For services to the veterinary profession, especially equine medicine
Dr David Edwin McKee
For services to New Zealand Sign Language and the Deaf community
Mr William Charles Nathan, OBE, ED
For services to Māori
Dr Lesley Kay Rameka
For services to Māori and early childhood education
The Honourable Ruth Margaret Richardson
For services as a Member of Parliament and to governance
Dr Ai Ling Tan
For services to gynaecology
Dr Mark Greenslade Thomas
For services to people living with HIV/AIDS and antibiotic research
Emeritus Professor George David Baxter
For services to physiotherapy and health
Ms Gillian Lorraine Bohm
For services to health
Associate Professor Philip Michel Jose Brinded
For services to psychiatry
Mr Fergus Graham Brown
For services to the tourism industry
Mr Graham Vincent Brown
For services to the venison industry
Mr David Paul Burton
For services to food writing
Mr Peter Hardy Ballantyne Carty
For services to fly-fishing
Ms Suzanne Noreen Cato
For services to music, television and education
Mr Hohepa Conrad
For services to Māori, particularly kaupapa waka
Mr Peter Michael de Blois
For services to music
Dr Celia Jane Devenish Giddings
For services to women's health and education
Ms Sophie Frances Monique Devine
For services to cricket
Mrs Judith Mary Dobson
For services to the community, broadcasting and historical preservation
Professor Bernadette Kathleen Drummond
For services to dentistry and education
Mr Daryl Kelvin Eason
For services to wildlife conservation
Ms Susan Elizabeth Elliott
For services to the arts and governance
Rear Admiral James Leslie Gilmour, (Rtd.)
For services to the New Zealand Defence Force
Mr Kirk Brian Hardy
For services to drug abuse prevention and education
Mr Dafydd (Dai) Morgan Henwood
For services to the entertainment industry and charitable fundraising
Professor Patria Anne Hume
For services to sports science and injury prevention
Mr Gary Rodney Lane
For services to conservation and philanthropy
Ms Julia May Marshall
For services to children's literature
Mr Peter David Martin, JP
For services to the community, particularly Pacific and LGBTQ+ communities
Mr Murray Graham Mexted
For services to rugby
Mr David Ross Morgan
For services to aviation
Mr Panchanatham Narayanan, QSM, JP
For services to multicultural communities
Mr Peter Arnold Nation
For services to the agricultural industry and governance
Mrs Gillian Christine Naylor
For services to rural communities, particularly women
Mr John Daniel O'Sullivan
For services to business and philanthropy
Dr Fiona Dorothy Pardington, MNZM
For services to photography
Dr Susan Parry
For services to gastroenterology
Mr David Robert Percy
For services to fire safety technologies, business and the community
Mr Eric Clive Power
For services to swimming
Mr Timothy Grant Southee
For services to cricket
Mrs Gail Patricia Spence
For services to language education
Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley
For services to sociology
Mr John Bradley Struthers
For services to cycling, the cycling industry and business
Mr Mark William Joseph Vela
For services to mental health care and education
Ms Jennifer Mary Wake
For services to theatre and television
Mr Neil William Walker, JP
For services to primary industries and the community
Ms Sarah Louise Walker
For services to BMX and sports governance
Dr Richard John Wild
For services to animal welfare and the veterinary sector
Mrs Portia Louise Woodman-Wickliffe
For services to rugby
Mr Wayne Wright
For services to education and philanthropy
MNZM
To be Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit:
Anae Lupematasila Lima Arthur John Anae
For services to the Samoan community
Ms Ellesse Mote Andrews
For services to cycling
Mr Richard Balcombe-Langridge
For services to business
Ms Catherine Juliet Bell
For services to food education
Dr Santosh Prasad Bhandari, JP
For services to the Nepalese community
Mr Darryl Bishop
For services to mental health
Mr Victor Kenneth Boyd
For services to survivors of abuse in care
Ms Anna Catherine Cottrell
For services to documentary filmmaking and migrant communities
Mr Simon Eric Denny
For services to art
Mrs Welmoed (Chris) Duggan
For services to science education
Mr Ronald Bruce Ealam
For services to Search and Rescue
Mr Robert Tuahuru Edwards
For services to the community and governance
Mrs Susan Ann Elley
For services to education
Mrs Terri Jayne Fairhall (Terri Middleton)
For services to the New Zealand Police and the community
Ms Allison Daphne Christina Franklin
For services to people with disabilities
Mr Okesene Uili Galo
For services to the Tokelau community
Ms Rez Gardi
For services to refugees and human rights advocacy
Mr Alan Charles Gilmore
For services to astronomy
Mr Francis Quinn Goldingham
For services to outdoor recreation and seniors
Mrs Elizabeth Helen Graham
For services to Māori and education
Mrs Patricia Pearl Gregory
For services to the fashion industry
Mr Aaron Mark Halstead
For services to Search and Rescue and the tourism industry
Dr Nina Emilia Hood
For services to education
Mrs Lesley Mary Huckins
For services to swimming
Ms Meleua Enda Ikiua
For services to Vagahau Niue language and education
Mr Martin Kaipo
For services to social services and the community
Ms Lalita Vanmali Kasanji
For services to the IT industry and the Indian community
Mr Brian Patrick Kelly
For services to broadcasting
Mr William James Kermode
For services to governance and philanthropy
Ms Pamela Margaret Kilmartin
For services to astronomy
Mr John Junior Kumitau
For services to the Pacific community
Mrs Laurinne Marion Laing
For services to sports and people with intellectual disabilities
Mr Ross James Lawrence
For services to the ski industry
Ms Lisa Li
For services to the tourism industry
Mr James Eric Lilley
For services to conservation and the community
Ms Janet Crystal-Lee Lilo
For services to the arts
Ms Pauline-Jean Henrietta Luyten
For services to rugby and the Pacific community
Reverend David Elliott Major
For services to the community and the State
Ms Ngatepaeru Marsters
For services to midwifery and Pacific communities
Mr Lloyd James McCallum, JP
For services to the dairy industry and the environment
Ms Suzanne Michelle McFadden
For services to sports journalism and women
Mr Ian Robert Flockhart McKelvie
For services to local government, governance and as a Member of Parliament
Mr Grant Allan McMillan, ED
For services to education and the community
Mrs Victoria Mary Mee
For services to women and business
Mr Eugene Joseph Meredith
For services to American Football
Mr Allan George Mincher
For services to aviation engineering
Mrs Margaret Mary Mitchell
For services to the Royal New Zealand Naval Women's Association
Dr Alishia Rangiwhakawaitau Moeahu
For services to Māori culture
Dr Malcolm George Davis Mulholland
For services to health and Māori
Mr Khoa Truong Nguyen
For services to New Zealand-Vietnam relations and the community
Mrs Julia Louisa Pearse
For services to governance and the community
Mr Sunit Prakash, JP
For services to the IT industry and the Indian community
Dr Maxine Mariri Ronald
For services to breast cancer treatment and research
Mr Gary James Herbert Rooney
For services to business and philanthropy
Mr Bruce Winston Ross
For services to cycling
Mr Charles Edward Ross
For services to the community
Mrs Morrin Jackson Rout
For services to the arts, particularly literature
Ms Annie Burma Teina Tangata Esita Scoon
For services to softball and the Pacific community
Ms Diana Rosemary Shand
For services to the environment and the community
Mr Simon John Caufield Strombom, DSD, ED
For services to war commemoration and historical preservation
Ms Veronica Ngarutai Kaye Thompson
For services to basketball
Mrs Diane Anita Turner, JP
For services to governance, seniors and Māori
Ms Hariata Ann Vercoe
For services to Māori, health, and the community
Mrs Louise Annette Wallace
For services to the entertainment industry
Mr Andrew Norman Williamson
For services to agriculture
Mrs Marilyn Kay Yeoman
For services to education and the community
HONORARY
To be an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit:
Mr Viliami Teumohenga
For services to education and the Pacific community
The King's Service Order
KSO
To be Companions of the King's Service Order:
Dr Christopher Evan Longhurst
For services to survivors of abuse in care
Mr Tyrone Marks
For services to survivors of abuse in care
Mr Phillip Wayne Paikea
For services to the prevention of family violence and the community
The Honourable Dover Spencer Samuels
For services as a Member of Parliament
Mr Peter William Tipene
For services to Māori
The King's Service Medal
KSM
Ms Heather Jayne Baldwin
For services to the community
Mrs Tina May Barrett, JP
For services to the community
Mrs Debra Ann Bell
For services to the community
Mr Narendra Bhana
For services to the Indian community
Mr Marius Jean Bron
For services to Search and Rescue and the community
Ms Judith Marion Browne, JP
For services to the community
Mrs Julia Mary Castles
For services to language education and migrant communities
Mr John Albert Coleman
For services to the community and sport
Mrs Lily Coleman
For services to the community and sport
Mr Ross Melville Cooper
For services to rugby
Mrs Margaret Jean Cousins
For services to local government and the community
Mrs Glenda Gaye Davies
For services to the community
Mr Aperira Ngahau Davis
For services to the community
Mrs Deborah Grace Davis
For services to the community
Mr Gavin Lloyd Dennis, JP
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Edwin John Eeles, JP
For services to pipe bands
Mr Anthony William Norman Enderby
For services to conservation
Mrs Jennifer Fay Enderby
For services to conservation
Ms Zora Estelle Feilo-Makapa
For services to the Niue community and the arts
Mrs Penelope-Jane Frost
For services to children and social work
Ms Christine Ada Gilbertson
For services to midwifery
Mr Kaiaho (Butch) Kereama Green
For services to music
Mrs Heidi Elizabeth Griffin
For services to the arts and the community
Ms Allyson Teresa Hamblett
For services to people with disabilities and the transgender community
The Venerable Sohim Hay
For services to the Cambodian community
Mrs Katerina Hauhaua Hepi
For services to Māori language education
Mrs Nicola Linda Hickey (Nicky Rawlings)
For services to Victim Support
Mrs Luen Nanette Hoani
For services to Māori language education
Mrs Parminder Kaur, JP
For services to multicultural communities
Mr Kevin Francis Loe, JP
For services to the community and agriculture
Mr Timothy Peter Marshall
For services to the community and waka ama
Ms Audrey Myra Mattinson
For services to Scottish Country Dancing and the community
Mrs Annie Elizabeth McCracken
For services to the community
Reverend Rosemary McMillan
For services to the community
Mr Clem Burnard Mellish
For services to Māori art and music
Mr Graham Frederick Charles Milligan, MStJ
For services to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association
Mr Fergus Charles Denis More
For services to the community and the law
Mr Graham (Kereama) Douglas Nathan
For services to Māori
Mr Terence John O'Regan
For services to nursing and the community
Mrs Alison Isabel Perrin, JP
For services to the community and music
Mr Narayanan Kutty Pulloothpadath
For services to ethnic communities
Mrs Berry Jane Rangi
For services to the community, particularly Pacific peoples
Mrs Karen Elizabeth Richards
For services to textiles history and conservation
For services to health and the Pacific community
Ms Rosemary Jan Sloman, JP
For services to the community
Mrs Roberta Jane Smallfield, JP
For services to historical research and the community
Mr Alan (Curly) Rex Troon
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Mrs Jacqueline June Watson
For services to the community and the arts
Dr Glenys Margaret Weir
For services to health
Miss Merrilyn Joy Withers
For services to youth and the Baptist movement
Mr Yuanyong Yang
For services to bonsai and the Chinese community
HONORARY KING'S SERVICE MEDAL
Mr Eteuati Fa'avae
For services to the Pacific community
Mrs Siesina Ofahelotu Latu
For services to the Pacific community
The list and the biographical notes for each recipient are available on the DPMC website: http://www.dpme.govt.nz/honours/lists
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Otago Daily Times
16 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Social worker suspended over dodgy Covid vaccine exemption
A Dunedin-based social worker who issued a shonky Covid-19 vaccine exemption has been suspended for a year. Dr Jacquelyn Elkington's case came before the Social Workers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal yesterday — but she did not. Elderly pay price for Covid 'complacency' The woman, who is listed on the University of Otago's website as a senior lecturer hauora Māori, failed to show up for the hearing and was promptly found guilty of professional misconduct after tribunal chairman Winston McCarthy found her behaviour was likely to bring discredit to the profession. It was the first time a social worker has been taken to task over a Covid-19 issue and co-counsel for the professional conduct committee (PCC) Becca Boles said the only appropriate penalty was deregistration. But the tribunal opted to suspend Dr Elkington for 12 months, censuring her and ordering her to pay costs of more than $13,000. In November 2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government introduced legislation narrowing the grounds for a vaccine exemption. Only a suitably qualified health practitioner could make the assessment and it had to be verified by the country's director-general of health. A month later, Dr Elkington — who was working in Auckland at the time — issued such an exemption for a "vulnerable" client. "She's not a medical practitioner, she's a social worker," PCC co-counsel Elena Mok said. "Her conduct took her outside the scope of her practice." A day later, the man used the exemption in a bid to gain entry to a recreational facility. A staff member subsequently raised suspicions and referred the matter to the health and disability commissioner (HDC). Ms Mok said Dr Elkington's conduct "snowballed" from that point, Dr Elkington thwarting the resulting investigations against her by repeatedly failing to provide information. In June 2022, the woman made an online application to renew her practising certificate with the Social Workers Registration Board. Dr Elkington falsely indicated she was not subject to any inquiry and when she was pulled up on her lie, she claimed she thought the HDC inquiry had closed. But a couple of months later she resubmitted the online application, again declaring she was free of any scrutiny. Dr Elkington's behaviour was "at least misleading, if not outright false", Ms Mok said. The social worker went on to claim she felt "harassed and threatened" by the probe into her conduct, and that it was "borderline bullying". Many requests for information — about client notes or records on how many vaccine exemptions she had issued — throughout 2024, after the file was passed on to the PCC, were met with silence. At other points, Dr Elkington said she could not provide the documentation as she did not have the consent of her clients. She occasionally claimed to have already submitted the requested information and also made references to the Bill of Rights Act and various international treaties. On one occasion Dr Elkington referred to the River of Lies documentary — which bills itself as revealing the truth behind the "New Zealand scamdemic" — produced by the controversial Billy Te Kahika. Her lack of engagement in the process showed a disrespect for the process and an ongoing lack of remorse and insight, reinforced by her non-attendance at yesterday's hearing, the PCC argued. "The vaccine exemption appears to have been issued because of Dr Elkington's personal beliefs about the safety of the vaccine and her views on the Covid pandemic," Ms Mok said. "Dr Elkington's attempt to justify her approach is an example of her effectively allowing these personal beliefs to influence her social work practice unduly." The University of Otago refused to answer questions about the woman's employment at the institution. In 2022, Dr Elkington ran for the Whakatāne mayoralty and posted online at the time her various theories, which included that the Covid-19 vaccination caused monkeypox. She came sixth out of seven candidates. Dr Elkington did not respond to requests for comment. The tribunal ordered that if the social worker returned to practice she must undertake monthly supervision for a year.
Scoop
21 hours ago
- Scoop
Protect The Lifelines Of Youth And Community-Led HIV Programmes
Youth-led, rights-based and gender transformative HIV response is key. 'Community-led programmes are lifelines of the HIV response, reaching those most in need. As international aid shrinks, these lifelines are the first to disappear. We must protect them,' said UNAIDS. One such lifeline is youth-led programmes for HIV prevention and treatment. We need to protect it. Latest AIDS data released in July 2025 shows that number of those newly diagnosed with HIV and those who died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2024 have declined compared to 2010 levels. But there is hardly any change between 2023 and 2024 data for new HIV infections and AIDS-related illnesses which is worrying. Young people, particularly adolescents, continue to face unique challenges in accessing HIV prevention and treatment services. Together for change: Youth, Unity and Impact Youth voices unequivocally called for a rights-based, youth-friendly and gender transformative HIV, health and social welfare responses where no one is left behind. In lead up to International Youth Day 2025, around 150 young people living with HIV and in all gender diversities, came together from across India at National Youth Conclave 3.0 organised by Youth Lead Voices, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and National Coalition of People Living with HIV in India (NCPI Plus), along with partners including UNICEF, Plan India, Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC), among others. Young leaders shared their journeys on HIV prevention, early testing, mental health and HIV treatment adherence - reminding us that every story deserves to be heard. Unless we listen to youth voices how will we unlearn, learn and better understand issues faced by them? More importantly, unless we listen without judgement or stereotype, how will we engage the young in finding effective solutions to the problems? Dr Chinmoyee Das, a senior official from the Government of India's National AIDS Control Organisation patiently and sensitively listened to the voices of the young – and responded to every issue they had collectively raised. A bold and visionary conversation between youth and key policymakers at National Youth Conclave 3.0 focussed on building safer, healthier, and more inclusive futures. Make a difference by engaging youth meaningfully, genuinely at all levels of HIV responses Youth Lead Voices connects over 1,860 young people living with HIV across India. All of them (100%) have undetectable viral load since last one year, confirms Pooja Mishra, National Coordinator of Youth Lead Voices (YLV) and General Secretary of National Coalition of People Living with HIV in India (NCPI Plus). Undetectable viral load means that the person lives healthy, and according to the WHO, there is zero risk of any further HIV transmission – so treatment works as prevention too. 'We have to maintain viral load undetected status for all of them while we expand our network and impact,' said Pooja Mishra. Young people are essential partners in designing, implementing and monitoring effective solutions to health and social challenges they face – with support from the government and all other stakeholders. 'We need to explore new entry points for reaching the at-risk youth community for offering voluntary HIV counselling and testing. We also need to strengthen youth-friendly screening strategies among youth including community-based screening for HIV. We should continue providing peer-support and active engagement with them to maintain optimal treatment adherence among young people living with HIV,' added Pooja Mishra. Tanmay, an energetic leader of Youth Lead Voices, moderated the session. Anurag- another talented leader of Youth Lead Voices, expressed his personal experiences and journeys using poetry and recital medium. Anurag hails from Uttar Pradesh state of India, who was first diagnosed with HIV in 2009 at the age of 9. He shared what he felt back then after getting diagnosed: a feeling of hopelessness and despair. It was only when he connected with peer networks of people living with HIV such as NCPI Plus, his life inched back towards positive and healthy living. He now supports others to stay healthy with a positive outlook towards life – because science has made it possible for every person with HIV to live healthy, normal and meaningful lifespans – just like anyone else (comparable to those with no HIV). Moreover, when viral load is undetectable, then virus stops spreading and person lives healthy. Anurag said that peer support mattered a lot –in getting tested, counselled, and supported in so many ways including for treatment adherence. A lot of leaders of Youth Lead Voices including Gunjan, Prashant and Bhawna shared challenges they face and/or recommendations to help improve HIV responses on the ground. 'Educational curriculum must have more on HIV – such as HIV combination prevention options, voluntary HIV counselling and testing, lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, undetectable equals untransmittable or #UequalsU,' said a youth. #UequalsU is when a person living with HIV is on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment and viral load is undetectable so that HIV is untransmittable to anyone else. 'Quality of counselling at antiretroviral therapy centres is not satisfactory. Counsellors are too busy to give enough time for young people,' shared another youth. A female orphan person shared that 'she can stay in care homes till the age of 18 years – and after that the only option she knows is the care centre for over 18 years run by Gujarat State Network of People living with HIV (GSNP+). Government needs to support young people with HIV after the age of 18 too so that they can get duly educated and employed with rights and dignity. A female youth from old Delhi pointed towards low HIV awareness among young people and struggle they go through for disclosing their status. Another youth brought forth an important reality check: 'Often children and young people get to know of their status when they faced health issues or somehow were offered HIV voluntary, counselling and testing. We can do better in offering HIV test and helping people know their status earlier – so that they can take care of themselves.' A youth from Uttarakhand state of India highlighted the importance to leverage upon social media platforms for communications as well as engaging with the young people who may need help, support and guidance. There were many other young people in the room who too voiced in support of strengthening social media outreach – but smartly! Messages need to connect and resonate with the youth. Another youth brought forth how she misses educational lectures or college because of having to go every month to collect her next month's stock of lifesaving antiretroviral therapy. She too called for more support for orphan children diagnosed with HIV after they become 18 (till then they can stay at care centre). 'We need support to get our right with equity to education, employment.' She pointed out that HIV related stigma and discrimination still lurks as many young people with HIV, are denied jobs upon disclosure of their status. 'We knew about HIV. But we only use (male) condoms for reducing the risk of unplanned pregnancy (not HIV and other STIs),' said another youth bringing home the reality of (mis)communication: male and female condoms offer high protection from unplanned pregnancies, as well as a range of sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Seek help with rights, it could be available Government of India's apex programme on HIV (National AIDS Control Organisation – NACO)'s senior official Dr Chinmoyee Das responded that they would consider all input from the young people to the drafting of next phase of national AIDS control programme (NACP-6). 'But we can address a lot of issues without having to wait for NACP-6, right now.' She emphasised on better utilisation of government of India's tollfree helpline 1097 phone-in number which provides information on HIV as well as sexually transmitted infections in several Indian languages, nationwide. Government of India is investing in raising awareness such as via painted messages on public transport buses. A youth shared his user experience of 1097: he preferred to speak in Bengali language on 1097 tollfree helpline but after 3 unsuccessful attempts, gave up. Dr Chinmoyee promised to take this feedback to appropriate review meetings. Dr Chinmoyee Das of the NACO encouraged young people to reach out to official complaints officer appointed in every institution. If there is not an officer like this, then report to state AIDS control societies, she said. Be the messenger to help #endAIDS Dr Chinmoyee Das appealed to all young people to be the messenger to help spread and amplify correct messages around HIV combination prevention, HIV voluntary counselling and testing, 1097 tollfree helpline, HIV/AIDS Act, 2017 (to end stigma and discrimination), among others issues. We also must ensure that confidentiality of young people with HIV is protected all through the care continuum, she said. NACO's Dr Chinmoyee Das complemented NCPI Plus for making treatment literacy workshops successful 'and for being the messenger.' She confirmed that now onwards, for those (young or old) stable on lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, multi-months dispensing (instead of a month's supply) should be a reality. This should be happening across India. Dr Chinmoyee Das of NACO addressed the issue faced by orphans with HIV that as they can live in care centres till age of 18. She agreed the support should be extended to 5-7 more years – but this is currently being discussed as NACP-6 is getting shaped. 'There are state-specific schemes for livelihood, education, social welfare, etc, as well as through National Health Mission, so those must be fully utilised too,' she said. Greater involvement of youth in decision-making 'National Coalition of People living with HIV in India (NCPI Plus) is going to consider in its next board meeting if leadership of 'Youth Lead Voices' can be represented on NCPI Plus board,' confirmed Manoj Pardeshi, co-founder of NCPI Plus, TAAL Pharmacy and Network of Maharashtra People living with HIV or NMP Plus. 'I have witnessed Youth Lead Voices (YLD) to grow from 440 young people with HIV (on a WhatsApp group) a year back, to over 1860 young people with HIV across the country' said Sumita Taneja, EpiC, Country Representative at FHI 360 India. 'Over 800 of them are from priority states.' 'It gives me hope to see that HIV related public health messaging and communications done by Plan India and NACO is more youth-friendly and designed, conceptualised and implemented in a way which is more likely to resonate with the targeted young people,' said Simran Sheikh of Plan India. Simran is a noted human rights crusader since several years. No child should be born with HIV In Asia Pacific region, there are 120,000 children (aged between 0-14 years) who are living with HIV. Indonesia comprises 26% of the regional total of new HIV infections among children, followed by India (23%) and Papua New Guinea (8%). All 3 infections of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis-B, can be transmitted from women to their newborns during pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, HIV can be transmitted during breastfeeding too. Despite knowing how to prevent vertical transmission (from mother to the baby) of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis-B infections, we are failing with every child who is born with either of these preventable infections. We have the science-backed tools to ensure that all children are born free of these three infections. Failing to deploy them with utmost effectiveness is highly unacceptable. Let us all remind ourselves that medicines like zidovudine was first used in rich nations over 30 years ago (in 1994) to reduce HIV risk of the unborn child of HIV positive parent(s). Today we have far more effective treatment regimens available to ensure children are born free of HIV - and both mother and the child live healthy and normal lives. "Indian government's programme (prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV) has been running since 2003. I think it is high time that no child should be born with HIV," rightly said Dr Asha Hegde, Director South Asia, Family Health, Advisory Director Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases at PATH. She added that we need to do more for children and young people between 10-18 years age group too. Dr Asha Hegde shared a positive example from Churachandpur, Manipur, India where there is a safe space co-created with local partners for young people. "We have built the agency of the younger population," she said while complementing Youth Voices Lead too - which resonates with the spirit driving the safe space project in Churachandpur. "Now we are slowly providing and offering services for HIV voluntary counselling and testing, refills of lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, opioid substitution therapy or harm reduction services, among others." Latest UNAIDS 2025 data shows that key populations have higher HIV risk. Four of every five (79%) new infections in Asia Pacific region were among key populations and their partners. Criminalisation and marginalisation deepen their vulnerability, making it harder to reach them with services. Let us hope that National Youth Conclave 3.0 results in stronger and urgent person-centred actions to prevent new HIV infections as well as for better programmes to provide treatment, care and support with rights and dignity to all those in need. Shobha Shukla, Bobby Ramakant – CNS (Citizen News Service)
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- NZ Herald
Gisborne targets youth vaping with CBD smoke-free policy
However, some councillors questioned whether it was a matter for the council or a public health issue for the central Government to address. 'It's a health problem. I worry we're dipping into things that we shouldn't be,' said councillor Debbie Gregory. Councillor Rawinia Parata responded that policies like these only made kids hide their smoking. In contrast, councillor Colin Alder said central Government had let them down. As an ex-smoker who battled an addiction for most of his life, Alder said he would love all the money he spent on smoking back 'with interest'. 'The companies that have been peddling this addiction are rubbing their hands together.' According to the meeting's report, Tairāwhiti continued to have the highest smoking rates in the country. However, data showed it was decreasing, with the rate of smoking dropping from 22% to 12% between 2018 and 2023, the report said. Action for Smokefree 2025 (Ash NZ) surveys thousands of Year 10 students every year on smoking and vaping behaviour habits. In 2023, the National Public Health Services prepared a report for the Gisborne District Council using Ash NZ data to understand the extent of vaping in the region. The percentage of participating Gisborne students who regularly vape soared from 1.6% in 2015 to 36% in 2022, but had decreased to 26.6% in 2023. The number of students who had tried vaping at least once had increased from a quarter in 2015 to just over half (54.7%) in 2023. The Māori rate of regular vaping (37.0%) was significantly higher than the rate for European/other (14.4%), according to the report. Councillor Nick Tupara agreed it was a government responsibility and a public health issue, particularly for Māori. However, the council could not expect national change if there was no voice locally. 'Looking at the data, it is epidemic, and it was during my mother's time and my grandmother's time.' Councillor Teddy Thompson said New Zealand was behind the eight ball, noting that in Australia, vape flavours were limited and people could only buy vapes from pharmacies. He and Gregory asked for the cost of updating signage, while councillor Larry Foster wanted to expand the policy area to include the central business district. The policy's designated smoke-free areas are playgrounds, parks, sports grounds, beaches, and outdoor public areas around council buildings and facilities, as well as any events run or funded by the council. Strategic planning manager Charlotte Knight said that as the policy was a position statement rather than an enforceable rule, it did not require consultation. After the majority of councillors voted in favour of Foster's suggestion, Knight said the council would include the CBD, and the area would be the same as the Local Alcohol Policy definition. A council spokeswoman said the cost to update the policy was minimal. There might be some funding from the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to help with updating signage, she said. Mayor Rehette Stoltz recalled how, in 2018, the council questioned how it would enforce its initial smoking policy. 'The community self-police. At the end of the day, people slowly stop smoking in places that they used to, and now people just don't.' Stoltz said the policy was 'more a signal from the council to the community on what we value in our open spaces for our children'. 'Let's send that message and make it supportive. It is a health issue, there is help available, and not to shame people,' she said. According to the council report, no council in New Zealand had a smoke-free/vape-free bylaw. The Whanganui District Council did adopt a bylaw. However, it revoked it because of enforcement issues and now used a voluntary policy, the report said. The council will update its website by September 1 to communicate the policy changes.
