Latest news with #NewZealand-specific
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Research Launched Into Impacts Of Endometriosis In NZ
Endometriosis New Zealand and the University of Canterbury have launched a major new research project aimed at building a comprehensive picture of how endometriosis impacts the lives of those living with the condition in New Zealand. Titled Barriers and Facilitators of Endometriosis Care in Aotearoa New Zealand, the research will involve a series of short surveys running from June 2025 to March 2026, exploring topics such as diagnosis, treatment, work, education, finances, and patient experiences in the healthcare system. "This is a landmark study for the 120,000 New Zealanders living with endometriosis," says Endometriosis New Zealand Chief Executive Tanya Cooke. "For too long, their experiences have been under-recognised in health and policy settings." "This research will provide the information we need to push for meaningful change and inform the development of a future National Endometriosis Action Plan." The project is open to anyone over the age of 18 in New Zealand with suspected or confirmed endometriosis. Participants can choose to complete one, some, or all ten monthly surveys, each taking around 10 minutes. All data will be confidential and managed under strict University of Canterbury ethical guidelines. Lead researcher and PhD candidate Katherine Ellis said the research would fill significant gaps in our understanding. "We know endometriosis has wide-ranging impacts on people's lives, from chronic pain and fertility issues to lost income and disrupted education. Currently we have to rely mainly on international data to try to understand these issues," says Ellis. "This research will provide us with New Zealand-specific data to inform health system responses, influence government policy and help target support." "This project is about turning the lived experiences of those with endometriosis into insights that can contribute towards better policymaking in future." The first survey, which collects demographic information and connects with the subsequent surveys, is now open. Participants who complete each month's survey will also go into the draw to win a $100 gift box, generously donated by Miller Road Fragrances. "This is your chance to help change the future of endometriosis care in Aotearoa," says Cooke. "We are asking everyone who is eligible to share their story." You can sign up and undertake the initial demographic survey, for more information see link below.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
National Infrastructure Plan A Chance For Generational Change
'This is a once-in-a-generation chance to make big changes to our infrastructure system - let's grab it and not miss this opportunity,' says Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett in response to the release of the draft National Infrastructure Plan. 'The draft Plan is a clear-eyed assessment of the infrastructure challenges facing New Zealand, our historic underperformance and provides a solid pathway for improvement, particularly from our government agencies.' 'It rightly recognises that Aotearoa spends a lot on infrastructure, among the top 10 percent of OECD countries as a share of GDP, but we get one of the lowest returns. That's simply not a sustainable situation when we look at the future demographic, geographic and resilience challenges confronting us.' 'The Plan, at its heart, prioritises getting better outcomes from every infrastructure dollar, and includes a call to action when it comes to improving how we manage the assets we already have,' Leggett says. 'It reinforces the message that we need to do much better on the basics and provides an opportunity to make the changes required.' 'The reality is if we don't face up to this now there will be real pain for our future generations. It's important that both the sector, our businesses and communities participate in this consultation because the issues identified, and the changes recommended, will impact us all.' Infrastructure New Zealand particularly supports the emphasis on: The prioritisation of asset management to protect existing infrastructure and ensure it delivers what New Zealanders expect from it. Reducing regulatory hurdles and simplifying planning to make it easier for infrastructure providers. Building confidence within the infrastructure sector through a steady project pipeline that allows providers to invest in workforce capability and capacity. 'What the infrastructure sector needs over the long-term is policy and political stability to plan, deliver and manage infrastructure efficiently,' Leggett says. 'Investors, councils and contractors alike need consistent signals from Government as well as opposition political parties. Policy certainty builds confidence, which leads to effective planning, more efficient procurement and better value for money.' 'We are encouraged that the draft Plan also presents a New Zealand-specific framework for infrastructure planning that takes into account the country's unique characteristics.' 'New Zealand needs solutions that are tailored to our context – our small widely-dispersed population, our terrain and our exposure to natural hazards,' says Leggett. 'We also need a shared national vision to guide investment decisions and create a long-term infrastructure pipeline that endures across election cycles.' Just this week Infrastructure New Zealand released a report looking at how foreign direct investment is already helping us deliver world-leading mobile tower infrastructure quickly, innovatively and at scale. 'The experience of Connexa shows that if we are open new ways of doing things, including greater use of private funding and financing and developing a solid forward pipeline, we do have the ability to deliver critical infrastructure that supports our communities and economy.'
Scoop
02-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
New Zealand's Air Quality Improving, But Winter Smoke Still An Issue
Press Release – LAWA When smoke from wood burners and coal fires builds up in calm, cold conditions, it can affect the health of whole communities. The good news is that monitored sites in most towns are now meeting national air quality standards for particulate matter New data released today by LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa) shows that while air quality continues to improve in many parts of New Zealand, winter remains a period of elevated health risk. There is particular concern for towns where smoke from home heating becomes trapped near the ground during cold, still weather. 'Air quality in New Zealand has improved over time thanks to a combination of local and national action, but winter remains a challenge in many towns,' said Dr Chris Daughney, Chief Science Advisor for the collective of regional and unitary councils – Te Uru Kahika. 'When smoke from wood burners and coal fires builds up in calm, cold conditions, it can affect the health of whole communities. 'The good news is that monitored sites in most towns are now meeting national air quality standards for particulate matter (PM10) and continue to show improvements since monitoring began. 'However, most monitored places exceed international guidelines for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which comes from combustion sources and poses significant health risks,' said Dr Daughney. The LAWA Air Quality National Picture 2025 provides analyses of monitoring site data from regional and unitary councils across the country. Although PM2.5is not yet regulated under New Zealand's National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES-AQ), the National Picture outlines that 13 regions are now actively monitoring this harmful pollutant, and the number of monitored sites has increased in recent years. In 2024, only three monitoring sites in New Zealand met both the daily and annual WHO guidelines for PM2.5. These were at Whareroa Marae in Mount Maunganui, Whangārei, and central Wellington. The 2021 WHO guidelines are stricter than previous guidelines and reflect growing understanding of the health impacts from long-term exposure to fine particles. Dr Daughney said the results presented on the LAWA website reinforce the value of council monitoring networks. 'Although it is not yet regulated under a national standard, many regional and unitary councils are already monitoring the smaller PM2.5 particles to better understand local air quality and to prepare for future regulation. However, without a New Zealand-specific standard in place, it's a challenge for councils to justify further investment in monitoring equipment and analysis. 'The science is clear that reducing fine particulate matter pollution improves public health, especially for children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions,' said Dr Daughney. While winter conditions continue to present challenges, the LAWA Air Quality National Picture also highlights definite progress. There are improving air quality trends for 30 of the 44 long-term PM10 monitoring sites over the last 10 years and only 4 sites have seen a decline. LAWA Air Quality Science Lead Teresa Aberkane explains that air quality is fascinating because it responds to human behaviour. 'Many places like Timaru, Tokoroa, and Kaiapoi have taken active steps to reduce winter emissions, and we're seeing those actions reflected in the data. 'That's the value of ongoing monitoring, when we measure and report, we can take steps to make a difference to the air we breathe,' said Ms Aberkane. Many of these improvements are the result of sustained investment by councils in cleaner heating technology, community education, and local bylaws aimed at phasing out high emission burning. Transport choices also have a big impact on air quality and walking, cycling, and public transport are cleaner options than private vehicle use. LAWA Chair Dr Tim Davie said everyone can play a role in cleaner winter air. 'The data shows we've made good progress. Now it's about staying on track and continuing to act where it matters most. 'With winter here, we're encouraging people to check their local air quality and take steps to minimise smoke. Avoiding lighting fires on still weather nights is best, but if people are going to use their log burner, then using dry, untreated wood with a clean burning technique can help reduce the amount of pollution into the local neighbourhood. 'We're pleased to make real-time air quality information available to New Zealanders for free on the LAWA website, alongside useful evidence-backed factsheets,' said Dr Davie. Air quality information for 150 monitoring sites is available at along with practical tips on what households can do to help. Further information PM2.5 and PM10 are forms of air pollution measured in micrometres. PM2.5 poses greater health risks due to its ability to enter the lungs and bloodstream. The World Health Organization's 2021 air quality guidelines are based on updated scientific evidence of health impacts from fine particulate matter. The Ministry for the Environment has announced that the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES-AQ) will be reviewed and updated by 2026 to include PM2.5.
Scoop
01-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Sudden Arrivals: NZ Ambulance Crews Describe What It's Like When Babies Are Born Out Of The Blue
Article – The Conversation It doesn't happen very often, but every now and then expectant mothers don't quite make it to the delivery suite on time – requiring specialised care from emergency medical services (EMS). This can happen when babies come early, when the mother-to-be is in denial, or when they simply don't know they are pregnant. These out-of-hospital births can increase the risks for both mother and child. While there haven't been any New Zealand-specific studies, data from Norway and Ireland show infant mortality rates are two to three times higher for unplanned out-of-hospital births compared to those in medical facilities. In 2024, Hato Hone St John, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest ambulance service, responded to 2,745 obstetric emergencies. This accounted for 0.9% of all ambulance patients – similar to comparable countries such as Australia and the United States. In our new research, we surveyed Hato Hone St John ambulance personnel to better understand their experiences attending unplanned out-of-hospital births. Although such events are rare, personnel must be prepared to provide care for mothers and newborns during any clinical shift. The 147 responses we received highlighted the need for ongoing and targeted training for staff as they balance supporting the safe arrival of a newborn with patient and whānau -centered care. Navigating the unknown EMS personnel reported being dispatched for reports of abdominal or back pain in female patients, only to encounter an unanticipated imminent birth upon arrival. In many of these cases, patients were unaware of their pregnancies and had received no prior antenatal care. This left EMS personnel to lead labour and birth care without crucial information about gestational age or potential complications. As one paramedic explained: The call was for non-traumatic back pain. The patient had a cryptic pregnancy and was not aware she was pregnant until I informed her that she was in labour. I was the senior clinician in attendance, we were 25 minutes to a maternity unit that didn't have surgical facilities and a [neonatal unit]. In some situations, EMS personnel attended teenage patients who were in denial of their pregnancies or fearful it would be discovered by their families. Attending to the mother's emotional needs, respecting her dignity and navigating family dynamics compounded existing challenges to providing care. Another paramedic explained: Attended an 18-year-old that did not know or was in denial that she was pregnant. She had the baby on her own in the bathroom. The parents came home during the birth, and she was too scared to tell them and kept the baby quiet by nursing her. She called an ambulance from the bathroom and told them she didn't want the parents to know. Practical challenges Complex births, medical emergencies and limited specialised neonatal equipment required EMS to improvise in such cases. While some focused on skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, others prepared makeshift blankets using things such as plastic clingfilm to keep their newborn patients warm. An intensive care paramedic said: I needed to 'chew' through the cord with the scissors provided, which was frustrating given the patient was under CPR. Also, I wanted to keep the patient warm as the house was cold and it was winter, so I used the Gladwrap in the ambulance. The roll I had was a new one and very difficult to start up as it shredded. I ended up using the patient's industrial size wrap with a plastic blade attached. The distance to a specialised newborn care facility, as well as rules around who could be transported and when, meant mothers and babies sometimes needed separate transport. This distressed mothers and added pressure to already stressful situations. One North Island-based paramedic explained: The baby was flown to [a tertiary hospital] – great for the baby but very distressing for mum as she had to be transported by road. Detailed accounts emerged of EMS providing labour and birth care in remote and poorer areas, such as homes with no electricity or heating, far away from hospital facilities and with no back up readily available. Another South Island-based paramedic said: It was 2 degrees outside and the front door was open. The house was cold, and the mother was standing in the bathroom with the [newborn] lying on the cold floor. I called for backup as the mother had a severe postpartum haemorrhage, and the [newborn] required resuscitation. I was not sent assistance and had to manage the mother and [newborn] by myself during a 15-minute drive to the birth suite at hospital. The stories shared by New Zealand ambulance personnel not only described their critical role in providing care during labour and birth, but also highlighted a gap in care for women not accessing routine antenatal and birth services. Training and support needed Studies from Norway, Australia, the US and the United Kingdom have previously highlighted the need for dedicated EMS training and equipment to support out-of-hospital births. Change is happening in New Zealand. Recent updates to Hato Hone St John guidelines, resources and training, including education on cultural considerations related to birth, aim to prepare EMS personnel for these unpredictable and high-risk scenarios. Ongoing training and education will be critical to support clinicians to confidently address birth emergencies while continuing to deliver patient and whānau-centered care. Disclosure statement Vinuli Withanarachchie works for Hato Hone St John. Bridget Dicker is an employee of Hato Hone St John. Sarah Maessen works for Hato Hone St John. Verity Todd receives funding from the Heart Foundation NZ and Health Research Council NZ. She is affiliated with Hato Hone St John.
Scoop
01-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Sudden Arrivals: NZ Ambulance Crews Describe What It's Like When Babies Are Born Out Of The Blue
It doesn't happen very often, but every now and then expectant mothers don't quite make it to the delivery suite on time – requiring specialised care from emergency medical services (EMS). This can happen when babies come early, when the mother-to-be is in denial, or when they simply don't know they are pregnant. These out-of-hospital births can increase the risks for both mother and child. While there haven't been any New Zealand-specific studies, data from Norway and Ireland show infant mortality rates are two to three times higher for unplanned out-of-hospital births compared to those in medical facilities. In 2024, Hato Hone St John, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest ambulance service, responded to 2,745 obstetric emergencies. This accounted for 0.9% of all ambulance patients – similar to comparable countries such as Australia and the United States. In our new research, we surveyed Hato Hone St John ambulance personnel to better understand their experiences attending unplanned out-of-hospital births. Although such events are rare, personnel must be prepared to provide care for mothers and newborns during any clinical shift. The 147 responses we received highlighted the need for ongoing and targeted training for staff as they balance supporting the safe arrival of a newborn with patient and whānau -centered care. Navigating the unknown EMS personnel reported being dispatched for reports of abdominal or back pain in female patients, only to encounter an unanticipated imminent birth upon arrival. In many of these cases, patients were unaware of their pregnancies and had received no prior antenatal care. This left EMS personnel to lead labour and birth care without crucial information about gestational age or potential complications. As one paramedic explained: The call was for non-traumatic back pain. The patient had a cryptic pregnancy and was not aware she was pregnant until I informed her that she was in labour. I was the senior clinician in attendance, we were 25 minutes to a maternity unit that didn't have surgical facilities and a [neonatal unit]. In some situations, EMS personnel attended teenage patients who were in denial of their pregnancies or fearful it would be discovered by their families. Attending to the mother's emotional needs, respecting her dignity and navigating family dynamics compounded existing challenges to providing care. Another paramedic explained: Attended an 18-year-old that did not know or was in denial that she was pregnant. She had the baby on her own in the bathroom. The parents came home during the birth, and she was too scared to tell them and kept the baby quiet by nursing her. She called an ambulance from the bathroom and told them she didn't want the parents to know. Practical challenges Complex births, medical emergencies and limited specialised neonatal equipment required EMS to improvise in such cases. While some focused on skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, others prepared makeshift blankets using things such as plastic clingfilm to keep their newborn patients warm. An intensive care paramedic said: I needed to 'chew' through the cord with the scissors provided, which was frustrating given the patient was under CPR. Also, I wanted to keep the patient warm as the house was cold and it was winter, so I used the Gladwrap in the ambulance. The roll I had was a new one and very difficult to start up as it shredded. I ended up using the patient's industrial size wrap with a plastic blade attached. The distance to a specialised newborn care facility, as well as rules around who could be transported and when, meant mothers and babies sometimes needed separate transport. This distressed mothers and added pressure to already stressful situations. One North Island-based paramedic explained: The baby was flown to [a tertiary hospital] – great for the baby but very distressing for mum as she had to be transported by road. Detailed accounts emerged of EMS providing labour and birth care in remote and poorer areas, such as homes with no electricity or heating, far away from hospital facilities and with no back up readily available. Another South Island-based paramedic said: It was 2 degrees outside and the front door was open. The house was cold, and the mother was standing in the bathroom with the [newborn] lying on the cold floor. I called for backup as the mother had a severe postpartum haemorrhage, and the [newborn] required resuscitation. I was not sent assistance and had to manage the mother and [newborn] by myself during a 15-minute drive to the birth suite at hospital. The stories shared by New Zealand ambulance personnel not only described their critical role in providing care during labour and birth, but also highlighted a gap in care for women not accessing routine antenatal and birth services. Training and support needed Studies from Norway, Australia, the US and the United Kingdom have previously highlighted the need for dedicated EMS training and equipment to support out-of-hospital births. Change is happening in New Zealand. Recent updates to Hato Hone St John guidelines, resources and training, including education on cultural considerations related to birth, aim to prepare EMS personnel for these unpredictable and high-risk scenarios. Ongoing training and education will be critical to support clinicians to confidently address birth emergencies while continuing to deliver patient and whānau-centered care. Vinuli Withanarachchie, PhD candidate, College of Health, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University; Bridget Dicker, Associate Professor of Paramedicine, ; Sarah Maessen, Research Fellow, Department of Paramedicine, Auckland University of Technology, and Verity Todd Auckland University of Technology Disclosure statement Vinuli Withanarachchie works for Hato Hone St John. Bridget Dicker is an employee of Hato Hone St John. Sarah Maessen works for Hato Hone St John. Verity Todd receives funding from the Heart Foundation NZ and Health Research Council NZ. She is affiliated with Hato Hone St John.
