Latest news with #TePoutokoOraaKiwa
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific Scholars Applaud International Ruling On Climate Change
Press Release – Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that countries can be held legally accountable for greenhouse gas emissions has been welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that countries can be held legally accountable for greenhouse gas emissions has been welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health. Co-Director Li'amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu commended Pacific youth and Pacific communities for their leadership and perseverance over six years of advocacy. She says their leadership demonstrated the power of young Pacific voices to shape international systems and call the world to account. 'We extend our congratulations to the Pacific youth, student leaders and our Pacific communities in the region whose courageous advocacy and strategic vision led to this moment.' 'Their tireless efforts – supported by a coalition of Pacific governments, civil society, and legal experts – have resulted in a global legal affirmation that states have clear obligations to act on climate change.' The legal campaign, led by Vanuatu, was initiated by the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC). Its president, Cynthia Houniuhi, visited the University of Auckland's Fale Pasifika two years ago as a guest panelist for Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa's Pacific Transnational Leadership Panel, where she joined regional leaders in discussing the future of Pacific cooperation. Dr Ng Shiu praised the leadership of Houniuhi and the cultural integrity of the campaign. 'This opinion stems from a journey led by Pacific students and communities, speaking from lived experience – rising sea levels, disrupted ecosystems, and the health and social impacts already affecting their families.' That journey has now yielded a decision that will influence global climate action for years to come, says Ng Shiu. 'As a young Pacific female and student, she epitomizes what it means to make the impossible possible and to redefine leadership. She's quiet and humble, but when she speaks, it's deeply impactful. In a world that often celebrates loud and assertive voices, Cynthia's thoughtful approach stands out. 'Her leadership, and the way the ICJ campaign was conducted, reflects not just climate justice but also cultural ethics. The integration of storytelling and community engagement ensures that people hear, understand, and embrace the message. This is promising for Indigenous and Pacific peoples – our ways of knowing and being are being valued by institutions like the ICJ. 'This ruling is not just about empowerment, but also accountability. It sends a message to powerful nations that passing the buck is no longer acceptable.' Speaking from the Netherlands following the ICJ's advisory opinion, Cynthia Houniuhi responded with heartfelt emotion and pride, saying it marked a significant milestone in a youth-led campaign that began in the Pacific. 'This journey has been tough but deeply rewarding,' says Houniuhi. 'It's the relationships we've built along the way that have carried us. This victory belongs to all of us – especially those in rural communities who supported this work but couldn't be here to witness it.' Houniuhi emphasized the importance of communicating the technical decision in ways that resonate with local communities. 'We're committed to going back and speaking with our people – to show them that their hope was not misplaced.' Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign adapted through digital platforms, maintaining momentum and building resilience. Houniuhi highlighted the courage and unity of Pacific youth and governments, and the importance of inclusive, community-driven advocacy. 'Our campaign has always been about collective effort. We walk toward a community goal, not individual recognition. That's our strength.' Emphasizing a collective approach over an individual focus, saw the campaign maintain ancestral storytelling traditions. 'In our advocacy, we used different aspects of our traditions as well as culture, even appearing in the courtroom using the power of wearing our own traditional attire.' She says they had to obtain permission from their chiefs in order to share their sacred stories in court submissions, ensuring cultural protocols were respected. Looking ahead, Houniuhi is seeking greater Pacific representation in international spaces such as COP and the UN General Assembly, and urges more Pacific lawyers, academics, and advocates to engage with the ICJ opinion. 'We need more Pacific voices telling our stories – not others speaking on our behalf. This is our advice, our opinion, and our future.' As the movement enters its next phase, Houniuhi's own journey continues – she hopes to pursue PhD studies at the University of Auckland, further strengthening the Pacific voice in global climate discourse. 'Barriers have already been broken. Round two – let's go.'
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific Scholars Applaud International Ruling On Climate Change
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa - Centre for Pacific and Global Health. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that countries can be held legally accountable for greenhouse gas emissions has been welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa - Centre for Pacific and Global Health. Co-Director Li'amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu commended Pacific youth and Pacific communities for their leadership and perseverance over six years of advocacy. She says their leadership demonstrated the power of young Pacific voices to shape international systems and call the world to account. 'We extend our congratulations to the Pacific youth, student leaders and our Pacific communities in the region whose courageous advocacy and strategic vision led to this moment.' 'Their tireless efforts - supported by a coalition of Pacific governments, civil society, and legal experts - have resulted in a global legal affirmation that states have clear obligations to act on climate change." The legal campaign, led by Vanuatu, was initiated by the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC). Its president, Cynthia Houniuhi, visited the University of Auckland's Fale Pasifika two years ago as a guest panelist for Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa's Pacific Transnational Leadership Panel, where she joined regional leaders in discussing the future of Pacific cooperation. Dr Ng Shiu praised the leadership of Houniuhi and the cultural integrity of the campaign. 'This opinion stems from a journey led by Pacific students and communities, speaking from lived experience - rising sea levels, disrupted ecosystems, and the health and social impacts already affecting their families." That journey has now yielded a decision that will influence global climate action for years to come, says Ng Shiu. "As a young Pacific female and student, she epitomizes what it means to make the impossible possible and to redefine leadership. She's quiet and humble, but when she speaks, it's deeply impactful. In a world that often celebrates loud and assertive voices, Cynthia's thoughtful approach stands out. 'Her leadership, and the way the ICJ campaign was conducted, reflects not just climate justice but also cultural ethics. The integration of storytelling and community engagement ensures that people hear, understand, and embrace the message. This is promising for Indigenous and Pacific peoples - our ways of knowing and being are being valued by institutions like the ICJ. 'This ruling is not just about empowerment, but also accountability. It sends a message to powerful nations that passing the buck is no longer acceptable." Speaking from the Netherlands following the ICJ's advisory opinion, Cynthia Houniuhi responded with heartfelt emotion and pride, saying it marked a significant milestone in a youth-led campaign that began in the Pacific. 'This journey has been tough but deeply rewarding,' says Houniuhi. 'It's the relationships we've built along the way that have carried us. This victory belongs to all of us - especially those in rural communities who supported this work but couldn't be here to witness it.' Houniuhi emphasized the importance of communicating the technical decision in ways that resonate with local communities. 'We're committed to going back and speaking with our people - to show them that their hope was not misplaced.' Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign adapted through digital platforms, maintaining momentum and building resilience. Houniuhi highlighted the courage and unity of Pacific youth and governments, and the importance of inclusive, community-driven advocacy. 'Our campaign has always been about collective effort. We walk toward a community goal, not individual recognition. That's our strength.' Emphasizing a collective approach over an individual focus, saw the campaign maintain ancestral storytelling traditions. 'In our advocacy, we used different aspects of our traditions as well as culture, even appearing in the courtroom using the power of wearing our own traditional attire.' She says they had to obtain permission from their chiefs in order to share their sacred stories in court submissions, ensuring cultural protocols were respected. Looking ahead, Houniuhi is seeking greater Pacific representation in international spaces such as COP and the UN General Assembly, and urges more Pacific lawyers, academics, and advocates to engage with the ICJ opinion. 'We need more Pacific voices telling our stories - not others speaking on our behalf. This is our advice, our opinion, and our future.' As the movement enters its next phase, Houniuhi's own journey continues - she hopes to pursue PhD studies at the University of Auckland, further strengthening the Pacific voice in global climate discourse. 'Barriers have already been broken. Round two - let's go.'
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Experts Examine Climate Impacts On Pacific Health
Press Release – University of Auckland Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the universitys Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions. The devastating impacts of climate change on health in the Pacific Islands will be discussed at a symposium at the University of Auckland on 5 June. Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the university's Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions. Climate change is driving up temperatures in the islands – and heat is a 'silent killer', says Ng Shiu, a key speaker at the symposium. 'More than 2000 people died of heat-related conditions in the Pacific Islands between 2000 and 2022. Heat stroke is the main cause of death,' she says. While health services can advise people to stay cool and hydrated, poor access to clean drinking water in many Pacific Islands makes that more difficult, Ng Shiu says. 'What we really need is a better international commitment to reducing greenhouse gases. 'Pacific people are resilient. We've been adapting for years, but our adaptation measures can't keep up with the rate the climate is changing,' she says. Increasingly hot, wet weather is causing spikes of diseases, such as dengue fever, zika, chikungunya, which are spread throughout the Pacific by Aedes mosquitos. In Papua New Guinea, malaria is also a growing risk. 'Two young people have died from dengue fever in Fiji and Samoa over the past few weeks – one was a 12-year-old boy – and there's an outbreak in Tonga too.' Ng Shiu says one solution to infectious diseases rising as the climate warms is to better integrate health and meteorological surveillance systems. She says more funding is needed so weather services can provide warnings to Pacific health services about upcoming periods of wet, hot weather, enabling agencies to fumigate areas where mosquitos breed. Funding is also required for research into the mental health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, Ng Shiu says. 'We're hearing about children in Fiji who have been traumatised by cyclones destroying their villages, so as soon as they hear strong winds, they run away from school in terror.' New Zealand government policies are exacerbating climate change, rather than turning the tide, she says. 'New Zealand is supposed to be the heart of the Pacific, so they should be doing more to protect it.' Speakers at the symposium will include Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Te Whatu Ora Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey, University of Auckland Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu, and Fred Hollows Foundation NZ chief executive Dr Audrey Aumua. Pacific Islands experts travelling to Aotearoa to speak at the event include director of the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research at Fiji National University Associate Professor Donald Wilson and Samoa's Director General of Health Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma. Te Poutoko council chair and former New Zealand Director-General of Health Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield will facilitate a panel discussion at the symposium, featuring University of Auckland Professors Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and Dame Teuila Percival, and Ekeroma, Wilson and Grey. Tagata Pasifika director and reporter John Pulu will be MC and Reverend Igasiatama Mokele will offer opening and closing prayers. The symposium on Vulnerability to Vitality – Pacific and Global Health responses in a changing climate is on 5 June from 9am to 4pm at Fale Pasifika, 22 Wynyard Street, Auckland. The public and media are welcome to attend. Register here.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Experts Examine Climate Impacts On Pacific Health
Press Release – University of Auckland The devastating impacts of climate change on health in the Pacific Islands will be discussed at a symposium at the University of Auckland on 5 June. Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the university's Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions. Climate change is driving up temperatures in the islands – and heat is a 'silent killer', says Ng Shiu, a key speaker at the symposium. 'More than 2000 people died of heat-related conditions in the Pacific Islands between 2000 and 2022. Heat stroke is the main cause of death,' she says. While health services can advise people to stay cool and hydrated, poor access to clean drinking water in many Pacific Islands makes that more difficult, Ng Shiu says. 'What we really need is a better international commitment to reducing greenhouse gases. 'Pacific people are resilient. We've been adapting for years, but our adaptation measures can't keep up with the rate the climate is changing,' she says. Increasingly hot, wet weather is causing spikes of diseases, such as dengue fever, zika, chikungunya, which are spread throughout the Pacific by Aedes mosquitos. In Papua New Guinea, malaria is also a growing risk. 'Two young people have died from dengue fever in Fiji and Samoa over the past few weeks – one was a 12-year-old boy – and there's an outbreak in Tonga too.' Ng Shiu says one solution to infectious diseases rising as the climate warms is to better integrate health and meteorological surveillance systems. She says more funding is needed so weather services can provide warnings to Pacific health services about upcoming periods of wet, hot weather, enabling agencies to fumigate areas where mosquitos breed. Funding is also required for research into the mental health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, Ng Shiu says. 'We're hearing about children in Fiji who have been traumatised by cyclones destroying their villages, so as soon as they hear strong winds, they run away from school in terror.' New Zealand government policies are exacerbating climate change, rather than turning the tide, she says. 'New Zealand is supposed to be the heart of the Pacific, so they should be doing more to protect it.' Speakers at the symposium will include Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Te Whatu Ora Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey, University of Auckland Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu, and Fred Hollows Foundation NZ chief executive Dr Audrey Aumua. Pacific Islands experts travelling to Aotearoa to speak at the event include director of the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research at Fiji National University Associate Professor Donald Wilson and Samoa's Director General of Health Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma. Te Poutoko council chair and former New Zealand Director-General of Health Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield will facilitate a panel discussion at the symposium, featuring University of Auckland Professors Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and Dame Teuila Percival, and Ekeroma, Wilson and Grey. Tagata Pasifika director and reporter John Pulu will be MC and Reverend Igasiatama Mokele will offer opening and closing prayers. The symposium on Vulnerability to Vitality – Pacific and Global Health responses in a changing climate is on 5 June from 9am to 4pm at Fale Pasifika, 22 Wynyard Street, Auckland. The public and media are welcome to attend. Register here.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Experts Examine Climate Impacts On Pacific Health
The devastating impacts of climate change on health in the Pacific Islands will be discussed at a symposium at the University of Auckland on 5 June. Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the university's Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions. Climate change is driving up temperatures in the islands – and heat is a 'silent killer', says Ng Shiu, a key speaker at the symposium. 'More than 2000 people died of heat-related conditions in the Pacific Islands between 2000 and 2022. Heat stroke is the main cause of death,' she says. While health services can advise people to stay cool and hydrated, poor access to clean drinking water in many Pacific Islands makes that more difficult, Ng Shiu says. 'What we really need is a better international commitment to reducing greenhouse gases. 'Pacific people are resilient. We've been adapting for years, but our adaptation measures can't keep up with the rate the climate is changing,' she says. Increasingly hot, wet weather is causing spikes of diseases, such as dengue fever, zika, chikungunya, which are spread throughout the Pacific by Aedes mosquitos. In Papua New Guinea, malaria is also a growing risk. 'Two young people have died from dengue fever in Fiji and Samoa over the past few weeks – one was a 12-year-old boy - and there's an outbreak in Tonga too.' Ng Shiu says one solution to infectious diseases rising as the climate warms is to better integrate health and meteorological surveillance systems. She says more funding is needed so weather services can provide warnings to Pacific health services about upcoming periods of wet, hot weather, enabling agencies to fumigate areas where mosquitos breed. Funding is also required for research into the mental health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, Ng Shiu says. 'We're hearing about children in Fiji who have been traumatised by cyclones destroying their villages, so as soon as they hear strong winds, they run away from school in terror.' New Zealand government policies are exacerbating climate change, rather than turning the tide, she says. 'New Zealand is supposed to be the heart of the Pacific, so they should be doing more to protect it.' Speakers at the symposium will include Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Te Whatu Ora Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey, University of Auckland Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu, and Fred Hollows Foundation NZ chief executive Dr Audrey Aumua. Pacific Islands experts travelling to Aotearoa to speak at the event include director of the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research at Fiji National University Associate Professor Donald Wilson and Samoa's Director General of Health Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma. Te Poutoko council chair and former New Zealand Director-General of Health Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield will facilitate a panel discussion at the symposium, featuring University of Auckland Professors Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and Dame Teuila Percival, and Ekeroma, Wilson and Grey. Tagata Pasifika director and reporter John Pulu will be MC and Reverend Igasiatama Mokele will offer opening and closing prayers. The symposium on Vulnerability to Vitality - Pacific and Global Health responses in a changing climate is on 5 June from 9am to 4pm at Fale Pasifika, 22 Wynyard Street, Auckland. The public and media are welcome to attend. Register here.
