Monthly Archives: May 2024

New Zealand's Health Information Standards Organisation is now developingnew standards for interoperable health information exchange in the country.

In an update on the progress of the Hira programme, Te Whatu Ora disclosed that HISO is working on the NZ Core Data for Interoperability (NZCDI). Patterned after the United States' Core Data for Interoperability standards, it will be the "standard for the most commonly shared health data in clinical workflows and consumer access to data."

WHY IT MATTERS

New Zealand is enabling full interoperability across its digital health ecosystem. In 2020, HISO released the Interoperability Roadmap, which serves as its guide to achieving that goal. Its key deliverable is the localversion of the International Patient Summary. An adaptation of the ISO and HL7 International Patient Summary standards, the HISO IPSis primarily a standard for the makeup and exchange of core personal health information.

This foundational standard is at the core of the New Zealand Patient Summary (NZPS), now liveon My Health Record, which enables consumers' access to essential health information, such as laboratory results, community-dispensed medicines, and immunisation records. It can be accessed via a website or clinical applications.

THE LARGER CONTEXT

The first stage of the Hira implementation is about to close next month, June. So far, the programme has fulfilled its target of rollingout My Health Record during this period. Launched in February, the platform replaced My Covid Record, allowing people to access and view more health information beyond vaccination records, including their and their children's National Health Index details.

After introducing the NZPS, the Hira team is now developing the NZPS Clinical View to provide hospitals with secure access to patients' health information anytime, anywhere.

An applicationprogramming interfacewill be released soon to allow direct integration of the NZPS with more clinical applications, including clinical portals and practice management systems.

This API will be added to the upcoming Health New Zealand Digital Services Hub, which will replace the existing Hira Marketplace next month. It will provide more services, including a developer portal with API testing capabilities and identity and access protections.

In other related news,Te Whatu Ora has recently released the draft of the first API standards for the New Zealand health sector. It covers guidance and expectations for API design and development and API security. A technical standards committee under HISO has been set up to provide feedback on it.

Meanwhile, the Hira team is expectingto onboard by end-Maythe first subscriber to the National Event Management Service, which provides near real-time notification of death events.

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New Zealand coming up with national HIE standards - Healthcare IT News

The Beths are finishing their Expert in a Dying Field album cycle in style with a homecoming tour.

The power-pop band will perform in Aotearoa for the first time in almost two years this September, stopping in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington (see full dates below).

Its been way too long! Nearly 2 years?? Here are a handful of Aotearoa shows to finish Expert in a Dying Fields journey amongst friends and whanau, the band wrote on social media today.

The tour announcement follows a big night for The Beths: they were winners at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards in Auckland on Thursday night, taking home the awards for Album of the Year and Best Group. Its the bands second Album of the Year win and third Best Group triumph.

The Beths Elizabeth Stokes shared, We are constantly inspired by the amount of incredible, world-class work being made by artists from our small but mighty piece of the world. Congratulations to everyone! Thanks Ben and Tristan for representing with grace and poise. I wish Jono and I were there to celebrate. Proud to be a Beth today!

Expert in a Dying Field has been their most successful album to date, earning the band a nomination for the 2023 APRA Silver Scroll Award. The album cycle has seen the Auckland four-piece tour consistently across North America, Australia, the UK, and Europe, including supporting the likes of The National, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Postal Service.

At the 2023 Panhead Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards, the band won the prestigious Rolling Stone Global Award, seeing off strong competition from Six60, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, BENEE, and more acclaimed Kiwi artists.

Tickets to The Beths Aotearoa tour go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, June 5h at 10am NZST via the bands official website. Fans can also sign up for the pre-sale here.

Tickets available via thebeths.com

Friday, September 20th Hollywood Avondale, Auckland

Friday, September 27th The Church, Christchurch

Saturday, September 28th Meow Nui, Wellington

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The Beths Announce 2024 New Zealand Tour - Rolling Stone Australia

Photo Credit: OFC Media

Tahitian club AS Tefana travelled to Auckland in May to provide international travelling experience for their talented youth.

In previous years, Tefana has sent their youth development squads to France for a tour but in 2024 they visited Aotearoa New Zealand playing two friendly matches while taking in the sights that Auckland has to offer.

The tour is structured around exposing youth players to different football environments and styles of play. The Tefana U-13 side tested themselves against Papakura City FC and one of the strongest clubs in the country, Eastern Suburbs.

Benchmarking against clubs and players from other countries is crucial for youth football players for several reasons. It enhances skill and technique development through exposure to different playing styles and high-level competition. It builds confidence and fosters resilience and adaptability, while promoting cultural exchange and team bonding, OFC Player Development Officer Phill Parker explained.

After a 5-0 victory against Papakura, AS Tefana found it far more difficult against Eastern Suburbs, going down 5-0 in cold and wet conditions at Ngahue Reserve. Despite the defeat, it was a valuable learning exercise for all involved, and a good performance benchmark against a successful international club.

While the focus is football, it provides scouting and career opportunities, offering visibility to scouts for potential scholarships or contracts. Parker says to share experience and knowledge is an important step for AS Tefana to grow and get better.

International benchmarking is vital for the holistic development of youth soccer players, enhancing their technical, mental and social skills while providing invaluable global exposure, said Parker.

On the field and off the field, all objectives of the tour were met and exceeded expectations. Players, staff and club were exposed to diverse playing styles against high-level opposition while gaining a cultural understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand.

International tours offer multifaceted benefits, including improved skills, cultural enrichment and enhanced career opportunities. Parker believes other countries should consider such tours, to foster holistic development and global integration of their youth football players.

Read the original here:

AS Tefana expose youth to New Zealand football - Oceania Football Confederation

In the stillness of a Queenstown autumn morning, the first tendrils of light dance across the snow-dusted peaks of the Remarkables. Im drawn to the window of my hotel room. The hushed world outside is painted in hues of rose and gold. The TSS Earnslaw, a steamship that has been running since 1912, has just departed the harbour and is gliding across Lake Wakatipu on its first voyage of the morning. Low-hanging clouds add a moody drama to the scene Im eating up. I have no doubt the very heavens have bestowed their benediction upon this corner of New Zealand. How can we be in the throes of what guidebooks call low season?

This is my second trip to Aotearoa during Autumn, and Im convinced it doesnt get any better. Ive travelled from Thailand, where the sweltering heat and humidity cling to the skin like a second layer this time of year. The shockingly crisp (and clean) air and cool weather of New Zealands South Island is the antidote to a Southeast Asian summer.

Truthfully, an escape to colder weather is almost always my motivator for travel come April, but Ive found that a trip to New Zealand during its shoulder season offers so much more than an opportunity to don a pair of boots.

As the summer crowds disperse, every encounter with the soul-stirring landscapes that define New Zealand feels more profoundmore intimate. From the rugged coastlines of the North to the jagged mountains in the South, vibrant and untamed nature puts on a show that even the most seasoned traveller cant resist.

And then, of course, theres the foodfresh, seasonal, hyper-local and bursting with flavour. At the Walter Peak High Country Farm, I ate a carrot pulled straight from the ground and a cucumber right off the vine, both impossibly flavourful with the lands nutrients. Every meal is a celebration of the land and its bounty.

My visit not-so-accidentally coincides with the wine harvest. While you can absolutely immerse yourself in New Zealands wine culture at any time of the year, there is something decidedly wonderful about touring a vineyard while the vines are heavy with fruit and the air heady with the aroma of ripening grapes.

I arrive at Gibbston Valley Winery, pioneers of the Central Otago wine region, via helicopter, after a scenic tour of Queenstown. Still buzzing from the utterly humbling ride through vistas that defy descriptiona patchwork of rivers, and snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can seewe head straight into the countrys largest wine cave.

Our guide waxes about this seasons rich harvest, his stories weigh heavier with every sip of the vineyards velvety Pinot Noir. Here, the grapes ripen slowly under the watchful gaze of snow-capped peaks, but each region of the country offers a unique expression of New Zealands burgeoning wine culture. Later in my trip, Ill sip an Albarino that absolutely sings while basking in the gentle Autumnal sun with views of the Hauraki Gulf at Casita Miro, a family-run vineyard on the verdant island of Waiheke.

But the true essence of New Zealand during off-season doesnt just lie in its vineyards; for me, its discovered in moments immersed in natures embracesoaking in natural hot springs beneath star-studded skies in Queenstown or a quiet walk through ancient forests in Northland ablaze with the colours of fall. As the days grow shorter and the air crisper, New Zealands charm only deepens, inviting everyone to slow down and savour the moment (and the wine).

Heres a T+L-approved list of activities that encapsulate the essence of New Zealand during these off-peak months:

Delve into the heart of New Zealands scenic landscapes aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. Departing from Christchurch, this rail journey traverses the rugged terrain of the Southern Alps, treating passengers to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, winding gorges, and verdant valleys. Whether youre riding in winter or spring, the journey promises a visual feast.

Just like its more well-known equivalent in the northern hemisphere, the southern lights, or Aurora Australis, is a natural light display caused by the collision of charged particles with the Earths magnetic field. During winter evenings, when darkness prevails, lucky observers can witness the ethereal dance of vibrant colours in places with little light pollution like Stewart Island and the Catlins.

Five of the 17 Dark Sky Reserves in the world are in New Zealand. These are certified areas that preserve and protect the night through responsible lighting policies and public education. New Zealand boasts Dark Sky Reserves in both the North and South Islands, making it home to some of the most accessible night sky observatories in the world. These reserves provide pristine conditions for stargazing and observing celestial events, attracting astronomers, enthusiasts and wanderlust travelers alike.

Trust us, soaking in a hot bath hits differently when youre surrounded by snow-capped peaks. From the renowned thermal pools of Hanmer Springs to the geothermal gems of Rotorua, these rejuvenating sanctuaries around the country offer respite from the chilland perhaps some recovery from all of the adventuring.

Wed be remiss without mentioning the world-class skiing on offer during New Zealands winter season. Traverse the snow-clad peaks of Queenstowns Remarkables or Wanakas Treble Cone, where meticulously groomed runs cater to all skill levels. Whether carving fresh tracks through powdery snow or honing your technique with an instructor, the countrys premier ski resorts provide an unparalleled alpine experience.

In New Zealands off-season, nature enthusiasts can still revel in remarkable wildlife encounters. June and July mark the annual migration of humpback whales in Kaikura. Board specialized whale-watching vessels to witness these majestic creatures breaching and playing in their natural habitat. Expert guides provide insights into their behaviors as you navigate the oceans expanse.

Beyond humpbacks, the off-season reveals a spectrum of marine life along the coastlines, including seals, dolphins, and albatross. Inland, hiking trails wind through national parks, providing glimpses of native bird species like kiwis and keas.

The cooler seasons are a great time to discover the flavours of traditional Mori cuisine, known as kai. With a profound connection to the land, this highly seasonal cuisine shifts towards heartier fare in the winter. Communal feasts are cooked in earth ovens (hng), infusing meats and root vegetables with a depth of flavour. Spring brings an abundance of fresh produce, celebrated best in regions like Rotorua, where cultural centres such as Te Puia offer immersive culinary experiences.

There is a growing trend of restaurants integrating traditional ingredients into their menus throughout New Zealand, showcasing the rich heritage of Mori gastronomy. Seasonal delicacies, such as Bluff oysters in the south and the sweet, tender kmara (sweet potato) harvested in the north, further highlight the diverse and fresh offerings available throughout the year.

VisitNewZealand.comfor more winter and spring holiday ideas.

Travelling from Southeast Asia to New Zealand is straightforward with Qantas, which offers multiple flights per day from major cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila. The airline provides seamless connections via Australian cities to key New Zealand destinations, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, facilitating easy access to the countrys diverse destinations.

All Qantas international fares include checked baggage allowance, food and beverages and inflight entertainment as standard with every booking.

http://www.qantas.com

Read more:

Why Shoulder Season Might Be the Best Season to Visit New Zealand - Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia

Think of Tourettes and you might think of involuntary swearing, gestures or noises, often portrayed in pop culture as something to be made fun of. In reality, only 10 per cent of people with Tourettes have the swearing tic, coprolalia. In New Zealand, one in 100 young people live with the neurological disorder and the stigma that comes with it. Here an Auckland-based father and son both living with Tourettes explain what its really like, and what needs to change about the way its perceived in New Zealand.

When Chris Henderson was 9 years old, a GP prescribed him harsh antipsychotic medication and told him to stare into a mirror to see how crazy he looked.

It was 1987 and Henderson had just been diagnosed with Tourettes syndrome. Hed been experiencing some of the signs since he was as young as 3 or 4 years old, such as eye rolling and motor tics.

When youre 9 and youve got a doctor telling you that, and youve got a mum and a dad and a sister that care and you dont know what to do except stare in a mirror, you kind of have to figure it out yourself, he tells the NZ Herald.

Now 46, hes the founder and CEO of Pita Pit New Zealand and a father of three. But ever since his diagnosis, Henderson says, its still always felt like I couldnt talk about it, because of those early years.

Growing up, his friends knew he wasnt weird or odd for having Tourettes, but during his intermediate and high school years, the bullying became really hard.

His tics havent gone away or changed over time. Im probably able to manage them slightly better as an adult, Henderson says.

The same triggers are nervousness and anxiety, pressure, tiredness. And so when I feel any of those symptoms, my tics flare up a little bit. When Im relaxed and in a really pure place of happiness and contentment, they tend to subside.

After his own horrific experience being medicated with haloperidol - which is also used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - he says, Theres not a direct medical fix, in my opinion, for Tourettes.

What does help is general wellbeing; a balanced diet, exercise, and support from family and friends.

Two of Hendersons three children, including son Ryder, 11, also have Tourettes. Asked whether his own experience has helped him parent his sons living with the condition, he says its actually the other way around.

To tell the truth, my kids talk about it better than I do. They really do, he shares. But for me, I still feel uncomfortable about raising it with them, because of the traumas I had when I was Ryders age.

So the beautiful thing about it is we just chat about it. We just chat. Oh, Dad, this is my tic today. My other son will come home and go, Dad, I had this tic today that was so weird or funny.

Its just a part of the brain thats wired a bit differently. Ryders just a normal kid, Im a normal father, business owner, husband, sportsman.

Henderson says its important that theres more research into the disorder, which isnt widely understood, as well as better awareness from the public and Government around just how many young people live with the symptoms today.

What needs to change for people living with Tourettes is just the normalcy of it all, just to debunk the myth that its wrong or weird.

I want people to know its okay. When you see someone with it, try and understand what it is and just dont raise it with them, just talk to them as a person.

Like his dad, 11-year-old Ryder remembers having Tourettes since before his preschool days. But for the intermediate school student, its completely normal.

When I get excited, nervous or anxious about something coming up or happening like a cross-country race or going on a trip somewhere new, my tics get bigger and some of them can give me pain, like in my neck, he explains.

Ryder takes medication for ADHD, which can make his tics worse and in turn, this can make it difficult for him to focus at school.

Going to this new school, Ive had some people being mean about my Tourettes and stuff, he says.

Dad Chris came to his school to do a presentation about Tourettes for his classmates, and Ryder says the kids are a lot nicer to him now they understand it better.

Most people just ask me why I make funny movements and once I tell them I have Tourettes, they are cool about it.

Having a family that understands Tourettes makes all the difference. It makes me feel way better not being alone. It makes me feel like I can tic in a safe space without trying to hide it.

He wants Kiwi kids his age to know that Tourettes is completely normal, and that if they ever see anyone with Tourettes getting bullied, they have to stop it.

I cant help it. You cant tell someone to stop because it is just the way our brains are.

Its Tourettes Awareness Month in New Zealand until June 15, and the Tourettes Association of New Zealand (TANZ) is looking to raise awareness and funds through its Swear to Make a Difference campaign.

The associations general manager Emma Henderson explains that the campaign is not designed to make light of peoples tics, but rather to draw attention to the fact that 90 per cent of those with Tourettes do not have coprolalia.

She is also Chris Hendersons sister, and knows all too well that the disorder is misunderstood by many.

We just want people to accept those that have Tourettes in their community and talk to people with Tourettes, find out what its like to live with and know that it is difficult, but were not your punchline, she tells the NZ Herald.

It is a spectrum and while some tics are manageable for those living with it, it can range through to a debilitating syndrome that really has a direct impact on peoples lives.

TANZ is the only charity in the country that supports those living with the disorder, providing resources and advocacy and running Camp Twitch for young Kiwis with Tourettes and their families, all without government funding.

The cause of Tourettes is uncertain, though research suggests genetics and environmental factors have a part to play, according to TANZ.

To find out more about Tourettes and the Swear to Make a Difference campaign, you can visit the TANZ website here. You can donate to TANZ here.

If you think you or someone you know may have Tourettes syndrome, the first step is to visit your GP, who can refer you to a specialist for diagnosis.

Bethany Reitsma is an Auckland-based journalist covering lifestyle and entertainment stories who joined the Herald in 2019. She specialises in telling Kiwis real-life stories, money-saving hacks and anything even remotely related to coffee.

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Kiwi father and son reveal what having Tourette's is really like - New Zealand Herald

That was fast just a couple of weeks after it was revealed that Aussie and New Zealand Pokemon fans would be able to shop at the official Pokemon Centre Online web store, the virtual doors have now been opened in a soft launch.

The range available on the website seems to be more or less the same as the US, Canada and UK counterparts at this stage, with no fun exclusives, but given this is a soft launch that could very well change. Along with more localised postage, hopefully, as right now it all seems to be forwarded on through a global carrier at some eye-watering shipping prices. Products available to be shipped to Australia and NZ include the incredible POKMON KOGEI Pikachu plush, Squishmallows, Pokemon Centre-exclusive TCG boxes, figures, apparel and heaps more.

You can navigate straight to the AU-friendly version of the store right here.

A message that appears when you first head to the site from Australia reads:

Were excited to welcome you in with the best possible experience, but this site is still in its early stages, and you may see a few hiccups. With that note of caution, please have fun browsing our current selection and be sure to check backwell be working hard to add new product lines continually!

Please keep in mind that the items on this site can be delivered only to addresses in Australia. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service teamor view ourFAQ section.

In that FAQ section is a heap of info on availability of products, purchasing and shipping. Currently, things like pre-orders and promotional items are not available to ANZ customers, and shipping takes a couple of weeks on average which suggests its coming from overseas, but these are things wed expect to shift and change as the hard launch of the local arm of the Pokemon Centre Online happens at some point in the future.

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The Pokemon Centre Online Is Now Open In Australia And New Zealand With A Soft Launch - Press Start Australia