Hinemoana II arrives in Tonga from Auckland
Traditional voyaging canoe known as Hinemoana has arrived in Tonga’s Nuku’alofa capital city yesterday.
The all-female crew vaka docked at the Inter-island Ferry Terminal after a 10-day voyage from New Zealand.
The Hinemoana II left the Bay of Plenty in July after conducting research on whale populations.
The crew used traditional knowledge in their research practices, blending science and cultural wisdom to help advance their understanding of marine environments.
Aunofo Havea, who is co-leading the voyage, says this unique voyage is “a chance to weave together ancestral wisdom with scientific research to ensure the health of our oceans and the whales that grace them”.
Partnering with Aunofo to lead the voyage is co-captain Fealofani Bruun, who is the first Sāmoan woman ever to attain a yacht master qualification.
Fealofani says the expedition is “groundbreaking on multiple levels”.
“We are not only an all-female Pacific crew, but we are also forging a path for future generations of ocean guardians by combining indigenous knowledge with modern science to protect our whales. I am humbled to be a part of this historic voyage.”
Research on rheumatic fever and gout
Two young Pacific researchers have teamed up with the South Auckland community to address two major health issues facing Māori and Pacific peoples.
Dr. Siobhan Tu’akoi and Dr. Samuela ‘Ofanoa have two key research questions to answer regarding: improving the uptake of urate-lowering therapy for gout patients and reducing the rheumatic fever burden.
Gout and rheumatic fever both disproportionately affect Pacific people, with the highest rates among all ethnic groups in Aotearoa.
The research projects are both in progress and have implications for clinical practice and public health.
They aim to co-design an approach that will work for Pacific people, enhance health and well-being and empower Pacific communities to lead solutions.
Meth dealer handed four-year imprisonment
A Tongatapu man has been jailed for four years after pleading guilty to three counts of possession of 5.04g of methamphetamine, ammunition and utensils.
A total of $436.00 was also seized from his property.
The last two years have been suspended for three years on conditions.
The court was told the police searched Mr Okona ‘One’one’s property on 30 July 2023 after receiving a tip off.
Mr ‘One’one, 31,is married with four children, ages 11 to 2.
His wife is pregnant and expecting twins. He came from a good family and was given a stable, caring upbringing.
The judgement said his parents were deeply saddened by the change that has come over him and led to this offending.
