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DAN MOSKOVITZ (HE/HIM) Student Health has gone exclusive with Kelburn campus, temporarily leaving Pipitea citing a shortage of GPs. But don’t worry Pipitea. Student Health still loves you, and it will return in September.  If you’re broken up about Student Health’s temporary break-up with you, the good news is that their counseling service, alongside a nurse and admin staff, will continue to operate at Pipitea as normal.  In addition, they’ve set up spaces at Pipitea for virtual consultation with the Kelburn-based GPs, and are providing taxi chits for students who need in-person appointments. So it’s not completely no-contact.  Why? Student Health doesn’t have the energy to commit to two campuses right now. As associate director Kevin Rowlatt explains, Student Health got hit with an unlucky conflux of GPs leaving, GPs taking annual leave, and GPs departing for personal reasons simultaneously. The current GP shortage in Aotearoa—about 500 practitioners—hasn’t helped, either.  “We thought we would bring all the GPs up to Kelburn so that we avoided having only one or two GPs operating at Kelburn and one at Pipitea, ” said Rowlatt.  “It’s just safer practice.”  And more GPs are on the way. “It takes about three to six months to recruit a GP in the current environment,” said Rowlatt. “Given the current competition for GPs and nurses, we’ve done extremely well to replace those that have left permanently.  “I'm quite pleased. It happened a lot more quickly than I dreamed it would.”  The failure of successive governments has led to the current shortage, as the ten-year journey to become a GP just can’t produce enough replacements for those retiring.  “We need real bipartisan commitment to ensure primary care is funded correctly and an attractive proposition for doctors,” said Rowlatt.

Words by Dan Moskovitz (he/him) The Olympics are here. The world’s second-biggest sporting competition starts on the 27th of July. The only competition bigger than this? The FIFA World Cup. Hence, football is in the odd position of being the only sport in the world treating this event as a side piece.  Football’s weirdness with the Olympics doesn’t end there. A round-robin tournament followed by a knockout stage means there are many games to be played, resulting in Olympic football kicking off before the opening ceremony. Games start on July 25, NZ time.  Thanks to having only the Pacific island teams to compete with in qualification, New Zealand is a shoo-in at each Olympics, and 2024 is no exception.  So what can we expect from the 41 men and women representing Kiwi footy in France?  The Football Ferns (Women)  In typical New Zealand Football fashion, the lead story in the run-up to the competition is not about football.  Women’s head coach Jitka Klimkova has stepped aside from the Olympics after an “employment matter.” While she hasn’t completely left the Ferns—NZF has allowed her room to return upon completion of a “restorative process” —it’s her assistant, Michael Mayne, who will lead the Ferns in France.  Even stranger is that NZF can’t seem to make up its mind about Klimkova. On May 26, NZF announced Klimkova would stand aside for two friendlies against Japan (both of which were lost). On June 8, an unreleased investigation was concluded, and NZF announced her reinstatement.  The next Ferns-related press release, on June 28, announced Klimkova would step aside from the Olympics after consultation with NZF. The incomplete restorative process and concerns about the well-being of both Klimkova and the team were cited as reasons. This is casting a shadow over a massive tournament for the Ferns, already in a challenging group.  The Ferns are with France (hosts and ranked 2nd in the world in FIFA rankings), Canada (gold medal holders), and Colombia (World Cup quarter-finalists).  As a point of comparison, the Ferns scored a single goal as hosts in last year’s home-soil World Cup and lost all three matches at the last Olympics. Put plainly, NZ will be up against it. However, both the top two teams and the best two third-place teams (of the three groups) qualify for the quarter-finals. So a single win—if the Ferns can get it—might be enough to reach the knockouts.  The key issue is scoring goals, and the Ferns have been struggling with this. A notable omission  from the Olympic squad is Hannah Wilkinson, who scored that famous goal against Norway last year and is fourth on the Ferns’s all-time goal-scoring charts. However, with forwards Milly Clegg, Gabi Rennie, and Indiah-Paige Riley selected, there’s a belief that the young guns coming in might be better. Defence was the Ferns’s strongest suit at the World Cup, and with CJ Bott, Katie Bowne, and Rebekah Stott, there is at least a solid backline to build from. If the Ferns are to get anything from this Olympic campaign, the hard mahi will have to start there.  Game times:  Ferns vs Canada: Friday 26 July 3am NZT Ferns vs Colombia: Monday 29 July 3am NZT Ferns vs France: Thursday 1 August 7am NZT. All games are on Sky Sports.  The Olywhites (Men U-23s)  In true NZF fashion, the management of the men’s team has been equally dramatic as the women's. It took a nine-month worldwide search for NZF to finally appoint their interim coach, Darren Bazeley, full-time. But now that Bazeley’s appointment is old news, he has an Olympics to prepare for. To avoid competing with the FIFA World Cup, the men’s Olympics is an exclusively U-23 event, though each team can have three overage players. However, the Olympics doesn’t occur in a FIFA-sanctioned international window, meaning national teams have to beg for clubs to release their players.  As a result, New Zealand’s arguably best three players—Chris Wood, Marko Stamenic, and Liberato Cacace—are all missing out due to their importance to their clubs. Age-group football is a strange beast. Players must be good, but not brilliant, to participate. They need to be good enough to make the age-group squad, but not good enough for the full national team. They also can’t be too important to their club, or else they won’t be released Therefore, a draw pitting the OlyWhites against France, the USA, and Guinea might not be as lopsided as it seems.  Unfortunately, in the men's competition, only the top two teams of each group advance to the knockouts. Meaning a win against Guinea, the side NZ has the best odds against, probably won’t be enough. At minimum, the Olywhites need to avoid losing to either France or the US, and quite possibly both.  Much like the women's team, the men face a big question: where will their goals come from? Without Chris Wood, they are missing their all-time top goal scorer, and Plymouth Argyle’s Ben Waine—who’s struggled to make their first eleven—is the only out-and-out striker in the squad. That’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders.  Working to NZ's advantage is that they kick off their campaign against Guinea, the most beatable opponent of the group. However, this shouldn’t be construed as an easy win. Led by former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita, the African side will also fancy their odds against NZ. The Olywhites finish the group stage against France, the heavyweights. The hope is that France will have already qualified by the time the third game rolls round, resulting in their B-team playing against NZ.  Game times: NZ vs Guinea 3am Thursday 25 July NZ vs USA 5am Sunday 28 July NZ vs France 5am Wednesday 31 July All games are on Sky Sport.

DOC Vaccine Trial: A Bulwark Against Extinction  DAN MOSKOVITZ (HE/HIM) DOC’s native bird vaccination trial against avian influenza—the avian pandemic which has   killed millions of wild birds and poultry  but has yet to arrive in Aotearoa—has succeeded in its first stage.  Ten individuals of five species—kakī/black stilt, takahē, kākāpō, tūturuatu/shore plover, and red-crowned parakeet/kākārik—were selected for their low population numbers and reliance on captive breeding. They were given two jabs, one month apart. Seven months on, and so far so good. All birds are healthy and producing antibodies, signifying an immune response. “The second phase of the trial is still underway and will be completed by July 2025. This involves regular health assessments and blood tests of the birds,” DOC’s Biosecurity manager Claire Stringer told Salient .  “Initial tests show antibodies have been detected in all five species. However, we need to wait until the trial is complete for more conclusive results.” Because the vaccine requires two doses and wild birds are untrackable, this isn’t divine intervention. Rather, it’s a targeted tool which DOC could use to prevent extinction in subpopulations under active management.  A recent laboratory trial in the Netherlands recently found vaccinating poultry effective , and the Dutch are now piloting vaccinating commercial poultry.  The Ministry for Primary Industries told Salient that vaccination of commercial poultry was a decision for industry to make, though this could only occur after the disease’s incursion. If you encounter a bird showing symptoms of avian influenza, please take a video and call Biosecurity New Zealand on their 0800 80 99 66 hotline. Symptoms include falling over, twisting their neck to look upwards, lethargy, and drooping heads. Three or more dead birds is also reason to contact Biosecurity.   Do not touch any bird showing symptoms.

DARCY LAWREY (HE/HIM) It’s 1982, and Falema'i Lesa, a Samoan woman living in Aotearoa, has just won her case with the privy council. Facing deportation as a victim of the dawn raids, she took the government to task. Born in Western Samoa in 1946, when the nation was a trust territory of New Zealand, she successfully argued that this granted her, and many other Samoans born at the time, citizenship in Aotearoa. The courts agreed.  The Muldoon government, however, did not agree, and rushed to pass a bill reversing the decision, leaving many Samoans feeling betrayed. “Every person to whom this Act applies shall be deemed never to have been a New Zealand citizen” the Act declared.  Despite a petition in 2003 with over 90,000 signatures calling for a reversal, legislation reversing the Act has never been introduced. Until now. A private member’s bill before the select committee is seeking to restore citizenship to the over 3000 Samoans affected by the 1982 Act. Green party MP Teanau Tuiono, who introduced the bill, says, “[s]omeone had to do something to draw a line under the problem”, which has caused “inter-generational hurt and trauma”.  While Tuiono recognises the unpredictability of politics, he is hopeful that his bill has a future. Garnering support from both the Act party and New Zealand First, the bill successfully passed its first reading.  Which poses the question: where’s the other head of the taniwha? Underwater, it would seem.  Chris Penk, National’s Associate Minister of Immigration, claims the party “greatly [values] our relationships with our Pacific neighbours”, but did not comment on the state of relations between Aotearoa and Samoa, nor the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries. Penk’s reasoning for the party not supporting the bill was equally vague, citing “concerns around the impact this will have on current citizenship settings”.  Penk also neglected to comment on whether reversing the 1982 decision was an example of systemic racism.  Tuiono highlights the importance of treating Samoa as an equal. Alongside moves like his bill, he says we must foster “people-to-people links between the two countries” particularly when it comes to climate change, trade, and culture. He also cautions against taking the relationship for granted, and says that New Zealand would be “sorely mistaken” to think it can “wedge out China’s influence” in the Pacific by dictating foreign policy to countries like Samoa. The bill has drawn a passionate response from the public and officials alike in select committee, garnering around 24,500 submissions. Former Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi told the committee that, for his people, it is easier to “get to hell” than to New Zealand. He described progress on the matter as historically getting worse and worse. Opportunities to restore citizenship have been missed in the past. Tuiono points out that the Labour government should have put action behind their 2021 apology for the dawn raids, saying “we needed to do more than just say sorry.” While political will for action has been lacking over the last four decades, Tuiono’s bill is now poised to right this wrong and make an important step towards a strengthened relationship between Aotearoa and Samoa.

Written by Theamaureen Hunt Leaving home, bound for a foreign land, For the sake of gaining new knowledge, Navigating a new culture, An odyssey begins, adventures true. Yearning for home in the first year's span, Yet fortified by faith, a steadfast plan.  In a sea of faces, pale and fair,  A brown lady sits, dreams held with care. A good future for herself and her Island is the aim Coming from a family with high expectations, if she fails it’ll be a total shame Language barrier, challenges to face Prepared she stands, finding her place. Annoyed by the many frustrations, but managed to endure every trial and tribulation. Her prayers are carried by faithful wings, As she bears the weight of her parents' offerings.

Written by Porita Fruean (she/her) I am the land, the Spirit of my ancestors, the Legends and Mysteries, the vision of my forefathers, and the Ocean that connects all. My skin is brown and the tapestry printed on my skin tells the story of my belonging, I am a descendant of Tagaloa and this is the riddle of my being— a tale of identity, heritage, and resilience. I am the mysteries, the legends, history, and the crashing waves singing against volcanic shores. The teine sa that lingers to protect our land in the night, and the waterfall where ancient chiefs' spirits dwell. I am the heat of the sun, while my brothers harvest our land's fruits. I am the blooming hibiscus on paths we walk barefoot around our fanua. I am the coconut tree, the giant footprint, and the stars that guided my ancestors. I am the drum that beats in the evening, the church that survived a volcanic eruption, a testament to my people's resilience. I am the Giant turned mountain and a firm believer in service as leadership. I am the ticking moon, the canoe, the oar, and the heart of bravery. I am the land, the ocean, the sky, the stars, the moon, and the spirits of my forefathers. I am the pearl of the Pacific. Who am I? I am the past, the one who danced with the stars before strangers came. I am the bird that soared with trade winds, the citizen who lived peacefully before being called a savage. I am the eleven men who died marching for freedom, the land stolen, and the silent tears of mothers. I am the high chief who could not be bought, the voice of sovereignty, and the fighter for freedom. Who am I? I am the present, a blend of old and new with stories untold. I am the ships that replace canoes, the colors of markets, and the dirt on struggling men's hands. I am preserved in museums, now smooth roads and parliamentary buildings. I am a blend of foreign influence and tradition, the polluted ocean, and the unfertilized land. I am the privileged graduate, the leader of change, the struggling father, and the sent-to-overseas child. I am the money-eating church, the rich getting richer, and the poor told to serve. I am technology meeting tradition, skyscrapers rising endlessly. I am the loss of respect and loyalty, the disputes in the Lands and Titles Court. I am the chief title bestowed without service, the tapestry on those who don't speak my tongue. I am the younger generation, head held high, the one now with all knowledge and strength. I am the culture that is changing, the essence fading. I was the land, culture, and respected owner. I am now lost and greedy, losing the brown on my skin and in my blood. Save me, resuscitate me, nurture me back to life for the children. Who am I?

CW: Drugs, Alcohol Words by Martha Foalemaa The human brain is incredibly complex, handling sensory information, regulating the body, and enabling thinking, memory, and emotions. Our brains respond dynamically to our experiences, shaping our thoughts, behaviours, and overall mental health. Parents and communities play crucial roles in shaping a child’s mental health and wellbeing. Positive, supportive environments foster resilience and healthy development, whereas negative experiences such as neglect or criticism can contribute to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Within Pasifika families and communities, mental health remains a topic often overlooked or dismissed, leaving important issues unaddressed and untreated. Cultural attitudes play a crucial role in whether children feel safe seeking help and discussing their emotions, perpetuating a cycle of silence and stigma. As a negative result in our Pasifika community, students or children may seek ways to cope on their own, such as heavily consuming alcohol, using drugs, and engaging in other harmful behaviors. These coping mechanisms can lead to further harm and perpetuate a cycle of silence and stigma around mental health in our Pasifika communities. Personal experiences can vary widely, but many individuals from Pasifika communities may feel isolated or misunderstood when dealing with mental health issues. The main support system should start within the family and then expand into our Pasifika communities. Families are the first line of defence in preparing a supportive environment for mental health. When families are open to discussing mental health and provide a safe space for children to express their feelings, it lays a strong foundation for their well-being. In Pasifika cultures, pearls hold deep significance, symbolising purity, wisdom, and beauty. Just as pearls are precious to the Pasifika people, so too is the mental health and well-being of individuals within our communities. Uncovering these ‘hidden pearls’ means recognising and valuing the mental health of each person, acknowledging that it is as precious and important as any physical treasure.

Compiled by : Ta’ta’ifono Tamati (he/him), Philip Pesaleli (he/him), Lupeoaunuu Vā’ai (she/her), Isabella Leitupō (she/her) & Thessalonica Luamanuvae (she/her)   [ Song Title — Artist] Chant of the Islands — Fiji Talofa Koutou Tuvalu — Magic Bobo Nasau — Black Rose  Tevita Latai Maumi  — Jay Black Logo te pate  — Te Vaka  Sulu Tavoi  — Simi Rova  He Mele No Lilo  — Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu Taute  — RSA  Every Night Every Morning  — Maoli  Girly  — DMP Why Kiki?  — Iam Tongi  Ngoiza  — Jaro Local  Mami Te Quiero  — Dezine  LOSA  — JAYZO685  Ta’ahine Trust Me  — Viliami Funaki  Sini o lou olaga  — Nifoloa  Samoa Matalasi  — Lani Alo & Lesa Lio Tuana’i  Pei O Auma  — Puni  Faiva O Tama  — Vaniah Toloa  NIUE NA Ē  — Myah Jackson

Gem Smile (IG: @_ gemsmile _ )  Tooth gems are semi — permanent. The gems are non-abrasive, there is no drilling or permanent damage. Everything that is used is dental grade, lead free, 100% certified Advance Swarovski Crystals, and 18K gold. MATAI INK (IG: @ matai_ink ) Get inked at Matai Ink! From stunning Polynesian tattoos to sleek fine lines, bold freestyles, and eye-catching flash designs, our artists bring your ideas to life with style and precision. Celebrate your heritage or showcase your unique vibe. Dive into the creative world of Matai Ink — where every tattoo is a story. Filo Masoe Designs (email: filo-masoe@gmail.com ) Explore Filo Masoe Designs for handmade flowers, beautiful cards, and stunning Pasifika clothing. Every piece is crafted with love and a touch of island flair. Perfect for gifts, special occasions, or adding a bit of Pacific magic to your everyday style. Papa John's Treats (IG: @ papajohns_treats ) Indulge in the sweet delights of Papa John's Treats! From irresistible candy fruit trays to delectable desserts, there's something to satisfy every craving. Perfect for treating yourself! Get your sweet fix with Papa John's Treats — where every bite is a little piece of heaven. Creative_Wezz (IG: @creative_wezz ) The Creative_Wezz brand focuses on Pasifika designs to bring people’s visions to life. They use a variety of different media: graphic design, illustrations, logo making, t-shirt designs, and photography. Vaincreative (IG: @vaincreative ) A group of Pasifika designers specializing in branding, content creation, and 3D printing.

A poem by Meilani Payne As we experience the irritants of this word, The hardships we are placed in, The agenda’s forced onto us,  Our tupuna gather around us, Our  kōpu tangata  embracing us, Coming together to coat us.   Morphing, Shaping us, We are transformed. When you try to infect us, Damage us, Invade us, We take your hits, we take your cuts, Your efforts to break us,  take us,  shake us. And despite it all, we become something m ānea. We are the epitome of strength, resiliency and grace. Pārau.

“I’ve got a story to tell you” – A common phrase amongst the Rotuman people. Written By Likayla Tangaroa According to Rotuman legend, Raho was a Samoan chief said to have formed the island of Rotuma. When Raho passed away, Tigarea, a man from the village of Losa, offered his daughter to be buried with Raho, following the tradition of that time. Thus, Raho and Tigarea’s daughter were interred on an island called Hatana. Today, Hatana is revered for its sacredness, with specific protocols observed by those wishing to visit. Visitors are taken by boat from the mainland of Rotuma, but before setting foot on Hatana, they must seek permission from the Tigarea family, honouring the sacrifice made by Tigarea’s daughter. It is customary for all visitors to pay their respects at Raho’s burial site by bringing offerings of fresh water or gifts. According to tradition, anyone approaching Hatana with ill intentions will face rough seas or other obstacles that prevent them from reaching the island. This belief underscores the island's spiritual significance and the importance of approaching it with purity of heart and respect. Hatana stands as a symbol of purity, respectfulness, and the enduring cultural heritage of the Rotuman people. Beyond the legend, Hatana's story continues to be a vital part of Rotuman identity, reflecting their deep respect for ancestors and the land. The rituals and customs surrounding the island serve as a reminder of the values that bind the community together, emphasising harmony, reverence, and cultural continuity. This sacred isle, therefore, is not just a resting place for revered figures but also a living testament to the spiritual and cultural fabric of Rotuman society.

Written by : Isabella Seneuefa Leitūpo (she/her) Eight years has gone by And they say it gets better with time But I don’t think it does Tonight, I realized that I don’t remember  What it felt like to hug you. I don't remember what it smelled like  When I buried my face in your  Chest on my bad days, And when I really let that sink in Everything goes blank. Trying to write about grief is like Trying to count the number of times I’ll sit down at a table that  Should have one more set Or the number of holidays I'll have to focus on just getting through, It’s never ending. Trying to write about grief Is like trying to ignore the  Vastness of this void I’m supposed to call life.  I'm stuck in the present  Trying to figure out how to miss you  Without breaking! ...I FAIL. This poem is a tribute to my beloved mom. ‘Ua ‘ou tau le tau’a lelei, ‘ua ‘ou fa’ai’uina la’u tausinioga, ‘ua ‘ou tāofi mau I le fa’atuatua.’