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Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has announced extended funding to continue projects which are already improving the health and wellbeing of Pacific people.

“With initial funding from the $6m Pacific Innovation Fund several Pacific providers developed tailored solutions to improve health and wellbeing. One example is the Tapuaki pregnancy and parenting programme,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

New Zealand’s first strategy to focus on healthy ageing has been launched today by Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

“We all age differently and our needs change at different times of our lives. We each need to build and maintain our physical and mental abilities. That is healthy ageing. It is a life-long task.” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“We have changed the name and the focus. The re-named ‘Healthy Ageing Strategy’ has a strong emphasis on prevention, wellness and support for independent living.”

Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has welcomed the positive results of two trial pilot programmes which have helped pregnant women quit smoking.

“Smoking cessation has immense benefits for mothers and babies. Smoke-free pregnancies will help increase survival rates of young babies and dramatically improve infant health,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has welcomed the move by the Federation of Islamic Associations to stand down the Imam at the centre of hate speech allegations.

“FIANZ has this morning permanently stood Dr Anwar Sahib down from his position as the Secretary of its Religious Advisory Board.   I believe that is the right thing for the organisation to do,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“New Zealanders are tolerant and peaceful people who reject anti-Semitic and misogynist speeches. As a nation we reject intolerance.”

Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is encouraging Pacific students interested in any aspects of health studies to apply for the 2017 Pacific Health Scholarships.

“The scholarships are open to Pacific students committed to improving Pacific health across a range of disciplines. It is not just medicine and nursing. I want to see more Pacific students qualifying in related health specialties such as physical science, nutrition, dental hygiene, physiotherapy, midwifery or psychology for example,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Local Government and Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga leaves for China today to discuss issues across both portfolios.

“This is an opportunity to further strengthen New Zealand’s relationship with China and reinforce the important ties between the peoples of China and New Zealand,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Pacific Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is encouraging the Tokelauan community to take every opportunity to share their language with the wider community during Tokelau Language Week which starts today.

“New Zealand is home to the largest Tokelauan population in the world. Our two nations have a close constitutional, political and social relationship,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Minister for Pacific Peoples Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says applications are now open for the 2016 Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards.

“The pacific community is one of the fastest growing and youngest populations in New Zealand. Making sure they thrive is crucial for the country’s economic and social outlook,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“The Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards recognise and reward high-achieving young pacific New Zealanders who have the potential to make a big contribution to New Zealand.”

Pacific Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is urging Niueans in New Zealand to share their language with friends and work colleagues during Niue Language Week which starts today.

“A week of celebrating Vagahau Niue begins this afternoon with a church service in Mangere.  It runs through to Saturday when we celebrate Niue Constitution Day,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Local Government Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has commissioned a joint working group to improve the effectiveness and reliability of the local bylaws system and specifically prioritising the freedom camping regime.

“Last year nearly 44,000 international visitors went freedom camping while they were here. As well a growing number of New Zealanders also travel the country by campervan, in commercial rental vehicles or in their own cars,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Local Government Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga today congratulated the successful candidates in the 2016 local authority elections.

“Representing your community’s best interests requires commitment, energy and leadership. Thank you for standing and serving your local communities,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says. 

“Congratulations to the new Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and to the new Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.  Well done also to Lianne Dalziel who has retained the Christchurch mayoralty.”

Pacific People’s Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is encouraging people across New Zealand to embrace Fijian Language Week which starts today.

“Attend events, use Fijian greetings and promote the language in your workplaces and community groups,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Fiji Language Week runs from today until 9 October. The theme this year is noqu vosa, me’u bula taka which means my language, learn it, speak it, live it!

Local Government Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says the rules around rates rebates for people who live in retirement villages need to be looked at.

“Most people living in retirement villages do not own their home but have a Licence to Occupy arrangement instead. As a result, they are not directly liable for paying rates to the council and do not qualify for a rebate under the Rates Rebate Scheme,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

The Rates Rebate Scheme was established in the 1970s to assist home owners on low incomes to pay their council rates.

Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is encouraging young people who smoke to ‘kick butt together’ next month during Stoptober.

“This Stoptober is the third year this successful stop-smoking social movement will be run in New Zealand. This year we are encouraging smokers to ask their loved ones to join them in their challenge to stop smoking. They can kick butt together!” Mr Lotu-Iiga says. 

Pacific Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has welcomed Tongan Language Week, which starts today.

“Tongan Language Week this year focuses on how the loto (spirit) of the Tongan people has contributed to New Zealand. It looks at how Tongan culture has played a major role in shaping modern New Zealand’s pacific identity,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“It is an opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate and promote Tongan language in New Zealand.”