AA Traveller and DOC release walking guide to suit all fitness levels

Source: AA – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller and DOC release walking guide to suit all fitness levels

AA Traveller and the Department of Conservation have released a first-of-its-kind joint walking guide packed full of information on Short Walks, Day Hikes and Great Walks from the top to bottom of New Zealand. 

While some Kiwi favourites are covered, Walking in New Zealand – from 30 minutes to multi-day also highlights beautiful less-frequented walks, as well as Landmarks Whenua Tohunga walks which showcase Aoteroa’s rich cultural heritage.

Safety is a key component of the guide, with details such as terrain, fitness level required and best times to walk covered. The guide features maps, track overviews, local tips and highlights, and information on places to stay.

AA Traveller Managing Editor Kath Webster says the guide has something for everyone from gentle strolls the whole family can do through to more challenging treks across valleys and through beech forests, following streams and climbing ridges.

“We’re expecting Walking in New Zealand to be hugely popular with both Kiwis and overseas visitors,” Ms Webster says.

“Through our partnership with DOC we’ve been able to produce a top quality guide with all the information people need before they put their walking shoes on and venture into our stunning natural environment.”

Department of Conservation Customer Engagement Director Heather Peacocke says DOC manages more than 14,500kms of track throughout our country to ensure all New Zealanders and visitors can enjoy walking in nature no matter what their ability.

“We know that spending time in nature makes us happier and helps improve our health and wellbeing,” she says.

Why modern medicine is a major threat to public health

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Why modern medicine is a major threat to public health

When former airline pilot Tony Royle came to see me last year to seek reassurance that it was OK to participate in an Ironman event, having stopped all his medications 18 months after suffering a heart attack, I was initially a little alarmed.

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Nauru ousting Doctors Without Borders ‘unthinkable’ – Ghahraman

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Nauru ousting Doctors Without Borders ‘unthinkable’ – Ghahraman

The government of Nauru has ordered that Médecins Sans Frontières – or Doctors Without Borders – stop working in the country, effective immediately. The charity has been providing medical services to residents, asylum seekers and refugees on the island since late 2017. Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman has labelled the move unthinkable. She talks to Susie Ferguson.

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It’s hard for doctors to unlearn things. That’s costly for all of us.

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: It’s hard for doctors to unlearn things. That’s costly for all of us.

We know it can be hard to persuade physicians to do some things that have proven benefits, such as monitor blood pressure or keep patients on anticoagulants. But it might be even harder to get them to stop doing things.

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A public business, not a public service

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: A public business, not a public service

OPINION: Yet again, the neoliberal wrecking ball is swinging through New Zealand’s public service, fronted, alas, by Chris Hipkins whose laudable attempt (launched last February) to clean up the mess created by the State Sector Act 1988 has been captured by the high-paid top brass of the 1988-model state sector.

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Investigation follows scathing report on health board spending

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Investigation follows scathing report on health board spending

South Auckland’s health board has begun investigating itself after earning a scathing reprimand from the country’s health boss but no resolution to multimillion-dollar spending questions. The Counties Manukau District Health Board was meant to be subject to two more inquiries but those have been cancelled. Instead, it is calling in the lawyers off its own bat.

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Serious questions raised over Counties-Manukau DHB finances

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Serious questions raised over Counties-Manukau DHB finances

An official audit has raised serious questions about multiple financial irregularities at Counties Manukau District Health Board. It includes revelations that senior staff reported that DHB-run conferences made healthy profits when in fact there were losses of almost a million dollars. The problems are detailed in an audit released late yesterday by the Health Minstry which is calling the findings troubling and unacceptable but is taking no further action. Joining me now to discuss the findings is RNZ health correspondent, Karen Brown.

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Plunket nurse set to make a difference to local community

Source: New Zealand Plunket Society – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Plunket nurse set to make a difference to local community

Karen Thurston Aug2018Plunket Nurse Karen Thurston is looking forward to providing even greater support to whānau in her community following her registration as a nurse practitioner. “It’s a very exciting time for Karen and the local community”, said Dr Jane O’Malley, Plunket’s Chief Nurse, in acknowledging Karen’s achievement.

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Assisted Dying bill “undermines disabled people”

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Assisted Dying bill “undermines disabled people”

Disabilities Commissioner Paula Tesoriero is strongly opposed to the End of Life Choice bill, being considered by parliament. The Justice Select committee is part way through a nationwide tour,  hearing 3,500 submissions on the bill in person, out of a total of 35,000 written submissions.

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Select committee urged to stop the spread of ISDS under CPTPP

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Select committee urged to stop the spread of ISDS under CPTPP

“A range of labour, health and environmental organisations are calling for a clause to be inserted into the CPTPP Amendment Bill that would prevent future governments from extending investor‑state dispute settlement (ISDS) to countries seeking to join the agreement,” says Oliver Hailes, spokesperson for It’s Our Future, the network of opposition to the TPPA and other economic treaties that undermine democracy.

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