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FEATURE
Our Kids
Our children are the most precious members of society. We give them life, nurture and help them grow, teach them strong values and hope they will in turn create fulfilling lives of their own and become our leaders of tomorrow. QIANE CORFIELD-MATATA gives us a snapshot of the health and wellbeing of our children today.
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FAMILY
Different Strokes
There are many types of families in today’s changing world. Two parents, solo parents, same-sex parents, foster and whangai, to name a few. Four families share their stories with SPASIFIK.
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PARENTING
Tadpoles in the pipe
Parenting extraordinaire Pio Terei shares tips on how to strengthen your relationship with your kids.
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PARENTING
The Importance of Fathers
What does it take to be an extra ordinary dad? Women generally start contemplating their role as a mother while the baby’s growing in the womb. Every wave of nausea, every little kick reminds them that parenthood is fast approaching. But research shows that kiwi men do very little in the way of preparation to be a father.
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HEALTH
To Jab or Not to Jab?
SPASIFIK talks to two families who have opposing views on immunisation and finds out what helped them make their choice.
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HEALTH
Holistic Help for Families
One of the meanings of the name Norah is shining light or bright one, but it was sometimes late at night when Emily Auva’a needed Plunket’s help with her adorable new baby girl.
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HEALTH
Health screening for pregnant women and new babies
Starting a family or having a baby means there are lots of decisions to make. It’s best that you start to think about some of these, even before you get pregnant so that you are best placed for a great start.
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HEALTH
Maternal Health in the Pacific
Every day, five women die in the Pacific region due to pregnancy or childbirth related causes. Most of these deaths are in Melanesia and most are preventable.
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EXERCISE
Fitness Fun!
In the words of Whitney Houston, 'I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way'. Our children are our future and an active life is the key to ensuring a healthy future.
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EDUCATION
The Early Childhood Movement
“Early childhood is an opportunity for families to be successful,” says Elaine Derbyshire (Ngaitai ki Torere). “I see the child as part of a whanau. If a child can be successful in early childhood, they have confidence in being successful again in school. That first educational experience is positive for them.
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EDUCATION
Parents as first teachers
Parents are children’s first teachers. We help them learn a whole range of skills just through everyday routine and activities. As well as teaching them skills, we can support their school learning at home…
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EDUCATION
Home Grown
Most children in Aotearoa attend public schools. But for the Chase family, they’ve discovered an alternative to public education.
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EDUCATION
Supporting Families - Playcentre

Playcentre is an internationally recognised Early Childhood Education organisation unique to Aotearoa / New Zealand. Starting in the 1940’s with a philosophy based on child-initiated play and acknowledging parents as the first and best educators of their own children, the parent co-operative is still as important today as it was then – ‘Whānau tupu ngatahi – Families growing together’.
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EDUCATION
Give your child a head start with Barnardos Early Childhood Education
Have you thought about returning to the work force or regularly catching up with friends, yet have hesitated because you have a young child at home? Don’t - this is your chance to do both, and we are here to support you and your family.
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SAFETY
Helping you keep your family water safe

Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death for Pacific children but by being aware of everyday hazards around your home and neighbourhood you can help reduce the risk to your children
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SAFETY
Commerce Commission - Buying safely for your children
Product safety is one of the most important things to consider when buying products for children. Small objects can cause serious choking incidents, even death, as most children under 36 months do not have a developed coughing reflex.
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BIRTH
Homebirth Aotearoa - A Pasifika woman's experience of home birth
Just remember, you are not sick. You’re pregnant; and pregnancy isn’t a disease!” These were the first words uttered by my happily sobbing Mother just after I gave her the news that I was pregnant with our first child. Her words got me thinking; which led to me questioning: If being pregnant is healthy then why am I expected to birth in the hospital where only sick people go?
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READER TIPS
Take Note
SPASIFIK presents tips from SPASIFIK readers to help make your job easier.
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SAFETY
Safer Journeys with Kids - Tips to Keep Kids in Booster Seats
The Minister of Transport recently announced the Government’s 10-year road safety strategy, Safer Journeys, and one of its aims is to raise the minimum age when children can stop using child car restraints and just use adult seatbelts.
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