Kia ora, welcome to our latest newsletter. This pānui shares an update on OraTaiao activities over the last two months and opportunities to get involved.
As this was being drafted, we were deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of our friend, colleague, and recent OraTaiao Executive Board member, Dougal Thorburn. Those whose lives he touched as a father, partner, colleague, athlete, and huge environmental advocate will remember his wit, intelligence, energy, and dedication. Our hearts go out to his whānau.
These are difficult times in the healthcare and climate community, look out for yourselves and each other.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dermot & Summer,
Co-convenors, OraTaiao: Aotearoa NZ Climate & Health Council
Moe mai Tukara, moe mai e te Rangatira
Image: Photo from NZ Doctor (16/12/2022)
We are deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of our beloved friend, whanaunga, and colleague Dr Dougal Thorburn (Ngāti Pou). Dougal upheld and embodied the words "Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au (I am the land, the land is me).” No one who met Dougal will be able to forget his positive energy and integrity. Athletically gifted, in 2013 he held the World Record for the fastest 10 km pushing a pram (32 minutes 26 seconds), characteristically accompanied by a message about sustainable transport. Dougal served faithfully on our Executive, alongside his work as a GP and Public Health Specialist, and in revegetation projects around the South Wellington coast. We know he will be deeply missed by his whānau and friends. We do not yet know of Dougal’s funeral arrangements but at the time of writing, he is at Takapūwāhia Marae, Porirua, in the arms of Ngāti Toa who he served from the practice at Ora Toa Health.
Let’s all reflect on how we as OraTaiao can honour Dougal’s memory and aspirations. Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au. Haere, e hoa, haere e te waetea toa, i runga i tēnā ara tapu e ārahi ana ki ngā ringa āhuru a o Tūpuna. Te mihi aroha ki a koe e te tuahine e Tess. Te manaakitanga ki te katoa.
Ngā mihi aroha
Endorse our 2024 - 2026 Strategy
We invite our members to review our refreshed 2024-2026 strategy and respond with whether or not you endorse it here. The deadline for responses is the 20th of September.
Regional working groups
A reminder to get in touch if you are interested in participating in a working group for your region. With the repeated anti-climate and anti-health actions of the central government in Wellington and the local elections already looming in 2025, the importance of local action is growing. Whether or not these groups are active depends on member interest and numbers. They are essential for building capacity in our collective mahi.
These meet-ups facilitate member connection and support. The Tāmaki Makaurau working group is actively collaborating on local projects and actions. We love hearing about the different interests and experiences of our members and what we are mobilising at a regional level.
We also have working groups for transport, kai and food systems, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Please get in touch if you are interested in being more involved!
Te Tiriti rōpū update
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is foundational to our mahi. The OraTaiao Te Tiriti rōpū met with Melanie Nelson to discuss the draft Treaty Principles Bill. This mahi is underpinned by our core kaupapa of climate justice, health and intergenerational equity, and the well-being of tangata and taiao. A big focus for us over the next few months will be coalition and partnership-building to mobilise against this bill.
If you are interested in being part of this rōpū organising our collective response, please email us. The next hui will be on the 19th of September at 4.30 pm on this Zoom link.
Essential reading:
- Treaty Principles Bill: Smokescreen for sweeping change?
- Treaty Principles Bill: Painting over Te Tiriti | E-Tangata.
- Treaty Principles Bill: Open letter to the Coalition Government of Aotearoa New Zealand from professional translators of te reo Māori 1 July 2024
- Anne Salmond: What's the matter with the Treaty Principles Bill - Newsroom
Submissions
OraTaiao continues to advocate for health-enhancing climate action through engagement in the government consultation process. We provide credible health professional advice, expertise, and commentary toward these aims. If you are interested in being involved in upcoming submissions, please contact us.
- Proposed regulatory regime for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage
- New Zealand's second Emissions Reduction Plan
- Media Release - Stop Pharmac funding genocide and apartheid
We support the submission on the second emissions reduction plan made by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
Review the EDS news for further important updates.
Image: Tania Malréchauffé on Unsplash
Take action
OraTaiao exists to unite consciousness, voice, and action for climate health. One of our key values is whakatauira - leading by example.
Here are a few initiatives we encourage you to take part in:
Image: Take the Jump website
Sign up to Take the Jump NZ. These shifts are a stepping change to collective action, and incredibly joyful. We will share a webinar invite to explore these actions and green prescriptions shortly.
Another great way you can stay up to date with positive life-affirming action is by signing up for the Climate Club Aotearoa Newsletter. We love that they make it easy for busy people to take meaningful climate action.
Image: Climate Club Substack
One of the key actions highlighted recently is signing this letter calling for industry to withdraw from the Fast Track approvals process. Whilst there have been some suggested changes floated in the media to the Fast Track Bill, it remains a terrible piece of legislation and we must continue public resistance.
Image: Greenpeace petition
Join the 2024 Greening the Healthcare Sector Forum, showcasing health sector leaders who are decarbonising their operations, strengthening climate resilience, and improving health equity. The forum is happening online throughout November. The forum organisers, Climate and Health Alliance and Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Pacific Region are seeking submissions for presentations, posters, and workshops. Information on submissions can be found here - closing on 12 September.
Image: Climate and Health Alliance EOI
The vision of OraTaiao is climate healing, people healing. The below initiatives align with our mission and manaakitanga values of caring, compassion, and support in sharing health-climate voices and experiences:
The Aotearoa Climate Mental Health Network national meeting is happening on Monday 30 September, at noon. We encourage our members to join and support this kaupapa.
The most recent Climate Mental Health Network lunchtime chat featured Psychology For A Safe Climate (Australia-based). They run online workshops, the next of which is happening this month.
Image: Psychology for a safe climate
For parents and caregivers: Alicia Hall from AcademyEx and Parents for Climate Aotearoa is surveying the experience of parenting in a changing climate. This research will grow understanding of what support parents need to engage in climate action. Take & share the survey before it closes on 1 October.
Image: Francesca Di Pasqua on Unsplash