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Universities – A new study links scabies to rheumatic heart disease in Tongan children – researchers call for mass treatment – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

A new study links scabies to rheumatic heart disease in Tongan children – researchers call for mass treatment.

A new study has found a strong link between scabies and rheumatic heart disease in Tongan schoolchildren, prompting researchers from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland to call for further investigation.

The research was funded by the Health Research Council and conducted with the Tongan Ministry of Health and Tonga National University. See Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. (ref. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.70248 )

“Tonga screens all primary school children every two years for rheumatic heart disease as part of its Mafu Sai (Good Heart) programme,” says Pacific health researcher Dr Gerhard Sundborn from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. “In 2023, some were also checked for scabies and skin infection.”

Researchers trained nurses in a visual method of scabies screening and supervised them for consistency. They screened 400 children from four Tongatapu schools and found:

Scabies: 29.8 percent (around one in three children)
Impetigo (skin infection): 20 percent (one in five)
More severe bacterial skin infection: 15.5 percent
Rheumatic heart disease: 4.5 percent (one in 22).

One child’s scabies diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory testing in Auckland.

Children with both scabies and a bacterial skin infection were almost five times more likely to have rheumatic heart disease compared with children with healthy skin.

The study also found that the more severe the skin problems, the higher the risk of rheumatic heart disease – a pattern that was statistically significant.

The combination of severe bacterial skin infection and scabies was strongly linked to rheumatic heart disease, while scabies or impetigo on their own were not.

Researchers estimate that around one-quarter of rheumatic heart disease cases could potentially be prevented if scabies and skin infections were eliminated. The strength of the link is considered large by international standards, similar to other well-known health risks.

Lead investigator Dr Simon Thornley from the University of Auckland says this is a very strong association, and it suggests that tackling scabies could dramatically reduce rheumatic heart disease.

“Mass drug administration using ivermectin has worked in the Pacific – studies in Fiji show scabies rates dropped by 80 to 90 percent within two years.”

The study cannot prove causation, but it offers evidence that scabies control could play a key role in prevention.

Rheumatic heart disease remains common in Tonga, affecting five in 100 children. In New Zealand, rates are one in 1,000 overall, but one in 100 Māori children and two in 100 Pacific children.

Next steps
Researchers plan a pilot project on a small island near Tongatapu with about 5,000 residents.

Working with the Ministry of Health Tonga, contingent on funding, they will carry out mass treatment to eliminate scabies and then monitor new cases of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease over several years. If successful, this approach could transform prevention strategies across the Pacific.

Tongan researcher Mele Tilema Cama, Dean of Faculty of Nursing and Health Science at Tonga National University, says, “For 20 years our Mafu Sai programme has screened about 5,000 primary school children annually. It’s resource-intensive but vital for early treatment. We are excited this research may offer a way to prevent rheumatic heart disease.”

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First Responders – Multiple vegetation fires in vicinity of Tongariro National Park

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are responding to a fire on the eastern side of State Highway 47 in the vicinity of Tongariro National Park.
There are two fires measuring 30 metres by 200 metres.
Crews are also responding to a third fire on State Highway 47, which they have had some difficulty reaching.
There are currently five fire trucks in attendance with support from three helicopters. More trucks are on the way, with a further two helicopters on standby if needed.
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Northland Regional Council media brief – 08 December 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

CHRISTMAS FREE BUSES AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Northland Regional Council’s BusLink team are celebrating Christmas again this year, with free travel on all BusLink bus services running on Friday 19 December 2025.
CityLink Whangārei and Far North Link buses will be free all day, so passengers can go Christmas shopping, visit friends and whānau and spread some Christmas cheer.
BusLink services do not operate on public holidays, so passengers need to be aware there will be no BusLink or CityLink buses on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December 2025 and Thursday 01 and Friday 02 January 2026. Rose Street bus hub in Whangārei will also be closed on those dates.
CityLink buses will be running as usual on Saturday 27 December and Saturday 03 January. All regional BusLink services will operate according to their standard timetables, outside the public holidays.
More information at buslink.co.nz or on CityLink’s Facebook page. 
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Tech – Do you see what I see? Avast unwraps top holiday scams in festive new YouTube series

Source: Avast

Tune in to Avast’s “The Twelve Days of Scam-mas” to learn how you can spot holiday threats during the scammiest season of all.

‘Tis the season… for scams

The holidays are a time for goodwill, warmth, and connection. Unfortunately, it’s also the perfect moment for scammers to strike. Between last-minute shopping, travel plans, and a flurry of digital distractions, it’s easy to overlook red flags. That’s exactly what scammers count on, whether they’re running slick fake shopping sites or sending urgent “package delivery” texts designed to trip you up when you’re busiest.

To help people stay ahead of these threats and protect their holiday cheer, Avast has launched “The Twelve Days of Scam-mas,” a new 12-episode YouTube series. Each short, one-minute animated episode is inspired by a real scam, told in festive rhyme, and starring a mischievous villain, Deceivus.

Cyber safety shouldn’t feel scary

The holiday season, full of emotion, generosity, and last-minute decisions, is the perfect environment for deception. From fake online shops to too-good-to-be-true giveaways, scammers rely on one thing: catching you off guard.

Avast scam experts saw this play out last holiday season, when:

The number of attacks from fake online shopping sites increased more than 70% compared to Q3 (+72.3%) during the Christmas period, with over 60,000 fake shop attacks blocked around Christmas 2024 across the country.
Hundreds of thousands of eager shoppers were spoofed by package delivery texts

At Avast, we believe cyber safety should be accessible, not intimidating. We know that not everyone is going to geek out about how to stay safe online by reading threat reports or technical breakdowns. We created “The Twelve Days of Scam-mas” to be friendly, fast, and fun, while still packing valuable lessons into every episode. We set out to make holiday scam safety something anyone can understand (and maybe even enjoy).

A countdown with a cyber twist

Think of “The Twelve Days of Scam-mas” as a holiday countdown that swaps carols for cyber smarts. Each one-minute video highlights a common scam that spikes during the holidays, from fake shopping deals to fraudulent charity appeals. No lectures. No jargon. Just short, colourful stories that show what’s happening, how it works, and how to avoid it.

Every good story needs a memorable character. Ours is Deceivus, a bad bot who tries to trick people into falling for different holiday scams each day. Deceivus represents how scammers exploit emotion, urgency, and trust — the same feelings that make the holidays magical, and sometimes, risky. One day, he’s behind a fake online store. Another, he’s pulling at heartstrings running a bogus charity scheme or promising to send you a new puppy for Christmas. Each scam Deceivus attempts is grounded in our proprietary threat intelligence and reflects the real scams our researchers are tracking right now.

“The Twelve Days of Scam-mas” premiered on December 1 and runs through December 12 on Avast’s YouTube channel, with new episodes dropping daily at 11am NZDT. Whether you’re helping your parents avoid fake delivery texts or teaching your kids to question sketchy giveaway links, “The Twelve Days of Scam-mas” is perfect for sharing in family group chats, community forums or as a quick “scam check” moment with friends and family.

Follow along to catch new episodes daily here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsmQTW-n3GdkNJoYap6PUVvYCATfAycLg

And let Avast help guard your holiday cheer.
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Education – Open Letter to Education Minister from North Canterbury Principals’ Association

Source: NZ Principals Federation

Open Letter follows:
Tēnā koe Minister,
The North Canterbury Principals' Association, representing 41 school leaders across our Waitaha communities, writes to you today to express our profound professional concern regarding the current pace, scale, and method of educational reform being mandated across Aotearoa.
Like our colleagues nationally, we are unified in our desire for a world class education system that lifts outcomes for all our tamariki. However, our commitment to this vision is being gravely undermined by a relentless wave of change. This change overload is pushing the capacity of tumuaki and kaiako to breaking point. It compromises our ability to provide high quality education and achieve sustainable, deep learning outcomes for all our tamariki.
In alignment with the New Zealand Principals' Federation (NZPF), we urge you to heed the united voice of principals across the motu. And to all of our colleagues in Aotearoa, Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.
Nāku noa, nā,
North Canterbury Principals’ Association
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Education – Open Letter to Education Minister from Ōtaki-Kāpiti Principals’ Association

Source: NZ Principals Federation

Open letter follows:
Tēnā koe Minister Stanford,
We are writing on behalf of the Ōtaki-Kāpiti Principals’ Association to express our deep concern regarding the Government’s recent announcement to remove the Treaty of Waitangi obligations from school Boards and centralise these responsibilities within Government. Alongside this, we remain extremely worried about the rapid pace of curriculum change and the lack of genuine consultation with the profession.
As principals, we lead schools where the Treaty is not an add-on; it is woven into our values, daily practice, and relationships. Our partnership with mana whenua, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngati Raukawa ki te Tonga and Ngati Toa Rangatira (The ART Confederation) is one of the great strengths of our kura. This relationship guides our local curriculum, supports culturally sustaining practice, and ensures our tamariki understand their place and identity within our rohe.
Across our kura, giving effect to Te Tiriti happens in real, lived ways every day through:
  • Partnerships with mana whenua that shape curriculum design and school decision-making
  • Kapa haka groups that are valued and well supported
  • Pōwhiri, karakia, waiata and tikanga woven through school events and culture
  • Noho, hāngī, celebrations of Matariki, and connections to local stories and sites
  • Normalising te reo Māori in classrooms, playgrounds, and assemblies
  • Developing local curriculum that reflect mātauranga Māori, local histories, tikanga, te ao Māori and place-based learning
  • Culturally responsive teaching practices
  • A strong focus on equitable outcomes and Māori success as Māori 
These are not political gestures-they reflect our values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, kotahitanga, and whakaute. They strengthen identity, belonging, respect and wellbeing for all tamariki, not only Māori.
While our kura will continue this work regardless of policy shifts, we are deeply concerned that removing Treaty obligations from Boards risks creating national inconsistency and avoidable harm to race relations in Aotearoa. Some kura may feel less able, or less courageous, to uphold Te Tiriti in meaningful ways. This would have significant negative impacts, not just on tamariki Māori, but on all learners who benefit from culturally rich, inclusive education. 
We also wish to highlight our concern about the proposed new national assessment rollout in Term 1 and the rationale for and speed of disestablishing NCEA. The timing, while teachers and principals are still working to understand the new curriculum expectations, as well as structured literacy and structured maths requirements, feels like a step too far. Introducing high-stakes assessment during this period is likely to increase stress, reduce the quality of implementation, and ultimately fail to produce the outcomes the Government is seeking.
More broadly, there is a growing sense across the sector that schools are “under attack”. Sudden shifts, tight timelines, and insufficient engagement with practitioners are compounding pressure at a time when the system is already stretched. Hundreds of principals nationwide have called for the curriculum rollout to be paused to allow for genuine, sector-wide consultation and realistic timeframes.
We respectfully urge the Government to:
1. Revoke the removal of Treaty responsibilities from Boards of Trustees.
2. Pause high-stakes assessment implementation in Term 1 and the disestablishing of NCEA.
3. Slow the curriculum rollout to allow for careful, collaborative development.
4. Engage meaningfully with the sector to ensure changes are workable and sustainable.
We wish to be clear that we are not against change; we understand and support reform where it is necessary and well planned. However, the frantic pace of current reforms is not beneficial and risks undermining the very outcomes the Government seeks. Our Association remains committed to constructive dialogue and to working with you to ensure all tamariki in Aotearoa receive an education that is inclusive, future-focused, and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Ngā mihi nui,
Ōtaki-Kāpiti Principals' Association Tumuaki/Principals
  • Kapakapanui School
  • Kāpiti College
  • Kāpiti Primary School
  • Kenakena School
  • Ōtaki School
  • Our Lady of Kāpiti School
  • Paekākāriki School
  • Paraparaumu Beach School
  • Paraparaumu College
  • Paraparaumu School
  • Pukerua Bay School
  • Raumati Beach School
  • Raumati South School
  • Te Horo School
  • Te Kariti o Ōtaki (Ōtaki College)
  • Te Ra School
  • Waikanae School
  • Waitohu School.
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Northland News – Burning, smoke nuisance complaints dominate

Source: Northland Regional Council

Burning and smoke nuisance complaints continue to dominate calls to the Northland Regional Council even as higher penalties are doled out.
From 01 July until the end of last month 153 burning and smoke nuisance (BSN) complaints were reported to the council’s 24/7 incident hotline, a 34 percent jump on the 114 complaints fielded over the same period last year.
Council’s Group Manager – Regulatory Services, Colin Dall, says every year the council gets about 300 BSN complaints, accounting for roughly a quarter of all hotline calls.
“Most of the fines issued for calls to the hotline are for burning and smoke nuisance.”
He says the offending usually entails either open burning on trade/industrial sites (which is not allowed), burning of non-permitted materials or causing a smoke/odour nuisance beyond a property’s boundary.
In September this year central government significantly increased the penalties involved for breaching environmental rules under the Resource Management (Infringement Offences) Amendment Regulations 2025.
“Some recent examples where people have not complied with an abatement notice to cease contravening the burning rules have resulted in fines in excess of $2000 for individuals and more than $5000 for companies.” “Trade/industrial penalties are higher again.”
Mr Dall says previous fines for breaching environmental rules had ranged from $300 to a maximum of $1000 but the new penalties ranged from $600 to maximum of $4000.
“Under the changes, fines are different for individuals and companies, with company fines effectively double those for individuals.”
Under the new regime individuals breaching the rules have seen the penalties for a land use contravention go from $300 to $1500.
“Discharge to air (including burning fines) contraventions went from $300 to $600, discharge of contaminants to water (or where likely to get to water) went from $750 to $1500 and discharges from industrial or trade premises from $1000 to $2000.”
Penalties for contravening an Abatement Notice increased from $750 to $2000.
“For companies the penalties have increased much more steeply.”
“Land use contravention has gone from $300 to $3000, discharge of contaminants to water (or where likely to get to water) from $750 to $3000 and discharge from industrial or trade premises from $1000 to $4000.”
For companies contravening an Abatement Notice the penalty has gone from $750 to $4000.
Those burning on an industrial or trade premise where it is non-compliant now face a $2000 penalty.
Mr Dall says the new penalties are the first time the fines have been increased since early 2000.
“Once again, we encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the appropriate information before undertaking activities that could lead to potential breaches of our rules and regulations.”
Mr Dall says people can contact the council for advice on (0800) 002 004 if they have any doubts about an activity they were about to undertake.
Alternatively, people wanting more information can visit the council’s website: www.nrc.govt.nz/newregionalplan
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Property Market – Homebuyers’ only fear: fear itself – FAMNZ

Source: Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ)

The only thing homebuyers have to fear is fear itself, according to the Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ).

FAMNZ managing director Peter White AM said the latest ABS Housing Confidence Survey should be welcome news to aspiring homeowners.

“Often the only thing holding back first homebuyers from taking the plunge into ownership is a feeling of fear and uncertainty,” he said.

“But this fear can come at a significant financial cost later in life if you miss out on the opportunity to amass personal wealth through property.

“Aspiring buyers should be taking advantage of today’s favourable market conditions because buying conditions haven’t been this good for more than a decade.

“The ABS survey shows buyer sentiment at its highest level in 15 years, so now is the time for aspiring owners to get into the housing market.”

Mr White encouraged buyers to do their homework before talking to a mortgage adviser who can help them find the right loan.

“Mortgage advisers can help borrowers access a far wider range of products than major banks – products specifically suited to their own unique circumstances,” he said.

“Market conditions frequently change and could become less favourable in future, so take advantage of the buyers’ market that now exists.

“You shouldn’t fear entering the housing market – if you enter the market now and start building equity it will benefit you and your family in the long run.”

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Weather News – A warm start to the week – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 8th – Thursday 11th December:

  • Warm, mostly sunny conditions dominate the North Island and eastern South Island
  • Heat Alerts issued for Gisborne and Hastings today
  • Brief bursts of wind and rain for the lower South Island.

After last week’s thunderstorms, heavy downpours and rapidly changing skies across the North Island, this week sees a strong contrast as conditions have taken a noticeably calmer and warmer turn. A settled early summer pattern is over Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing warm days, light winds and long fine spells for much of the country, though the south will feel a bit more varied.

The North Island has already been feeling the change, with dry westerlies, clear skies and high temperatures becoming the theme of the week. Tauranga and Whitianga recorded their highest December temperatures on record on Sunday at 31.2°C and 30.9°C respectively*. Heat alerts have been issued for Gisborne and Hastings today, where temperatures may reach 32°C and 34°C, especially inland.

Temperatures are expected to stick in the mid to high twenties for many regions supported by sunshine, relatively stable air and higher than normal sea surface temperatures, however, a gradual southwest change will see temperatures ease throughout the week.

While most of the country trends settled, the South Island sees a bit more variation. The West Coast remains the most unsettled area, where rain and the chance of thunderstorms continue at times. Further south, Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island may experience strengthening northwesterlies as a cold front brushes through on Tuesday night, while Otago and Canterbury may also see some patchy mid-week rain as that front extends onto them.

MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden says the shift will be welcome for many. “Last week brought a lot of lively weather. This week is much more settled. Most regions are already experiencing warm, pleasant days with only brief interruptions from cloud or an isolated shower.”

Temperatures remain a standout feature, particularly for northern and eastern areas where clear skies and dry westerlies help boost daytime highs. Even with some more persistent cloud for places like East Cape, the overall pattern favours sunshine and comfortable conditions for most of the population.

Stay up to date with the latest forecasts at metservice.com or on the MetService app.

*Temperature records for Tauranga Airport and Whitianga Airport began in 1941 & 1990 respectively.
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Children’s Commissioner launches urgent nationwide advocacy campaign

Source: Children’s Commissioner

“The reality is that children – often very young children – are dying in our country by homicide. We can’t let it happen anymore.”

That’s the stark message shared today by Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, as she launches a nationwide advocacy campaign focused on preventing all forms of child maltreatment (physical, sexual, emotional abuse, exposure to domestic violence, and neglect).

“Child homicide is an issue that has required my attention since day one in the role. Abuse, violence and neglect are part of the daily reality for thousands of children in our country. But this is completely preventable,” says Dr Achmad.

“That’s why I’m using the platform I have as Children’s Commissioner, together with my team at Mana Mokopuna, to start a nationwide conversation that I want to lead to action – so that all our mokopuna can grow up safely.”

The Dear Children campaign brings focus, urgency, and collective responsibility to what she says is a problem we can and must solve as a nation. Its launch, ahead of the summer holidays, is intentional.

“Tragically, last summer holidays, two children were killed by homicide. Going into this time of year, I want New Zealanders to be aware that child abuse is a problem in our country, and to commit to looking out for children.”

Despite decades of attention, many cases of child harm go unreported or unaddressed often due to systemic gaps, stigma, a lack of support for families and parents, and people looking away. International data from 2023 showed New Zealand had one of the highest rates of deaths of children under five compared with similar countries, about three times higher than Australia.

At the heart of the campaign is a letter the Children’s Commissioner has written directly to our nation’s 1.23 million children, in which she affirms ‘you have the right to be safe.’ To the adults reading, she’s saying ‘A child’s right to safety is something we adults should protect fiercely – and I’m asking you to play your part.’

“My request of all adults in our country is to sign this letter alongside me. Together, let’s send children a crystal clear message: they are precious to us and we will do better by them, so they are all growing up safe.

 

“Join me in creating a ripple effect of real change. Please visit dearchildren.co.nz to sign the letter alongside me, share it with your community and reflect on the things, small and large, that you can do to play your part in keeping our nation’s children safe, well and thriving. Let’s show New Zealand’s children we won’t accept any of them being harmed anymore.”

Notes

Find the campaign including shareable resources and sign the letter at www.dearchildren.co.nz

Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad is the independent advocate for all children under the age of 18 in Aotearoa New Zealand and children and young people under 25 who have been in or who are in care and/or custody. As Children’s Commissioner, Dr Achmad leads the team at Mana Mokopuna – Children’s Commissioner, an independent Crown entity. 

 

Mana Mokopuna | Children’s Commissioner advocates for the best interests of all children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand and looks to ensure all of their rights are respected and upheld. This email is confidential. If it is not intended for you please do not read, distribute or copy it or any attachments. Please notify the sender by return email and delete the original message and any attachments. Any views expressed in this email may be those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of Mana Mokopuna | Children’s Commissioner.