MATARIKI
BRANCH UPDATES
Exploring the significance of Matariki with Brittani Beavis
News from the DNZ Auckland and Central Districts Branches
Issue 17 | JUN 2022
Smart Bites
TALANOA WITH DR SOANA MUIMUIHEATA Valuable insights into working with Tongan people
Click where you see underlined text to learn more.
Smart Bites is the quarterly magazine of Dietitians New Zealand. We exist to build a strong and sustainable profession that empowers New Zealanders to make informed food and nutrition choices and inspire change that enhances the health and wellbeing of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Smart Bites has taken the baton of informing and updating our members from "News and Views", which for 56 years was the voice of the New Zealand Dietetic Association and then Dietitians New Zealand. Ka mua, ka muri. Discover us online: www.dietitians.org.nz IG dietitiansnz Contact us: General Manager: Kath Eastwood admin@dietitians.org.nz Editorial team: Julie Carter, Anna Greenan, Audrey Tay, Lizz Whittred editorsmartbites@gmail.com
Contents
4
From the Editorial team
5
From Dietitians NZ
6
From the Registrar's office
8
Council Update
9
Te Kahui Manukura o Kai Ora Update
10
From Massey University
12
What is Matariki?
16
Dietitians NZ Hybrid Conference
18
Person feature: Nicki Hursthouse
20 Talanoa with Dr Soana Muimuiheata 23
Branch Updates
27
Letters from Tokelau
28
We've been loving...
FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM
Farewells, Hopes & Dreams The significance of Matariki rising into the sky is described beautifully in the short video, Te Iwa o Matariki, as being “like saying hello and goodbye at the same time”. This resonates deeply with me as I come to terms with losing my son to suicide in February and finding a different way forwards to the one that my whānau had envisioned. For us, the first national acknowledgement of Matariki feels like an opportunity to embrace a new tradition that honours the wisdom of our Māori heritage. Brittani Beavis’s feature article in this issue does a wonderful job of building our understanding of Matariki. I am inspired to celebrate this special time by enjoying amazing kai from our gardens (Tupu ā nuku), forests (Tupu ā rangi), rivers (Waitī) and oceans (Waitā) as much as possible. And of course, we will celebrate those that we've lost in the past year - looking for them in the stars – and acknowledge our hopes and dreams for the year to come. In the spirit of heartfelt goodbyes, the editorial team acknowledge the dedication and efforts of Reena Soniassy-Unkovich and Audrey Tay, as they move on to exciting new opportunities in their dietetic journeys.
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Reena continues her support as a member of our Dietitians NZ Council, and Audrey is the co-founder of an exciting new health-tech start-up. (We’ll chase her for more details once it’s established). What this does mean, is that there is a wonderful opportunity for some new blood to join the Smart Bites editorial team. We are a small and supportive group who share everything from planning each issue, engaging potential authors - and even writing the occasional article if you’re keen. We’re especially keen to have someone with a ‘design and format’ focus on board and we promise you will get out of this more than you put in. Until then, take great care of you and yours. Ngā manaakitanga, Julie Carter Smart Bites Co-Editor
FROM DIETITIANS NZ
A very famous author once wrote that you could make more relationships in two months by becoming genuinely interested in other people than you can in two years spent trying to get people interested in you!"
Kath Eastwood Dietitians NZ CEO
Relationships are your insurance scheme! Relationships are at the heart of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a foundation of influencing and advocating for change. As many of you know, Dietitians NZ has just embarked on a journey to raise the awareness of dietitians across the sector. The role of our relationships, including our ability to establish and foster strong relationships with our health colleagues and consumers, are central to our success. If the relationship we have with our patients/ clients and colleagues, or more importantly the relationship they have with us is built on trust, we will improve our networks and our ability to influence. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how capable or talented we are; if we can’t build strong, reciprocal relationships, our ability to influence and advocate for change will be significantly diminished. SMART BITES | PAGE 5
He went on to say that the road to a relationship is to talk about the things he/she/they treasure the most – what do they value and hold dear? What is their story? Ask questions they will enjoy answering and encourage them to talk about themselves and their interests. Relationships take time. We must be genuinely committed and consistent in our approach. How we communicate is critical to our relationships' success – communicate in a way that resonates with the person/people we are talking with, rather than in the manner that might resonate with us. After all, it's not about what we say but how we make people feel that makes a lasting impression and helps build the foundations of a strong relationship and ultimately be able to have more significant influence. Many things have changed in health and dietetics over the years, through medical research and breakthroughs, system changes, recessions and health cuts and the emergence of social media. However, one thing hasn't changed, and that is the power of relationships – they are your insurance scheme!
FROM THE DIETITIANS BOARD
From the Registrar's office Kia Ora Koutou, Kia Orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Bula, hallo, It is with much pleasure that I have found myself filling the big shoes of former registrars for the Dietitians Board. I’d like to express my and the Board’s appreciation to Dr. Penny Field who has been holding the fort for the past ten months and managing registration processes smoothly. With Sherin de Souza starting in November 2021 as the Registration Officer (see December 2021 Smart Bites article), we are now fully operational and working together to deliver the Board’s regulatory functions properly and promptly. A little about myself: I advocate for public health and evidence-based approaches to tackling many of our longstanding health inequities. I recognise the key role dietitians play in reducing the impact of long-term conditions on quality of life and supporting optimal health and well-being. I have worked in health policy for many years; in government agencies and non-government organisations in cancer control, research ethics, review of medicines law and therapeutic products, and prescribing for anaesthesia. Recently I worked on the well-overdue TransTasman legislative review of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. While the FSANZ Act has given NZ a wider and simplified common market and benefitted our food growers and producers, there is room for greater legislative recognition of indigenous food knowledge and practices as seen in our innovative Māori and Pacific food producers. Board Matters: The Dietitians Board met virtually on 9 May and had a full agenda. In November 2021, the Board was reviewed by an external provider, and over the next 18 months, we will focus on the improvements suggested (available on our website). In keeping with the June extension to MyCCP, a random audit of dietitians will be carried forward to the 22/23 year. Only newly registered dietitians after completing a full first year of practice, those returning to practice, overseas trained dietitians newly registered, and any noted by the Board will be audited this year. The Board's new Cultural Safety Framework will be released shortly, and we thank Dr Jordan Waiti for his significant efforts alongside all those who contributed to the development process.
Prescribing course and Issues: A shout out to dietitians who have enrolled in the new prescribers’ course hosted jointly by the Universities of Auckland and Massey. The Board received 11 applications for the course this year and 16 last year, in addition to those who have direct entry at university, demonstrating a continuing demand for this extension training and qualification. Some applicants experienced difficulty finding a prescribing supervisor - and we encourage dietitians to seek this support well before study. More on supervision in the Board’s next Panui. Expanding the products dietitians can prescribe and the options available to clients seeking specific treatments is very much on the Board’s radar. I will be able to give a fuller account after meetings with the other seven Regulatory Authorities and the Ministry of Health. I encourage prescribing dietitians who cannot access medicines for specific health conditions to email Hugh Davoren, Convenor of the Prescribers Expert Advisory Group (hughdavoren@hotmail.com) and the Registrar so that we can advise and document the treatment issues facing dietitians to expand prescribing rights. The RAs are looking to develop consistent principles, including cultural safety, for all prescribing practitioners over and above standards set by each RA. I’d welcome your thoughts on this. APC applications: In addition to over 30 APC applications from NZ graduates since January 2022, we are also seeing a steady number of return to practice and overseas trained dietetic applications. This is encouraging for any health workforce. Please ensure you have completed and supplied all the necessary documentation and follow the flow chart on the Board’s website. For routine Registration issues please email Sherin at registration.officer@dietitiansboard.org.nz. I look forward to getting to know you and will attend the DNZ conference in August, so look out for me and come and chat. I welcome meeting with you to discuss regulatory issues of concern. Ngā mihi Philippa Bascand registrar@dietitiansboard.org.nz
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FROM DNZ COUNCIL
Council Update The last few months have been challenging, with rising Omicron case numbers affecting many of us and our whānau members personally as well as producing staffing and supply shortage issues across the country. Dietitians NZ would like to acknowledge all the mahi dietitians have done these past few months, demonstrating adaptability and willingness to help others in stressful times. Council have had a busy couple of months attending branch AGMs. It has been lovely to connect with our members and hear first-hand what is happening around the country. Following on from the Statement of Intent, the Council continues to explore the future governance model. Council has presented at each AGM on two possible options for Te Tiriti o Waitangi based governance model and partnership with Te Kahui Maukura o Kai Ora. This will be a significant change for Dietitians NZ and Council will continue providing opportunities for members to engage in this process. Please keep an eye out for these opportunities - this is a collaborative process and everyone’s opinion and feedback is important. In March, we said farewell to Julia Sekula, Chair of DNZ Council.
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L-R: Gypsy Bullen & Tracy Coote
Council is sincerely grateful to Julia for her leadership and the positive influence she has had on the dietetics profession over the years. Tracy Coote is now Chair and Brittani Beavis is deputy-chair until the AGM in September. We also welcome back Liz Beaglehole onto council until the AGM in September. We welcome all new applications for council, please feel free to contact us if you might be interested. Finally, planning is well underway for our 2022 Dietitians Conference, 31st August-1st September, Ōtautahi, Christchurch. We hope to see you there!
FROM TE KAHUI MANUKURA O KAI ORA
A season of new growth As we come into Matariki, Te Kahui Manukura o Kai Ora is beginning a season of new growth! We have recently completed the development of our constitution as we become an Incorporated Society with Charitable Status, which will we vote upon in the coming months at our Special Annual General Meeting. Applications have been received for our rūnanga (executive committee), and this rōpū will guide the direction of Te Kahui Manukura o Kai Ora, make executive decisions for the larger rōpū, and ensure that we are supporting the visions and aspirations of the rōpū. We have welcomed several new members, both practicing dietitians and student dietitians, to our rōpū; we are excited to see the growth of our rōpū. If you or any one you know has Māori whakapapa and would like to join Te Kahui Manukura o Kai Ora, please email our wonderful Kaimahi Daena on daenajm@gmail.com. We have been recently working alongside Dietitians NZ to develop submissions on the Diabetes Action Plan and the Healthy Drinks in Schools policy. This process ensures that submissions are developed with both Māori and non-Māori worldviews and helps to support equitable health outcomes for Māori.
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Brittani Beavis Chair
We are also supporting Dietitians NZ with their National Conference, which is to be held in Otautahi, Christchurch on 31st August and 1st September. As a partnership, we are ensuring that Mana Whenua of Otautahi support the kaupapa, having karakia prior to meals, and ensuring that every presenter considers equitable health outcomes for Māori as part of their kōrero. As mentioned above, Matariki for us is a time of celebration, reflection and planning moving forward. As a rōpū, we are enthusiastic about our next period of change and growth. Hopefully, seeing the upcoming changes in the health system, we will be able to work in environments conducive to Māori practitioners. This will help us to optimise the hauora of the whānau we work with.
FROM MASSEY UNIVERSITY
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics update We have had a great start to 2022 with 29 students enrolled in their first year of studying dietetics. Our 24 second-year students have been out on clinical, food service and public health placements, as well as working on their various research projects. Massey has begun a new partnership to bring dietetic students into the realworld setting of a specialist dietetic practice area. Garalynne has worked in the eating disorder field for many years – initially at Auckland DHB's Tupu Ora before coming to Massey and then in the private sector at New Zealand Eating Disorders Clinic. Since March, dietetic students have been able to join her at New Zealand Eating Disorders Clinic, observing nutrition care in this specialised field and interacting with eating disorder clinicians from other disciplines in the team. This placement provides an opportunity to educate students in an area they may never work in but are very likely to need to refer to at some stage in their career. The experience is helping shape dietetic students' perceptions of eating disorders – what they look like, who they affect and how they are treated.
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Dietetic clinic and foodservice lead, Garalynne Stiles, returned from maternity leave in February this year and provides an update on some of the work she has been involved with.
Garalynne Stiles with students Ben Duncan and Dominique Heath at the New Zealand Eating Disorder Clinic
Over the last couple of years, Garalynne has been working towards a PhD focused on sustainability in foodservice. Most recently, Garalynne and her supervisors (Kathryn Beck at Massey University and Jorja Collins at Monash University in Australia) have completed a systematic literature review investigating strategies to decrease animal-source protein and/or increase plant-sourced protein in foodservice settings. They are excited to share that their review has been recently published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Garalynne and her team are now designing their next study and are hoping to speak to stakeholders in hospital foodservice about their perspectives and how to increase the proportion of plant to animal-sourced protein on patient menus.
Rebecca Branch (student) outside the NZ Eating Disorders Clinic
If you are interested in learning more about this research, please get in contact with Garalynne at g.stiles@massey.ac.nz
What is Matariki? Matariki, also known as Pleiades or The Seven Sisters, is a cluster of stars which show up around June signalling the Māori new year is approaching. As Matariki follows the lunar calendar not the Gregorian calendar - the dates change every year. This year, Matariki was celebrated from 21st June – 28th June 2022. Brittani Beavis, Chair of Te Kahui Manukura o Kai Ora, explains more. Matariki is important for Māori as it signifies the time to remember our tupuna, celebrate births, and look forward to the future.
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Matariki Mother of the eight whetu (stars) in the constellation. Matariki symbolises wellbeing, our connection to the environment and the gathering of people. Shining brightly in the night sky would often be a signifier of good fortune and health.
Pōhutukawa
Waitī
This whetu is connected to fresh water. This whetu is connected to those who have Flowing water is sustenance for the land, passed, particularly since the last Matariki. vitality for mankind, and a food basket for the “May you shine as stars in the night and sparkle people. It also signifies when the korokoro within the repository of memories forever leaves the ocean and migrates up freshwater more.” streams to spawn.
Waitā
Waipunārangi
This whetu is connected to the heavy rains of This whetu is connected to the ocean and the the winter months. We welcome the misty kai gathered from it. Depending on where rain, the drizzle, the showers and the heavy Matariki sits in the sky, it influences tides and drenching rain as they all fall from the sky to floodwaters. allow the land to grow and the people to flourish.
Tupuānuku
Tupuārangi
This whetu is connected to everything that This whetu is connected to kai grown in the grows up in the trees, including fruits, berries ground, including all cultivated and and particularly birds. Historically, Matariki is uncultivated foods. When Matariki sets in the the time of harvesting, cooking, and sky at dusk in May, it signifies the end of the preserving birds who are rich in fat, as well as harvesting season and the beginning of winter. gathering berries.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi Ururangi This whetu is connected to the winds, and determines the nature of the winds for the following year.
This whetu is the wish of the desiring heart; the determination of the longing heart. This whetu is connected to the promise of a prosperous season, and Māori will send up their desires and aspirations to Hiwa for the coming year. Content adapted from Matamua 2017
How to celebrate Matariki?
Need more information?
You can celebrate Matariki any way you like. You may wish to spend time with whānau and friends, reflect on the year, and plan goals for the new year. You may take the opportunity to visit the Matariki Festivals around New Zealand, try different kai and immerse yourself into Māori culture.
There are many different places to find information about Matariki. I have listed some websites below and a beautiful pukapuka by Rangi Matamua. Matariki Guidebook | Te Iwa o Matariki | TWoA Matariki is more than just a holiday | The Spinoff Matariki, our guiding light | The Spinoff
Or you may choose to wake up before dawn and look to the sky and see if you can find Matariki. You can do this by looking for the three stars at the bottom of Orion’s belt (or the pot), then look above the pot for a bright star, then look to your left until you see cluster of stars - this is Matariki.
References: Matamua, R. 2017. Matariki: The Star of the Year. Huia Publishers. Meredith, P. 2021. 'Matariki – Te Tau Hou Māori - Cycles of life and death'. Te Ara - the Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/515 9/matariki-in-the-night-sky
Te whānau a Matariki (Image: Te Haunui Tuna, 2016, supplied by Rangi Mātāmua)
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How did we celebrate Matariki this year? I took some leave and reflected on the past year - Gypsy Bullen I attended the Matariki celebration at my children’s daycare - Tracy Coote I spent time with my partner in Christchurch and set some goals for our future - Brittani Beavis I used the opportunity to reflect on the past year, plan for the next six months and learn about mātauranga Māori - Audrey Tay
We enjoyed a Matariki-themed scavenger hunt with close friends (kids & adults), followed by a beautiful karakia and dinner together by the fire (between rain showers) - Julie Carter We celebrated and learned about Matariki with our kids at their school, spent time with whānau and friends, searched for Matariki in the sky at dawn and discussed goals for the year ahead - Anna Greenan
It's time to reconnect! Join us at the 2022 Dietitians NZ Hybrid Conference The pandemic curtailed our in-person Conference plans in 2020 and 2021, so it is fantastic we can meet and connect kanohi ki te kanohi in Christchurch this year! We understand there are many people, especially in the North Island, who are unable to travel, and so to ensure there is equitable access to what is shaping up to be a dietetic event like no other, the conference experience is also available on the Brightstar Virtual Events Platform (the same one as last year) for our delegates (that’s you!), sponsors, and trade exhibitors. Despite being held virtually last year, the connections and networks we were able to create were one of the key highlights from the event. We understand how important these networking opportunities and relationships are, so we have a few exciting initiatives planned this year to connect and integrate both our in-person and virtual audiences. Kath Eastwood
Dietitians NZ Hybrid Conference 2022 Discover our top pick of topics and speakers.
Dr Michelle Dickinson
Dave Letele
Nanotechnologist and science NZ Local Hero of the Year and educator also known as 'Nanogirl' founder of The BBM programme
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conference covering: Renal health Paediatric health
31st Aug - 1 Sep 2022 Christchurch (in-person) or Brightstar Virtual Events Platform (online)
Bariatrics Public health Sports nutrition Entrepreneurship Communication, advocacy and influencing skills Equity and bias
Register here: https://event.dietitians.org.nz/
Nickie Hursthouse It has been just over a year since Nickie moved from full-time employment to running her own business, Nickie Hursthouse Nutrition. We check in with her to learn about her journey so far.
It has been quite the journey with COVID-19 and the August lockdown in Auckland challenging business plans and growth. Over the past year, my focus has changed and evolved as I have refined my business and channeled my true passions as a dietitian. Starting out in private practice is tricky in New Zealand as there is minimal support and guidance for private dietitians. In addition, I initially took on clients/patients with a huge range of health concerns. This definitely wasn’t the right approach as I felt stretched to be an ‘expert’ in every area one might see someone privately. I think this does a disservice to these individuals too, as when seeking private support, they should receive care from someone who is specialised in their area of concern. I now solely work to help individuals manage their gut and digestive health issues. A lot of the time this is with women with IBS and anxiety, but also a range of other functional gut issues, coeliac disease, upper gastrointestinal concerns and IBD.
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I really enjoy this area and it allows me to combine my skills as both a dietitian and a yoga teacher to focus more on the gut-brain connection and use principles of lifestyle medicine in the management of my clients.
Culinary nutrition and recipe development continue to be a huge passion of mine and I released my first full e-cookbook of gut-loving salads a few months ago. The drive for this cookbook came from supporting clients who wanted to improve their gut symptoms but had developed very restrictive eating patterns. The focus of the cookbook is on increasing the diversity of plant foods, abundance and adding in more, rather than restricting, and prioritising flavour. I know that if a recipe doesn’t taste amazing, my clients aren’t going to make it or include it in their week - no matter how ‘healthy’ or ‘gut-friendly’ it might be!
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In addition to my day-to-day work, I have continued to work on my podcast All Things Food. This is a side project to help raise awareness of all the other reasons we can value food in life, aside from nutrition, such as the joy it brings, the connection with others, understanding different cultures and cuisines and the changing food system. Two seasons of the podcast are available to listen to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. The next 6-12 months of business will see more growth and change, as I launch new services, collaborate with other amazing dietitians, as well as take a little career break to have my first child. I look forward to keeping the momentum going in this space once I am ready to return to work.
Talanoa with Dr Soana Muimuiheata Soana is a Tongan dietitian consultant with almost 30 years experience, working alongside people with Type 2 diabetes at both ProCare Health Ltd and Alliance Health Plus PHO. She is well known for her weekly programme on Radio Tonga, and as a project leader for the Total Wellbeing Healthy Weight Loss Challenge. She completed her doctoral thesis in 2021 titled, ‘Food Practices and Diabetes Management: The Lived Experience of Tongan People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in New Zealand’. This year, she has been an integral member of the ‘Aotearoa Tonga Relief Committee’ (ATRC), formed in response to the eruption of Tonga’s Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai volcano on 15th January. We were fortunate to have a talanoa with Dr Soana Muimuiheata this month, who shared some of her recent activities and valuable insights into working with Tongan people.
Soana is clearly passionate about the community driven, family-based Health Challenge that she also participates in – and with good reason.
A weekly walk in action, taken from the summit of One Tree Hill SMART BITES | PAGE 20
With over 70 Tongan participants, its holistic approach connects members’ lived experiences of how they feel, what they eat, their blood sugar and physical activity levels with what realistic change can look like. Families take turns choosing different sites for their weekly walks across Auckland (or via zoom when Covid restricts this), then enjoy a healthy breakfast together afterwards. At the 12-week mark, recent participants had collectively dropped 582kgs, learned how to keep themselves well and support other family members to do the same – and celebrated their achievements with a formal prize-giving and Fitbits, shopping vouchers and care packages.
Compared with clinical – and more structured – settings, Soana saw better engagement and results, and the participants had a great time together. For Soana, being part of this programme has reinforced that we can get better engagement from listening more and trusting that the information we need will follow – rather than being too structured in our approach. This aligns with her doctoral research findings.
Rather than ask specifically about blood tests, food choices or bodyweight, she will say, “tell me about your diabetes”. This approach delivers her with rich information, including most of what she would have asked separately, but she honours her clients by understanding and addressing their priorities and concerns within their cultural and social contexts.
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“An unstructured approach allows opportunities for Tongans with type 2 diabetes to share their stories, lived experiences, realities, and gain insight into how Tongans think, interpret their situation and what matters to them in this time and space.”
Healthy breakfasts at the ready after each week's walk
Soana also highlighted that her people often don’t eat until they’re hungry – so the notion of regular meals can be foreign to many. They also respond well to receiving health information in a group setting – with individual nuances being worked out alongside this, where possible.
In addition to supporting her local community, Soana is the secretary for the Aotearoa Tongan Relief Committee – who responded to Tonga’s massive volcanic eruption in a matter of days.
Photo: Tonga Geological Services/ZUMA Press
A total of 86 containers were filled and sent to support the people of Tonga – 47 of these leaving just one week after the eruption! Following the incredible response to this disaster, the ATRC are evolving to become a registered body, able to respond to other issues affecting Tonga as they arise. To say that Soana has the heart of her community at the forefront of her work is an understatement and it’s a privilege to hear more about the work she has been doing.
Remembering that there was initially no communication or knowledge of what was needed, this group invited New Zealanders to donate ‘family-to-family’ care packs to those affected. They were amazed at the community response – with Mt Smart Stadium offered as a collection centre and receiving over 70,000 donations which were processed by over 110 volunteers.
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Soana Muimuiheata
Photo: The Spinoff
Auckland Branch Update Dietitians New Zealand’s Branches have had a difficult two years adapting to the challenges that Covid-19 has brought. For the Auckland Branch, this meant changing how we engage with members and deliver professional development events. One of the highlights on the Auckland Branch’s calendar is the Student Welcome in May. This is always an excellent opportunity to bring future Dietitians together to network and share mutual experiences – bringing a sense of community to our soon-to-be graduates before they embark on their next two years of study. For our speakers, this is often a great time to reflect on their progress since attending their own student welcome. This year, Dietitians from various backgrounds joined us, including private, paediatric, research and industry settings.
Alex Thomson, DNZ Auckland Branch Convenor, shares recent updates and highlights.
She did an excellent job of thinking outside the box to develop relationships between future and current Dietitians through the virtual platform.
Our public relations representative had her work cut out for her, having to arrange a last-minute venue change in response to most of our attendees being affected by Covid-19 isolation requirements.
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Shona Gomes Public Relations Representative for DNZ Auckland Branch
The professional development (PD) events are also popular with Auckland Dietitians. We share a lifelong commitment to learning and the committee aims to make this as easy as possible for our members to achieve. Previously we have had a subcommittee who, under the leadership of a convenor, were responsible for orchestrating professional development events. This sub-committee has been fortunate to include our student representatives from each of the major universities. This year, we have dissolved the convenor and sub-committee roles, enabling our next cohort of student representatives to take charge. Each student will organise a PD event, supported by a committee member ‘buddy’, giving them greater autonomy – and spreading the workload across committee members. We are looking forward to seeing different leadership and creative styles displayed by the different teams. Stay tuned for our first student-led event in the next couple of months!
Another key focus for our branch this year is to keep connecting our members. Given the current Covid-19 traffic light setting, we will likely continue with Zoom-only events for the next year. Looking back at the 2021 PD ‘online’ calendar, we started exploring options to bolster connectivity – including hosting a two-part combined event with the Dietitians NZ Wellington Branch. This event had an excellent turnout, and we look forward to expanding on this approach this year. Already we have been fortunate to have international Canadian presenters at our most recent event, ‘Unpacking the Weight Management Guidelines’ (available in the members-only section of the Dietitians NZ website). To acknowledge the first Matariki public holiday, we have encouraged our members to reflect on the strategies we have put in place to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how we can continue to evolve these strategies moving forwards. The committee endeavour to create a safe space for members to learn about Te Tiriti. Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori!
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Central Districts Branch Update Central Districts branch of Dietitians NZ encompasses Dietitians from regional areas of Gisborne, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua. Being geographically widespread, it is a challenge to arrange branch meetings and organise PD activities. Consequently, our regional dietitians support each other and host local professional development activities. Central Districts hosted a half-day Dietitians presentations event in Palmerston North on 11 November 2021 via Zoom. It featured PowerPoint presentations from nine dietitians, who reported on events they had attended such as conferences and workshops. Dietitians also heard about original PhD research and stories on establishing private practice work. Overall, it was very informative and enjoyed by all. Also, Dietitians had an opportunity to provide peer review feedback to presenters, which was valuable for CCP. We will host a similar event this coming year.
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Letters from Tokelau By Winsome Parnell Winsome was a Student Dietitian at Wellington Hospital in 1971. These were the days of starched white uniforms with green epaulettes proclaiming your student status. Exploring the profession of Dietetics in the vast hospital complex was challenging and an amazing time of learning about people as much as about medical conditions and managing a food service. She enjoyed the multicultural workforce but not the hierarchical hospital systems of the day. Upon registering as a dietitian, the opportunity arose to join a Research team (at Wellington Hospital’s Epidemiology Unit). She did not hesitate to become a lowly paid ‘Nutrition Research Worker’. Career-wise, this was ‘Living the Dream’! The Tokelau Island Migrant Study was the Unit's largest project. In 1976, she was dispatched to Tokelau under the guidance of Flora Davidson, Lead Dietitian in the Department of Health’s Nutrition Section. All their dietetic skills were needed to collect detailed data on the population's food intake of the atoll of Fakaofo and later to convert that to nutrient intakes (all this before computers and electronic Food Composition databases). In 1982, she returned with Catherine Russell to re-assess food intake.
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These experiences are captured in ‘Letters from Tokelau’ and are the record made for her family of village life in NZ’s remotest territory; life without electricity, running water, or communication with anyone but the local hospitable Fakaofans. The well-illustrated and entertaining book is available from University Book Shop, Dunedin.
We've been loving... #1 Someone Good To Talk To – by Helen Mentha (Book) Reflections on Motivational Interviewing in practice Learning MI takes time, practice and some guidance. This book offers a concise collection of short reflections from a deeply experienced teacher of MI and shares practical insights on the foundations of effective conversations. Written for both novice practitioners seeking guidance and more experienced professionals wanting to refresh their practice, Someone Good to Talk To is an encouraging and thought-provoking resource on the path to richer, more meaningful, and more productive conversations.
#2 Gut Loving Salads – By Nickie Hursthouse (e-Book) What we eat plays a significant role in both our gut health and mood. Sometimes we need a little extra inspiration to add variety to what we eat and to help our gut and mind stay happy, healthy, and well. A salad done well can be a complete meal, boasting lots of different plant foods, an option for any time of year and bursting with flavour from the dressing or added herbs and spices. Each of these recipes is tried and tested in-house. Each recipe has a focus on gut-loving plant foods that are high in fibre. From canned lentils to seasonal veggies, there are new ideas for everyone.
SMART BITES | PAGE 28