100 DAYS TO GO!

That's right, we're now on a serious countdown to the start of the HFNZ 60th anniversary celebrations in Wellington.

RSVPs officially close this Monday, August 5, so that we have time to book flights and accommodation while they're still available. If you want to come to the 60th, and you haven't registered yet, get in there today!

On Friday November 8 we will have a welcome reception at parliament, hosted by one of our MPs

The main event of the weekend is the Gala Dinner on Saturday November 9. This will be held at Te Papa, and will include members, past and present staff, and special guests. 

The Youth Committee are running an event on Saturday afternoon as part of our youth twinning with Nepal.

Outside of the main events, you're free to make your own plans for entertainment. There's lots to do in Wellington, and we'll be making suggestions as we get closer to the 60th. HFNZ will be paying for flights, accommodation, and breakfast over the two days, but you'll be responsible for lunches on both days, and dinner on Friday, as well as any incidental transport costs.

This is an 18 years and over event, and there will be a small fee attached to attendance. For those that don't require flights and accommodation the fee will be $50 per person, $100 per person for those who do. We don't want money to be a barrier to attendance, so if it's an issue for you please reach out to your Outreach Worker, or to Leanne at leanne@haemophilia.org.nz to organise a plan.

Last Sunday, July 28, 14 intrepid souls embarked on the first Southern Port Hills walk. They started from the Huntsbury Ave car park, and ended up 5km away at the Sign of the Kiwi.

The weather for the walk was pleasant, if a little grey, and the track was relatively smooth going. None of the walkers struggled too much, and we all arrived at the end in good spirits. The pay-off was the spectacular view across the plains, and over to Lyttelton harbour.

As well as HFNZ members and staff, it was fantastic to also have haemophilia nurse Kathy Fawcett along. She and physio Lee Townsend are both on board with these monthly walks, and encourage other HFNZ members to come along too.

The next walk is scheduled for Sunday August 25. If you're in the Christchurch area, and would like to be involved, drop Ross a line at ross@haemophilia.org.nz. 

Tēnā rā koutou e te hunga pānui…

To date there have been a few different kōrero, or narratives, around certain protocols that Māori practice. This article is to add to that which has been written, and is focused on karakia.

Karakia is often a topic of contention due to many religious conotations that come up as a result of a lack of understanding, hence the reason for this write up. The easiest way to explain karakia and its principles are through the common understanding many share today around prayer, as a communion between an individual and the creator.

As far as my upbringing is concerned karakia was for church, words or phrases like tuku mihi - to give acknowledgements, or whakarite - to set apart, or bring back to zero, were more commonly used in my experience.

However, the meaning of karakia has expanded now to mean 'give gratitude', to set apart a space or a person, and is often used without religious beliefs attached. Hence, the reason we as Māori often feel comfortable to do karakia, be it religious or Māori, everywhere and anywhere.

 

Most of the karakia we do are more to acknowledge the time, space, and those within a particular environment. Karakia is dependant on the environment in which it occurs, as the space will dictate the type of karakia used. In the Rereahu view, where my Nan is from, whatever is said from the heart is what is meant to be said. As such this is the path many Māori regardless of what iwi (nation) they come from, will take. 

In regards to Pōwhiri, karakia is used to open proceedings, to open a space up in tranquility, and to allow the meeting, or whatever event is taking place, to run smoothly. If enough believe that, regardless of the language, the day will run as such.

As mentioned in an earlier Pānui, our CEO, Sue Ellis, has been working hard updating HFNZ policies. We already shown you our complaints policy, and now we'd like you to see our Code of Conduct. 

The Code of Conduct is a cornerstone document that makes it clear exactly how we expect all HFNZ representatives to conduct themselves when performing duties and activities on our behalf.

Here's what the core of the Code of Conduct says:

Policy 

Staff, volunteers, and office holders working on behalf of HFNZ will: 

1. Treat all people with respect and dignity.
2. Operate within the law.
3. Base all dealings on fairness and honesty.
4. Use the property and resources of HFNZ, including paid time, responsibly and in the best interests of the Foundation and for the benefit of people with haemophilia.
5. Be accountable for their actions. 

Procedures 
Treating all people with respect and dignity,  includes: 

• Contributing to the maintenance of a safe working environment
• Placing value on people, and their contribution, in promoting quality in provision of services to and for haemophilia
• Encouraging cooperation in education and learning, and in personal growth in all the work we do
• Striving to accomplish the vision, mission, and objectives of HFNZ and the individuals who comprise the organisation. 

Operating within the law: 

• Respect the law, customs, codes, and business practice of New Zealand
• Notify the President in writing in the event of a breach in the law, customs, codes, or business practice of New Zealand
• Base legal dealings on integrity. 

Basing all dealings on fairness and honesty: 

• Do not use misleading practices, promote misleading information, falsify, or wrongly withhold information 
• Disclose any possible conflicts between private interests and obligations to HFNZ 
• Without a disclosure, ensure private interests do not create a situation where private interests could conflict directly or indirectly with obligations to HFNZ
• Do not accept personal benefits such as gifts over $100.00 and always make a disclosure of such gifts
• Do not accept personal benefits such as gifts or entertainment when the acceptance may create an obligation. 

Using property and resources of HFNZ responsibly and in the best interests of the Foundation and for the benefit of people with haemophilia: 

• Do not use resources to provide ANY benefits to selves or others unless it is by prior decision of the National Council or Regional Branch Committee. This does NOT preclude the reimbursement of legitimate expenses incurred by the individual on behalf of HFNZ
• Do not disclose confidential information without proper authorisation. 

Accountability for actions: 

• Accept personal responsibility for issues over which you have control.