Media Statement
Tuesday 18 November 2003
PASHANZ Meets on East Coast
Up to forty New Zealand sexual health promoters will spend two days at Whitireia Marae as part of the Promoters
Advocating for Sexual Health in Aotearoa New Zealand or PASHANZ, conference this week.
The theme is responsiveness to Maori and the development of holistic strategies to empower Maori.
“This is great opportunity to network with other Sexual Health Promoters on a national level,” said Tairawhiti District
Health (TDH) sexual health promoter Tina Ahuriri.
“Out of this conference we are particularly looking for new ways to help reduce the sexual health statistics for
Tairawhiti youth and rangitahi.”
Statistics from Gisborne’s Community Clinic show that young people in particular need to be mindful that infections are
possible. They need to take basic precautions to keep themselves, and their sexual partners safe.''
"We all have a responsibility to keep ourselves safe -- safe sex means using condoms for protection from sexually
transmissible infections and HIV/AIDS.”
"We also advise young people to visit their doctor or sexual health clinic if they have any concerns about their sexual
wellbeing as early treatment for a sexually transmitted infection means you face less risk of complications. Untreated
sexually transmitted infections can lead to long term problems, including infertility."
The Community Clinic, 141 Bright St, offers sexual health checks, free condoms, cervical smears, pregnancy testing,
emergency contraception and contraception information and education.
ENDS