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Juanita Parata graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) from Unitec this week.
Parata, 58, had chemotherapy over the course of her four-year degree and completed some of her studies from her sickbed.
She is now fully qualified and works at Whangārei Hospital as a medical … View moreJuanita Parata graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) from Unitec this week.
Parata, 58, had chemotherapy over the course of her four-year degree and completed some of her studies from her sickbed.
She is now fully qualified and works at Whangārei Hospital as a medical imaging technologist.
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The return of cancer for a second time didn’t stop Juanita Parata from completing her Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) and graduating this week.
The 58-year-old mother-of-eight overcame cancer for a second time while completing the four-year degree, often logging in to study while having chemotherapy at Auckland hospital.
Supported by her whānau, Parata (Ngāpuhi) finally donned her capping gown and korowai for the graduation at Auckland’s Aotea Square on Tuesday, at an event Parata said made her feel “blessed”.
Parata began her studies in 2018 in her 50s, inspired by her two younger sisters - both nurses.
“I had always been interested in the medical field but had never until then acted on it” she told the Herald.
She chose medical imaging because it appealed more at her age than nursing.
I am full of admiration for her. She is working in an area where we need more Māori practitioners, and doing the business in Northland.
Medical imaging involves using techniques like X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI to create pictures of the inside of the body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.
It’s a specialty Parata has hard-won lived experience of.
In 2009 she experienced invasive breast cancer, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The cancer returned in 2018, when she was about to embark on her studies.
“In February 2019, I underwent a full mastectomy of my left breast and in April of that year, chemotherapy,” she said.
“After lengthy discussions with whānau and Unitec staff, I made the decision to continue with studies.”
Through treatments, fatigue and lockdowns, Parata continued the four-year degree, finishing late last year.
Dr Joanna Thorogood, Unitec’s medical imaging academic programme manager, said she found Parata’s work ethic and determination inspirational.
Even her classmates didn’t know of her health issues, she said.
“It is incredible that she managed to get through the degree with the health challenges she faced,” she told the Herald.
“She said I want to get on with this. We offered to defer things and asked if she wanted to take a year out, but she said ‘no, I’m carrying on and I’m going to do this.’
“I am full of admiration for her. She is working in an area where we need more Māori practitioners, and doing the business in Northland.”
After completing her studies, Parata got a job at Whangārei Hospital serving her people as a new graduate.
She recently gave a presentation at the Northland/Auckland New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology (NZIMRT) study day, to support medical imaging technologists’ knowledge of an unusual and highly specialised hip X-ray projection.
Parata’s cancer is in remission but she will continue with annual CT and mammogram tests and remain on hormone suppressants until 2029.
Tuesday’s graduation capped a great year for Parata and her whānau.
“I have had really good support from my husband, whānau and kids, and we have just had our 13th grandchild and our first great-granddaughter was born a month ago” she told the Herald.
Parata credits her parents for her drive and determination: they were rural Māori who settled in west Auckland and helped establish urban Māori organisations such as Hoani Waititi Marae.
She hopes her story will inspire others.
“I hope my journey will serve as an inspiration to others to do what it takes to achieve their dreams - particularly tangata Māori,” Juanita said.
“I ... acknowledge and thank those who supported me, my whānau as well as my whānau whānui o Te Pukenga me Te Whatu Ora Te Taitokerau.
“I see this as our success and our celebration. He mihi nunui tenei kia koutou mo o tautoko mai, no reira ma te kaukura ka rere te manu ka rere au. Thank you all for your support, which has allowed me to soar.”
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Looking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!
Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
… View moreLooking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!
Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
Mags4Gifts.co.nz.
This Mother's Day, save up to 35% on subscriptions – perfect for Mum, Grandma, a special mother figure, or even as a treat for yourself!
Don't miss out – shop now and make her day unforgettable!
From the team at Mags4Gifts
There is a lack of support for the elderly in our communities due to our ageing population, and more seniors living alone. We need more people and resources to advocate and address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.
If you are … View moreThere is a lack of support for the elderly in our communities due to our ageing population, and more seniors living alone. We need more people and resources to advocate and address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.
If you are interested to support this social cause, and contribute your ideas, knowledge, experience, talents and resources, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at agewellkiwi@gmail.com. Depending on the response, we might have enough people to form a non-profit group. We plan to have an initial meeting by the end of this month or early next month.
Thank you.
Mabel
Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things lime! Send your family's favourite way to use up this citrus, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by April 17, 2025. If we use it in the mag, you will receive… View moreKia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things lime! Send your family's favourite way to use up this citrus, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by April 17, 2025. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the June issue.
BLOCKHOUSE BAY COMMUNITY is ON THIS MORNING, SUPPORT LOCAL PEOPLE, BUY NZ MADE, FIND A BARGAIN. FFREE PARKING AVAILABLE OPPOSITE AT MEDICAL CENTRE OR BEHIND COMMUNITY CENTRE ITSELF!
That’s right – if you’re ready to adopt, you can swing by your nearest SPCA Centre tomorrow (Saturday 5 April) to meet the animals without an appointment ?
It’s our goal to Clear the Shelters, so we’re offering 50% off all adoption fees until Sunday 13 April. With 1,100 animals … View moreThat’s right – if you’re ready to adopt, you can swing by your nearest SPCA Centre tomorrow (Saturday 5 April) to meet the animals without an appointment ?
It’s our goal to Clear the Shelters, so we’re offering 50% off all adoption fees until Sunday 13 April. With 1,100 animals currently available for adoption across the country, we’d love for you to come along tomorrow and meet those waiting. ?
You can also head over to our website to check out their profiles, and register your interest early if there’s a particular cutie who catches your eye – this will speed things up on the day.
To keep the experience as calm and positive as possible for our animals and staff, we kindly ask that only those seriously considering adoption attend.
See you tomorrow!
Night works to start from late April until July 2025. The southbound on-ramp will be closed Sunday to Thursday nights between 9pm and 5am. Detour to Princes Street southbound on-ramp will be in place.
Be prepared for delays when the closure is in. Click for more information.
COME AND JOIN US AT THE BLOCKHOUSE BAY COMMUNITY MARKET TOMORROW SATURDAY 12th April, SUPPORT LOCAL PEOPLE, BUY NZ MADE, FIND A BARGAIN. PARKING AVAILABLE OPPOSITE AT MEDICAL CENTRE OR BEHIND COMMUNITY CENTRE ITSELF!
Hi There,
I have few booklets of different knitting patterns and few balls of wool, free for anyone interested. Please contact me.Attached the images of the same
Thanks,
Uma Chinni
Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your family these school holidays? We have reduced our adoption fees until 13 April by half to make it easier than ever to find your perfect companion, just in time for winter. With over 1,100 animals patiently waiting for adoption across the country you are… View moreReady to welcome a new furry friend into your family these school holidays? We have reduced our adoption fees until 13 April by half to make it easier than ever to find your perfect companion, just in time for winter. With over 1,100 animals patiently waiting for adoption across the country you are sure to find your perfect match. Apply online for a private meet-and-greet now.
<Garage Sale>
Date: 12 April 2025 Saturday
Time: 8.00am-1.00pm
Address: 34A Parker Ave, New Lynn
Items: Baby and children's toys, Photo frames, Kitchenware, Clothes, Shoes, Ornaments, dumbbell and more
It hasn't been that long since our last list of recalled products but they keep coming! There's been some popular products recalled recently and we want to make sure you're not using these.
Check out the list and click on the blue text to find more information.
Food recalls:
… View moreIt hasn't been that long since our last list of recalled products but they keep coming! There's been some popular products recalled recently and we want to make sure you're not using these.
Check out the list and click on the blue text to find more information.
Food recalls:
Pams afghan oat baked bars
Daily Bread / Dough Boys hot cross buns
Gilmours beef stock and bouillon
Daily Foods Co hot and sour seasoning & spicy perilla leaf seasoning
Lianhua Supermarket ready to eat chicken and pork pieces
Dr Bugs fruit candy popcorn
Product recalls:
Serene S2068 bathroom heaters
Kmart/Anko Double Walled Coffee Cups with Lids
Panda Mart baby walker
Panda Mart fairy cake toy
Panda Mart ice cream car
Panda Mart toy cars
Panda Mart various table lamps
Makita grease guns and flexible hoses
Panda Mart gardening tool
Polaris Ranger kinetic
Panda Mart mini night light
Conversion lead
Turbo Como e-bike
The Warehouse / Young Original sleepsuits
Paint smart with NZ’s widest range of Eco Choice approved paints, available at your local Resene ColorShop. Enjoy low odour, no or low added VOCs paints, made in NZ and independently verified so you can bring out the best in your project.
Come in and see your local Resene ColorShop today!
Autumn’s here and the cold weather is fast approaching. So, grab a flu jab and help protect yourself against flu before winter arrives.
The flu vaccine is free if you’re 65 or over. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including … View moreAutumn’s here and the cold weather is fast approaching. So, grab a flu jab and help protect yourself against flu before winter arrives.
The flu vaccine is free if you’re 65 or over. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.
To book your flu vaccine contact your doctor, pharmacy or healthcare provider, or visit BookMyVaccine.nz
The upgrade construction cost about $9 million, taking about a year to complete, and now had a total ground floor area of 600 square metres - which was double that of the old ED, according to Health NZ's northern area head of infrastructure Chris Cardwell.
Health Minister Simeon Brown opened … View moreThe upgrade construction cost about $9 million, taking about a year to complete, and now had a total ground floor area of 600 square metres - which was double that of the old ED, according to Health NZ's northern area head of infrastructure Chris Cardwell.
Health Minister Simeon Brown opened the new ED in a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside representatives from Health NZ, Ngati Whatua, doctors and nurses.
"Prior to expansion, Auckland City Hospital's ED was cramped and outdated, with no additional space to create new rooms.
"Lack of clinical space, and a waiting area that was too small to accommodate the high volumes of patients, was contributing to an environment that was not optimal for those needing emergency care," Brown said.
Brown said a fit-for-purpose ED was essential for any hospital, particularly a high-demand ED like Auckland City Hospital's - which saw about 80,000 patients a year.
"The upgraded ED will feature a new reception, waiting area, clinical triage, consult rooms, and staff base, as well as improved designated drop off and parking areas and a new ambulance entry, this includes improved access to the adjacent Starship Children's ED," he said.
The service clinical director for adult ED, Mark Fredrickson, said the new space would make a big difference for staff and patients, from both a safety and healthcare perspective.
"If you saw our previous waiting room that we'd had, it was a very compact, overcrowded area which creates overcapacity.
"A lot of poor interactions between patients and our staff, and just not a very pleasant and safe environment for staff to be in," he said.
Fredrickson said he was hoping the new space would reduce the amount of patients being stuck in ED.
He said while the upgraded space may not fix all the issues, he expected it would improve things in a challenging healthcare system.
When asked whether the hospital will get additional staffing for the ED, Fredrickson said that was yet to be determined.
"We're working with Health NZ to get more staff over time, kind of, we need to embed our processes in, to see how much efficiency gain do we get from it, and if we need more staff, we're going to ask for more staff," he said.
According to Health NZ's second quarter performance report for 2024/2025, which included October to December last year, 72.1% of patients at EDs across the country were being seen within six hours.
The report showed that for the Auckland central area, covering Auckland City Hospital, Starship Children's Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre, 68.4% patients at ED were seen within that timeframe.
The Government's target was for 95% of patients to be admitted, discharged or transferred from an ED within six hours by 2030.
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