Last week, I commented on the current COVID19 Omicron variant outbreak in New Zealand and measures needed to prevent it from spreading; new, long-acting antiretrovirals which could revolutionise global HIV/AIDS response if made widely available; a new deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports to resume by sea - which sadly was quickly followed by Russian attacks on the port of Odesa; and latest developments in Myanmar where there have just been executions of democratic activists carried out by the military regime- a shocking development in an already horrific situation for the people of Myanmar. Check out my Twitter page for links on these issues.

Past events

Opening of the Musterer’s Hut for the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust

Saturday, 23 July

As Patron of The Pisa Alpine Trust, I had the pleasure of opening the Snow Farm’s new Musterers Hut. The ceremony took place in excellent snow conditions.

The Pisa Alpine Trust was founded to ensure that the area occupied by the Snow Farm’s Nordic ski trails stays open for winter sports, summer activities, and educational programmes. The land is owned by the Queenstown Lakes District Council as a recreation reserve and is protected in perpetuity for cross-country skiing and summer recreational uses.

The snow at the Snow Farm is exceptional this year! If you are in New Zealand this winter and are an avid Nordic skier, don’t miss it!

Recent

Speech - Strengthening Health Responses and Preparedness

I presented this speech on ways out the COVID pandemic in May during the ESCAP High-Level Thematic Roundtable in Bangkok.

THE LATEST FROM THE HELEN CLARK FOUNDATION

It takes a village

Only a few days left to register for our public webinar on perinatal mental health.

Join us on Thursday, 28 July midday (NZ) for a discussion on perinatal and maternal mental health policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Associate Fellow Holly Walker will be presenting a short summary of the insights from her report on this topic - Āhurutia Te Rito | It takes a village.

It will also feature expert contributions from Kelly Feng (Asian Family Services) and Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow (Moana Connect) about the respective experiences of Asian and Pacific parents, and from Amanda Malu (Whānau Āwhina Plunket) about Plunket’s increasing emphasis on perinatal and maternal wellbeing.

This webinar is open to all.

Webinar - The Path ahead for Russia’s war on Ukraine. In conversation with Chatham House

The war in Ukraine continues to cause death and destruction. It is shocking to see the obliteration of villages, towns, and cities and the huge loss of life in Ukraine under heavy bombardment, and the abhorrent war crimes and crimes against humanity committed, including summary execution of civilians, and rape and other forms of torture.

The Helen Clark Foundation is partnering with Chatham House to host a members' webinar on what lies ahead for Ukraine on Tuesday 2 August at 7 pm NZ time; 8 am UK; 9 am CET; 5 pm Australia eastern time. Please check out the details here and please join us as a member and in the webinar.