Listen Now: 
Download AudioJohn Whaanga, Deputy Director-General Māori Health, is here to kōrero on key health issues affecting Māori-from prostate awareness and sepsis to the newly released FASD Action Plan and the 2024 Health and Independence Report.
- The sepsis resources, they can be found here https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/our-work/improved-service-delivery/sepsis/
- Specifically for whanau – https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/our-work/improved-service-delivery/sepsis/sepsis-resources-for-patients-and-whanau/ .
- Information about FASD and the Action plan – https://www.health.govt.nz/strategies-initiatives/programmes-and-initiatives/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder.
FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
It’s an umbrella term used to describe a range of physical, behavioural, learning, and developmental disabilities that can occur in a person whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy.
Key Points:
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Cause: Alcohol exposure before birth. There is no safe amount of alcohol proven during pregnancy.
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Spectrum: Effects vary widely. Some people may have facial differences and growth issues, but many do not. The most common impacts are on the brain and behaviour.
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Symptoms / Impacts can include:
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Learning difficulties
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Poor memory and attention span
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Trouble with planning and problem-solving
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Impulse control issues
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Social and emotional challenges
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Speech and language delays
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Lifelong condition: There’s no cure, but with early support, people with FASD can lead fulfilling lives.
In Aotearoa New Zealand
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FASD is a growing concern, especially in vulnerable communities.
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Māori health leaders have called for more prevention, education, and wraparound support for whānau affected.
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It is often under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Sepsis is a serious, potentially life-threatening medical condition.
What it is:
Sepsis happens when the body has an extreme response to an infection. Instead of just fighting the infection, the immune system triggers widespread inflammation that can damage organs and tissues.
How it starts:
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It usually begins with an infection (like pneumonia, urinary tract infection, skin infection, or blood infection).
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If not treated quickly, it can progress to septic shock, where blood pressure drops dangerously low and organs start to fail.
Symptoms to look out for:
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Fever, chills, or feeling very cold
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Rapid breathing or heartbeat
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Confusion or disorientation
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Extreme pain or discomfort
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Clammy or sweaty skin
Why it’s important:
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Sepsis can affect anyone, but people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pēpi (babies), and those with chronic illnesses are most at risk.
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Early treatment saves lives – usually with antibiotics, fluids, and hospital care.
In New Zealand, sepsis is a major cause of hospital admissions and deaths, but public awareness is still low. Many health campaigns encourage whānau to “know the signs of sepsis” so they can get urgent help.
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