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ISSUE /NGĀ TAKE 41
SUMMER/RAUMATI
communication
2021
Iwi as early oral
language leaders
Māori leading speech-
language therapy
Cultural and linguistic
diversity
Contents
Rārangi upoko kōrero
1 2 3 4 5 8
From the NZSTA Recount and Te reo o Get connected, Introducing
president happenings review te Kaumatua Be connected, Emma Quigan
Stay connected!
9 10 12 14 15 16
Introducing Cultural and Iwi as early Peer support Screen time in Māori leading
Akshat Shah linguistic oral language following pandemic time speech-
diversity leaders traumatic language
brain injury therapy
18 19 20 22
Aphasia Remembering Dear friend: Contact
therapy Lois Lawn a letter to details
groups my speech-
language
therapist
Cover: Awhina (Mum) and pēpi. Photo kindly provided by Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board.
Please contact the editor with your ideas at any time and we will endeavour to accommodate them in the next edition.
Send to editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
ISSN 2324-2302 (Print)
ISSN 2324-2310 (Online)
The NZSTA reserves the right to refuse for inclusion in Communication Matters, any articles, features or advertisements which are contrary to the NZSTA Code of Ethics.
Unless formally stated to the contrary, acceptance and publication of material and advertising does not imply endorsement of views, positions, programmes or products by NZSTA.
Articles may be edited.
From the president
Nā te tumuaki
Annette Rotherham president@speechtherapy.org.nz
With the historic election As president, my focus is on embedding “call it out” when we witness racism.
biculturalism, building kaupapa and We must acknowledge our unconscious
result, I was excited and empowering the profession to work and conscious biases. Those of us from
proud to be a New Zealander. confidently within a culturally safe the dominant pakeha culture must
framework. We want to see SLTs actively realise the reality of white privilege and
We all consider many things
enriching therapy for Māori receiving colonisation and its impact on society.
when deciding to vote. What services, assisting them to lead full lives. We must build understanding and
really helped me was: “Think Our Māori communities want to see more empathy rather than polarisation.
Māori health professionals. We are a long
about those most vulnerable way off at 4% Māori in SLT. NZSTA wants
As a non Māori, some tools that have
assisted me to embed cultural practices
and make your vote for them”. to partner with our university programmes
into my clinical and professional mahi in
to recruit more Māori and build our
recent times have been;
I considered inequity and cultural safety. cultural capacity so the responsibility and
My cultural journey constantly evolves and burden does not fall entirely on our 4%. 1. using a Māori framework for goals –
deepens my understanding of Māori health In 2021 we will be building marketing Te Whare Tapa Whā is excellent,
and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I am endeavouring and awareness campaigns towards our 2. reading and reflecting on Māori
to learn te reo Māori and to use it more. Māori communities to spark interest. literature and research*
New kūpū (words) are becoming part of
As a tauiwi researcher, I am grateful to 3. cultural supervision. I would strongly
our conversations, reinforced in our media
have access to academic literature to encourage you all to consider cultural
and myriad of resources to help us*.
assist my understanding of my role and the supervision.
importance of partnership with Māori in
This could be through other allied
the Aotearoa research context. We need
professionals, your Hauora Māori health
more kaupapa Māori led research in
services, or from own SLTs in He Kete
our profession. We need to build the
Whanaungatanga.
academic and teaching workforce to
strengthen the kaupapa of our profession Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi
while ensuring Māori SLTs are valued and engari, he toa takitini
empowered to practice with a Te Ao lens. Success is not the work of one,
We are all responsible for addressing but the work of many
Above:
Naomi Bondi and Annette (Lakes DHB SLTs) inequity where we work. We all need to Annette
during the week of connection. reflect on institutional racism and to
Photo credit: Annette Rotherham *References available on request. Communication Matters • 1
NZSTA happenings 15 OCT
Some of our recent Association happenings at a glance...
19 AUG 8 SEP
NZSTA presenting at Health
Leaders Forum.
16 OCT
AHANZ meeting – Zoom IALP conference planning
meeting and great to hear about meeting – Conference planning
telehealth working groups, is underway for 2022 and all the
ACC adaptations to contracts and keynotes and discussants have
to see all our colleagues from the been confirmed! Developmental Language
wide range of allied health groups. Disorder (DLD) Awareness
Day, and our NZSTA DLD
21 SEP Kaupapa was launched. Claire
28 AUG Winward will tell us more about
this important mahi in the next
issue of CM, on behalf of the DLD
Kaupapa rōpū.
NZSTA Board meeting,
Consumer group meeting – Wellington – We welcomed
Lots of great ideas and support 2 new board members and
for Week of Connection. Katrina as a permanent member
Key message from this group – of the NZSTA Board.
“Focus on what you can do,
not what you can’t”.
22 SEP
AUG/SEP/
OCT
Student networking meeting
NZSTA joined as students from
International Massey and Auckland met
Communication Project employers from DHBs, MOE
– Emma and Annette attending. and private practice via zoom.
2 • Communication Matters
Recount and review
Thank you to everyone who got in touch about the Spring issue of
Communication Matters. It was lovely to hear that people enjoyed it’s
emphasis on equity and diversity amongst the many people we work with.
Heartfelt apology to Rukingi for a misspelling of
his surname in a byline in the previous issue.
“Every article was full of such rich and inspiring
content” – Libby French.
Below: It was also great to hear that it was useful to
The Christchurch Art profile the broad work SLTs do, during our
Gallery looked stunning lit awareness week.
up in purple and gold for
Developmental Language
“Just received the Spring edition and was
Disorder Awareness Day! pleasantly surprised by kaupapa Māori all the
The Council offered on the way through. To me it is an amazing array of
grounds that they had no matauranga from [those] who contributed.
idea how prevalent it is. I showed it to my whānau who were also
SEVEN TIMES more prevalent surprised. One asked, “who receives them and
The Spring 2020 issue is available
than Autism, yet almost no do they share them with anyone else”.
on the NZSTA website.
one has heard of.
Please think about passing your copy to
colleagues, friends and whānau to read when
you have savoured it’s content. Consider leaving
it in a waiting room or library for others to enjoy. •
Feedback, ideas and, of course, contributions for Communication Matters are always
very welcome. are always very welcome and are a great addition to your CPD log!
We love seeing high-resolution photos of interesting aspects of SLT practice, which
we can profile with a descriptive caption, or use on our cover. Contributions can be
lengthy or brief, and all add to lively kōrero.
Please contact editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
Photo credit: Mary Cronin Communication Matters • 3
Te reo o te Kaumatua
Nā Rukingi Haupapa
Rukingi Haupapa, Kaumatua
Ngā mihi o te wā.
This issue of Communication Matters
is sub-titled Summer or Raumati. The
weather is warming up and all plants Left:
and animals are active. Now we are out Stroke Awareness
and about doing lots of things including week and Speech
therapy awareness
implementing the strategies and plans
combined at
that were developed during the colder
Rotorua Hospital
seasons of Hōtoke and Kōanga.
6 October.
Raumati also celebrates with Christmas/
Kirihīmete and the New Year/Te Tau Hou The theme of “Connectedness” for and acknowledge this. Great examples
in December and January months. the Awareness Week, despite some include the association strategic plan for
As mentioned in the last issue, with a activities being postponed or cancelled, the next 5 years, farewelling outgoing
review in the month of Matariki (July) still allowed many of us to carry on the board members and welcoming new
rising and the second at the end of the best way we could, such as the ipad ones, and the successful undertaking
calendar year, it offers at least two times competition, sharing pūrākau (stories), of our zoom-based AGM hui. Members
a year to reflect and plan strategically hui, etc etc. He mihi nui ki a tātou i have continued our mahi well day in and
for the future. Hope what you planned tautoko mai i te kaupapa, ahakoa day out. Therefore, well done whānau.
was achieved. If not, leave the unfinished te aha. He whakawhētai ki ngā Ngā mihi ki a tātou katoa e kawe
business to be included in the mahi ringaraupā o NZSTA i whakarite ana huri noa i te motu. Kia kaha,
for the future. Ko te tumanako kia rauemi aha noa (Congratulations to kia maia (Be strong, be resolute).
whakatūtuki pai i tērā. all who supported the Awareness Week
Kia mīharo tō whakatā hei te
activities no matter what. Particular thank
Speech Language and kirihīmete me te tae o the Tau Hou
you to those who organised resources
Stroke Awareness Weeks (Have an awesome break over Xmas
and supports for us. Thank you.)
and New Year). Mā te Wāhi Ngaro hei
Activities and the events for September
2021 arahi kia tūtaki anō tātou i a tātou
and October Awareness weeks were
(May the Supreme Being guide us till we
calendared and planned. However, In a way, many of us have had enough
catch up again). •
none of us could prepare for a pandemic of 2020 with so much disruption and
jumping us around between levels chaos. However, we have done some Nākū noa
which in turn determine how we work. great work and we do need to remember Rukingi
4 • Communication Matters Photo credit: Annette Rotherham
Get connected, Be connected, Stay connected!
We celebrated our
Week of Connection Connection in Action
7–13 September. Here Congratulations to Amanda White
who won the Connection in Action
are some highlights: draw for an ipad.
Amanda profiled maintaining
connection through multimodal
Message of support
communication, providing top tips
based on her research into ways
that unspoken communication
took place between one-year-old
babies, their families/whānau
and teachers in a culturally diverse of communication, I think we
community. are in a unique position to keep
reinforcing the value of holistic,
Amanda told us: “A few weeks ago embodied and cultural forms of
Paula Tesoriero, NZ Disability I shared research findings as part of interaction including gestures,
Rights Commissioner gave us a the University of Auckland’s ‘three- body language, facial expressions,
special message of support: minute thesis’ event. Using video proxemics, graphics as well as
methods was a powerful tool that verbal and written language as
“Covid 19 has highlighted the allowed me to capture and replay ways to keep us all connecting with
importance for us to connect and the ways that our youngest tamariki one another in challenging times.
communicate regularly. For those engage with others, moment-by- Kia kaha!”
400,000 New Zealanders living moment in multimodal ways – but
with a communication disability, some signals were so subtle that if Keen to learn more?
the sudden need to adapt to you blinked, you could miss them! Check out the video of her talk:
new ways of communicating
As speech-language therapists with https://bit.ly/36tFhfV
and connecting has added
an extra level of strain to them a broad and deep understanding
and their whānau. Being able
to communicate and being
heard, supports self esteem and Continues over >
allows people to take part, to be
confident and live a more fulfilled
life. When we all connect, we
all thrive.”
Communication Matters • 5
Promo poster
Our Week of
Connection
Speech-language
promo poster Therapy Week of
Connection Aotearoa
celebrated Get connected
Whanaungatanga Be connected
– connecting Stay connected
through Whanaungatanga
Connecting through
relationships
relationships.
Winning video
Lucy Sparshott (Sommerville
Special School) video achieved Fundraising at UC
the greatest reach (2.5K!) during For this year’s Awareness Week
our Week of Connection, and the University of Canterbury
she received a bonus prize of a NZSTA student representatives
$100 Noel Leeming voucher. She organised a raffle and a sausage
tells us about how her beautiful sizzle to raise money for the
keyword signing videos came Christchurch Aphasia Speaks
to exist: Group’s accessible bike fund.
“During lockdown, we used the We were overwhelmed with the
school facebook page for weekly support from local businesses
clips promoting keyword signing. who generously donated prizes
We used two keyword signs per for the raffle, as well as the
clip and used posters and images support from those who bought
to support the videos. raffle tickets. The university SLT
student club “SpeechSoc” kindly
They became very popular with
helped out with the sausage
parents, teachers and staff so
sizzle which we ran on campus.
have continued throughout the
Our grand total came to $886
year. Huge acknowledgement
which is a terrific result.
to Ruth Pologa for making this
happen. Ruth is also the best – University of Canterbury
te reo speaker on our team and NZSTA Student Reps Livvy Pride,
her clips are peppered with our Jessica Eagle, Emma Barbafiera,
other beautiful national language.” Renee Ung, Laura Murdoch
6 • Communication Matters
UOA schools campaign
This connection week we focused on raising awareness
about the SLT profession through a schools campaign. We
contacted more than 20 schools across Auckland and the
wider North Island, as well as reaching out to our university
undergraduate population. We sent an informational
brochure about the role of an SLT, who our client populations
are, and the various pathways into the profession. We had
fantastic feedback, with respondents saying the information
would be useful for their career education programs.
– Tash Thompson
Follow along with Polly
I have been trialling making “follow
along with Polly” videos for some
of the children I see who need
consistent daily practice, but due
to competing demands within their
lives, sometimes their families are
not able to manage this.
I record a session that they can
then watch and practice alongside
both with their parents or
independently. Sometimes I
even get a “helper” join in! Ordering using a coreboard
with fringe vocabulary
– Polly Newton
SLTs from Whakatane Ministry of
Education went to a local café and
ordered using a coreboard with fringe
vocabulary. It started a great conversation
with the staff at the café about what SLTs
kōrero and kai do and how people can communicate in
Thanks to Elizabeth different ways. Our waitress turned out to
Knowles for be fluent in sign language!
designing this – The SLTs from left to right: Carla Knott,
kōrero and kai Lauren Salisbury, Abigail Gates, Kate
image for NZSTA. Ombler and Anj George
Communication Matters • 7
Introducing Emma Quigan,
Communications portfolio
Emma Quigan (Kāi Tahu, Pākehā), Communications Portfolio,
Tūranga Whakapaoho, communications@speechtherapy.org.nz
Ko Aoraki te mauka I joined the NZSTA board during one and community members and offers an
Ko Aparima te awa of the busiest times of my career so far. alternative to ‘top-down’ programmes
My full-time job is with Talking Matters, where traditionally outside experts design
Ko Takitimu te waka a national movement to grow the next the programme and set the criteria for
Ko Kai Tahu te iwi generation of thinkers, talkers and success. My study widened the lens of
Ko Oraka-Aparima te Runaka readers – focusing on babies and their early oral language support. Community-
whānau in their first 1000 days. However, led parenting programmes can make
Ko Takutai o te Titi te Marae I was also in the final stages of writing my space for whānau to re-centre Indigenous
Ko Harriet Bates toku tīpuna master’s thesis: Village Style Parenting in linguistic and cultural practices – which
Ko Erin Jackson raua ko an Urban Context: Exploring the power lead to better outcomes for all! Whānau
of whānau to whānau coaching. are no longer on a programme, they are
Mike Quigan tōku mātua the programme.
Ko Beatrice Clarke tōku wahine For my study, I analysed the formation of a
parenting programme, ‘Talking Matters to This gives a bit of an introduction to
Ko Emma Quigan tōku ingoa Tāmaki’ (TMTT), which is aimed at creating how I plan to approach my role of
Ko taku kāinga i roto i rich language environments for babies holding the communications portfolio
Tāmaki Makaurau and young children. TMTT was created for NZSTA. I absolutely and completely
in partnership with parents, whānau see communication and the ability to
connect with others as a human right
and I’m passionate about the power of
speech-language therapy. We really can
change lives! I hope that I can help share
our knowledge with a wider audience,
in mana-enhancing ways. I want to make
space for diverse knowledge systems in
the speech-language therapy world.
I’m based in Tāmaki Makaurau, however I
often travel for work. Whanaungatanga is
the mahi. It’s not something we ‘tick off’
or ‘get through’. It’s ongoing. So please
don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together
Left: we can raise the profile of SLT. •
Emma Quigan.
8 • Communication Matters Photo credit: NEXT Foundation by Daniel LeeIntroducing Akshat Shah,
Below:
Akshat with
Gotham and Dash.
Member Networks portfolio
Akshat Shah, Member Networks Portfolio, Tūranga Whatunga Mema,
membernetworks@speechtherapy.org.nz
The area meetings continue appreciation for the role SLTs play in
the community and the impact we can
to grow as a platform for have as advocates. A few years later I
members to network, share joined the team at Middlemore Hospital
and had the privilege of working with
their views and experiences
and learning from some of the most
in a safe and supportive incredible colleagues providing life-
environment. changing interventions. More recently,
I’ve enjoyed opportunities to work in
Members have told us that meetings traumatic brain injury, complex needs
encourage collaboration between in children and adolescents, and the
SLTs supporting a myriad of clients emerging role of SLTs in justice.
and communities, and the value of this In 2018, I completed a Masters study in Please do reach out to me with any ideas
whaunaungatanga especially during this training community based SLTs in cleft and thoughts, and continue engaging
challenging year. speech disorder. Along with working with your local area meetings and
Over the next few weeks and months, as Auckland Area Representative role representative(s). Never doubt that a
I’m looking forward to working with since 2017, I have further refined my small group of committed and thoughtful
the private practice, area, and student relationships and understanding of SLT people can change the world... it’s the
representatives to support the resilience across Aotearoa. I am looking forward to only thing that ever has.
and dedication of SLTs. With your help, adding to the incredible work done by
I’d also like to congratulate the Board,
I would like to review processes for the NZSTA Board behind the scenes over
Giving Voice Champions, and our
representatives and meetings, and would the last few years, exemplified by their
fantastic membership for a successful
warmly welcome any suggestions or support of SLTs over the tumultuous year
Awareness Week – we saw tremendous
ideas from any members. so far.
engagement from all around the country
As a board member, I am passionate Now based in Whangarei, and working in the community and on social media
about supporting speech-language clinically up into the Far North, I have highlighting the incredible work SLTs do
therapists in the field. This emerged as also recently taken a role on the on a daily basis. •
a graduate SLT from Massey University, Disability Advisory Group for Whangarei
when I joined Learning Support (the District Council. It is my strong belief
artist formerly known as Group Special that enabling greater communication
Education or GSE). I developed a greater access in the community leads to better
outcomes for all of society.
Communication Matters • 9Cultural and linguistic diversity:
Challenges and opportunities
Yuchen Lin, The University of Auckland
The cultural and linguistic This semester I worked with a Mandarin- also helpful to learn about the family’s
speaking adult on aphasia and apraxia of attitudes towards and understanding of
context of Aotearoa is speech via telepractice. Being a Chinese- communication disorders.
undeniably diverse. From time English bilingual and an SLT student with
a background in linguistics, these are Materials for intervention
to time, SLTs work closely with
some thoughts on the challenges and Language systems are quite variable and
people and families speaking opportunities I encountered. there are multiple linguistic factors to be
non-English languages Assessment
considered when treating a non-English
speaking client. Examples include
and people from a variety Before our initial session, I searched speech sounds, phonological rules,
of cultural backgrounds. widely for a culturally and linguistically use of words, sentence structure and
appropriate assessment to obtain conversational styles.
baseline information. I was also looking
Even though my client mainly speaks
for an assessment tool with great
Mandarin, her accent and use of words are
validity and reliability and suitable for
influenced by a dialect that she also uses
telepractice. Unfortunately, many existing
at home. This required me to constantly
Chinese assessments are either outdated
reflect on differences between languages
or not accessible as an e-version.
and select linguistically appropriate
Informal assessment came to my rescue. materials such as pinyin (i.e. Chinese
I reached out to an SLT working in a phonetic alphabets). I needed to work
hospital rehabilitation centre in China and closely with the family to understand what
adapted their assessment tool to evaluate is linguistically appropriate for my client.
my client’s expressive and receptive For example, we would use a specific
language. A language sample and word with a dialectical pronunciation for
examples of non-verbal communication ‘granddaughter’, which is appropriate for
were elicited and recorded during the client’s regional culture.
the assessment. This told me about
A culturally appropriate and linguistically
my client’s communication strengths
accessible material can make a
and areas needing improvement,
difference in the level of motivation and
however family opinions and comments
engagement. In one session, I used a
offered me valuable insights into the
song that is quite popular among my
client’s daily communication. It was
10 • Communication MattersWe use language as a key to know more Conclusion, or not
about our client’s world and to heal or Challenges and opportunities continue to
emerge throughout any journey working
– Yuchen reduce ‘wounds’ in communication.” with a culturally and linguistically diverse
population. When encountering non-
English speaking clients, it is crucial to think
of language as a facilitator, instead of a
barrier. We use language as a key to know
client’s age group in China as a warm‑up screen’ and ‘mirroring’, the accessibility
more about our client’s world and to heal
exercise. The client lit up hearing the of multimodal as well as multilingual
or reduce ‘wounds’ in communication.
song and it provided an excellent, materials has been improved. This
warming, beginning to that session. enabled me to display various tabs with Moreover, despite all cultural and linguistic
Chinese materials, mirror a Chinese AAC differences, we can still find ‘common
Resources used for family education app on my phone, and switch between ground’ that applies universally such as
Family-centred practice is highly them easily during the session. family- and client-centred, evidence-based
recommended, but how do we deal practice, and functional communication.
However, there are still limitations.
with terminologies in another language?
Perception of linguistic-specific To finish this article, I want to share a great
The vagueness of jargon is shared across
suprasegmental features such as tones quote from Frantz Fanon: “To speak a
languages: Words like shiyuzheng
can be challenging. Also, repairing a language is to take on a world, a culture”.
(aphasia, literal translation: lose language
communication breakdown by typing Culturally and linguistically accessible
syndrome) and shiyongzheng (apraxia,
Chinese characters or pinyin with tones on speech-language therapy should always
literal translation: lose use syndrome)
Zoom is markedly slower than handwriting. be promoted and highly valued. •
sound quite unclear. I therefore opted
to be descriptive, rather than dwell
on terminology.
Luckily, there is a great amount of
educational resources in different
languages on the Internet. It is quite
useful to individualise the resource by
picking out key information that was most
relevant to the client and the family from
multiple posters and brochures. Also,
explaining in succinct and colloquial
terms appeared to resonate more than
handing over a lengthy translation.
Telepractice
In the context of COVID-19, telepractice
has become a new normal. With all the Left:
technological advances such as ‘share Yuchen Lin.
Communication Matters • 11Iwi as early oral language leaders
With Talking Matters
Hana Tuwhare, Community Activator for Talking Matters, with support from Anthony Quinn-Cowley,
Opōtiki Coordinator and Huhana Moselen, Community Activator – Māori
Ko te mātauranga te waka
e kawe nei ngā wawata Above right:
Education is the vehicle Anthony and his
daughter Athena
to realizing our potential talk about pou
dreams and aspirations. whakairo in the
WMTB boardroom.
The Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board Left:
(WMTB) are leading the way as an Intergenerational
iwi focusing on early oral language transmission of
development. They have high aspirations mātauranga and
for the future of their tamariki (children) language with pēpi.
and see oral language as a foundation
for wellbeing, educational achievement its cutting-edge LENA technology, to flow and for Talking Matters to be in
and life success as Whakatōhea. They’re experience, and technical skills to form a tune and responsive to the aspirations
doing it from the grassroots, and they do partnership based on iwi leadership. of Whakatōhea.
it for the aroha of whānau.
Authentic whanaungatanga Rota Carrington, the Education Group
Talking Matters, a kaupapa to get takes time but takes us far Manager for WMTB in 2019 shared: “It has
everyone talking with pēpi in the first not been two years since I ‘discovered’
1000 days, and the WMTB connected Whanaungatanga is about connecting Talking Matters and wondered how this
over shared values and purpose. A vision through shared experiences and Auckland outfit could help our Iwi. We
aligned to create an Ōpōtiki wide focus working together to create a sense of have come such a long way and in such a
on early oral language that also supports belonging. Over an 18 month period, short time accomplished so much even as
the implementation of Whakatōhea’s Talking Matters and Whakatōhea met we are still building the framework around
Maurua Education strategy, which at mata-ki-te-mata (face to face) and had how we will deliver. This has all been
the heart is all about the revitalisation of many conversations, which allowed done with Talking Matters approach to
Whakatōhea reo (language) and tikanga time for trust and understanding to grow. empowering us to do this in a way that is
(culture). WMTB carries Whakatōhea Whanaungatanga is the work that has ours... It has all been offered with support
specific indigenous ways of parenting, allowed the partnership to be authentic, and guidance for Whakatōhea to have
learning, and mātauranga (knowledge), flexible, and sustainable. It has also laid control over how we do it. An amazing
while Talking Matters weaves in the foundation for the implementation journey with a long way still to go.”
12 • Communication Matters Photo credits: Whakatōhea Māori Trust BoardHuingapani has taught us a thing or two on
the language we use around her… At the
– Awhina age of 1 her dictionary already amazes us.”
Whakatōheatanga | reserved for meetings with adults,
Identity as Whakatōhea could be opened to whānau and pēpi.
Through the whanaungatanga process, It was an opportunity for Whakatōhea
it was clear that any kaupapa coming whānau to experience a language rich
into Whakatōhea needed to be flexible environment that grounded them in their
enough to encompass the local mita Whakatōhea identity.
(dialect) and tikanga as well as being Danny Paruru, Iwi Development Projects
flexible enough for whānau to use the Awhina Kurei-Ranapia, mother of
Manager, is an expert on Whakatōhea one-year old Huingapani, shares,
kaupapa in their own way. It also needed whakapapa and tikanga. He shared with
to be responsive and relevant to where “Huingapani has taught us a thing or
whānau and pēpi, the pūrākau of the two on the language we use around
whānau were at in their own reo Māori nine pou whakairo in the boardroom
and tikanga journey. her. Every day we try our hardest to
which represent tūpuna associated implement rich reo in our whare both
Talking Matters engaged with Rota in with the nine hapū (sub-tribes) of English and te reo Māori. Everyday
an exploration of ancient forms of Māori Whakatōhea. A beautiful example of her and her sisters are growing in
literacy contained within iconography, i.e., a rich oral language experience that an environment that supports their
pou whakairo (carved posts), moko (Māori whānau can continue to share with pēpi, personal growth. Every day at home or
tattoo) and te taiao (the environment). strengthening their Whakatōhea identity. at homecare she is a part of a village that
‘Reading’ Māori iconography was an cares about her taiāo and mātauranga.
Reaching pēpi across Ōpōtiki
essential skill for tūpuna (ancestors) to At the age of 1 her dictionary already
ensure the intergenerational transmission A focus on early oral language within the amazes us.”
of knowledge to pēpi (baby). It is a skill first 1000 days across Ōpōtiki has started
and art form that declined along with within the WMTB early education center While this kaupapa is still in its infancy, we
the speaking of te reo Māori. However, and social services. This focus allows celebrate the leadership of Whakatōhea
as with te reo Māori revitalisation, it is whānau, teachers and social workers iwi in the oral language space and look
possible to revive ancient forms of Māori who connect with pēpi to take a deep forward to watching their tamariki and
literacy with a focus on early oral language. dive into data that informs their parenting pēpi flourish as bi-lingual thinkers, talkers
and practice. Working alongside Talking and readers. •
The WMTB boardroom holds many Matters speech-language therapists
pou whakairo that carry the pūrākau as technical coaches, whānau and
(origin stories), histories and language practitioners develop their capacity
of Whakatōhea tūpuna. Rota suggested and capability to create language rich
that the boardroom, which was usually environments for pēpi.
Communication Matters • 13Peer support following traumatic brain injury:
The Reconnect Programme
Eleanor Jackson, Jo Deaker, Kristin Gozdzikowksa, Kristin@lftcant.co.nz
Individuals recovering from 100% 60%
traumatic brain injury (TBI) can liked that the group was said the group helped them to deal
have difficulty adapting to led by professionals, at the with feelings of anxiety or worry
same time each week
social situations, even years
after their initial injury. Sometimes it just helps
I know I can plan my to hear someone
This perpetuates a cycle of isolation, week around this event” else’s feelings.”
and can undermine an individual’s
self-confidence. Social peer-mentoring
groups are emerging as international best-
practice for functional, holistic intervention
for individuals with chronic TBI. 100% 70%
The Reconnect Programme, at Laura said the group made them feel happy felt that they learned more
Fergusson Brain Injury Trust (Canterbury), and helped them form friendships about brain injury
is a group-based, client-led programme
for individuals with TBI. The goal of this
It’s made me more It’s certainly opened my
programme is to encourage individuals
comfortable connecting eyes … made us be more
with TBI to participate in meaningful
with other people” conscious and aware.”
activities, develop positive relationships,
and receive peer-mentoring and support.
Though this group has been successfully
running for more than the past ten years, Peer support groups may aid in building This patient-centred programme
it has yet to be assessed in terms of its relationships with others who share may provide a template as a safe,
efficacy. We recruited a random sample common goals and challenges. Research supported environment to practice skills,
of ten attendees and used open-ended acknowledges engagement between maximising participation in the areas of
questions to capture participants’ consistent participants, supported life important to the individual following
impressions of how the groups had opportunities, and funding to access TBI. Please feel free to contact us if we
impacted on their lives. such groups are key in making peer can help in any way. •
support groups successful.
References available on request.
14 • Communication MattersTop tips for careful screen time in pandemic time
Frances Stevens, VOX Speech Language Therapy, Hawke’s Bay
In these times, parents and 1
Keep bedrooms screen-free, so children
can relax, read, and sleep. A 2018 study
therapists may be stressed TV shows, movies, and social showed that teenagers spending more
with the question of children’s media can be viewed in a way that time on screens were more likely to
optimises social interaction. Watch show symptoms such as hyperactivity,
electronic screen time.
them together and ask who was the inattention, and restlessness.
Two studies in 2017 and 2018 showed favourite character, what will happen
screen time can decrease the words and next, and why the show ended that way? 4
sentences that toddlers use, resulting in Rather than allowing free rein with
delayed language development. 2
media, preselect a variety of
One study found that toddlers who Children with language disorders content you think developmentally
were exposed to more handheld screen may find phone and video-calling appropriate. Two or more people
time were more likely to have delayed challenging. Practice conversations watching media content together in the
expressive language skills. They also in advance and suggest topics such as same room benefits children, who pay
found that for every 30-minute increase making comparisons between weather more attention and have more positive
in daily handheld screen time, there in different places. Involve siblings and responses when viewing.
was a 49% increased risk of expressive discuss ways that they can help their
language delay. sibling with a language disorder. Video 5
chats with friends and family are a two
Another study found that toddlers who Try to minimize app and gaming
way interaction and so will be helping
watched more videos said fewer words. noise so players have the opportunity to
children learn about communication,
For each additional hour that 8–16 month talk about the game and what they are
despite occurring online.
olds watched in a day, they spoke an playing. Research indicates that when
average of seven fewer words. reading e-books, background music
3
and sound effects negatively impacted
The researchers concluded that overuse
Monitor children’s behaviour during vocabulary learning. Just because
of media screens hinders language
and after use. Do they seem anxious or technology has sound, doesn’t mean
development in children. However, the
bothered? This is particularly important for we have to use it.•
researchers also concluded that screen
time with parental (or therapists’) teenagers, who are vulnerable to bullying,
interaction and careful consideration issues of body image or addictive
References available on request.
for educational value could help gaming. Ask teens how they feeling
with child language development. both inside and outside of their screens.
Communication Matters • 15Māori leading speech-language therapy:
Future directions for Aotearoa
People involved in this rōpū:
Karen Brewer, Kerrie Collier, Rebecca Anderson, Adele Siave, Katrina McGarr, Nicky-Marie Kohere‑Smiler,
Amy Rosenfeld, Ruth Pologa, Tracy Karanui‑Golf, Ellen Faithfull, Hana Tuwhare, Waimirirangi Andrews,
Renee Taylor, Carmen Fairlie, Ryan Meechan, Suzanne Purdy, Emma Quigan, Rukingi Haupapa.
“Māori leading speech- The purpose of a seeding grant is to get SLTs with an interest in research were
together a research team and develop invited. We planned to gather with
language therapy: Future a proposal for a larger research grant. Matua Rukingi at a marae in Rotorua for
directions for Aotearoa” is The aims of this project were to: two days of whakawhanaungatanga and
whakawhitiwhiti kōrero. Then Covid-19
the title of a seeding grant • Undertake a literature review to find
came along and our two-day hui became
Dr Karen Brewer received from out what Māori-focused research
two Zui. This was disappointing because
has been undertaken in the field of
Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, speech-language therapy and what
we lost much of the essence of the
project when we were not able to meet
New Zealand’s Māori Centre this research tells us about the speech-
kanohi ki te kanohi, stay together, and
language therapy needs of Māori
of Research Excellence. share kai with our kōrero.
• Host two hui to establish a network
of research colleagues and set an The online hui began with
agenda to prioritise the speech- whakawhanaungatanga and then we
language therapy needs of Māori reflected on these questions:
• Evolve a plan for a three-to-five year • What drew you to speech-language
research programme and write an therapy in the first place and have
application for a funding grant for your expectations in this regard
this programme been fulfilled?
Māori SLT and PhD student, Ryan Meechan, • What barriers and facilitators do you
has taken charge of the literature review. experience when practising as a
We hope to publish the findings this Māori SLT?
year and present them at the NZSTA • What are the most pressing needs you
conference in 2021. The hui proved have observed in the Māori whānau
more difficult. Karen initially wanted to you work with?
host a hui for all Māori SLTs. Unfortunately, • How can we as Māori SLTs begin to
the funding wouldn’t cover such an address these needs?
event so a smaller group of Māori
16 • Communication Matters Photo credits: Karen BrewerWe came up with a long and diverse list
of topics for future research.
• How we as Māori SLTs can support
each other in leadership
• Workforce issues – Support for Māori
SLT students and practitioners to be
Māori and practice as Māori
• The need for a pathway for Māori
to get into SLT, recognising life
experience and life commitments that
mean people can’t travel to Auckland
or Christchurch for fulltime study
• Tamariki literacy and language
acquisition, particularly in te reo Māori
• Brain injury/referrals. Māori trauma,
why is access and engagement in
rehab so low? Or is it that access levels
are the same in relation to referrals but
Māori are under-referred and under-
prescribed?
• Mate wareware (dementia). Dementia
care tends to follow a Pākehā model. • Supporting whānau to realise their seeds have been sown. Individuals are
There is no SLT research about dreams for students as they turn 21 thinking about what research they might
dementia but there is a large rōpū and leave specialist schools do in future and the more experienced
led by Dr Makarena Dudley that is • Dysphagia care for Māori researchers in the group are there to
working on mate wareware tautoko anyone who wants to embark on
• Incarcerated wāhine Māori and their
this process.
understanding of the communication
development/needs of their tamariki We also discussed how to foster the
relationships that started through this
We also responded to a query from the
project and how we could reach out
kaiārahi in an Engineering school which
to other Māori SLTs across Aotearoa
is putting together a team to investigate
to provide peer support. We are
using artificial intelligence to diagnose
investigating options for establishing
ASD. They are aware that to do this for
a nationwide Māori SLT organisation.
Māori they need to have Māori involved in
If any Māori SLTs are interested in being
the design and development of the system.
part of further developments in this
With such a large and diverse rōpū we space, please get in touch with Karen –
didn’t end up developing one research k.brewer@auckland.ac.nz. •
topic to pursue further. However, the
Communication Matters • 17Aphasia therapy groups – a national snapshot
Carolien Clemens, Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland, Carolien.Clemens@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Population growth within were run by one DHB as well as two therapy given a range of prompts. Two of
universities, offering ToastMasters- the four patients felt two hours of therapy
Waitematā DHB and staffing style atmosphere for people ineligible was too long and preferring one hour to
limitations prompted us to or unable to join regular registered manage fatigue, one was unsure, and the
ToastMasters programmes. other felt two hours of therapy sufficient.
explore therapy groups for
people with aphasia to offer Literature review revealed the following We learned:
different types of community aphasia
more timely service for these groups:
• Community SLT could keep a register
of patients suitable for group therapy
patients who spend longer • Impairment based aiming to change either on initial assessment or on
waiting for SLT compared to communication function or structure completion of individual therapy
patients with dysphagia. • Practising communication for everyday • A screening tool would be useful to
situations through communication ascertain which patients would benefit
activities and participation from group therapy
• Sharing recovery journeys and • Prior to attending a group, language
developing strategies for everyday assessment and goal setting needs to
situations be completed with the patient/family
• Improving communication and to help determine how group therapy
living with disability, focussing on would best help
wellbeing, advocacy, education, • Outcome measures based on group
communication strategies goals should be used to measure
effectiveness of group treatment,
Consumer feedback was obtained
consumer feedback and to guide
We contacted SLTs nationally, working from four patients on our SLT waitlist
direction of future therapy
across various settings. We learned that for communication input in February
groups for people with aphasia were and March 2020. All four patients • Running groups with SLT students on
being run with the majority focussing on expressed interest in attending group placement works well
supporting people to manage everyday therapy with one of those stating they • Telehealth may work well if transport
communication situations, developing were ‘not typically a group person’ but inaccessible for some patients
confidence and strategies. Some group therapy was ‘better than nothing’.
We would be interested in hearing from
therapists included education for whānau All patients relied on others for transport
colleagues about any other ideas or
such as the Relaxation Group run by Hutt to get to the group venue. Patients
experiences you may have had. •
Valley and published in Communication identified a variety of communication
Matters, Winter 2018. Gavel Clubs skills they wanted to work on in group
18 • Communication MattersRemembering Lois Lawn
1932–2020
NZSTA Life Member, Member New Zealand
Order of Merit
Speech-language Therapists Lois was an active NZSTA member and
office-holder, and President from 1980–
joined many others in our 1984. Her keen involvement successfully
communities and overseas in witnessed two significant milestones
for the profession, the establishment of
sadness on learning of Lois’
the University of Canterbury Bachelor
recent death in October. and postgraduate programmes, soon to
be followed by the two further training
Lois Powell was born and raised in schools at Massey University’s Albany
Taranaki where she returned from Campus and the University of Auckland.
Christchurch Teachers College beginning Lois was on the Otago Art Society council
her career as sole speech-language NZSTA biennial national conferences were for 12 years and was made a life member.
therapist for the province, travelling for always successful when led by and teamed She was the Provincial Executive of Girl
visits on foot, by bus, tram, school bus, with Lois. Her hospitality was legendary Guides and their District and Divisional
regular bus service or her bicycle. and she enjoyed entertaining colleagues Commissioner for 10 years. Lois was
and keynote conference speakers from a member of the vestry of St Paul’s
When Lois married Owen Lawn they United Kingdom, Denmark, North America, Cathedral and on the Chapter for six
moved to Dunedin where they raised Australia and elsewhere, pushing schedule years. She was a past president, coach
their family of Rachel, Nicholas and time limits to ensure they left having and life member of the Kiwi Swimming
Jennifer. Lois developed an exceptional experienced tourist opportunities around Club, a life member of the Friends of the
career, based for many years at George Otago and Southland. Not surprisingly Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, a Rotary
Street Normal School’s Speech many of these colleagues forged life-long International Paul Harris Fellow and she
Clinic and latterly with the Ministry of friendships, further enjoyed with Lois and was named Dunedin City Council’s 1999
Education’s regional office. Owen’s overseas travels. Citizen of the Year.
Lois was fun-loving and popular; with It is astounding to acknowledge the extent And very specially Lois was awarded
a quick mind, keen intelligence and of Lois’ many other interests, abilities Membership of the New Zealand Order of
life-long love of learning. She was and achievements. She was Trust Board Merit [MNZM] and life membership of NZ
unflappable. With Chris Justin, they member of Dunedin’s Fortune Theatre Speech-language Therapists Association.
produced many practical resources for 12 years and their Friends member for
at a time when funds were scarce and A truly delightful and remarkable person.
over 30 years, their costume hire convener
resources expensive. The Dunedin Rest in peace, Lois. •
and, as with NZSTA, an extraordinarily
Articulation Test was just one of these. imaginative and productive fundraiser. – Sally Schoon
Photo credit: Rachel Lawn Communication Matters • 19Dear friend:
a letter to
my speech-
language
therapist
Seeing a speech and
language therapist made me were going to be looking after me. this time. I would really appreciate it if
I also recognised several of the other anyone can translate it into English and
realise how much I needed patients as they had originally been on let me know what on earth I was trying
rehabilitation. The entire the ward I worked on. I was relieved to record!
that none of them recalled who I was.
hospital team got me home, I remembered what had happened to
After a week at Burwood my reading
but once home I still needed had improved quite a lot. This was
them but not their names.
the time of the February earthquake
my ‘Speechie’. Without this, When I arrived at Burwood, I felt I didn’t and, the day after, I was able to read
I doubt I would have been need rehabilitation. I could walk and and understand the newspaper. I also
dress myself – what more could I need? recognised some hospital staff in the
able to return to work. I did have double vision but was ok with photographs. The head injury made me
I certainly wouldn’t have been an eye-patch. I changed my mind when more emotional and reading The Press
able to write this article. I had my first session with a speech- that day I was crying and feeling very
language therapist. She gave me a pen guilty about not being at work to help
In January 2011 I had a seizure at work. and paper and asked me to write my look after the injured. I managed to bring
I fell over backward and fractured my full name. I spelt my surname wrong. myself together by remembering that I
skull on the concrete floor. I remember I realised I was in a very different situation could barely look after myself at that time,
nothing from that day and barely from my normal one. never mind anyone else.
anything of the next 2 ½ weeks. I had always read for pleasure and Background noise was a real challenge.
My memories begin mid-February when relaxation. Now, I could read individual Before my injury I was quite able to have
I transferred from acute to rehabilitation words but not join them together to a conversation with someone when
at Burwood Hospital. It was all rather odd understand a sentence. I was basically others were talking nearby, a radio
to me as I worked in the main hospital illiterate. My reading improved slowly on, or any other sort of noise really.
and knew several of the people who but writing and spelling were a different After the accident it was really hard.
thing. Here is a notebook entry from The background noise seemed
20 • Communication MattersThe New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’
Association 2021 Conference Committee is
delighted to announce the new dates for the
conference Aoraki Iho Ake: Grounded –
Left:
Aspiring – Connected are Monday 30 August
A notebook
– Wednesday 1 September, 2021
entry from
my time at Reflecting on Aoraki, the most well-known maunga
Burwood. tupuna (ancestral mountain) of the Southern Alps,
and on the imagery of Iho Ake ‘from Earth to
heaven and everything in between’, this conference
overwhelming and made it help at all. Since getting back to
seeks to create a panoramic view of speech-
very difficult to concentrate on work I have never tried to finish a
language therapy in New Zealand and its local
conversation. sentence for someone. I have also
and global partnerships.
shared with my colleagues and
Word finding was a real challenge
student nurses my experience of all Opportunities abound for discussion, connection
too. Often, I could explain what
this and encourage them not to try and new insights from both research and practice
something did or what letter the
to finish other people’s sentences. champions, and exhibitors. Talk with your
word started with but then got
I think one of the best things to do colleagues and make a plan now to join us in
stuck. One time I was shown a
is go away for a minute or two to Christchurch to contribute your experiences and
picture of something and asked
let the person find their own word. draw inspiration from others.
what it was. My answer was ‘It’s a
Believe me, it is much easier to
seed from an oak tree’. Obviously, Important dates:
find that missing word without
it was an acorn, but I couldn’t
an audience. Monday 11 January 2021: Call for papers goes live
remember the word, but I knew
what it was. Any word finding Being tired makes everything in Tuesday 9 March 2021: Call for papers closes
problem like that is frustrating, rehabilitation harder. Having a Monday 24 May 2021: Notification to authors
and the more frustrated you are head injury also makes it much if accepted/not accepted into the conference
the harder it is to find the word. easier to get very tired. When I was programme
My answers like the acorn one was tired my word finding problems Tuesday 15 June 2021: Online conference
technically right, just rather odd. were worse. Head injuries take programme and registration goes live
a long time to recover from too,
Word finding problems are Please visit the website www.speechtherapy.org.
and it took me well over a year to
incredibly annoying. It’s even more nz/info-for-slts/nzsta-2021-conference/
get close to what I had been like
frustrating when people try to help
before cracking my skull. • for all conference information or email
by saying what they think you are
pam@prcc.com.au
wanting to say. Although displaying
best intentions it really doesn’t
Communication Matters • 21Please consider contributing content
to Communication Matters about any
aspect of our profession. Feel free
Contact details to discuss with Selena Donaldson,
Editor, any ideas you have.
Whakapā tangata editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
NZSTA Board Members Expert adviser contacts Area representatives
President • Annette Rotherham Ann Smaill Te Tai Tokerau • Suanna Smith & Denise Poole
president@speechtherapy.org.nz Alternative and Augmentative Communication ar.northland@speechtherapy.org.nz
Communications • Emma Quigan ann.smaill@talklink.org.nz Auckland • Tessa Livingston & Hannah Barnes
communications@speechtherapy.org.nz Anna Miles • Adult Dysphagia ar.auckland@speechtherapy.org.nz
Member networks • Akshat Shah a.miles@auckland.ac.nz Waikato/Bay of Plenty • Gwen Kerrison
membernetworks@speechtherapy.org.nz Annabel Grant • Dementia ar.waikato.bop@speechtherapy.org.nz
Professional development • Claire Winward a.grant@massey.ac.nz Central • Elisa Mynen
professionaldevelopment@speechtherapy.org.nz Carlene Perris • Voice ar.central@speechtherapy.org.nz
Professional standards • Anna Miles cperris@adhb.govt.nz Wellington/Nelson • Polly Newton & Emily King
professionalstandards@speechtherapy.org.nz Emily Jones ar.wellington@speechtherapy.org.nz
Māori and cultural development Paediatric Feeding and Swallowing Canterbury/Westland
Katrina McGarr E.Jones@massey.ac.nz Kate Cook & Ruth Ramsay
culturaldevelopment@speechtherapy.org.nz Fiona Hewerdine ar.canterbury@speechtherapy.org.nz
Adult Neurodegenerative Conditions Otago/Southland • Meryl Jones
Other contacts and Palliative Care ar.otago.southland@speechtherapy.org.nz
fiona.hewerdine@bopdhb.govt.nz
National private practitioner Jayne Newbury • Child Language
members’ representative Student representatives
jayne.newbury@canterbury.ac.nz
Ashleigh Neumann Massey University • Jacqui Morgan,
privatepractice@speechtherapy.org.nz Liz Fairgray & Megan Lewis
Hearing Impairment and Cochlear Implant Brianna Oosterbroek & Bo Young Choi
Administrator • ONZL Limited l.fairgray@auckland.ac.nz sr.massey@speechtherapy.org.nz
admin@speechtherapy.org.nz megan@talktogether.co.nz University of Auckland
+64 9 475 0214 Tash Thompson & Crystal Aranha
Maegan VanSolkema • Traumatic Brain Injury
Speech, Language and Hearing Journal maegan.vansolkema@abi-rehab.co.nz sr.auckland@speechtherapy.org.nz
of APSSLH, HKAST & NZSTA University of Canterbury
Editor: Anna Miles Sally Kedge • Vulnerable Children and Youth
sallykedge@gmail.com Emma Barbafiera, Jessica Eagle & Livvy Pride
professionalstandards@speechtherapy.org.nz sr.canterbury@speechtherapy.org.nz
NZSTA Sarah Spence
www.speechtherapy.org.nz Paediatric Complex Communication Needs
admin@speechtherapy.org.nz sarspen@gmail.com
PO Box 302469, North Harbour, Auckland 0751 Shannon Hennig • Autism and Neurodiversity
Communication Matters editor shannon@inclusive-communication.co.nz
Selena Donaldson Alison Zani • Aphasia
editor@speechtherapy.org.nz aphasiaadviser@gmail.com
www.speechtherapy.org.nzYou can also read
