Pandemic influenza

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Getting ready for a flu pandemic for Whānau, Hui, Marae and Tangihanga

Be Prepared - Tangata Mohio, Tangata Ora
When a new flu virus infects many people around the world, it is called an influenza pandemic.

Health experts and governments around the world are worried that the flu virus H5N1 affecting birds (avian influenza or bird flu) could change into a virus that easily affects people. If this happens, and the new virus enters Aotearoa, many of us could become very sick.

Tangata Mohio, Tangata Ora

Image of emergency supplies.

Have a whānau plan
During an influenza pandemic, you or your whanau may be so sick that you need to stay at home for several weeks. Be prepared.

Make a plan with your whānau so it includes:

an emergency supplies kit with enough food and water to last a week – choose longlasting foods in cans and packets, and dried foods
a list of who will help with food and supplies if you and your whanau are sick, and who you will help
your prescription medicines, such as blood pressure pills (you should renew your prescription well before you run out; check with your doctor)
a list of phone numbers of people you will want to contact, as well as your doctor’s phone number (keep this list handy, such as on the fridge door).

Emergency Survival Items are listed in the Yellow Pages phone book (inside back cover).

Hui
In the event of a pandemic, people will be best to stay at home. If you need to travel to your marae during this time, ring ahead to get advice from iwi kainga (local people) and the local council about any restrictions.

The use of marae during an influenza pandemic
The Civil Defence team and your local council will liaise with marae committees/trustees if the marae facilities are needed for the community.

Preparing the marae for a pandemic
Each marae should have an emergency action plan for an influenza pandemic. Your marae plan would include:

A list of contact details for marae committee members, kaumatua and whānau.
Meeting with your local council and Civil Defence people who can assist with preparing your marae plan.
Details on how your marae will support whānau, eg, a key contact person, a co-ordinator and a team.
Details on whether the marae is where whānau come to be supported, or whether the marae is the base to co-ordinate home visiting.
Details on how the marae will deal with hui or tangihanga in a pandemic, eg, hold hui or tangihana, or postpone these events.
How to inform whānau of the marae plan, eg, by newsletters, hui or other.

Tangihanga

There is no indication that tangi (funerals) will be forbidden, however, you will need to check with marae committees/trustees, who liaise with local council and Civil Defence, for any restrictions if the influenza pandemic becomes severe.

If there is a tangi at your marae, these are things you can do to protect your whānau:

advise people who are sick not to attend the tangi
make sure to keep a safe distance away from each other (two arms’ length)
consider if some parts of the tangi could be postponed, such as hākari (feast) (hākari could be held later)
have big signs up to remind whanau to be extra careful in washing and drying their hands regularly.

Image of a woman blowing her nose and washing her hands.

How to stop spreading the flu pandemic at hui or tangihanga

The flu virus is highly infectious and is spread from sick people through coughing and sneezing and through their saliva.

To prevent the spread of the flu during a pandemic, it is recommended that:

hongi or kissing be avoided
people cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and throw it in the bin
wash your hands thoroughly after coughing or sneezing
keep at least a metre away from others
if you are sick, stay at home.

Touching the tūpapāku (deceased) will not cause infection, but touching the tears or saliva that have been left on the tūpapāku by sick people can pass on the flu to others.

Burying the tupapāku (deceased)

If there is influenza pandemic, some rules may be changed for a short time about burying the deceased. Death certificates will still be required.

The Ministry of Health, Medical Officers of Health and funeral directors will advise and support you regarding tangihanga. 2007

Further information on planning for an influenza pandemic is available on this website.

Page last updated: 30 January 2008