A Case Study of Cook Islands Men in Tokoroa, New Zealand

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This study investigates the health of Cook Islands men living in Tokoroa (New Zealand). Cook Islands men first arrived to the township after the 1950s, following the opening of the local Kinleith Sawmill. Jobs were readily available as a workforce was required to service the timber industry. The late 1960s to the early 1980s saw waves of Cook Islands families migrate into Tokoroa. However, by the late 1980s, the trend had reversed with many Cook Islands families out-migrating in search of employment. Kinleith had undergone a series of restructuring, consequently ending low-skilled labouring positions predominantly occupied by Cook Islands men. Redundancies were issued, and of the 1200 men made redundant, 800 were Cook Islands men. This event would impact on Cook Islands families, mentally, physically and socially - the only real options was to leave Tokoroa or face the prospect of long term unemployment (which did transpire throughout the 1990s). The study recommends Cook Islands men work together, and take more responsibility for their health and be role models and leaders within their families, homes and communities.