According to the Youth19 survey fact sheet, approximately 1 in 12 students reported having missed school due to lack of access to period products.
Students can miss out on learning, sporting and cultural activities and feel embarrassed and ashamed if they can’t access products to manage their periods. This negatively impacts their achievement and wellbeing.
The Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata: Period products in schools initiative is available to all state and state-integrated schools and kura in New Zealand. Research shows that the average age young people start menstruating is decreasing. As a result, access to ikura (period) products is needed in primary and intermediate as well as secondary schools.
Schools and kura opting in to the Ikura initiative are asked to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement. This sets out how we will work with schools and kura and what we expect schools and kura to do to ensure the success of the initiative.
As part of the MoU schools and kura agree to:
encourage students to take products
make sure enough product is ordered so that students can
take home products to manage their whole cycle, and
have products available on site in case they are caught unprepared
manage how products are distributed to students and make sure access is easy
manage replenishing dispensers, including the labour cost of doing so (for example, this could be arranged via the school’s cleaning contract or managed by staff).
Ordering products
Schools and kura can order products through their Ikura OfficeMax account by entering their account details into the website once they have opted into the initiative.
Transcript: How to order period products for your school or kura
Audio
Visual
OfficeMax is proud to be the distribution partner and ordering support for this important initiative. This short video guide will help get you started with ordering period products from OfficeMax
Title page with Ikura logo. Title reads ‘How to order period products for your school or kura’. Subtitle reads ‘A Ministry of Education run initiative’. Body reads ‘Providing barrier-free access to period products, to support the wellbeing of our ākonga’.
To access your Ikura account, you will need to click Login/Register
Cursor moves over ‘Login/Register’ button to right hand side of screen
Enter your username and password, then click login
A pop-up screen shows a username and password field and a ‘login’ button. An email address is entered in the username field, then a password, before the login button is selected
If you are new to ordering from OfficeMax online, then you will have received an email containing your username and password. If you have not received this email, please get in touch with your OfficeMax Account Manager or email ikura@officemax.co.nz.
The webpage displays ‘Select your account’ and there are two account options to select from
If you already use the OfficeMax website, then you will need to ensure you select the dedicated Ikura account. This is identifiable by the word Ikura, followed by your school name
The cursor hovers over the account that has the word Ikura in the account name
All products available as part of the initiative will be found on the home page
The website shows the landing page with an Ikura banner, and all the Ikura products in a grid view
If you are unsure how much product to order for your students, then click See Allocations on the Ikura banner
Cursor moves over the ‘See Allocations’ button on the Ikura branded banner
Please note there is enough product available to cover every student’s full menstruation, and the Ministry of Education encourage students, to take enough product home to manage this.
The webpage displays text and a table with suggested ordering guidance, based on the number of students enrolled
To order period products, simple scroll to the product you wish to order
The webpage returns to the landing page and the cursor scrolls down to the the Ikura products in a grid view
adjust the product quantity
The cursor hovers over a product, then clicks the ‘+’ button twice to adjust the quantity to 2
and click add to cart
The cursor then moves to the right and hovers over the ‘Add to Cart’ button
When you're ready to check out, hover over the green cart symbol, and click Checkout
The cursor moves to the top right of the screen, and hovers over a green button with a shopping cart icon. An orange button that says ‘Checkout’ appears below the green cart button. The cursor hovers over the button.
From the Shopping Cart screen, you will have the opportunity to review the items that you've ordered, and the quantity, before clicking Continue to Checkout
The webpage displays the shopping cart. The page starts to scroll, where all the items in the shopping cart are visible. At the bottom of the webpage on the right-hand side, there is a green button ‘Continue to Checkout. The cursor hovers over the green button.
A pop up will appear to remind you that you will not be charged or receive an invoice for period products ordered
A pop-up window appears over the shopping cart page. The pop up window says ‘Important Information’ and the body text reads the same as the voice-over.
Click confirm, and then Continue to Checkout
The cursor selects a check box in the pop up window that says ‘I confirm that I have read and understood’, then the cursor hovers over the green button ‘Continue to Checkout’
You will need to review the delivery details
The webpage displays the delivery details. The delivery address fields are pre-populated and greyed out.
You will be required to enter a customer reference, usually your name.
The words ‘Enter Name Here’ are typed in the ‘Customer Reference’ field
Your school address will automatically populate, but if there are specific delivery instructions, then you can enter this
The cursor hovers over the free text field for delivery instructions
Then click Continue to Payment
The webpage scrolls down and at the bottom of the webpage on the right-hand side, there is a green button ‘Continue to Payment’. The cursor hovers over the green button.
In the payment screen, as there are no charges, scroll down and click Place Order on Account, to complete your order, and send for processing
The webpage displays the payment screen. The webpage scrolls down and at the bottom of the webpage on the left-hand side, there is a green button ‘Place Order on Account’. The cursor hovers over the green button.
For further information in regards to the initiative, Please contact your OfficeMax Account Manager, or visit the Ministry of Education website
Title page with Ikura logo. Title reads ‘For further information’ Body reads ‘Please contact your OfficeMax Account Manager or Visit the Ministry of Education website www.education.govt.nz and search ‘Ikura FAQ’.
Available products
Schools and kura are able to order regular and super pads and tampons, as well as liners. These products are easy to use and appropriate for a broad range of students’ age, developmental, and cultural needs in a schooling context.
Brown paper bags are also available to support students to discretely access and take-home product.
We will continue to consider how we can support the use of sustainable products, such as reusable menstrual cups and period underwear, alongside educating students around these products. Whilst reusable products can provide a longer-term more environmentally friendly option, they are not always suitable for the age range and cultural diversity of young people in schools. Some young people can find it challenging to use these at school and are uncomfortable carrying used products in their schoolbags.
The initiative is using non-branded product to remove the day-to-day influence and perceived value of branded product on students, especially younger students and their families, and normalise ikura (period) products as a necessity. Removing branding will also minimise the impact of this contract on other suppliers in the market.
Reusable products trial
The Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata Period Products in Schools initiative trialled reusable period products in 7 schools during Terms 1 to 3 2023. This was in response to increased public interest and students requesting reusable options. The products that were available for the trial included period underwear and menstrual cups.
The Ministry commissioned an independent evaluation to understand how young people receive reusable products, their appropriateness in a school and kura setting, how much education and additional support is required, schools, kura and whānau to support the use of reusable products, and success and scalability of the reusable product offering.
While the evaluation shows that some students benefitted from access to reusable products, the Ministry will not be rolling out reusable products in schools at this time. This is because of additional resource required from schools, practicality of use in a school setting, and the need for both reusable and disposable products not being cost effective.
Schools and kura are encouraged to provide enough product so that students can take it home and safely manage their full cycle. This works out as about two or three packs of product, per menstruator, every month. This is an estimation and more products can be ordered per student as needed.
Ordering guidance is provided to schools and kura on the OfficeMax ordering portal. For further guidance, please contact your OfficeMax Account Manager or email accesstoperiodproducts@education.govt.nz.
Managing access to products in schools
When thinking about where ākonga can access products, the more options the better. This may be from the school office, bathrooms, a teacher, counsellor, accessible storage cupboards or any other safe communal space where ākonga can discreetly access products without having to ask.
We would also encourage ākonga to take product home with them during school term and school holidays to cover their full menstrual cycle.
We often hear feedback from schools and kura about what they are doing to support ākonga to access ikura (period) products. We have developed a guide with ideas on how you can make products accessible for ākonga.
Schools and kura with more than 100 menstruating students can also choose to have dispensers installed on site, such is bathrooms, so that students can access products if they are caught unprepared.
The location and number of dispensers installed may vary depending on bathroom locations and the number of students who need products. Schools and kura are encouraged to work with OfficeMax to identify the number of dispensers and most suitable locations where students can easily access products discreetly.
Schools and kura are responsible for ordering products and restocking dispensers. This is set out in their Memorandum of Understanding.
If a dispenser is damaged, please contact OfficeMax to arrange a replacement.
We may also be able to provide a dispenser to schools with a small number of menstruating students depending on their situation and what is available from the supplier. Please contact the team at AccessToPeriodProducts@education.govt.nz.
Sanitary bins
Sanitary bins should be available close by. Schools and kura are responsible for the day-to-day management of the initiative including appropriate sanitary disposal.
This is set out in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Supporting resources
Video resources
This is a range of video resources to support reducing stigma when talking about ikura (periods) for menstruators and their peers.
What do you really know about ikura?
This first video addresses some common misconceptions about periods.
Transcript: What do you really know about ikura?
Audio
Description
This video is set in a living room. The room has yellow walls, much of which are covered in colourful posters. Festoons of fairy lights have been strung around the room as decoration. A bright, colourful space with lots of eclectic textures, the room feels like a comfortable environment to suit a young person’s taste. A chair is set in the middle of the room - the cast of this video appear one at a time, sitting in this chair, speaking directly to the camera.
I think this is false.
It's not going to float away up
into some other part of your body.
This is absolutely a myth.
A series of quick cuts showing different members of the cast as they react and respond to white notecards.
White text on a blue-green background reads “What do you really know about ikura (periods)? ”
Kia ora e te whānau,
Ko Te Rauhiringa Brown tōku ingoa,
My name is Te Rauhiringa,
He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Raukawā, Ngāti Maiapoto, Ngāti Apakurā, me Ngāti Kahu anō hoki,
and I'm here to talk about your ikura, or your awa atua, your waiwhero, your period.
Have you ever heard something from a mate or read something online that’s made you think,
‘Huh?’
‘Is that right?’
There's so much information out there these days, including how we talk about ikura or periods.
But how much do you really know?
Back in the living room, presenter Te Rauhiringa Brown speaks directly to camera. Te Rauhiringa is wearing blue/green, and has a large, carved pounamu/greenstone figure at the base of her neck.
Let's play a little true or false game with our mates and find out how much they think they know about periods.
A series of quick cuts showing different female cast members in the living room space looking at white notecards.
Ooooo!
Comedian/actor Rhiannon McCall speaks directly to camera. Rhiannon is an adult female. Rhiannon is wearing a loose-fitting white linen shirt with her sleeves rolled back.
Periods arrive on the same day every month.
Elizabeth, a young woman, reads from a small stack of white notecards. Elizabeth is wearing a light brown cardigan and glasses.
No they don't.
Dari, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Dari has her hair tied back and is wearing a light brown cardigan over a black t-shirt and brown trousers.
No, that's false, because it's different for me.
Emily, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Emily has her hair in two plaits and is wearing a green knitted vest over a white t-shirt.
I think this is false.
Jacynta, a young woman of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua, speaks directly to camera. Jacynta is wearing a light-coloured woollen cardigan over a dark blue/green top and grey trousers.
That is an absolute myth.
My periods arrive basically whenever I have an important event
and it needs to disrupt that.
Olympian Grace O’Hanlon speaks directly to camera with white notecards in her hands. Grace is an adult female. Grace is wearing a black jumper and light brown trousers. She also wears a silver olympic rings necklace.
A red rectangle sign with FALSE in white lettering appears briefly on screen next to Grace.
Your cycle can be anywhere from 25 to 35 days.
So it can be really different every month
Olympian Sam Charlton speaks directly to camera. Sam is an adult female. Sam is wearing a blue denim shirt.
PMS is just moodiness.
Ishani, a young woman, reads from a small stack of white notecards. Ishani is wearing a blue cardigan over a white top.
From what I experience, I get really moody and PMS
is like a symptom of periods.
So I think that is true.
Irina, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Irina is wearing a dark jacket, and has a bracelet on each wrist.
This is absolutely a myth.
I know. It can be changes in appetite, changes in your stomach.
It can be sleepy.
I personally cry two days before my period every month.
So it can be anything. It's not just moods.
You should not wear the same pad or tampon all day.
Louisa, a young woman of Ngāpuhi, reads from a small stack of white notecards. Louisa is wearing glasses, a white t-shirt and red trousers.
True, You shouldn't.
You should be changing your sanitary products every 4 hours.
Emily speaks directly to camera, gesturing with her notecards.
This one is true.
You should be changing your pad or tampon every 3 to 4 hours to
maintain good hygiene.
Comedian/actor Rhiannon McCall speaks directly to camera.
A blue-green rectangle sign with TRUE in white lettering briefly appears on screen next to Rhiannon.
Thank you.
Emily nods and smiles, then speaks directly to camera.
It is normal for athletes to lose their period.
I don't know about this one.
Sammy, a young woman, reads from a small stack of white notecards. Sammy is wearing a dark olive green long-sleeved top.
I think it depends on the athlete and how much they’re exercising,
how intense their training is.
Dari speaks directly to camera.
I think that could be true right.
Because they just work out so much, like maybe the exercise does something?
Elizabeth speaks directly to camera
This is definitely a myth.
If you're someone who has experienced a regular period before and you have now lost that period or it has changed whether you're an athlete that has increased their training or not, it's really important to seek out some advice from the doctor
Olympian Sam Charlton speaks directly to camera.
A red rectangle sign with FALSE in white lettering appears briefly on screen next to Sam.
You should not play sports on your period.
Absolute myth. For most of us your period should not impact your ability to play sports at all.
Olympian Grace O’Hanlon speaks directly to camera.
A red rectangle sign with FALSE in white lettering appears briefly on screen next to Grace.
I play a lot of sports during my period and yeah, it’s fine.
Jacynta speaks directly to camera.
I think this one is super personal to you.
So as a high performance athlete, I do have to train and play on my period because I can't decide when the games or the trainings are, but it's important that you just do whatever feels comfortable for you.
Olympian Sam Charlton speaks directly to camera.
Tampons can get lost inside you.
Comedian/actor Rhiannon McCall reads off a small stack of white notecards.
That is a myth.
That is a- surely that's a myth?
Tell me it's a myth.
Olympian Grace O’Hanlon speaks directly to camera, gesturing with her white notecards.
I think maybe if you push them far enough.
Ishani speaks directly to camera
I don't know if getting lost...
No, I think this is false
Sammy speaks directly to camera.
I think this one is false.
Your cervix is too small for your tampon to get lost in there,
so it can really just sit in your vagina.
It can be higher or lower, but even if the string gets lost inside
your vagina, you'll always be able to reach it.
It's not going to get lost.
It's not going to float away up into some other part of your body.
Comedian/actor Rhiannon McCall speaks directly to camera.
A red rectangle sign with FALSE in white lettering appears briefly on screen next to Rhiannon..
Now, if you've got a question about a ikura or you're not sure whether something is fact or fake, talk to someone about it.
Your whānau, a doctor or nurse, or any other adult you trust.
Kaua e whakamā, don't be shy to have the conversation.
Finally, remember that your school or kura will have pads and tampons that you can use at school or at home.
You can take enough to cover you for the whole cycle, so get amongst it.
Presenter Te Rauhiringa Brown speaks directly to camera
White text on a blue-green background reads “Your school or kura has period products available now. You can take as much product as you need for your entire cycle.”
Then scrolls up reading “For more information visit: periodhealth.nz healthnavigator.co.nz” then shows the Ikura and Ministry of Education logos.
What is endometriosis?
This video provides personal experiences of what a ‘normal’ period is for a group of young people and highlights some of the common symptoms for endometriosis.
Transcript: What is endometriosis?
Audio
Description
This video is set in a living room. The room has yellow walls, much of which are covered in colourful posters. Festoons of fairy lights have been strung around the room as decoration. A bright, colourful space with lots of eclectic textures, the room feels like a comfortable environment to suit a young person’s taste. A chair is set in the middle of the room - the cast of this video appear one at a time, sitting in this chair, speaking directly to the camera.
Is this thing on?
En... do...
(Off Camera): Endo...
En-do
(Off Camera): ...metriosis
Metriosis.
Metriosis.
Endometriosis.
A series of quick cuts showing different members of the cast as they learn to pronounce Endometriosis.
White text on a blue-green background reads “What do you know about endometriosis?”
Kia ora e te whānau,
Ko Te Rauhiringa Brown tōku ingoa,
My name's Te Rauhiringa,
He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Apakurā, Ngāti Raukawā,
Ngāti Maiapoto, me Ngāti Kahu anō hoki,
and I'm here to talk about that
once a month visitor, your ikura, or your period.
Now, when it comes to ikura, menstration, periods, whatever you call them, everyone has
a slightly different experience.
Whether you’re spending your ikura
climbing mountains,or curled up on the sofa with a hottie, there are so many ways to spend this time.
So let's korero.
Back in the living room, presenter Te Rauhiringa Brown speaks directly to camera. Te Rauhiringa is wearing blue/green, and has a large, carved pounamu/greenstone figure at the base of her neck.
We got all sorts of awesome people together and ask what's ‘normal’ for them?
A series of quick cuts showing different female cast members in the living room space.
I get really hungry, and I get really moody as well.
Irina, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Irina is wearing a dark jacket, and has a bracelet on each wrist.
So my periods are very chill.
Jacynta, a young woman of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua, speaks directly to camera. Jacynta is wearing a light-coloured woollen cardigan over a dark blue/green top.
Not too much flow.
Ishani, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Ishani is wearing a blue cardigan over a white top.
I get really, really intense cramps, especially in my lower back to the point where I'm often not able to go to school because I'm in bed in quite a bit of pain.
Sammy, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Sammy is wearing a dark olive green long-sleeved top.
I get cramps on the first and second day.
Elizabeth, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Elizabeth is wearing a light brown cardigan.
I don't get bad cramps. They’re not that bad. And they last about nine days.
Jacynta speaks directly to camera.
I get cramps. But luckily they aren't as bad as some other people I know.
Irina speaks directly to camera.
You can see how everyone's experience
is slightly different, and there's no strict definition of normal when it comes to periods.
But a couple of the people we did speak
to described an experience that does fit with what we know about endometriosis.
Endometriosis can include symptoms of really heavy, painful periods.
And here's the thing, some people with endometriosis, or other medical conditions, might not know that there's anything wrong because they think their experience is, well, normal.
Presenter Te Rauhiringa Brown speaks directly to camera.
White text on a blue-green background reads “Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people who have their ikura (period)”
My periods were very, very heavy, and my periods would last a long time, between a week and two weeks. So I realised that something was potentially a little bit wrong
when I was getting really intense pains, not just when I was getting my period, but also other times during the month.
So I would get really intense cramps, even when I didn't have my period.
Comedian/actor Rhiannon McCall speaks directly to camera. Rhiannon is an adult female. Rhiannon is wearing a loose-fitting white linen shirt with her sleeves rolled back.
White text on a blue-green background reads “The average endometriosis diagnosis in New Zealand takes 8 years”
And that's the thing about endometriosis is that it doesn't show up on blood tests, it doesn't show up on ultrasounds, it doesn't show up on X-rays.
So it's very hard to diagnose.
Comedian/actor Rhiannon McCall speaks directly to camera.
White text on a blue-green background reads “What do you know about endometriosis?”
I actually have no idea what that is.
Irina speaks directly to camera.
I know nothing. I can't even pronounce it… Hundred percent.
Jacynta speaks directly to camera.
I don't actually know a lot about it
until I asked my mom recently
Ishani speaks directly to camera.
I'm actually currently in the middle
of getting diagnosed for endometriosis.
It's something that runs in my family.
I know very little about it, surprisingly.
Sammy speaks directly to camera.
White text on a blue-green background reads “What is endometriosis?”
Endometriosis is when tissue, tissue similar
to the lining of the uterus, or te whare tangata, is also found growing in other places
inside your body, including the ovaries, pelvis or bowel.
This can cause heavy and painful periods as well as low energy and tiredness, low mood, lower back pain, bloating, bowel trouble and spotting throughout the month.
Presenter Te Rauhiringa Brown speaks directly to camera.
if you're really struggling, if it's impacting your, you know, your social life, your ability to go to school, then that is not normal…And it isn't something that you should put up with either.
What I've learned through trying to get my diagnosis is that I really have to advocate for myself, and I would encourage anyone that’s struggling with their periods to do the same.
Comedian/actor Rhiannon McCall speaks directly to camera.
Remember that your school or kura will have pads and tampons that you can use at school or at home.
You can take as many as you need for each cycle.
Presenter Te Rauhiringa Brown speaks directly to camera.
White text on a blue-green background reads “If you’re worried about endometriosis, talk to a friend, whanau, medical professional, someone at your school or kura, or someone you trust.”
Taking care of yourself during ikura (period)
Young people share how they look after themselves during their ikura (period).
Transcript: Taking care of yourself during ikura
Audio
Description
This video is set in a living room. The room has yellow walls, much of which are covered in colourful posters. Festoons of fairy lights have been strung around the room as decoration. A bright, colourful space with lots of eclectic textures, the room feels like a comfortable environment to suit a young person’s taste. A chair is set in the middle of the room - the cast of this video appear one at a time, sitting in this chair, speaking directly to the camera.
White text on a blue-green background reads “Manaakiti a te whare tangata.”
Transitions to read “Taking care of myself during my ikura (period).”
I shower more often.
Yeah, just so I feel clean.
And just skincare. It makes you feel so good
Jacynta, a young woman of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua, speaks directly to camera. Jacynta is wearing a light-coloured woollen cardigan over a dark blue/green top and grey trousers.
Just laying on my bed, and just watch my TV show,
and just, really just relax.
Louisa, a young woman of Ngāpuhi, speaks directly to camera. Louisa is wearing glasses, a white t-shirt and red trousers.
I’ll sleep in for longer, or I will go and exercise
Dari, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Dari has her hair tied back and is wearing a light brown cardigan over a black t-shirt and brown trousers.
Reward myself, have a break, watch some Netflix, and eat some chocolate.
Elizabeth, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Elizabeth is wearing a light brown cardigan and glasses.
If you have a system and you know how to take care of yourself,
you can feel a lot more comfortable in your own skin.
Sammy, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Sammy is wearing a dark olive green long-sleeved top.
White text on a blue-green background reads “Your school or kura has ikura (period) products available now.”
Logos on blue-green background for Ikura, Ministry of Education, education.govt.nz and the New Zealand Government.
My first ikura (period)
Firsthand accounts from young people getting their first ikura (period).
Transcript: My first ikura (period)
Audio
Description
This video is set in a living room. The room has yellow walls, much of which are covered in colourful posters. Festoons of fairy lights have been strung around the room as decoration. A bright, colourful space with lots of eclectic textures, the room feels like a comfortable environment to suit a young person’s taste. A chair is set in the middle of the room - the cast of this video appear one at a time, sitting in this chair, speaking directly to the camera.
So when I got my first period,
Sammy, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Sammy is wearing a dark olive green long-sleeved top.
I remember the situation very vividly.
Louisa, a young woman of Ngāpuhi, speaks directly to camera. Louisa is wearing glasses, a white t-shirt and red trousers.
I got my first period when I was 10, which is pretty young to be getting your first period.
Dari, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Dari has her hair tied back and is wearing a light brown cardigan over a black t-shirt and brown trousers.
The first time I got my period was on my mum's birthday.
Happy birthday.
Emily, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Emily has her hair in two plaits and is wearing a green knitted vest over a white t-shirt.
White text on a blue-green background reads “Manaakiti a te whare tangata.”
Transitions to read “My first ikura (period).”
It was in a Wendy's bathroom, so a bit anticlimactic.
Sammy speaks directly to camera.
And I pulled my underwear down and I just saw
this blood and I was so scared.
Louisa speaks directly to camera.
I was really confused because I knew what periods were, but I didn't expect to get it so soon.
Dari speaks directly to camera.
I was just there with my dad, and so I was really, really anxious about telling him because I wasn't sure how he would react.
Sammy speaks directly to camera.
And I was like, ‘Mum, mum, come help!’
So she helped clean me up and taught me how to use a pad.
Emily speaks directly to camera.
I wasn't very keen to talk about it because I was the first person in year six to get my period.
Dari speaks directly to camera.
Everyone else had gotten their period and I was the last one to get it.
And I really, really wanted it.
Emily speaks directly to camera.
I felt like I wasn't educated enough about it beforehand.
Louisa speaks directly to camera.
But yeah, it was really sweet that I didn't need to be as anxious
as I thought I did.
Sammy speaks directly to camera.
So yeah, it's a core memory for me, I think.
Louisa speaks directly to camera.
White text on a blue-green background reads “Your school or kura has ikura (period) products available now.”
Logos on blue-green background for Ikura, Ministry of Education, education.govt.nz and the New Zealand Government.
It's ok to kōrero about ikura (period)
Young people share why they think it’s important to talk about periods.
Transcript: It's ok to kōrero about ikura (period)
Audio
Description
This video is set in a living room. The room has yellow walls, much of which are covered in colourful posters. Festoons of fairy lights have been strung around the room as decoration. A bright, colourful space with lots of eclectic textures, the room feels like a comfortable environment to suit a young person’s taste. A chair is set in the middle of the room - the cast of this video appear one at a time, sitting in this chair, speaking directly to the camera.
I think periods are important to talk about.
Just for young people so, like, when the time comes that they're ready.
Jacynta, a young woman of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua, speaks directly to camera. Jacynta is wearing a light-coloured woollen cardigan over a dark blue/green top and grey trousers.
White text on a blue-green background reads “Manaakiti a te whare tangata.”
Transitions to read “It’s OK to kōrero about ikura (periods).”
I think for so long they've been stigmatised.
I just don't think that's how a bodily function or human anatomy should be talked about.
Emily, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Emily has her hair in two plaits and is wearing a green knitted vest over a white t-shirt.
In a lot of cultures and, for example, family settings, it is taught that periods are private and something you shouldn't be sharing with everybody.
But it happens to like half of us.
Irina, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Irina is wearing a dark jacket.
I think we can break down the shyness and awkwardness
by just I think educating everyone, and making it sort of normal to talk about it and not this like really huge deal.
Ishani, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Ishani is wearing a blue cardigan over a white top.
White text on a blue-green background reads “Your school or kura has ikura (period) products available now.”
Logos on blue-green background for Ikura, Ministry of Education, education.govt.nz and the New Zealand Government.
Getting your period at school
How the Ikura initiative is helping young people manage their periods at school.
Transcript: Getting your period at school
Audio
Description
This video is set in a living room. The room has yellow walls, much of which are covered in colourful posters. Festoons of fairy lights have been strung around the room as decoration. A bright, colourful space with lots of eclectic textures, the room feels like a comfortable environment to suit a young person’s taste. A chair is set in the middle of the room - the cast of this video appear one at a time, sitting in this chair, speaking directly to the camera.
It was raining super heavily. It was just like an awful day.
And I just felt the little trickle as I was walking to school.
And I didn’t have any products on me.
It was so miserable.
Luckily now they do have free products at school.
Emily, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Emily has her hair in two plaits and is wearing a green knitted vest over a white t-shirt.
White text on a blue-green background reads “Manaakiti a te whare tangata”
Transitions to read “Having my ikura (period) at school.”
I would actually just go to the bathroom really, because in my school we actually just have products there, so that's actually quite handy.
Elizabeth, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Elizabeth is wearing a light brown cardigan and glasses.
Our school nurse provides pads and tampons.
So that is the go to for all of our students.
Irina, a young woman, speaks directly to camera. Irina is wearing a dark jacket.
You can either go to the nurse's office and they have a bunch of different types of tampons or pads in there.
And they also have them in all the bathrooms at school.
Jacynta, a young woman of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua, speaks directly to camera. Jacynta is wearing a light-coloured woollen cardigan over a dark blue/green top and grey trousers.
I can definitely get enough for my whole cycle at school and it's really easy.
Louisa, a young woman of Ngāpuhi, speaks directly to camera. Louisa is wearing glasses, a white t-shirt and red trousers.
White text on a blue-green background reads “Your school or kura has ikura (period) products available now.”
Logos on blue-green background for Ikura, Ministry of Education, education.govt.nz and the New Zealand Government.
Ikura comic series
This is a series of resources to support pre- and early menstruators and their peers to learn about ikura (periods), and how the Ikura initiative can support ākonga by providing period products in schools.
This resource has 5 comics, along with supporting information aimed at young people. Younger children may benefit from reading this resource with an adult to support.
