The Australian government has indicated it could accept New Zealand’s offer to take up to 150 refugees, but only if legislation passes Parliament ensuring people sent to offshore detention can never travel to Australia in the future. New Zealand first made the offer in 2013, but the coalition government has not accepted it arguing that Read more
A lawyer working for New Zealand victims of abuse in state care says Australia’s apology to their victims of child sexual abuse should embarrass New Zealand into getting on with its own Royal Commision. Sonja Cooper, who represents some of those abused while in state care in New Zealand, said she’s disappointed about the slow Read more
A decision on the future of the earthquake-damaged Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Christchurch, New Zealand, has been delayed to March or April, rather finalised at the end of this year as originally planned. The Bishop of Christchurch, Paul Martin, said he is still considering whether to restore the cathedral, knock it down and build Read more
Hastings Parish’s ‘Needy Children’ project distributed thermal clothing to children in Hawkes Bay during the winter months. Supported by a diocesan contribution of $3000 and private donations of $6800, the funds enabled the purchase of discounted thermals from The Warehouse. They provided 405 sets of new tops and leggings for children from 2 to 12 Read more
After dramatic scenes outside Wellington’s stadium last year, the New Zealand Defence Industry Association’s annual forum has been moved to Palmerston North’s main stadium and will occur there on the 31st of October and 1st of November. Dubbed by protesters as a “weapons expo” for companies that profit from war and killing, the event will Read more
“It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the death, last night of one of our year 10 female students,” St Kevin’s College wrote on Facebook. “This has and will continue to have a traumatic effect on our school and particularly the students who knew and loved her.” The 14-year-old Oamaru girl died in a Read more
An Auckland church providing housing for the homeless for more than a decade has had an influx of people dealing with poor mental health. Faith Family Baptist Church in Panmure offers a 13-week programme to rehouse people in need. Numeracy and literacy classes and assistance with addiction and health were also included. Church kaumātua Tom Read more
Members of the Central Council (Te Kaunihera Matua) of the Māori Catholic Easter Meeting (called the Hui Aranga) met in Taranaki on Friday 12th October. After the meeting, the rangatahi section took a walk around part of Mt Taranaki. Part of the purpose of the Easter Hui Aranga is to engage young Māori in embracing who Read more
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops are seeking to set the record straight in response to recent reporting that the Church is backing away from actively seeking inclusion in the Government’s Inquiry. The Bishops and representation from Catholic Religious orders wrote to Prime Minister Ardern, Minister Martin and Sir Anand Satyanand in March this year. That Read more
There have been twenty tonnes of produce re-distributed in an in a single month by the volunteers at Kiwi Community Assistance That’s the amount of various foods no longer wanted on shop shelves and redistributed in September. Continue reading