The NZ Government has helped just 12 families into homes as part of the $400 million Progressive Homeownership Scheme launched in July last year. The Government launched the Progressive Homeownership Scheme under the umbrella of KiwiBuild, Labour’s flagship housing policy that went through several changes, after it failed to deliver on its targets. Housing Minister Megan Read more
A health professional who has been on the front line of the mental health crisis in Aotearoa says the mental health services sector is “chronically underfunded” and fears dire consequences if it continues. Dr Marthinus Bekker left his job as a clinical psychologist at Auckland District Health Board this month. He told Checkpoint staff burnout Read more
The former Australian prime minister John Howard has reignited the religious freedom debate, arguing schools should be able to hire teachers based on whether they accept the beliefs the school is based on in the same way political parties favour staff who believe in a party’s ideals. In a presentation to Christian organisation Family Voice Read more
Just as it was in much of American society this past year, the financial toll exacted by the coronavirus pandemic affected poor parishes and dioceses more starkly than it did larger and more well-to-do Catholic institutions. While that’s not to say that bigger dioceses and parishes didn’t feel any sting — some dioceses started making Read more
Less than three months after the formation of a controversial working group to deal with President Joe Biden, the nation’s Catholic bishops have disbanded the group, which produced a public rupture among the U.S. hierarchy in its approach toward the nation’s second Catholic president. According to two bishops familiar with the process, the work of Read more
The housing crisis is seeing more than 4000 children growing up in motels across New Zealand, devastating parents who are desperate to find a permanent place for their kids to live. Skyrocketing house prices are prompting many landlords to sell, forcing up rents which are becoming unaffordable for many families. Figures released to Checkpoint show Read more
As thousands of people took to the streets of cities across Myanmar to show their opposition to the military coup, a bishop from the Buddhist-majority country showed his moral support for them. Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay did not hesitate to set aside his daily duties and stand at a church entrance with some Read more
A brand-new family home built in 10 weeks? It’s possible. Off-site building manufacturer Concision and house building company Versatile Pukekohe have announced they recently built a four bedroom, two bathroom house, in just 10 weeks from start to finish. The house was built from 43 prefabricated panels manufactured in Concision’s Rolleston factory over two days. Read more
Brian Houston, the founder and global senior pastor of scandal-plagued megachurch Hillsong, has revealed he’s transitioning into a “support role.” The announcement comes amid the church’s barrage of multi-million dollar international lawsuits, his wife’s apology for body-shaming slurs and a hard-partying top staffer flaunting wild extramarital sex romps. The 66-year-old told congregants the news at Read more