A 22-year-old man who started fires at three places of worship within a few hours, causing one to be burnt to the ground, will not be prosecuted as he was suffering from insanity at the time. The man, who has interim name suppression, appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Friday. He was earlier charged Read more
New Zealand
Social agencies warn of child poverty issues
Monday, May 31st, 2021Only a small percentage of children will be lifted out of poverty over the next three years by Budget announcements last week, Tauranga social agencies have been told. About 40 members of social agencies gathered to discuss the effects of the Budget announcements on child poverty at a breakfast meeting organised by the local Western Read more
Child grief and loss programme needs helpers
Thursday, May 27th, 2021A grief and loss education programme that works with children is looking for volunteers. The programme – Seasons for Growth – aims to help emotionally and socially grieving children aged 6 to 18. These young people are dealing with major life changes such as death, divorce and significant losses. Using the metaphor of seasonal change, Read more
No children – they contribute to climate change
Thursday, May 27th, 2021
A New Zealand-US research project has found concern for the environment is influencing people’s desire to have children. They say they have chosen the ‘no children’ option because they don’t want to contribute to climate change. The research resulted in a report co-authored by Lincoln University’s Samantha White, Dr Joya Kemper from the University of Read more
Catholic Diocese of Auckland performs well despite Covid
Thursday, May 27th, 2021The Catholic Diocese of Auckland performed better than expected in 2020 in terms of mission, as well as financially. This was despite two major lockdowns last year as the country was in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the first of series of Bishop’s Forums to be held around the diocese, Auckland Bishop Patrick Read more
Man accused of possessing Isis material was ‘learning about religion’, jury hears
Thursday, May 27th, 2021A man accused of possessing Isis propaganda material took the stand to defend his actions in front of a jury on Monday. He said he was only learning about his religion, and he was put in jail because he is a Muslim and his religion is not liked. The Auckland man, who has name suppression, Read more
150 years later Lyttelton Catholic church closes
Monday, May 24th, 2021
Dwindling numbers, a priest shortage and the amalgamation of Christchurch parishes led to the last Catholic mass being held in Lyttelton on Sunday. About 200 parishioners, past and present, were invited to special gathering at the site of St Joseph the Worker Church. The church itself was destroyed by the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Since Read more
Last mass but not last hope for iconic St Gerard’s church
Monday, May 24th, 2021
The last mass at St Gerard’s church was celebrated on Sunday – Pentecost Sunday. Cardinal John Dew and several priests went through the rite of leave taking, saying final prayers in different parts of the church including the baptismal font and altar. Everyone left and Dew shut the church doors for the last time. The Read more
Budget levels playing field for Catholic schools
Monday, May 24th, 2021
The Catholic Education Board has called off its legal action against the Government. The move comes following the 2021 Budget allocation of $52.8m, similar to the special capital maintenance payment given to State schools in 2020. State Integrated schools were left out of that payment. The payment will be made in two $26-million tranches over Read more
Churches credited with helping to get more Pasifika people vaccinated against Covid-19
Monday, May 24th, 2021Research commissioned by the Health Ministry shows that in March 59 percent of Pasifika people were prepared to be vaccinated – but a month later, the figure had jumped to 79 percent. A GP with the Pacific health provider Fono, Malia Funaki, said health officials and churches have been working together. “The church leaders have Read more