Being a lesbian at a Catholic school was a source of fear and shame to Kiwi pop stars Ladyhawke and Broods singer Georgia Nott. Pip Brown (aka Ladyhawke of My Delirium fame) says she felt ‘constant fear’ as a teenager because she was a lesbian at a Catholic school. “Growing up in the Catholic school Read more
A 97-year-old woman is among those who fear they will be deported to countries ravaged by coronavirus. Others are in their 70s and 80s and say they face a life of fear and isolation if they have to return to their homelands. They’re among thousands of people affected by the Government freeze on Immigration New Read more
New Zealand’s government is considering prioritising south Aucklanders in the coronavirus immunisation rollout as a controversial church leader said she would refuse the vaccine. No new community cases of coronavirus were recorded for the third consecutive day, reaffirming the government’s cautious optimism that its localised seven-day lockdown has been effective in containing the Auckland February Read more
The Catholic bishop of Auckland, Patrick Dunn is urging Catholics in the diocese to cooperate with policies in place and for the community to combat COVID-19. “In particular we recognise the importance during this Alert Level 3 period of not gathering in our churches, staying home unless essential, and not leaving the borders of the Read more
Wairarapa MP, Kieran McAnulty, says his distancing from the Catholic Church is due to the marriage equality debates. Born and raised Catholic, McAnulty likes Pope Francis but says his regular relationship with the Church is a little strained. “The marriage equality debates started and I just felt that the Church at the time didn’t reflect Read more
Masses cancelled, funerals with just ten people, marriages postponed, sacramental programmes delayed, no shared chalice, and a new way to exchange the sign of peace, touchless ashes on Ash Wednesday, no ashes on Ash Wednesday are a few of the now-familiar marks of what has been termed a Liturgical Disruption. Add to them, the lengths Read more
Refugees bound for Horowhenua are stuck in Ecuador due to a lack of international flights and safe travel routes. The quota programme started again in early February after borders around the world were closed due to Covid-19, and the first group of 35 quota refugees arrived within the week. The 90 refugees bound for Levin Read more
Destiny Church has lashed out at critics after condemnation of Brian and Hannah Tamaki fleeing Auckland hours before lockdown. They have accused the “elitist” media of discrimination and say in this time of crisis the Tamakis must continue their “essential work” which cannot be done from the “comforts of home.” “In difficult times, people need Read more
Helpful Covid messaging from church leaders within the Pacific community has health officials singing their praises. Both Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) general practitioner Dr Natalie Hopoi and New Zealand Director of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield say the church leaders have played an important role so far. Their continued support will be needed to endorse the Read more
Wealthy foreigners looking for residency status are being courted by New Zealand as prospective immigrants. Stuff reports, a team of five immigration officials – including one in Europe and another in North America –are still promoting “investor interest in New Zealand” so high net-worth investors can enter the country as soon as the borders re-open. Read more