There are new calls in the NZ Medical Journal for government regulation, as evidence shows the same alcohol companies breaching the same self-imposed rules again and again, with no repercussions. Tiger beer means youth. It means beauty. It means freedom. And it’s just a tad rebellious. That’s the unavoidable message of the ad campaign the Read more
New Zealand
Sexual misconduct: Dunedin priest under investigation
Monday, March 1st, 2021The Dunedin Catholic diocese has accepted a complaint of sexual misconduct against a priest. A statement read out at Sunday Mass said Fr Fivins Chittilappilly had been stood down pending an investigation. Dunedin bishop, Michael Dooley said the complaint is being investigated by church authorities including the National Office for Professional Standards. The ODT understands Read more
Focus on what is necessary rather than pious denials
Thursday, February 25th, 2021
A New Zealand religious leader is calling on members of his congregation to focus on what is necessary for life rather than being caught up with pious denials; particularly during Lent. He says he was cheered by a recent reading at Mass where a group is bewailing the fact that their “good deeds” go unnoticed Read more
Ashes on Second Sunday of Lent!
Thursday, February 25th, 2021
Large congregations of Auckland Catholics are likely to finally receive their Ash Wednesday ashes on the second Sunday of Lent! Auckland diocese spokeswoman Dame Lyndsay Freer said many of Auckland’s 189,000 Catholics had not received the ashes as they usually would on Ash Wednesday. This was because of the Covid alert level 3 then alert Read more
Most of us want an increase in income support rates
Thursday, February 25th, 2021Results of polls show 69 percent of us want the government to increase income support rates for those on low incomes and not in paid work. The UMR poll was commissioned by a super-group of NGOs who are pushing to release families from the severe constraints of poverty. The group includes unions, social service NGOs, Read more
Church stands up for youth; opposes proposed Police powers
Thursday, February 25th, 2021
Oranga Tamariki’s new youth justice bill is getting some hefty opposition from the Archdiocese of Wellington EJP Commission, Challenge 2000 and the Attorney General’s Office. Their submissions challenge the Oranga Tamariki (Youth Justice Demerit Points) Amendment Bill’s proposal that a system of demerit points be assigned by police to young offenders. This system would enable Read more
Government spends $400m, helps 12 families into homes
Thursday, February 25th, 2021The 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
Psychologist claims chronic failings in mental health services
Thursday, February 25th, 2021A 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
New Zealand newborns’ surnames might surprise
Monday, February 22nd, 2021
Few might guess at the 10 most common surnames given to New Zealand’s newborn’s last year. Our diversity is reflected in these 10 names, according to the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Jeff Montgomery. The most common surname across New Zealand last year was Singh, with just under 400 babies registered under that name. Read more
Vinnies Youth impress pensioners
Monday, February 22nd, 2021
Youth branch members of St Vincent de Paul – aka Vinnies Youth – helped redirect about 13,000 free school lunches during last week’s level 3 lockdown in Auckland. The recipients – Auckland pensioners – were reportedly “stunned” to receive the lunches. About 8,000 free school lunches were ready last Monday and another 5,000 were ready Read more