Climate change is already affecting our lives in so many ways, but spare a thought for our creepy crawly friends, and the effect that hotter temperatures are having on their sex lives. A study published in the journal Ecology and Evolution has suggested that increasing temperatures are causing insects to change their colouring to avoid Read more
New Zealand
Christchurch diocese has illicit order of nuns in residence
Monday, July 22nd, 2024
Christchurch diocese has a little known apparently illicit order of nuns living in plain sight and appealing for donations for their work. Although the women claim to be Catholic nuns called The Daughters of The Most Holy Redeemer, the Church does not recognise them. A Christchurch diocese spokesperson says the Sons of The Most Holy Read more
St Peter’s principal’s significant impact praised
Monday, July 22nd, 2024
Anita Asumadu, the principal of St Peter’s Catholic School in Cambridge, is surely going to be missed. Asumadu (pictured surrounded by pupils) made a positive difference to St Peter’s during her 10-year leadership term, the Cambridge News says. A quick scan of her achievements show she has done the school community proud. When she was Read more
Priest defrocked – NZ Bishops ensuring more accountability
Monday, July 22nd, 2024
Abuse in church contexts “has been a widespread problem” that is now being dealt with, according to Professor David Tombs, the Howard Paterson Chair of Theology and Public Issues at the University of Otago. It’s been prevalent in the Catholic Church, in other churches and within wider society, he says. Tomb’s view is shared by Read more
Weddings – “It’s about the couple”: Growing number of Kiwis choosing to elope
Monday, July 22nd, 2024It’s thought traditional weddings are falling out of favour as growing numbers of couples opt to elope. Those in the sector have noticed a rising demand for packages in the last six months, as more soon-to-weds choose to tie the knot alone, or with few guests. New Zealand Dream Weddings owner Donna Dohi believes it’s Read more
Rare McCahon stained glass window up for auction
Monday, July 22nd, 2024A Colin McCahon artwork, long thought to be lost, is going under the hammer later this month. McCahon is famous for his landscapes, abstract art and painted text, but this piece is a rare stained glass window. One of 12 stained glass windows he created will be offered as part of an auction at the Read more
Bullying plagues all NZ schools and is taken seriously at St Benedict’s
Thursday, July 18th, 2024
All incidents of reported bullying have always been taken seriously says the board of an under-fire Catholic school. The board of St Benedict’s School, Khandallah says investigations into past events were undertaken and there were consequences where appropriate. “The board, principal and staff remain committed to continual improvement in this space” said board presiding member Read more
Sons of The Most Holy Redeemer claim human rights violated
Thursday, July 18th, 2024
The Congregation of The Sons of The Most Holy Redeemer say Bishop Michael Gielen’s orders to expel them from the diocese and prevent them from celebrating sacraments are human rights violations. Legal action could be pending, a lay community member says. The Congregation of The Sons of The Most Holy Redeemer says they have grave Read more
Government disbands its modern slavery advisory group
Thursday, July 18th, 2024
Combating modern slavery is taking a back seat in New Zealand. Proposed legislation will not now go ahead. The Government has also disbanded a group set up to provide advice on this international crime. Members of the former Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group say that, by failing to act, New Zealand will fall behind its Read more
Academic launches podcast to talk about mental health from ‘Samoan perspective’
Thursday, July 18th, 2024A newly released podcast presented in the Samoan language aims to reduce stigma around mental health. Called Fau Gagana – a Samoan nurse’s perceptive on mental health, provides general information, as well as interpretations on mental wellbeing from a Samoan perspective. Auckland University of Technology’s nursing lecturer, Dr Ioana Mulipola, says the idea for the Read more