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
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
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
A 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
A Dunedin city councillor has apologised to the family of slain teenager Enere McLaren-Taana for her role in organising a public vigil against their wishes. Enere, 16, a pupil at Trinity Catholic College, died after being stabbed at the Dunedin bus hub on May 23. About a week later, the Dunedin City Council scheduled a Read more
Outgoing Mission Estate winemaker Paul Mooney has been overseeing the Mission’s entire wine production process for 45 years. It’s a giant chunk of one man’s life – and not a “same old, same old” sort of life. “Every vintage is different. There are challenges with each — some vintages are easier than others, but I Read more
The Auckland diocese has formally purchased the 6.23-hectare Ascension vineyard for Holy Name parish in Warkworth. The unconditional purchase means the former vineyard will become the parish’s new home. The parish’s current church and other local sites will be put up for sale in the coming months. Settlement on the purchase will take place in Read more
Study groups at October’s second synod assembly in Rome will look closely at several hot-button issues identified at last year’s synod. Women deacons, the ministry of bishops, and synodal formation for future priests are some of these issues. Mainly male groups, none local The Vatican says 15 study groups will work together to tease out Read more
Samoan Church Ministers from the EFKS denominations are stepping up as key players in public health. Reverend figures like Rev Elder Victor Pouesi from Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa (EFKS) Magele I Sasa’e I Puaseisei, have long been vocal advocates for their communities, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rev Pouesi said Faifeaus (church ministers) are essential Read more
Northlanders wanting to buy their first home but struggling to save a deposit are being offered a helping hand through Habitat for Humanity. The charity was providing the largest number of affordable houses to be built in Whangārei, with 24 homes under way in Tikipunga and Kensington, northern region chief executive Conrad LaPointe said. It Read more