New Zealand

Safe places needed for homeless to sleep

Monday, November 27th, 2023
homeless

There are more homeless people than ever, and safe places to sleep are both essential and in short supply. Dunedin’s Night Shelter Trust says immediate and long-term solutions are essential. The Night Shelter currently provides beds, bathroom and laundry facilities for six homeless people. It’s fundraising to provide for six more. That’s just a temporary Read more

Hard working New Plymouth volunteer honoured for her service to St Vincent de Paul

Monday, November 27th, 2023

When Gabrielle Carman was invited to a friend’s place for lunch last week she had no idea it was a setup. Her host said he would invite some other people, but when Carman got there she was surprised to find out just how many other people there were, she said. Most of them from Vincent Read more

“Joyous news” – Apostolic Nuncio beginning rehab

Monday, November 27th, 2023

The New Zealand catholic Bishops’ Conference has announced what it describes as “joyous news”. Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, our Apostolic Nuncio, has been moved to Kenepuru Hospital from Wellington Hospital to begin his rehabilitation proper, following the stroke he suffered last month. Because of the intense rehab work Archbishop Novatus is doing, we have been asked Read more

‘Mary’s Closet’ fills a gap in local social services

Monday, November 27th, 2023

When newcomers to Mary’s Closet first arrive, they’re often surprised. That’s because the space — which houses clothing, baby items, household products and more for families in need — feels more like a little shop than a typical social services facility. “We really, really wanted it to feel like a fun little boutique, like a Read more

Israel-Palestine tragedy has simple solution

Thursday, November 23rd, 2023
Israel-Palestine

Nothing will ever be the same in the Holy Land after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel – and after Israel’s apocalyptic response. So said Francesca Albanese to a Catholic audience in Wellington recently. Albanese is the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. But the Israel-Palestine issue has a simple solution, she Read more

Christian KiwiSaver shows ethical investment can produce returns

Thursday, November 23rd, 2023
Christian KiwiSaver

The Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, a fund established in 2007 aligning investments with Christian values, has demonstrated that ethical investments can produce positive returns. Formerly known as Koinonia, reflecting a biblical sense of fellowship, the scheme rebranded in 2018 and has cemented its distinct position in the market. Managed by The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Read more

Positive outcomes from social investment scheme

Thursday, November 23rd, 2023
social investment

An Auckland youth offending programme is hopeful ongoing funding will be available through a social bond investment. Its success to date has generated optimism for similar future investments under a National-led government. Since its inception six years ago, the Genesis Youth Trust-run programme has reduced youth offending notably. Compared to a similar risk group, participants Read more

Record general practitioner registrar enrolments jump by 25 percent

Thursday, November 23rd, 2023

A record number of medical graduates have signed up to train as general practitioners from next year. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners said 239 doctors would start the three-year training programme in January to specialise in family medicine. Its president, Dr Samantha Murton, said that was a 25 percent increase on previous Read more

New online technologies putting Kiwi kids at risk of sexual abuse

Thursday, November 23rd, 2023

New Zealand’s law enforcement agencies say the internet is increasingly putting kids at risk of of online sexual exploitation. New Zealand Customs Service, New Zealand Police and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) work in partnership to identify child victims and target offenders involved in the online sexual abuse of children, in New Zealand and Read more

Liturgical theologian supports Bishop Gielen’s initiative

Monday, November 20th, 2023
Liturgical theologian - Joe Grayland

Liturgical Theologian Dr Joe Grayland questions why fringe groups such as the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer are tolerated. “They do not belong to the mainstream of the Church and do not follow the ordinary form of the Mass promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969 (Novus Ordo). Last week, NewsHub alleged the Sons of Read more