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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
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Results 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
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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
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The 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
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A 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
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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
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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
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Ninety-four New Zealand schools – including at least 11 Catholic schools – are at risk of flooding. Niwa says sea level changes could create flooding around school buildings and roads. Then it would be difficult for children to get to and from their classrooms. Infrastructure would be affected. Seawater in pipes would cause school toilets Read more
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The housing crisis is seeing more than 4000 children growing up in motels across New Zealand, devastating parents who are desperate to find a permanent place for their kids to live. Skyrocketing house prices are prompting many landlords to sell, forcing up rents which are becoming unaffordable for many families. Figures released to Checkpoint show Read more
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A brand-new family home built in 10 weeks? It’s possible. Off-site building manufacturer Concision and house building company Versatile Pukekohe have announced they recently built a four bedroom, two bathroom house, in just 10 weeks from start to finish. The house was built from 43 prefabricated panels manufactured in Concision’s Rolleston factory over two days. Read more
Mr Alex McNaughten