A new documentary from Frank Films shines the light on the history of the way in which people with disabilities have been treated in New Zealand. The filmmakers interview some of the people who spent much of their young lives in psychopaedic institutions in New Zealand. These were situated at Templeton, Braemar, near Nelson, Kimberley, near Levin, Read more
The Auckland City Mission says over the last few years, demand for food has continually and dramatically increased. Food insecurity, or food poverty, is defined as not having enough appropriate food. The City Mission says information about food insecurity in New Zealand is outdated and sparse. But research led by the mission’s general manager of Read more
The NZ Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has rejected a complaint by Terry Bellamak about a pro-life billboard. Bellamak is the head of the Abortion Law Reform Association of NZ (ALRANZ). Bellamak submitted an official complaint calling Voice For Life’s (VFL) billboard (pictured above) on Cuba Street in Wellington “offensive” and claiming that it violated rules around ‘social Read more
Would any of the politicians who opposed the marriage equality bill have voted differently if it had passed today? Greta Yeoman asked them. Just over five years ago, New Zealand politicians voted 77-44 to legalise gay marriage, making this country the 13th in the world to do so. Of the 44 politicians who voted against Read more
Places of worship in Palmerston North are opening their doors for people to pray for world peace. People are invited to join in prayers as part of the International Week of Prayer for World Peace, with different churches hosting prayers throughout the week. Palmerston North Interfaith Council spokeswoman Mary Eastham said the group had celebrated Read more
People with a passion for the Christ Church Cathedral got to go beyond the fences today, the closest the public has been allowed since the earthquakes. Plans are still being drafted for the rebuild of the cathedral, but today’s visit attracted those who worked inside its walls for decades. Read more
Two survivor groups are at acrimonious odds over the Dunedin diocese’s commercial agreement for helping abuse survivors. In March, the diocese struck a memorandum of understanding with the Male Survivors of Aotearoa (MSA) support group. The document details the process where abuse survivors are referred to MSA, which in turn will help survivors access counselling Read more
Submitters to the Parliamentary committee on abortion legislation are accusing Justice Minister, Andrew Little of undemocratic behaviour; rushing through liberalised abortion laws. They are angry their voices are denied a hearing by the special Select Committee taking public input on his Abortion Legislation Bill. Committee chair, Ruth Dyson, Wednesday, announced the committee would only hear Read more
People living on New Zealand streets are being spotlighted by New Zealand’s Big Sleep Out, hosted, December 7 in Petone. “The homelessness situation (in New Zealand) is a little different to what is happening overseas. “It’s people living in overcrowded houses, cars and garages – not so much people out on the streets (though) there’s plenty of Read more
Cardinal John Dew has referred to the Vatican the handling of historic sexual offending within the Dunedin Diocese. The period under review is when Bishop John Kavanagh was bishop. Recently Pope Francis’ published new procedures for making bishops accountable for their actions and non-actions. The new procedures give power to a Metropolitan Archbishop to refer Read more