The group speaking on behalf of Te Whanau o Hato Petera Trust Board claim they are a “fully constituted entity with responsibility for providing quality pastoral care for Maori students attending Hato Petera College.” They say they are disappointed that the Catholic Diocese of Auckland does not recognise their legality. “We absolutely reject this unfortunate Read more
A pair of young Invercargill filmmakers have collected another round of awards. Verdon College Year 12 students Liam van Eeden and Jean-Martin Fabre picked up five awards last week for their short films Rewind and Message in a Bottle. At the awards ceremony in Wellington on December 5, the short film won the Leadership award, Best Read more
With rising global fervour against Isis, Kiwi Muslims are suffering marginalisation and abuse from fellow New Zealanders. This week has been particularly bad. SIS boss Rebecca Kitteridge on Tuesday revealed a rise in the number of young New Zealand women heading to Iraq and Syria. A 14-year-old girl ignores the taunts from her peers as Read more
“I had a very challenging year and wasn’t always as happy as I may have seemed.” It was not a typical start to an end-of-year prizegiving speech, but that’s exactly what Timaru’s Roncalli College head boy Josh Batchelor wanted. The popular 18-year-old stood in front of hundreds of people on Thursday night to announce that Read more
St Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Remuera has put up a billboard showing Mary and Joseph as refugees on a leaky boat being turned away from the European coast. Minister Reverend Glynn Cardy had previously been behind controversial billboards at St Matthew-in-the-city – including one showing Mary and Joseph in bed with the caption, “Poor Joseph, Read more
Asked how many people in 100 they believed did not affiliate with any religion, New Zealanders responded 49 people. In fact, 37 out of 100 people do not affiliate with any religion. Religious affiliation was one of the 11 features surveyed. This response is just one of the questions posed in an Ipsos MORI Perils of Read more
The Catholic Diocese of Auckland has expressed concern about the misinformation given to students of Hato Petera College and their whanau about the future of the school’s boarding hostels. The facilities are owned by the Catholic Diocese of Auckland, and it has confirmed that the boarding hostels will not be available in 2016. The diocese says it was surprised by a Read more
An Auckland restaurant has ignited debate after organising a traditional Dutch Christmas celebration featuring characters in blackface. But its owner says the costumes are part of a old tradition, and the event is just harmless fun for children. Popular Birkenhead eatery Dutch Delight has had a visit from Sinterklaas (Santa Claus), and his helper Black Read more
This summer will bring about a huge change for Jamie Allen. Without hesitation, the Taranaki Cathedral Dean will be able to don a short-sleeved shirt and hit the beach with his family. “It’s incredibly liberating,” said Allen, who has spent the past six years consciously covering the tattoos that cover much of his body. Aware Read more
Has the former Vatican embassy in Wellington been snapped up by Sir Peter Jackson? The large brick building, which is located off Queens Dr in Lyall Bay, is surrounded by high trees and gates with signs warning people not to enter. On Tuesday a neighbour said rumours were circulating that Jackson was the new owner. Continue Read more