The Peace and Justice Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Auckland has joined in the Bishops’ call for transparency and democratic participation in the negotiations over the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement. They say these negotiations and provisions raise ethical issues in terms of the kind of country New Zealand is and violate basic principles of Read more
New Zealand
New Zealand’s shocking child abuse statistics
Friday, June 5th, 2015A child is admitted to a New Zealand hospital every second day with injuries arising from either assault, neglect or maltreatment, research says. Nearly half of them are aged under five. The figures on child abuse, which are likely under reported, are contained in a 2012 report prepared for the Ministry of Health by the Read more
Teacher censured over serious misconduct
Friday, June 5th, 2015Melanie Hendriks who initiated sexual relationships with the St John’s College pupils when she was a drama teacher at the Hamilton schoolhas lost her teacher’s license. The disciplinary tribunal said her actions amounted to serious misconduct, and referred her to the police. The council’s decision said Hendriks “accepts the particulars” of the charge and that Read more
Educators recognised in Queen’s Birthday honours
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015
Four Catholic educators have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their contribution to education. Maretta Tuasivi Solomon and Pulotu Arthur Solomon have been made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Elizabeth Horgan has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of merit. Anne Miles has been made a Member Read more
NZ Bishops waive marriage annulment fees
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops have decided the Marriage Tribunal will no longer charge fees for the marriage annulment process. “The Tribunal process is an important pastoral ministry within the Church at a very difficult time in people’s lives,” said Cardinal John Dew, Moderator of the Tribunal. “The Bishops wanted to ensure that cost was Read more
Social impact bonds: the needy as an investment opportunity
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015
Private investors are about be given the opportunity to invest in and make money from the provision of social services. The Government has given the green light to piloting social impact bonds in New Zealand. Social impact bonds are a way for non government entities to partner in delivering social outcomes – and be rewarded Read more
Doctors call for stricter alcohol laws
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015New Zealand’s top medical body had called for a clampdown on our rampant boozing, including banning advertising, raising the drinking age, and increasing taxes. In a “briefing” published last week, the New Zealand Medical Association says the Government needs to intervene more heavily in the liquor industry for the nation’s collective health. “We consider it Read more
St Pius X pupils enjoy trip to the Poor Knights Islands.
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015Swimming with stingrays and exploring the Rikoriko Cave were the top highlights for two St Pius X School pupils who have just got back from a trip to the Poor Knights Islands. Bethanie Luke, 9, and Catherine Butler, 10, of New Plymouth, joined children from around the country for a diving expedition in the islands’ Read more
Brian Tamaki shocked by Irish vote
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015The Destiny church’s Bishop Brian Tamaki is shocked by Catholic stronghold Ireland’s decision to legalise gay marriage. Tamaki thinks he might have to “move to Limerick next after this”. A whole generation of children will be bisexual because the “perversion of homosexuality is leading the charge,” he says. “Gaypower, that spirit is so powerful it’s Read more
Nave of Christchurch Catholic Cathedral may be retained
Friday, May 29th, 2015
The Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, Barry Jones, has announced a $45 million plan to partially restore the Christchurch Catholic cathedral. The rebuilt Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament would include a part of the original building, but would not entirely replicate it. Some areas, including the sanctuary, cannot be saved. And because of budget constraints and Read more