Dunedin’s Catholic Social Services (CCS) director Ian Donnelly says that while investment in housing would be part of a solution to South Dunedin’s socioeconomic deprivation, the real key was jobs. South Dunedin is the most deprived area in Otago, according to the latest Socioeconomic Deprivation Index, ”Meaningful work that gives people a decent income to Read more
Wellington’s iconic St Mary of the Angels church in Boulcott St is no closer to raising $9.5 million for earthquake proofing despite assistance last week from Wellington City Council. An amendment to the council’s budget, proposed at last week’s council meeting by Iona Pannett, was passed, giving 133 historic buildings five years of rates remissions. Read more
A man is in hospital with serious injuries after he was beaten up at an Auckland mosque. Haider Lone, immediate past president of the NZ Muslim Association and administrator of the Avondale Islamic Centre, says he fears for his life as he believes the attack was an assassination attempt. Yesterday, police and security were again Read more
Schoolboy rugby sensation Daniel Tupou has crowned an unbelievable seven days with a stunning second hat trick of tries. Up of 1,200 supporters gathered on the Eastern Bays Sacred Heart College number one rugby ground to witness the giant, Tongan-born, 135kg prop who pulled off a sensational three tries last week. Sacred Heart old boys, Read more
Bishop of Auckland, Patrick Dunn, says he believes the documentary film The Third Way, is ‘thought-provoking.’ The New Zealand bishop suggests those interested view it and make their own decision about it. The Third Way is a 38-minute documentary from Indiana-based Blackstone Films in which Catholics with same-sex attraction talk about their faith and their lives. “The initial response has Read more
The Government is launching a partnership with the Bank of New Zealand, the Salvation Army and Good Shepherd New Zealand, a Catholic Charitable Trust, to provide people on low incomes with sustainable credit. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said poor people are tempted by easily available credit. She said the scheme offers those people credit with Read more
During a meeting with the Pope in Rome, New Zealand’s Governor General, Sir Jerry Mateparae has invited Pope Francis to visit New Zealand. Mateparae wrote on his Facebook page: “Our audience with Pope Francis was a very special occasion for us today.” “Pope Francis was well informed about New Zealand. He was most interested in Read more
There will be a three-day National Youth Ministry Conference in Auckland from Saturday 24 through Monday 26 May The conference will focus on formation and networking for youth and young adult leaders. It is aimed at those who lead ministries with young people and those engaged in youth ministry within their diocese, tertiary, schools, movements, Read more
Auckland City Missioner Diane Robertson has said her staff have reported a rise in clients showing symptoms of solvent abuse. However, it was too early to indicate it is linked to withdrawal from synthetic highs, as many of her clients have stockpiled the drugs, she said. Mrs Robertson said she is monitoring a group of Read more
The haunting sound of the conch shell welcomed more than 80 Bishops from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, the Pacific Island nations and New Zealand at a powhiri (welcome ceremony) in the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Wellington New Zealand last Monday. The Mass that followed incorporated some aspects of the pasifika cultures that are Read more