New Zealand

World-first study reveals mental toll of March 15 mosque terror attacks

Monday, November 4th, 2024

More than half of the survivors of the 2019 Christchurch mosque terrorist attacks have suffered long-term mental health effects in the aftermath, a new study has found. A University of Otago, Christchurch study found more than 60 percent of participants from the Christchurch Muslim community suffered from mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression Read more

Vegetable growers fight for survival

Monday, November 4th, 2024

As Jay Clarke mulls the future of the commercial vegetable-growing business based on the fertile plains of the Horowhenua that his family has built into the region’s largest over the last 46 years, his voice begins to tremor. “I don’t think I’d want my kids to do this,” says the 42-year old father of two. Read more

New Zealand has built good structures to address abuse

Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Oceania

The first-ever annual report of the Vatican Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors states that New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific Islands, North America and Europe have all created adequate structures to address abuse. The report notes that Africa, Asia and South America lag behind in creating these structures due to a lack of Read more

Dunedin survey finds half city’s teens feel unsafe in town

Thursday, October 31st, 2024
survey

New survey results have Trinity Catholic College principal Kate Nicholson (pictured) concerned. They show over half Dunedin’s teenage girl respondents feel unsafe in the inner city. Nicholson and Dunedin Student Council president Rohan O’Shea led the survey of 1300 Dunedin secondary students after schoolboy Enere McLaren-Taana’s fatal stabbing earlier this year. It aimed to see Read more

Catholic Bishop Pompallier’s question could see Treaty amended

Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Catholic Bishop

Catholic Bishop Jean Baptiste Pompallier’s question to Governor William Hobson – and his response – concerning the Crown’s care of Māori should be enshrined as the Treaty of Waitangi’s fourth article. So theologian Alistair Reese told Parliament’s Petitions Committee last week. The written text of the Treaty – Te Tiriti o Waitangi – includes a Read more

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tolaga Bay marks 100 years with special mass

Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tolaga Bay

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tolaga Bay celebrated 100 years this month with a special mass of thanksgiving led by Bishop Richard Laurenson from the Hamilton Diocese. About 70 people attended the mass including the Filipino choir which led the singing. Parish priest Mark Field said it was a good turnout on a perfect spring Read more

Catholic-owned gravel pit to be upgraded after council threatens enforcement

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

A Catholic-owned “gravel pit” – one of central Christchurch’s last remaining rogue gravel car parks – may be upgraded by Christmas, after threats of enforcement action by the city council. The car park, on the corner of Armagh St and Colombo St, which is owned by the Catholic diocese but operated by Wilson Parking, has Read more

NZ ethnic leaders repeat calls for greater input in policy

Monday, October 21st, 2024
Ethnic leaders

Ethnic leaders in New Zealand are repeating their calls for greater participation in shaping government policy. They have already met with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and on 10 October met with Opposition leader Chris Hipkins and several senior members of the Labour Party. Specific concerns The ethnic leaders told Hipkins and his cohorts they are Read more

Aid to the Church in Need working 24/7 for Lebanese christians

Monday, October 21st, 2024
Aid to the Church in Need

Aid to the Church in Need says christians in Lebanon need help. They are being caught in the crossfire as Israel expands its targets in its war with Hezbollah militants. The attacks aim to eliminate the threat of Hezbollah strikes on northern Israel. Bernard Toutounji, National Director of Aid for the Church in Need (ACN) Read more

Brian McGuinness and Erskine Chapel upgrade honoured

Monday, October 21st, 2024

Success in Wellington was celebrated on Friday at the 2024 Wellington Address at Pipitea Marae. Brian McGuinness, the Wellington Company, Erskine Chapel Restoration, Doug Hauraki and Adrian Orr were acknowledged. The event acknowledged the exceptional contributions of four of the city’s most influential business leaders who have helped Wellington’s business community prosper. Lifelong dedication to Read more