More palliative care investment is needed in New Zealand, says Royal College of GPs medical director Dr Bryan Betty. He’s concerned about ACT Party leader David Seymour’s desire to widen the End of Life Choice Act criteria. Seymour argues the change is necessary, as many who want assisted suicide are “missing out”. Seymour says this Read more
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand would like to see tangible action instead of promises to help offset climate change effects. Caritas Director Mena Antonio says she “is deeply concerned that carbon-cutting commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change still leave the world facing a 2.5C temperature rise. “And that’s if countries deliver on their promises,” Read more
Pacific people looking for affordable, safe and culturally suitable quality housing will have something to look forward to with the launch of New Zealand’s first housing strategy specific to their needs. The Fale mo Aiga: Pacific Housing Strategy and Action Plan 2030 was launched on Monday by the Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio Read more
Conflict has erupted at a Kaipara District Council meeting over a mayor’s decision to shutdown a wahine Māori councillor wishing to recite karakia, before the opening of business. The Council met for the first time Wednesday under new Mayor Craig Jepson, elected at October’s local body elections. As is customary in councils, the opening of Read more
Wairarapa parishioners in Carterton were disappointed to see their parish house hauled away last week. Former parish council member Asrina Hutchinson told Stuff it was sad to see the building go after it played such an important role in the community over the years. “It was a very happy place and very much a parish Read more
It is vital that the bishops who meet next February as the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO) are fully briefed, says Wellington Archdiocese Vicar General, Mons. Gerard Burns. Burns describes his involvement in helping prepare the FCBCO conference as very much “in the background”, but that one of the FCBCO’s main themes Read more
A feature piece on top of a Port Chalmers historical landmark is rock solid thanks to a helicopter which flew in a replacement after the original was blown off in a storm. The Iona Church has been closed to the public for repair work, and is scheduled to reopen in February following an extensive three-stage Read more
Once you turn 18, you’re on your own when it comes to going to the dentist and looking after your teeth. Unlike other parts of the health system, the government doesn’t subsidise dental care for adults, meaning a trip to the dentist can put a serious dent in people’s pockets. Earlier this month, the Association Read more
Hate speech has been the subject of much debate in Parliament lately. Debate has centred on protecting individuals from such speech via the Human Rights Act. It’s been an ongoing question with pros and cons. Should the Act be expanded – or not? The legislation already specifically protects people from being subject to hate speech Read more
The Hastings Hibernian Education Trust is left puzzled that no one has responded to the Trust’s invitation for funding applications. Wanting to help, in mid-September, the Trust emailed the invitations to 160 parishes throughout the country, but a month later, two weeks before applications closed on November 1, no applications had been received. On learning Read more