The announcement of the People’s Party got a frosty reception from NZ First leader Winston Peters. Peters says a move to set up a new ethnicity-based political party for Asian and Indian immigrants is a “an extraordinary demand” which will harm New Zealand. The People’s Party has been set up and acting leader Rohan Nauhria. Read more
Sexual abuse claims that have not been substantiated make it impossible for alleged perpetrators to litigate the claims against them. A group for clergy sex-abuse victims made false statements “negligently and with reckless disregard for the truth” against a St. Louis priest to try to convict him on abuse charges, a federal judge has ruled. Read more
A West Coast public health expert says it is unlikely the region will ever hit immunisation targets. West Coast District Health Board (DHB) had the lowest baby immunisation rate in the country from April to June this year. The West Coast has several religious groups that do not believe in immunisation, including the Gloriavale Christian Read more
Non-violence: A Style of Politics for Peace. This is the theme Pope Francis has chosen for the next World Day of Peace, to be celebrated on January 1, 2017. Pope Francis has talked about the worrisome surge of violence that has taken over the world. On his trip to Poland in July he said the Read more
The burkini ban controversy continues in France. A French court on Friday (Saturday NZ Time) suspended a ban on full-body “burkini” swimsuits imposed by a Mediterranean resort that has angered Muslims, feminists and civil liberties campaigners. The Council of State’s ruling against Villeneuve-Loubet is expected to set a precedent for the dozens of other French towns Read more
Disney-themed burkinis are making a splash in New Zealand, spurred by a woman’s desire to help Muslim girls and women lead more active lives. Merissa Santoso has lived here for about five years. A keen swimmer, she sought to buy a burkini – modest women’s swimwear covering the head and body – to wear in Read more
“Strange Occurrences in a small Irish village” opens in Irish cinemas on Friday. The film’s title is derived from the international press coverage at the time [Our Lady appeared there]. The film develops a fascinating, vibrant portrait of the phenomenon by examining the vast patchwork of individuals and groups involved. It presents a balanced opportunity Read more
Hundreds of Māori students marched to New Zealand’s parliament today calling for freedom for West Papua. The march was met at the steps of parliament by MPs from various political parties, who spoke of their concern about Indonesian state oppression in the Papua region. Continue reading
Pope Francis turned his weekly general audience into a prayer service, leading the recitation of the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary after a major earthquake hit central Italy, virtually destroying one town and affecting many others. “On hearing the news of the earthquake that has struck central Italy and which has devastated many areas and Read more