Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has published its first Te Reo Māori version of the Lenten reflection programme, a booklet used for reflection, prayer and discussion of the Gospels during Lent. Julianne Hickey, Director of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand says the Catholic Church recognises the importance of ensuring that people can pray, discuss and listen to Read more
Posts Tagged ‘Caritas NZ’
Caritas helping Cyclone victims in Tonga
Tuesday, February 4th, 2014
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is continuing to support Caritas Tonga to assist communities to recover and rebuild after Tropical Cyclone Ian devastated the Ha’apai islands of Tonga three weeks ago. It is estimated that 75 per cent of buildings in Ha’apai have been destroyed or have major damage. Crops, infrastructure and water supplies also having Read more
One month on and one million donated to Philippines recovery
Friday, December 13th, 2013One month on from Typhoon Haiyan, more than 10 million Filipinos are working hard to rebuild their lives. ‘With a million homes damaged or destroyed and the livelihoods of 5 million people impacted, the scale of need is immense’, says Caritas director Julianne Hickey. ‘However, we’re enormously grateful for the generosity of New Zealanders to Read more
Water shortage after 4 month drought in Ha’apai
Tuesday, December 10th, 2013
A four-month drought in the central Tongan island group of Ha’apai is putting stress on drinking water supplies already diminished by saltwater intrusion. Some people – especially women and children mostly affected by the water shortage – from the more remote communities are needing to travel long distances to get water from churches and schools Read more
Kumara in Tonga, food for all
Tuesday, December 10th, 2013
“The kumara does not tell of how sweet it is” says an old Maori proverb. For Funaki Vehekite, 53, the sweet potato is all the sweeter because it allows him to support his family and keep his five children in school. At his farm in Tongatapu, Tonga’s largest island, he also produces food crops such as kape, Read more
Caritas restructure aimed at fuller engagement of Catholic Community
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is embarking on a transformation process as its support base grows, and to meet the challenges of a constantly changing world. ‘These are new and exciting times for us,” says Director Julianne Hickey. “We’ve been engaged for a year in reviewing our structures and processes – with all staff involved, and Read more
Hope remains in the Philippines
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013
A cross stands high over the city of Palo, a little askew and battered by the wind but holding on strong – a symbol of hope. Much has been written about Super Typhoon Haiyan and the destruction it left in its wake. The destruction is as bad as I’ve seen, and I’ve been to many Read more
New Zealander heading global team in the Philippines relief effort
Tuesday, November 26th, 2013
Mark Mitchell, an emergency response expert with Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, is on the ground in the Philippines, leading a global response team for the international Caritas network. Mark leads the humanitarian work programme of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. He has worked in emergencies in Kosovo, Africa and Christchurch. In the Philippines he is heading Read more
Typhoon Haiyan: Faith in action
Tuesday, November 19th, 2013
Mulvarosa Pibilra Perote is one of more than 500 survivors of Typhoon Haiyan who are taking shelter in a seminary in Tacloban city. The building has been turned into an evacuation centre, where Caritas and its partners are delivering aid. Mulvarosa, a 57-year-old grandmother, was at home when the storm hit, along with five of Read more
Caritas launches Typhoon Haiyan appeal
Tuesday, November 12th, 2013
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has launched an Appeal and will contribute at least NZ$100,000 to relief efforts in the Philippines following the deadly impact of super-Typhoon Haiyan on 8 November. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is working through NASSA (Caritas Philippines) along with other Caritas member agencies. Teams are assessing immediate needs for food, water, clothing Read more