The Caritas Horn and East Africa appeal which aims to help millions in the worst drought for 60 years has so far raised close to $50,000 in just over a week. Caritas Director Mike Smith said a concerted effort is being made by Caritas members around the world to raise funds and direct aid to Read more
A Liaison and Support Advisor has been appointed to help principals and teachers in Catholic schools living in post-earthquake Christchurch. Karen Payne, principal of St Mary’s School, Hokitika, has been seconded to the position for the rest of the year. The role has been funded by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand in partnership with the New Read more
Does the New Zealand welfare system need an overhaul? Will the Government’s proposed changes achieve reduced reliance on benefits, or only make things more difficult for beneficiaries? For just $1465 you can attend a conference on welfare reform which is discussing these questions. A conference on 20, 21 June at the Amora hotel in Wellington is Read more
On Wednesday a programme began to help Christchurch children and teenagers deal with the emotional impact of the ongoing earthquakes. The programme is being offered to schools and community groups in Christchurch and other cities to which Christchurch children have relocated, with funding support from Catholic social justice agency Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. Caritas has contributed $12,500 Read more
Two Catholic organisations who had been planning participation in Saturday’s post Budget rally in Auckland withdrew support following a New Zealand Herald story about the civil disobedience intentions of some participants. The Herald reported that Meredydd Barrar, spokesman for newly formed Coalition for Social Justice, said that they intended to take action during the World Read more
The 19th General Assembly of Caritas International is taking place in Rome this week and is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the confederation. Over 300 delegates are working on plans to strengthen their service working alongside and on behalf of the poor. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is represented by Director Michael Smith Read more
Catholic social justice agency Caritas has put the government ‘on watch’ for the true impact of ‘re-prioritised spending’ and welfare changes expected later this year, following the 2011 Budget. Caritas director Michael Smith said the Catholic agency had looked for a budget which would protect the human dignity of the nation’s most vulnerable people, while Read more
Most Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand partnerships were maintained in 2010 , despite a difficult financial year. The Catholic aid and development agency, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand released its Annual Report this week. Director Mike Smith said it was extremely gratifying to have strong donor support during a recession, and in a year where government funding Read more
Two Catholic Agencies are bringing winter warmth to Christchurch residents. Caritas is helping provide warm winter clothing for Christchurch residents left out in the cold following the February earthquake. Caritas is partnering with the St Vincent de Paul Society and a Christchurch clothing company for the project. Through donations received nationally on behalf of Christchurch Read more
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has pledged NZ$10,000 towards Caritas relief efforts in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami. Caritas Director Mike Smith says the pledge is one of solidarity with Japan.‘It also recognises the closer ties and empathy felt between Japan and New Zealand in the wake of recent deadly earthquakes that have afflicted both Read more