Dunedin South has its share of challenges. Last Saturday over 50 people gathered at the Mercy Parish community centre in Dunedin South to discuss how they could empower their communities to respond locally and ‘weave bonds of belonging’. They heard about what one participant described as an oncoming “demographic tsunami” of an aging population. Other Read more
Mark Zuckerberg says he wants Facebook users to start playing a similar role to pastors in churches; bringing communities together. “People who go to church are more likely to volunteer and give to charity — not just because they’re religious, but because they’re part of a community,” he said. “A church doesn’t just come together. It Read more
Recently I was asked to speak at a local Catholic women’s group. It had been awhile since I’d put on my speaking shoes, and I was genuinely excited. That is, until I was given my topic. Fellowship, they said. Fellowship? I couldn’t help but wince. Not suffering? Prayer? Family discord? Keeping the faith during crisis?? Nope, Read more
The diversity of Wellington city and mid-winter were celebrated by St Mary of the Angels parish in Wellington on Saturday. Well over a thousand people attended the event called “Festival of the Stars – Ave Maris Stella,” held at St Patrick’s College, Wellington. Sponsored by St Mary of the Angels, the singing, music, dance and food Read more
A claim has been made that community groups are being muzzled by fears that speaking out against Government policies will result in funding cuts. An organisation, which wished to remain anonymous, has told Radio New Zealand about subtle threats from a cabinet minister it refused to name. It said the fear of being punished financially Read more
While growing up in the Dominican Republic, Ana Garcia-Ashley lived on a dirt road that always had plenty of traffic, making it too dangerous a place for neighborhood children to play. One morning, her grandmother got fed up with the situation and decided to take action. She went door to door, rounding up other concerned Read more
Last month Wellington hosted the four-yearly plenary assembly of the bishops of the Federation of Catholic Bishops of Oceania (FCBCO). But it would be no surprise if anyone attending the opening Mass thought they had been carried off to the Pacific Islands, with the vibrant contribution of the Samoan and Tokelauan communities. It was one Read more
“When I think of a Kiwi, I think of someone who is mixed race, whether that’s half Pakeha, half Māori, or part Tongan. That’s just the norm now. And I think that’s a good thing about New Zealand. Most people are very accepting.” Nearly one quarter of all Māori live in the Auckland region, far away Read more
Religious persecution of Muslims in Burma has resulted in bloodshed and displaced entire communities. But grassroots initiatives have also emerged to counter the hatred. Ashin Issariya appears unassuming, but the quiet demeanour quickly changes when he has something to say. In the pre-dawn light of Burma’s nascent reform process the Buddhist monk and former Saffron Read more
St Teresa’s Parish in Karori, Wellington, started a community garden in 2010. This year has been its most productive year The garden works with the stages of the moon and they are currently readying the planter boxes for winter, says regular gardener Janet O’Reilly. The garden has brought many community members together as volunteers. “Symbolically Read more