The proposed bill provided for both physician-assisted euthanasia (PAE) and physician-assisted suicide (PAS).

The Bill was introduced in 2012 but was withdrawn in September 2013.

The reason given for this action was to avoid the bill becoming a distraction, should it have been drawn before the 2014 election.

The Labour Leadership did not want it debated during an election year.

Street had pledged to return the bill to the ballot immediately after the election.

She said "this will be one of my first actions".

At the time it was introduced the New Zealand Catholic Bishops issued a statement in which they said, "There are many reasons why people object to legalising euthanasia and/or assisted-suicide."

"While these can include religious and moral ones, our concern is to point out the social dangers of such a law change."

Right to Life has written to David Cunliffe and to each of the members of the Labour caucus requesting that they recognise that this dangerous bill is a poison chalice that is likely to be detrimental to the party's future chances of election.

Right to life has asked them to take immediate action to ensure that in the interest of the vulnerable in society and indeed the Labour Party itself, that the End of Life Choices be finally and permanently rejected.

GayNZ.com has reported that Street, a three-term MP and past president of the Labour Party, is "devastated" at Labour's collapse in the polls.

Source

• Right to life Press release
• GayNZ.com
• Image: TV3 News

The aim of the forum is to highlight the issue of child poverty in New Zealand. An estimated 270,000 children (1 in 4 children) in New Zealand live in poverty.

Click here to read the Child Poverty Action Group Report.

Archbishop John states that "Children are among our most vulnerable citizens. We all have a responsibility to care for them and to ensure they have what they need to survive and thrive".

Children's Commissioner Dr Russell Wills will give a key note address.

Archbishop John Dew and Bishop Justin Duckworth will offer a short presentation on a Christian perspective on poverty.

Other speakers include:

• David Cunliffe Leader Labour
• Peter Dunn Leader United Future
• Hone Harawira Leader Mana
• Te Ururoa Flavell Co-Leader Maori
• Metiria Turei Co-Leader Green Party
• Chris Finlayson Attorney General National

New Zealand First is yet to confirm a spokesperson.

The Forum will take place at St Paul's Anglican Cathedral on Tuesday 5 August.

Snacks and drinks will be provided at 5:45pm.

The forum itself will begin at 6:30pm starting with whakatau and prayer.

There will be opportunities for people to share in small groups.

The forum also provides an event specifically for young people with a Young Voter Forum beginning at 8.15pm.

There will also be a few displays on the general topic of poverty and a few books on sale.

Source

• Supplied by Mary-Ann Greaney, Justice, Peace and Development, Catholic Centre, Wellington.
• Image: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand