Private investors are about be given the opportunity to invest in and make money from the provision of social services. The Government has given the green light to piloting social impact bonds in New Zealand. Social impact bonds are a way for non government entities to partner in delivering social outcomes – and be rewarded Read more
The Justice and Peace Commission for the Catholic Diocese of Auckland says that Thursday’s Budget offers welcome relief to vulnerable families. They have welcomed in particular the 2016 increases in family benefit rates and Working for Families payments for low income families. They also are pleased that money has been set aside for planting new Read more
The Emeritus Bishop of Palmerston North, Peter Cullinane, was the keynote speaker at a gathering to mark International Workers Memorial Day. About 50 people gathered at Memorial Park in Palmerston North last week to remember those workers who have been killed whilst at work. Last year 47 people died at work in Aotearoa New Zealand; in 2013 Read more
Lindsey Pointer from Colorado, USA, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study restorative reintegration and rituals of re-entry in New Zealand. “I am excited to expand my understanding of the impact of restorative practices through the opportunity to study in New Zealand, where these practices are well-established and integrated into the justice system,” she Read more
Pope Francis is likely to touch on several topics that could well cause discomfort to US politicians when he speaks there later this year. In September, the Pope will address a joint session of the US Congress and Senate, being the first Roman pontiff to do so. What Francis might say on that occasion was Read more
Mass arrests are reported to have been carried out in West Papua on the anniversary of Indonesia’s annexation of the province. In the provincial capital, Jayapura, 30 people were arrested at a rally against Indonesian rule. A person who was at the rally, Rosa, says there was a heavy security presence in the city, and as soon Read more
Cardinal John Dew recently joined protesters concerned about empty Housing New Zealand properties and growing urgent housing lists. Dew told about 50 people at the protest on March 21 that 34,000 New Zealanders were either homeless or living in insecure homes. Good quality, safe shelter was a basic human right and New Zealand had a Read more
The Bishop of Palmerston North, Charles Drennan, was among a number of politicians, lecturers and religious leaders who spoke to a crowd of about 500 gathered in the city’s Square at the third anti Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) event to be held in the city in the past year. Drennan said there was growing Read more