Finsec: Fair lending in New Zealand
In recent years in New Zealand we have seen a huge increase in personal debt; escalating debt stress in the household, industrial, and commercial sectors; and a global financial crisis. The need for debate and action on these issues has never been greater. In their August 2008 report 'Fairness in lending' sector union Finsec proposes further significant changes to the requirements on, and the regulation and supervision of, the financial sector.
Caritas: Working children need the same protection as adults
"We want to see a code of best practice for the employment of children in delivery work," says Lisa Beech of Caritas. The organisation's latest report finds that children who are employees, rather than contractors, are much more likely to get good working conditions including holiday and sick pay, age-appropriate relief workers, clothing and bike allowances, the most effective information and oversight of health and safety conditions, and the most direct contact with employers.
Food security, selection, and healthy eating in a Pacific Community in Auckland New Zealand
Article in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, by ELAINE RUSH, NAITA PUNIANI, NEIL SNOWLING, JANIS PATERSON. Questions about food were asked of 1376 Pacific Island mothers approximately six weeks after the birth of their baby. Due to lack of money food sometimes ran out in 39.8% of households and in a further 3.8% food often ran out. Food security is a major problem for Pacific families. The environment of food availability, choice and cost requires attention to help close the health gap.
"Rebuilding the Kiwi Dream - a proposal for affordable housing in New Zealand" explains there is an opportunity now to fundamentally reshape New Zealand's housing structure over the next decade, at an affordable price. A new report by Alan Johnson for the Salvation Army's policy unit. Read the Army's backgrounder about the report.
Food insecurity and food bank use: a study by the GeoHealth Laboratory at the University of Canterbury looks at political, individual and environmental factors contributing to food bank use in Christchurch.
The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services works for a just and compassionate society in Aotearoa New Zealand. They see this as a continuation of the mission of Jesus Christ. In seeking to fulfill this mission, NZCCSS are committed to: giving priority to the poor and vulnerable members of our society; Te Tiriti O Waitangi. Their new website is as above, and features a publications library: you can search it using the word "poverty" at http://www.justiceandcompassion.org.nz/site/searchpub.php NZCCSS are currently undertaking a Myths on Poverty project, due June 08.
Auckland Regional Public Health Service have produced a "Healthy Housing" report which summarises selected recent research tracing links between housing and health in the region.
Public Policy Group at the University of Auckland were the recent hosts of a Where to for Welfare forum. Find resources from this event and notices of future events on their website.
National Council of Women have produced a paper called "A Review of the Financial Support for New Zealand's Children" which calls for the Child Tax Credit to be extended to all children
Every Child Counts is a coalition of organisations and individuals whose goal is to see children at the centre of policymaking in New Zealand. It is encouraging political parties to:
When the Invisible Hand Rocks the Cradle: New Zealand Children in a Time of Change
Belgrave, Michael, Alison J. Blaiklock, Eileen Davenport, Ian B. Hassall, Cynthia A. Kiro and Will Low, 2002
This paper investigates the impact of economic and social reforms on the well-being of children. These reforms were among the most sweeping in scope and scale in any industrialized democracy. The reforms have not led to an overall improvement in the well-being of children. There has been widening inequality between ethnic and income groups which has left many Maori and Pacific children, and children from one parent and poorer families, relatively worse off. The New Zealand experience illustrates the vulnerability of children during periods of social upheaval and change and the importance of having effective mechanisms to monitor, protect and promote the interests of children.
Downtown Community Ministry, Wellington
The Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) gives down to earth support to individuals and families and speaks out on social issues affecting the people it works with by:
"Providing powerful advocacy and excellent service to marginalised people in Auckland."
Thousands of Aucklanders rely on the services of the Auckland City Mission at some point in their lives:
Women's Refuge New Zealand Women's Refuges provide 24 hour support, advocacy & accommodation for women and their children experiencing family violence.
The Jobs Letter Current issues and opportunities in addressing unemployment and poverty in New Zealand.
The Institute of Public Policy (IPP) is one of the key research and development centres of the Auckland University of Technology. It provides independent research and advice on economic and social development in New Zealand and comparable countries.
Brian Easton: an independent scholar especially interested in New Zealand. His writings and research are especially concerned with its economics, history, politics, sociology and culture.
Caregiver A useful and informative website by Foster Care Networker, Allyssa Carberry.
Quality of Life Project Reports on the impacts of growth and urbanisation and the effects of this on the wellbeing of citizens in Auckland, Christchurch, Manukau, North Shore, Waitakere and Wellington.
Gambling Watch Information on gambling in the community. Resources, statistics and news for anyone concerned by or affected by gambling.
Susan St John: Pre-eminent CPAG contributor's recent lectures, articles, discussion papers, books and book chapters
Letters archive, Anne Else and Susan St John
How market treats trick New Zealand's children by Anne Else
Letter from Elsewhere: A Proper Envy by Anne Else
QPEC Quality Public Education Coalition (Inc.) QPEC is a voluntary coalition of parents and educators concerned to promote high quality within each sector of public education.
AIMHI: The Achievement in Multi-Cultural High Schools action plan of educational initiatives began in 1998, designed to raise the levels of educational achievement in schools where a large proportion of the schoolsâ?? student population come from Maori and Pacific Islands backgrounds.
Making it Happen: Strengthening youth development in schools. This resource aims at helping boards of trustees, principals and teachers apply the youth development approach within schools more effectively. Its development was the result of extensive consultation with a wide range of schools and educational organisations.
NZCER The New Zealand Council for Educational Research is an independent educational research organisation with a bicultural focus
City of Manukau Education Trust - COMET - Making Education Work. COMET is an independent registered charitable trust established by Manukau City
CHILDforum: Education and parenting research network: For independent and expert research, informed comment, advice and support
Teachers Work
A site designed to support New Zealand Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Teachers in their work. Contains information that teachers might find useful with a specific focus on the New Zealand context.
The site includes:
1. Journal of Teachers' Work
2. Contents pages for popular NZ Journals
3. Reviews of NZ books
4. Documents related to NZ educational policy
5. Links and sub-links to important NZ educational sites
COMET is a charitable trust established by Manukau City Council. The trust provides leadership, advocacy, facilitation and co-ordination services for education in the city.
Brainwave Trust: Build a lifetime in the first three years. Brainwave raises public awareness about amazing new findings in brain research, which emphasise the importance of early experiences on infant brain development.
The Paediatric Society of New Zealand
Public Health Association: forum for the exchange of information and stimulation of debate about public health in New Zealand.
Community pages - University of Auckland's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Links to over 90 health-related community resources online.:
Home and Family Society: a range of confidential counselling services provided by qualified and experienced professionals. As a community-based agency they don’t set a fee for services, instead asking clients to make a donation, which they can afford, towards their counselling time.
J.R. McKenzie Trust: The Trust has been one of the leading philanthropic organisations in New Zealand, and has supported the establishment and ongoing operation of many community groups.
Hostel of the Holy Name Trust, run by the Anglican Diocese of Auckland
ASB Trusts
Helps organisations carry out charitable, cultural, philanthropic and recreational work in the Auckland and Northland regions.