The church is a drop-off point for contributions to the Auckland City Mission for their food bank. The City Mission appreciates all the help the church can give. Traditionally, the Christmas Eve Service offertory is also set aside for the City Mission. Members individually also support the mission with contributions of useful clothing and household items.
From the Auckland City Mission:
“We greatly appreciate your support. On behalf of thousands of people who come to the Mission for help, thank you for caring.”
In 2010, the church, through the PSJ group, financially supported the upgrade and refurbishment of the Food Technology Laboratory at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Supporting the refurbishment of this laboratory was considered important as it was integral to the redevelopment of Cambodia as a strong food producing country, after decades of the ravages of war. A donation for this purpose was provided from the PSJ Funds. The University of Phnom Penh kept the church updated on progress of the refurbishment, and on completion, sent photos along with their thanks and appreciation.
Renovated Food Technology Laboratory, Phnom Penh, Cambodia – August 2010
“Thanks to Dr. Paul Henriques and the generosity of the Auckland Unitarian Church, we received a donation of NZ$3400 to develop our Food Technology laboratory. The first step has been to replace the old brick and tile chemistry benches with a big stainless steel demonstration table with fume hood. Remaining funds will be used to buy some shelving, a deep freezer and microwave oven.”
In August 2015, the Brisbane UU asked our church if we could provide urgent financial assistance to help completion of a schoolgirls’ dormitory at Dumaguette, in the Philippines. The PSJ group considered this project worthy of support, and in September 2015 the church sent a donation using PSJ funds. The dormitory is close to 5 Universities and colleges
Dumaguette Girls’ Dormitory, nearing completion – September 2015
From April through October 2015 over twelve Wednesday evening sessions we watched a short video presentation on Islam by an esteemed Islamic scholar and followed up with a discussion on the issues raised.
Clay sees that it is vital for the west to know more about Islam, given Islam’s growth and projections it will become a dominant religion thoughout the world within a few decades.
How we as a society respond to Islam highlights principles of religious freedom and respecting those of different beliefs, as we struggle with the issues of tolerating the intolerant and understanding extremism, be it religious, polical or social.
We hosted a ‘Bread and Roses High Tea’ as a fundraising event for this movement, with the cost of admission at $19.25 equal to the hourly rate currently (October 2015) considered to be a reasonable minimum Living Wage. The event raised over $1,000.
An array of musicians entertained us this afternoon, including the wonderful TWEED
Paul, Gary and Brenda visiting primary schools in Samoa, August 2015
Paul, Gary and Brenda visiting primary schools in Samoa, August 2015
During August 2015, Paul Henriques, along with Gary and Brenda Bendall, visited the pilot schools in Apia, Samoa to assess the pilot dyslexia aid project. During this self-funded trip they visited the 4 pilot schools, and had the opportunity to also visit rural schools meeting with school principals and librarians. The visit to Samoa concluded with a meeting with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, where there was an enthusiastic response to continuing the project in 2016, and to work on a Samoan version of the Steps programme.
Paul, Gary and Brenda visiting primary schools in Samoa, August 2015
The church is a strong supporter of the Living Wage movement. It is one of over 80 faith-based groups, unions and NGOs that are members of the movement and in 2015 we became the first faith-based congregation to be accredited as a Living Wage Employer.
Our Minister, Clay Nelson, worked part time as the Employer Accreditation Coordinator for Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand and in October 2015 spoke to the church about why we support this movement. You can hear and/or read that talk at What’s Wrong with the Living Wage.
You can see the complete list of accredited living wage employers (then support them with your business), and find out other ways to offer your support at www.livingwage.org.nz.
Auckland Unitarians support the Auckland Pride Festival. The festival is New Zealand’s biggest social and cultural celebration for the Rainbow Community (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Takatāpui, Fa’afafine, Intersex, Queer) and their friends and families. Continue reading Auckland Pride Festival→
Dr. Paul Henriques with Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture Staff and Teachers, Apia, Samoa – 2014
A member of our church’s congregation, Dr Paul Henriques, laid the foundation for this project in January 2014. A dyslexic person himself, Paul has focussed his considerable knowledge and ability to start a pilot project in Samoa, aimed at helping Samoan primary and secondary school age children, using a computer software and workbook based programme called “Steps”.
Steps programme in action at two of the pilot primary schools in Apia – February 2014Steps programme in action at two of the pilot primary schools in Apia – February 2014
In 2014, with the support of the Peace and Social Justice Group, Paul met with the Samoan Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC) to initiate the pilot project where 4 schools were chosen. Teachers and Ministry staff were trained in the Steps programme by Paul, who then monitored progress over the following year. The church, through the PSJ Fund, donated 16 computers to the 4 schools for use in teaching dyslexic students.
Steps programme in action at two of the pilot primary schools in Apia – February 2014
