On Friday, 29th March 2019, Gary and Brenda Bendall, Paul Henriques and Angela Wadham attended the Role Model Assembly at Glen Taylor School, Glendowie, on behalf of the church, and assisted in the Duffy presentation of books to pupils. It was a pleasure to be part of this school event, and our Church was thanked by students for our sponsorship.
Continue reading Duffy Books – Role Model AssemblyLike all New Zealanders, the Unitarian community is horrified and shocked by the terrorist attack in Christchurch against our Muslim brothers and sisters. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the 49 people who have died and to the dozens more who are wounded. We offer our unqualified support to the Muslim community in Auckland with whom we have built ties in any way that would be helpful.
As our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has said this is New Zealand’s darkest day. It is one of those events that has shaken our understanding of who we are as a people. It will take some time to take stock and consider our future response to such deadly hate both personally and as a nation.
Auckland Unitarians will begin that process at our Sunday service at 10:30. All are welcome to join us as we remember and grieve for the victims and our loss of innocence.
As-Salaam-Alaikum,
Clay Nelson
What does Amnesty do?
We investigate and expose the facts, whenever and wherever abuses happen.
We lobby governments, and other powerful groups such as companies. Making sure they keep their promises and respect international law.
Each month we write letters in response to Rapid Action requests from Amnesty International.
The October letter is written for the Nicaraguan student leaders and others who had been arrested and detained for exercising their rights to peaceful protest about the Nicaraguan authorities increasingly repressive strategies including promoting a Shoot to Kill Strategy and Repression of Social Protest in Nicaragua. One of the students arrested is a young medical student and cousin of a New Zealand citizen.
Gary, Paul, Angela and Brenda were very happy to attend the Duffy Role Model’s Assembly at Glen Taylor School last month. Thanks to the PSJ Group and the Church’s congregation, our Church is able to provide 50% of the cost of new books distributed to the pupils at Glen Taylor School on an ongoing basis. The books given are ones that the children choose, and take home to keep. Quite a moving thought isn’t it, helping kids build up a Library of their own at home!
The students were a delight and the staff welcoming. We look forward to building a closer relationship with the school’s management and students, with possible assistance in other areas. We hope to be able to bring some ideas for participation to the congregation early next year.
Paul reports that the Tongan dyslexia project ran well this year and has now finished as students are busy after school studying for their end of year exams. The tutors from the Library Trust we work with are looking forward to next year. In Samoa the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture have restarted the dyslexia project on a small scale and have asked about our idea of developing a Samoan version of the Steps dyslexia programme.
Gary and Brenda Bendall talk about a possible linkup with Duffy Books in Homes
Paul Henriques gave us an update on the Pacific Dyslexia Aid Programme in particular his visit last month to Tonga, and his upcoming visit to Samoa.
A Vision Splendid by Wayne Facer was released at an invitational and public book launch party on 24th March 2018.
This fascinating biography of William Jellie, a pioneering Unitarian minister and educator and a key figure in the history of Unitarianism in New Zealand, is a once in a lifetime publication.
This book is essential reading for anyone who has an interest in New Zealand’s early history, Unitarianism, trade unionism, workers’ education and the fight for secular education.
Continue reading A Vision Splendid
