We’re very pleased that 3 of the Indian Students we gave sanctuary from deportation in 2017 have been granted permission to return to this country; although saddened that 1 has had permission refused.
As reported by RNZ Checkpoint on 23rd April 2019.
Followed by an interview with immigration lawyer Alistair McClymont detailing the background to this.
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Rev. clay Nelson © 12 March 2017
Our recent experience with providing the Indian students with sanctuary has been a rich source of reflection for me since we said our farewells to them. And I know I’m not alone in that as I listen to conversations at morning tea. And not just for us, if comments of colleagues from other faith groups are any indication. Even the head of Auckland’s office of Immigration called this week to ask if we could have a coffee to unpack the experience. Continue reading Unitarians Seeking Sanctuary
On Saturday, 18 February the Indian students, having had confirmation that all legal and political avenues to challenge their deportation orders have been exhausted, held a final public meeting to thank all their supporters and members of the Auckland Unitarian Church for giving them sanctuary. They are currently making arrangements to return to India voluntarily. Continue reading Farewell Meeting
All videos available on a YouTube playlist, or watch individual videos below. Continue reading Supporters Rally 11th February – Videos
The students have now returned to India, but the fight continues to support this group of students to achieve the educational and work related goals which they were expecting when they came to NZ. Please give what you can via our givealittle page.
On 5th February our church considered an emergency request by Indian students for support from the congregation. The students are facing deportation from New Zealand and were asking for “symbolic” sanctuary. The idea of sanctuary, where a religious building can be used to protect those sought by the authorities, is an ancient practice but has no standing in NZ law. So, more specifically, the students were asking to be provided a place to stay while they make their case in the court of public opinion. This request was made last Thursday through a Catholic deacon involved in peace and social justice matters. It was clear from our conversation that all their appeals to Immigration NZ had been exhausted and other options were not apparent. Continue reading Indian Students facing deportation.
The “Jammies in June” programme is run by the Middlemore Foundation through which individuals and organisations such as Auckland Unitarians can donate pyjamas for children in South Auckland.
The Foundation started this programme because too many kids in the Counties Manukau were getting sick in winter with preventable illnesses such as Acute Rheumatic Fever.
In 2015 & 2016, our church got in behind this call. It was a fun project, and each year, the congregation donated around 50 pairs of warm night wear, including pyjamas, onesies, socks and robes.
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.
“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.”