Tag Archives: Ewen McQueen

Abortion grounds a clinical and legal fiction

Nearly all abortions in New Zealand are justified on the grounds of averting danger to mental health. However research published in the latest edition of the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry dismisses this rationale as a clinical fiction. … Continue reading

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What is truth…?

Before handing Him over to be crucified, Pontius Pilate concluded his interrogation of Jesus Christ with the question “What is truth?”. The irony of course was that the Truth was standing  in front of him. The debate on the Marriage … Continue reading

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Sir Paul honest about death

Sir Paul Holmes had an endearing honesty which stayed with him to his last days. In his final interview a frail Holmes admitted he was scared of death and what lay “beyond the hill far away”. His honesty was refreshing. … Continue reading

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One sun in the sky

In 1908 the Tuhoe chief Rua Kenana came down from his mountain stronghold to discuss matters of state with Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward. To Rua’s question on the issue of sovereignty, Ward replied – there can only be one … Continue reading

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Finlayson forging a brighter future

The last election saw National offering a “brighter future”. The Hon Chris Finlayson, Minister of Treaty Negotiations, is certainly playing his part. Since he came to the job four years ago the Treaty settlement process has made major advances. Last … Continue reading

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White Paper misses the mark

The Government’s White Paper for Vulnerable Children was published late last year and once again studiously avoided addressing the key driver of child abuse and neglect in New Zealand – the casualisation of our relationship culture. As I noted in … Continue reading

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Feed the children ?

Labour leader David Shearer last week announced a new education policy initiative – feeding children in low decile schools across New Zealand. Labour has costed it at $19million per annum. Hone Harawira was promoting the same initiative as Mana Party policy … Continue reading

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Will Tuhoe now sign the Treaty ?

Another major Treaty settlements milestone passed today with Tuhoe deal announced. Among other things it includes  $170million in redress and co-management of Te Urewera National Park. However it was a milestone with an important difference – Tuhoe have never actually signed … Continue reading

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Child poverty report – still ignoring the obvious

The Office of the Childrens Commissioner published another report on child poverty today – “Solutions to Child Poverty in New Zealand – Issues and Options Paper for Consultation”. It rightly points out the major problem we have in this country with … Continue reading

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Key simplistic on euthanasia

Last week Prime Minister John Key came out publicly in support of voluntary euthanasia, suggesting it was already happening in our hospitals. His comments were based on the fact that doctors sometimes have to make difficult decisions about ceasing life-support in terminal situations. … Continue reading

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