Engage Aotearoa

Category Archives: Addiction/substance Abuse

Have Your Say on the Gambling Harm Reduction Amendment Bill

June 15, 2012 4:57 am ⋅

A new gambling bill is currently before Parliament. The Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill is a private member’s bill in the name of Te Ururoa Flavell.

Have your say in creating better gambling laws by making a written submission or make an online submission here – www.haveyoursayonpokies.co.nz/ to the Select Committee. This can be as short or as long as you like. You can submit for or against parts of the bill or the entire bill. If you make a written submission, you can also make an oral presentation. You can be as creative as you like. This is your chance to tell your story about the impact of gambling on you, your family and your community and to tell politicians about the changes that you want to see.

p.s. Some info, current editorial from the Herald

www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10812126

Current facts on gambling

www.pgfnz.org.nz/Fact-Sheets-/0,2731,13132,00.html

Is gambling a concern in NZ?

http://choicenotchance.org.nz/gambling-in-nz/is-gambling-really-a-problem-new-zealand

5 year distribution of Pokie funds under the current system in Auckland– see PDF attached (as requested by some local organisations)

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, News, Older People and Aging, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Politics and Policy, Refugees / Migrants, Social Change, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , ,

Update on the Living Wage Campaign

June 1, 2012 11:05 pm ⋅

LIVING WAGE AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND LAUNCHED IN AUCKLAND

On Wednesday 23 May an exciting new movement of community, faith-based groups and unions united around a common goal to address poverty and inequality in New Zealand was launched.

Around 200 people attended the launch of Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand in St Stephen’s church hall in Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland. The event was a positive and affirming celebration.

A big thanks to all the community organisations, faith-based groups, unions and others who made this launch a huge success!

The launch

Our MC, Rev Mua Strickson Pua, did a wonderful job, even inviting speaker Uesefili Unasa to join him for a hiphop version of the song She Works Hard For Her Money.

Uesefili spoke of the importance of a living wage for the Pacific community. Other speakers included: Darryl Evans from Mangere Budgeting and Family Support Services, Rev Margaret Mayman from St Andrews on the Terrace, NZ Council of Trade Unions President, Helen Kelly, and Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota President Barbara Wyeth and National Secretary John Ryall.

Those speeches will be published on the new Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand website http://www.livingwagenz.org.nz/ when they are available.

The winner and runner up of the SFWU Living Wage song competition, Kane Hogan performed his song. Listen here. http://soundcloud.com/living-wage-aotearoa-nz/kane-hogan-more-for-all-need-a.

But the highlight was the official sign-on by community organisations, church groups and unions to a giant poster of the Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand statement:

“A living wage is the income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life. A living wage will enable workers to live in dignity and to participate as active citizens in society. We call upon the Government, employers and society as a whole, to strive for a living wage for all households as a necessary and important step in the reduction of poverty in New Zealand.”

Afterwards, community, church people and unions joined for a lunch.

Supporting organisations

The list of supporting organisations is growing daily. For a list of all organisations (to 23 May) click here. www.livingwagenz.org.nz/support.php

Follow up

On the day of the launch a website and facebook page went live. Hundreds of people have signed on to receive regular campaign updates and have volunteered to get involved and donate their skills to the on-going campaign.

Media coverage

The launch attracted huge media coverage. To view go to: www.livingwagenz.org.nz/news.php

Next steps

Wellington Meeting

Wellington groups are invited to a meeting to plan the next steps on Wednesday 4 July 1pm – 3pm, at Epworth House, behind Methodist Church, 75 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington.

For information email: lyndy.mcintyre@sfwu.org.nz

Auckland Meeting

Auckland groups are meeting to establish an Auckland coalition on Thursday 5 July, 2pm – 4pm at St Stephen’s Church Hall, 65 Jervois Road, Ponsonby.

For information email fala.haulangi@sfwu.org.nz

Advance Pasifika

March for our future. Gather at Albert Park, Auckland at 9am 16 June to march for a better future for Pacific people.

For information: 021 024 58674 or email advance.pasifika@gmail.com

Meanwhile, sign up to the Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand facebook page: www.facebook.com/LivingWageAotearoaNewZealand

 

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Families/Whanau, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Politics and Policy, Refugees / Migrants, Social Change, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: ,

Celebrities say WTF?! about suicide among LGBT youth

May 25, 2012 6:37 am ⋅

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect – More than 30 of New Zealand’s leading celebrities come together in this Rainbow Youth and Outline campaign to ask New Zealand to stand together and say WTF?! .

Watch the video and share with your friends!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2D_4JwQ2Fug

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Physical Health, Rainbow / LGBTQI+ Community, Refugees / Migrants, Social Change, Suicide Prevention/Support, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , ,

Child Protection: Everybody’s Business: 23 May 2012

May 21, 2012 5:56 am ⋅

Child Protection: Everybody’s Business

What are your responsibilities with the new amendments to the crimes act?

SASI: South Auckland Special Interest group for Mental Health.

Guests Speakers
Karyn Healey Child Protection Coordinator
Julie Carroll, Clinical Nurse Specialist

  • Wednesday 23rd May
  • Manukau Super Clinic
  • 17.30 – 20.00

Places are limited. Reserve your place now

Contact: Lisa Cartledge at cartlel@middlemore.co.nz, phone 0212416219

SASI also recommend the following site as a useful resource http://www.familyservices.govt.nz/directory. It is a directory of services acrossNew Zealand and can be location specific. “The Family Services Directory is a searchable online database. It lists information about family support organisations and the services/programmes they offer to supportNew Zealand families (we call the organisations in the Family Services Directory “providers”). The purpose of the Family Services Directory is to connect people with providers who can help them to cope with common issues and problems.”

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Families/Whanau, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities ⋅ Tagged: , , ,

UNCRPD Monitoring Survey 2012

May 18, 2012 1:47 am ⋅

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability is a UN convention that aims to enshrine the rights of people with disabilities in law to ensure all people are afforded the human right to participate in their communities.

The New Zealand government has ratified the UN Convention and thus made a commitment to ensure legislation, policy and procedure to protect the rights of people with disabilities – including disability caused by the effects of a mental-health problem.

In 2011 a report to the UN was written by the government to summarise their progress towards this goal. A shadow report was also written by community groups in consultation with their stake-holders. There were some key differences in the perspectives of these two reports.

A monitoring survey has now been established to gather a wider perspective of how people living with disabilities in the community see things.

Follow the link below to fill out an anonymous survey and help the UN monitor what NZ needs to do better for people living with disability.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9FPMX82

Posted in: Accessibility / Transport, Accommodation / Housing, Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Disability Issues, Families/Whanau, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Politics and Policy, Refugees / Migrants, Research, Social Change, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: ,

Tree Planting Expeditions with Kaipatiki Bush Project

May 16, 2012 4:26 am ⋅

WHY SIT HOME AND FREEZE? – GET OUT AND PLANT TREES!

Kaipatiki Project Environment Centre warmly invites the community to come and plant native trees in Eskdale Reserve Network this winter.

Members of local churches, schools, community groups and business are welcome to join forces with local people in these family-friendly events – and there is a free barbecue for all planters.

Bring gumboots, a spade if you have one and lots of enthusiasm!

  • Sat 2 June, 9.30am-12.30pm: Frances Kendall Reserve, Kaipatiki Road (near Kaipatiki bridge), Glenfield
  • Sat 7 July, 9.30am-12.30pm: Domain Road, corner Domain & Glenfield Rds, Glenfield
  • Sat 4 August, 9.30am-12.30pm: Eskdale Reserve (Cemetery end), Glenfield Road, Glenfield
  • Sat 1 September, 9.30am-12.30pm: Eskdale Reserve (near Cemetery), Eskdale Road, Glenfield

Enquiries: ph 482 1172

email: coordinator@kaipatiki.org.nz

Website: www.kaipatiki.org.nz/volunteer

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Entertainment and Creativity, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Physical Health, Refugees / Migrants, Social Change, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Nationwide Ministry of Health Resources

May 3, 2012 11:27 am ⋅

for your information and reference – Nationwide resources….provided by Ministry of Health across New Zealand

Support and help for individuals

Helplines

  • Lifeline 0800 543 354
  • Lifeline’s Suicide helpline 0508 TAUTOKO
  • Youthline 0800 376 633
  • Kidsline 0800 543 754 (weekdays 4-6 pm)
  • What’s Up 0800 942 8787 (one to 11 pm 7 days, for young people aged 5 to 18)
  •  Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
  • Samaritans 0800 826 666 (lower North Island and Upper South Island) provides confidential, non-judgmental emotional support through their telephone helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to people in distress and at risk of dying by suicide.
  • Healthline 0800 611 116

Websites

  • The Lowdown (for young people) www.thelowdown.co.nz or freetext 5626
  • The Depression website www.depression.org.nz  which provides information about depression and an online depression self-management programme ‘The Journal’ presented by John Kirwan, which is backed up by online and phone base personalised support services.
  • Samaritans www.samaritans.org.nz

Services

  • Primary care professional or general practitioner
  • Community mental health service through the local district health boards (contact details in the white pages or at www.moh.govt.nz/districthealthboards

Support for families and friends

General Information Sources

  • Ministry of Health www.moh.govt.nz/suicideprevention – information about suicide and suicide prevention, facts, and Ministry publications
  • Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand www.spinz.org.nz – the national information service to provide high quality information to promote safe and effective suicide prevention activities.
  • The Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.nz provides free information and training, and advocates for policies and services that support people with experience of mental illness, and also their families/whanau and friends.
Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Online Resources, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Refugees / Migrants, Suicide Prevention/Support, Support, Trauma, Women, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What is Recovery Discussion on Radio 1 May 2012

April 30, 2012 5:51 am ⋅

On Tuesday 1 May hear how a positive and constructive consumer hui contributed to research into the issue of What Does Recovery Mean to You. Guest Leigh Fitzjames, who’s been commissioned by Counties Manukau Mental Health and Addictions Partnership to explore the recovery issue, gives hints about what she’s discovered and reveals how the thoughts of a large group of consumers at the hui helped her project. Take It From Us on PlanetFM 104.6FM  @ 12.30pm Tuesday 1 May.

Listen live on 104.6FM at 12.30pm or online www.planetaudio.org.nz

OR if you missed the broadcast, listen for the next seven days @: www.planetaudio.org.nz/takeitfromus

Catch up on the last four shows online: www.likeminds.org.nz

And don’t forget their new Facebook page @ Facebook.com and type take it from us in the search box; or email takeitfromus@mail.com for any feedback and comment/suggestions for shows

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Online Resources, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, Refugees / Migrants, Service-User Movement, Social Change, Support, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , ,

Ask-Share-Give: New Community Website Launched

April 29, 2012 6:46 am ⋅

Five weeks ago a new not-for-profit website was launched where people can share their time, skills, transport or old and unwanted goods with each other.

The idea behind AskShareGive is that people are able to go on the website and create a listing in which they outline what they have to offer.  It could be anything from volunteering an hour a week of dog walking, weeding a garden, helpwith administration, building or anything at all. Just as you can offer your services you can also ask someone for what they are offering or create a listing asking for something you would like or need, be it help in the garden, befriending or budgeting advise to asking for an item that’s needed such as clothes, appliances or toys.

For people recovering from a mental-health problem volunteering time to someone else can be highly validating.  People are only too grateful to receive help with something and sometimes this can lead to friendships, paid employment or just assist someone to feel useful and a part of society. It’s also really nice to be able to get something you need from a giving person out there too.

The website boasts a friendly community coordinator who is the presence behind the site, available to answer questions and to assist in resolving any issues.

Contact Tanya, AskShareGive, Community Coordinator, Phone 0272831929 or email info@asksharegive.org.nz

www.asksharegive.org.nz

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, News, Older People and Aging, Online Resources, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Refugees / Migrants, Social Change, Support, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , ,

2011 Annual Report on Places of Detention in NZ

April 29, 2012 6:23 am ⋅

Monitoring Places of Detention: Annual Report 2011

The latest annual report by the five organisations responsible for monitoring places of detention in New Zealand under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) has been tabled in Parliament and is available on the Human Rights Commission website, at: http://www.hrc.co.nz.   Those organisations, the Ombudsmen, Children’s Commissioner, Independent Police Conduct Authority, Inspector of Service Penal Establishments and the Human Rights Commission are known as National Preventive Mechanisms, and designated under the OPCAT to monitor places where people are deprived of liberty.

Hard copies of the report are also available and can be requested by emailing Infoline@hrc.co.nz.
Further information can also be found at: www.hrc.co.nz.

Civil society meetings

The National Preventive Mechanisms invite members of civil society to meet with them to discuss the monitoring activities, and to seek the views of civil society on key issues regarding the conditions and treatment of people in detention.   Please feel free to forward this invitation to interested people/ networks. Dates and venues are as follows:

 

Wellington

  Wednesday 2 May  12.30pm–2.00pm  Human Rights Commission

Level 1, Vector Building

44-52 The Terrace Wellington

 
Christchurch Wednesday 16 May 12.00pm–1.30pm Kilmore Street Training RoomWestpac Business Hub

55 Jack Hinton Drive

Addington

 
Auckland Tuesday 29 May 11.00am–12.20pm

Human Rights Commission

Level 3, Zurich House

21 Queen Street

Auckland Central

Please RSVP to jessican@hrc.co.nz.

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Families/Whanau, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Maori Communities, News, Older People and Aging, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Politics and Policy, Refugees / Migrants, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,