Engage Aotearoa

Category Archives: Human Rights And Legal Issues

Information and updates on human rights and legislation issues related to mental health.

Caring Counts Report on Aged Care Workforce in NZ

June 1, 2012 11:20 pm ⋅

NEON (National Equal Opportunities Network) Special Feature

Caring Counts: Report of the Inquiry into the Aged Care Workforce      

Click the links below to view individual sections from Caring Counts

Part 1
–  Foreword
–  Recommendations

–  Timetable for implementation

Part 2
–  Why this Inquiry?

–  About the Human Rights Commission
–  Terms of Reference
–  How we conducted the Inquiry
–  Terminology
–  Issues looked at in the Inquiry

Part 3
–  Respect and value
–  Workforce supply, recruitment and retention
–  Conditions of work
–  Wages and pay parity
– Carers – community and residential facilities
– The gendered nature of caring
– Pay issues
– Financial modelling
– Transparency and consistency
– Transferring resources
– Pay issues for registered nurses and other workers
– Conclusion
–  Staff to resident ratios
–  Training and qualifications
–  Changing service models and developing skill sets
–  Minimum training levels for support workers
–  Qualifications and rewards
–  Value of training
–  Career path
–  Challenges
–  Qualifications, training and the regulated workforce
–  Conclusion
– Managerial competence
–  Men as carers
–  Migrant workforce
–  Migrant workers in the aged care sector
   –  Overseas trained nurses
–  English language requirements for registration
–  Work visas – the union view

–  Work visas – the employers view
–  Cultural and language differences
–   Conclusion
–  Regulatory frameworks
–  Regulation of the workforce
–  Regulation of services
–  Integration and coordination of services
–  Conclusion

Part 4
–  Diary of a carer
–  Maori in aged care
–  Impact of Christchurch earthquake

Part 5
–  Financial modelling
–  Human rights framework
–  Literature review

–  Appendices

Posted in: Disability Issues, Families/Whanau, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Older People and Aging ⋅ 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: ,

Animation Raises Awareness of UN Convention on Rights of People with Disability

May 25, 2012 5:59 am ⋅

The Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Scottish Human Rights Commission have today launched a short animated film to raise awareness of the UN Disability Convention in Scotland.

The film has British Sign Language and captioning. It was illustrated by Ko Lik Films and produced by Glasgow Media Access Centre.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUwHIbQFszU

The exact same convention has been ratified in New Zealand so the exact same rights apply here.

Posted in: Accessibility / Transport, Disability Issues, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Online Resources, People with Disabilities ⋅ Tagged: , , ,

Two New Resources from Te Pou: Talking Therapies and Restraint Training

May 25, 2012 5:27 am ⋅

De-Escalation and Restraint Training for Clinicians Literature Review: http://www.tepou.co.nz/library/tepou/de-escalation-and-restraint-training-for-clinicians

Talking Therapies: Where to Next? http://www.tepou.co.nz/library/tepou/talking-therapies-where-to-next

 

Posted in: Human Rights and Legal 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: , , ,

The Public Law Toolbox Book Launch

May 21, 2012 5:32 am ⋅

You are invited to the Auckland launch of Mai Chen’s book, The Public Law Toolbox. Mai is the Business School’s Adjunct Professor in Commercial and Public Law and will be talking about how The Public Law Toolbox makes business more successful with government (and profitable).

  • Date: Thursday 7 June 2012
  • Time: 6pm for a 6.15pm start. Refreshments will be available after the presentation
  • Venue: The University of Auckland Business School, Level 0, Owen G Glenn Building, 12Grafton Road,Auckland
  • Please RSVP online by Tuesday 5 June.

The business case for working with government

The Public Law Toolbox helps to “level the playing field for businesses dealing with government and makes them more successful, ultimately benefiting the bottom line”. With more than 25 years’ experience in public law, Mai has created what will be an indispensable resource for business people, lawyers, advocates, industry associations, citizens, Maori and non-governmental organisations to more successfully interface with government.

Often working with government can be a daunting process but Mai has created an entire “toolbox” of public law mechanisms that sit alongside traditional commercial law remedies, which can help businesses successfully resolve government, regulatory or policy and law reform issues.

The Public Law Toolbox will assist those wanting to influence policy and law reform issues for business by describing the tools available for them to make the most of these avenues. It will also help those wanting to resolve disputes around administrative and government decision-making, and advise businesses on how to use the toolbox to resolve disputes with competitors. The book sets out the government’s unique legal, transparency and accountability obligations and the risks that they face, taking political and public opinion factors into account, when interfacing with business.

“The book provides formidable evidence of the depth of Mai’s knowledge and experience and the examples cited are relevant and topical. I believe it is not only a ‘must read’ for business people in New Zealand but it is also a ‘must keep’ in that it is unmatched as an ongoing reference tool on the subject.” Joan Withers, Chair Auckland International Airport Ltd, Chair Mighty River Power Ltd, Deputy Chair TVNZ Ltd, Director The Treasury Advisory Board

“An appropriately named book and ‘must have’ for directors and CEO’s to increase their understanding of the dynamics of Government. The book is diverse and all encompassing. An easy read, and a great reference tool as well, that establishes the history and framework of decision making, and offers a set of directions for all to traverse the Government maze.” Janine Smith, Chair of AsureQuality and Cerno NZ Limited, Director of Warehouse Group and Steel and Tube Limited, Principal The Boardroom Practice Limited

Posted in: Human Rights and Legal Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , ,

Terms of Reference for the Children’s Commission Experts Advisory Group on Solutions for Child Poverty

May 18, 2012 3:30 am ⋅

FYI: The Children’s Commission Experts Advisory Group on Children’s Poverty has released their terms of reference for their search for proposed solutions to child poverty in New Zealand.

Click here to open a copy of the full report.

Posted in: Community Participation, Families/Whanau, Human Rights and Legal Issues, News, Parents and Parenting, People with Disabilities, Physical Health, Politics and Policy, Research, Social Change ⋅ 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: ,

Kyle MacDonald Comments on New Beneficiary Strategy

May 8, 2012 11:01 am ⋅

The following is an excerpt from Kyle MacDonald’s blog, Off the Couch. Click the link at the bottom of the post to continue reading.

System failure

by Off the Couch: Kyle MacDonald on May 8, 2012

“I was always taught not to raise the topics of politics, sex or money unless you wanted to start an argument.  Todays policy announcement about free long term contraceptives for beneficiaries from National raises all three.

But why are people so concerned?  John Key seems keen to reassure us it is all optional:

“Mr Key said he did not believe Work and Income case managers would put undue pressure on beneficiaries to take up the long-term contraceptive options, saying they would simply be made aware of the options they had.” http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10804304

I think the question we need to ask is what can happen when people who have been disempowered, victimized by trauma, and suffering mental health difficulties engage with these policies in the real world?..” (Click here for the rest of this blog post)

 

Posted in: Disability Issues, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Politics and Policy, Social Change ⋅ 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: , , , , , , , , ,