Category: Features

A very important milestone in 2025 is that our Catholic state integrated schools are celebrating fifty years since the signing of the Private Schools Conditional Integration Act (PSCIA) in 1975.

Nau mai, Haere Mai.

It is a pleasure tinged with sadness that I write in the final issue of WelCom. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Wellington and the Diocese of Palmerston North have had a strong relationship over many years and we will be sad to see this newspaper go.

‘State of the Nation’ speeches are very popular among politicians, though the cynical part of me believes they are mainly used to either justify what they have done or what they are about to do. I have waited in vain for a speech that outlines a dream or vision for the future.

One in our midst, Honouring Mary in the 21st Century, is a new book of spiritual reflections from well-known Wellington author, Fr James Lyons. 

High Wire, a new book of poetry from regular WelCom contributer Michael Fitzsimons, has been published by Wellington publisher Cuba Press. It is his third book of poetry.

Living on the Fault Line – Aotearoa’s bicultural future, Quentin Wilson Publishing, February 2025, is a new book by New Zealand author and retired Anglican Bishop John Bluck.

Knowing My Place: An Autobiography in 3-D by Bishop Emeritus of Palmerston North is an autobiography he published in 2023. The book shares an in-depth insight and account of his rich, interesting and faith-filled life.

This month we arrive at the end of WelCom’s now eight-year Hīkoi Whakapono: Journey of Faith, with a visit to the historic Pukekaraka – hill of the Karaka trees – a spiritual, cultural and community hub of Ōtaki. 

Emeritus Bishop Peter Cullinane wrote an open letter in October to the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the dire situation in the Middle East and the need for somebody to call the USA to account. Israel is getting its deserved criticism, he says, but the USA is getting off scot-free.

Over the years I’ve observed that when a nation’s politics move away from the centre towards right or left extremities, it usually reflects a growing polarisation within its society. Leaders who arise during these periods tend to exploit and encourage this polarisation, first for political gain and then to maintain power.