Social challenge to politicians
Taonga News
| 02 Nov 2011
Print This
TEXT
Top News...
- Latest
- Most commented
The NZ Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) is challenging all party leaders and political candidates to commit to building a fairer New Zealand by actively supporting policy measures that reduce income inequality and bring people closer together.
“The evidence shows that more equal societies – those with a narrower gap between rich and poor – are more connected, healthier, safer, suffer fewer social problems and are more environmentally sustainable,” says Trevor McGlinchey, executive officer of the NZCCSS.
"Aotearoa New Zealand has seen the fastest growth of income inequality compared to other developed or wealthy countries in recent decades. The recent slight decrease cannot disguise the fact that income inequality remains high and we have gone from being one of the most equal to one of the most unequal countries in the developed world.
"Growing inequality has been accompanied by growing overall poverty levels in New Zealand, which in turn has increased pressure on social services.
“In view of this evidence we are asking all party leaders to state whether they will encourage party members to support policies that narrow the gap between rich and poor.
"We are also inviting all political candidates to sign up to our ‘Closer Together Whakatata Mai’ choice."
In the leadup to Election Day, NZCCSS will post candidate sign-ups, party Leader responses and party positions on income inequality on www.closertogether.org.nz
Editors' Picks
'Horrific' violence against women
Violence against women in the Pacific is “horrific” and must be addressed, says an Australian...
Back to the community – every day
What we need is a "Back to the Community" campaign, says the vicar of a quake zone.
Cathedral bells bound for UK
The ChristChurch Cathedral bells will soon be enroute to England for testing and repair.
New guidelines for marriage rites
A “consensus description” of Anglican theology on marriage rites is being finalized by the Int...
A unique and final honour
Sir Paul Reeves is accorded a unique last honour. He is laid to rest on the gentle north-facin...
Decision time on gay ordination
The question of whether openly gay and lesbian people can be ordained should be settled s...
© Anglican Taonga
ANGLICAN TAONGA is the communications arm of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia / Te Haahi Mihanare ki Niu Tireni, ki Nga Moutere o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa. TAONGA magazine is published three times a year and distributed to all Anglican ministry units and agencies. TAONGA also publishes occasional booklets on church, ministry and sacraments. The General Editor of TAONGA is accountable to the Communications Commission of General Synod / te Hinota Whanui, 200 St Johns Road, Meadowbank, Auckland 1742.
Comments on this story
Log in or create a user account to comment.