Public seminar to examine inequality in NZ

February 28th, 2014

Motueka will host a public seminar this month on the topic of "Inequality in Aotearoa/New Zealand", drawing attendees from across the top of the south and a handful of top-notch speakers.

The Motueka Uniting Parish and the Nelson Marlborough West Coast Methodist Synod will host the seminar on Tuesday 11 March and Wednesday 12 March, with sessions held at the Top 10 Holiday Park Conference Room and the St Andrews Uniting Parish Church Hall.

The idea arose from the popularity of the book "Inequality: A New Zealand Crisis", edited by Max Rashbrooke, which gained wide publicity last year, including comment from Minister of Finance Bill English.

"The growing divide between the poorest and wealthiest in this country and around the world has been well documented and it is affecting the ability of many in our community to access the basics of life," says the Uniting Church minister Rev Peter Norman.

"To date, it appears the search for equitable solutions has not resulted in sustainable outcomes."

This seminar brings together speakers who are currently working to address inequitable situations at community level, and those who are at the cutting edge of research into the fundamental causes of this growing inequality.

"It is an exciting opportunity for the people of this region to hear from and engage with speakers who are world renowned in their particular fields of expertise and research," says Peter.

"The hope is that this will be the start of a nationwide series of seminars which will result in an understanding of what an equitable society might look like, identify the fundamental causes of inequality and implement sustainable solutions.

"This is a regional event and an open invitation is issued to the people of this community. Come along and take part as we explore how the well-being of all the people who make up this wonderful country might be improved."

The guest speakers and their topics are:

Rev. David Poultney: "Children of a Lesser God. The Theological Challenge of Poverty to the Churches". David is the Presbyter at St John's in the City, Nelson, formerly Chair of Methodist Social Services in the Waikato. His postgraduate studies are in the relationship between Methodist Social Services and the parishes.
Kindra Douglas (QSM): "The Lived Experience of Inequality and Poverty". Kindra has been director of Victory Community Health Centre since supporting its establishment in partnership with and on the Victory Primary School campus in 2007. She was the founding chair and is currently a trustee of Nelson Tasman Housing Trust providing affordable, energy efficient social housing to low income families.
David MacDonald: "Measuring Inequality Beyond Standard Indicators". David is professor of political science at the University of Guelph, Canada, and was formerly Senior Lecturer in political studies at the University of Otago. His books include "Thinking History", "Fighting Evil", and "Identity Politics in the Age of Genocide".
Max Rashbrooke: "Inequality: How to Address the Big Issue of 2014". Max is ajournalist, author, Editor and contributor to the book "Inequality, a New Zealand Crisis". He has written for national newspapers and magazines in Britain and New Zealand, including The Guardian, the National Business Review and the Listener. He was the recipient of the 2011 Bruce Jesson Senior Journalism Award.
Sandy Morrison: "The Treaty of Waitangi and Contemporary Challenges". Sandy is Associate Dean and Senior Lecturer in Maori and Pacific Development at the University of Waikato. In November of 2009 she was inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame.

Comment by Malcolm Garrett:
[Posted 1 March 2014]

Wonderful to see that there is continuing interest in the state of our nation, as far as equality is concerned. It behoves all who have a social conscience to not just attend these meetings but to act on the problems that inequalities have created.

It is entirely appropriate that these meetings take place near the beginning of the season of Lent, which precedes Easter. This is a great opportunity for all with a social conscience to seek out the often invisible needy in our own area and provide simple practical ways of helping them cope with their situation, by word and deed.

Don't leave it to the Government. They look at the big picture and can't what people on the ground see, so it is easy for them to claim that it is all relative, and real poverty is only to be found in some other countries.

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