Wednesday 10 March 2010

Top Stories

Fourth Vulnerability Report: Tax changes need to focus on children

"Tax reforms must address the issue of child poverty and make low income families better off", said Shaun Robinson, the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) President. "A reform of the tax system should focus on ensuring all New Zealand children have a reasonable start. The fact that more than 1 in 5, of our children are growing up in poverty is not only unjust but will undermine our future economic competitiveness as a nation. The children of today need to be the skilled workers of tomorrow. If 1 in 5 have had their education, health and ability to be part of our communities damaged by poverty then that is a huge issue for every New Zealander" said Mr Robinson.

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1000 volunteers for another massive clean up event

Politics

Hey Labour, why not support GST off food?

Labour Party MPs are currently touring the country in the "Axe the Tax" bus opposing the National government's plans to raise GST from 12.5% to 15%.

Leaders in field to speak on social policy

On Monday 15 January, the first of a series of regional seminars on the proposed Auckland Social Policy Forum will be held on the North Shore.

PSA concerned about cuts at Ministry of Education

The Public Service Association is concerned about the impact that cuts at the Ministry of Education will have on the delivery of education services.

Community Sector News

A dynamic new research centre for the social service sector!

A new research centre that works with social service and wider not-for-profit sector to help answer the question 'what difference are we making?' is being launched on Thursday 11 March

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Health

Govt must take action to prevent tobacco-related death in Maori

The Heart Foundation is calling for the government to take bold action to prevent Maori dying prematurely from tobacco related illnesses. The call comes as submissions on the Maori Affairs Inquiry into the Tobacco Industry in Aotearoa and the Consequences of Tobacco Use for Maori are being heard this week. Heart Foundation Medical Director Professor Norman Sharpe says life expectancy for Maori is on average ten years less than Pakeha.

Smoking a key risk factor for Maori oral health - Dental Association

Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of oral cancer and the demand for oral health care, and Maori are among the worst hit, says the New Zealand Dental Association. Associate Director Graeme Ting said the increased need for health care has a flow on effect for smokers, a great proportion of whom are Maori, and that higher demands for general health care, had an economic impact on both smokers and the health system.

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